February & March 2022

CHINATOWN — On Friday, February 25^th, 2022 PCDC was proud to host our annual Chinese New Year Banquet at Crane Community Center , safely bringing together our valued corporate partners, elected officials, community leaders and members, friends, family, and advocates for Chinatown for a night of festivities and celebration of PCDC’s achievements in the past year.



PCDC honored Rev. Bill Golderer, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) with our Community Service Award in recognition of his innovative contributions to the fight against poverty and uplift communities with The Promise.

PCDC honored both Elhadji Ndiaye (Neighborhood Program Coordination Supervisor) and Anna Perng (Community Advocate) with our Making a Difference Award, which is dedicated to recognizing community members who are outstanding leaders, advocates, and changemakers for not only Chinatown, but for all of Philadelphia. 

The banquet program featured keynote speaker Romana Lee-Akiyama, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement, who gave salient remarks on the fight for change:

“At the same time that we are in it for the LONG HAUL, we still need to take every opportunity to seize the moment. When the door opens to state your case, you should take it, and you should speak up loudly and proudly. Chinatown is still here because leaders spoke up and continued to tell their story. They never got tired of sharing it.” 

A special thank you to the Philadelphia Suns for performing the traditional lion dance, Michael Chow Chef and Owner of Sang Kee Peking Duck House for the delicious 4-course dinner, and to all our volunteers who made this celebration possible.

Thank you and Happy Year of the Tiger!

Reminder: Matched

Savings Program begins March 25, 2022

Remember to check your email address if you have previously completed the Matched Savings Program questionnaire (customers who have saved at least $300 in 6 months have a $300 match amount). In order to continue with our Matching Savings Plan next, please complete the registration form by Sunday, March 20 so that we can get all the information needed for the program. Go to Schedule Alerts to see more inquiries.

PCDC will host a program orientation on March 25, 2022.  

Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF)

The program will provide financial assistance up to $30,000 to homeowners for qualified mortgage and housing-related expenses to avoid delinquency, default, foreclosure, or displacement due to the COVID-19 pandemic financial hardship. 

For more information, visit their website: https://pahaf.org. If need assistance, please call PCDC 215-922-6156 to schedule a counseling session.

2021-2022 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

You might have already received $250 in September 2021, which was extra benefits from previous winter. You should still apply for this winter season. This program helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant, which is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $500 to $1,500 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

Philadelphia residents with a water bill delinquent may be eligible for up to $5,000 to pay past due arrears. Grants are paid directly to the water provider.

LIHWAP is run out of the state Department of Human Services and will operate similarly to LIHEAP.