|
The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— January 26, 2024 (105th edition) ——
| |
Delaware County Awards Nearly $5M in New Green Ways Grants to 22 Projects | |
|
Delaware County has awarded nearly $5 million in new Delco Green Ways Grants, the fourth time the County has issued funding for projects and programs that advance the County’s 2035 Open Space, Recreation and Greenway plan goals: Conserve, Enhance, Connect.
This year, a total of 22 projects, representing 20 different municipalities and one non-profit, will receive a total of $4,993,479 in funding.
Projects receiving grants range from $39,960 for a trail feasibility and connectivity study in Upper Chichester and $120,000 for basketball courts in Yeadon Borough to $500,000 to fund trail connectivity efforts in Upper Darby Township. And, a total of $975,000 was awarded to acquire park land in Brookhaven, Norwood, and Upper Chichester.
“The Delco Green Ways program is a testament to our commitment to improving the quality of life in Delaware County, making our communities more vibrant, green, and accessible for all,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “County Council is excited to fund such a wide range of projects here in Delaware County, enhancing and connecting our green spaces.”
The Green Ways program, authorized in 2016 and launched in 2019, makes funds available to municipalities and non-profit organizations working with municipalities for projects that will improve the quality of life of county residents, workers, and visitors.
"We're excited to unveil the newest Delco Green Ways Grants, aimed at a wide array of initiatives including park expansion, trail development, and enhancements to existing parks and public areas," said Gina Burritt, Director of the Delaware County Planning Department. "The variety and scope of these proposed projects truly underscore the significance, popularity, and impact of this program."
A total of 47 applications from 39 municipalities and 2 nonprofits were received by the September 29, 2023 deadline, requesting a total of $10,168,667 million. The Evaluation Team members dedicated significant time to reviewing each application and additional time in group work sessions discussing the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities presented by each submission.
The Team’s discussions and recommendations were organized around County Council’s annually updated funding priorities that consistently support communities with a history of disinvestment and ensure Green Ways Grant funds were leveraged to the greatest extent possible.
Below, Delco Green Ways round 4 recipients are listed by grant type (Conserve, Enhance, Connect, and Planning & Design) and by municipality.
| |
Grant Type: "Planning & Design" | |
|
Delco Green Ways: A Brief Lookback at Rounds 1-3
In October 2019, the inaugural Green Way Grants awarded $4.5 million––leveraging $20 million in matching funds––to the 26 municipalities who applied, totaling 38 grants. In 2021's round 2 there were 43 projects funded, including one non-profit and 38 municipalities. A total of $7,172,521 was invested throughout Delaware County and leveraged an additional $7,892,683. Last year, County Council awarded $4.99 million to fund 24 projects in 23 municipalities, and leveraged an additional $5.83 million of outside matching funds, results in a total of $10.83 million in ‘on the ground’ improvements in Delaware County—with over half of those funds invested in historically disadvantaged communities.
For more information about the Delco Green Ways program, go to DelcoPA.Gov/GreenWays.
| |
Delaware County Housing Coalition Presents Update on Housing in Delaware County | |
|
The Delaware County Housing Coalition, in collaboration with The Foundation for Delaware County, presented a three-part status report on January 24 regarding housing issues facing Delaware County residents. Attendees included members of the coalition, elected officials, numerous community stakeholders and members of the public.
Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor opened the presentation, outlining the Housing Coalition's approach. “This Coalition developed three sub-groups: One for the unhoused community, one for affordable rental housing, and one focused on home ownership,” adding “Our goal has been to assess the state of housing in Delaware County, and to determine how this Coalition can use resources to help our residents live in a home that is safe, healthy, and affordable.”
Formed in early 2023 through the efforts of Delaware County Council, The Foundation for Delaware County, and State Senator Tim Kearney, the Delaware County Housing Coalition’s mission is to tackle issues of affordable housing and homelessness in the County through a broad partnership of agencies and organizations that has grown to include over 90 organizations in less than a year.
| |
Delaware County’s Unhoused Community
Sandra Garrison, Chief of Social Services and Community Programs, presented on the County’s unhoused population, reporting that the need for stable housing and shelter was increasing, and that improved funding, staffing, and shelter would be necessary to address the issue. More than 300 individuals experienced homelessness in the previous year, with more than 100 families on waiting lists to get into shelters.
To achieve the Coalition’s vision of where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring—and where residents live with dignity and respect in a home of their choosing—three immediate priorities were identified. These include:
- Increased housing/rental capacity
- Increased outreach and coordination
- Increased services to prevent residents from becoming unhoused
Among ideas to address these priorities, Ms. Garrison reported the Coalition was examining various ideas, including the possibility of acquiring used buildings (e.g., closed schools and hospitals) for temporary housing, exploring alternate housing ideas such as co-housing and tiny homes, creating one-stop intake and info centers in locations across the county, and improving engagement with landlords, increasing wraparound services, financial education, and eviction services.
|  | Sandra Garrison, Chief of Social Services and Community Programs, discusses ideas on how to address Delaware County's unhoused population. |
|
Affordable Rental Housing in Delaware County
Jordan Casey of The Foundation for Delaware County presented on affordable rental housing, reporting that Delaware County is home to 177K renters, meaning roughly one in three residents are renters. Despite the aging housing stock in the County, rental prices in the county are increasing and are higher than other counties in the state. Mr. Casey noted that a two-bedroom apartment in Delaware County now averages $1,470/month, meaning a Delaware County resident would need to earn $58,800 to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market prices.
Three priorities to address issues of affordable rental housing were presented, including:
- Eviction diversion programs
- Education of tenants, landlords, and municipalities
- An increase in the supply
“Currently, there is an average of 20 eviction filings per day. We are advocating for evictions to be rare and occur only in the most unavoidable circumstances, said Mr. Jordan. “The eviction diversion program we hope to institute, aims to keep families, seniors, and individuals in their homes, and to address the underlying issues that lead to the evictions.”
|  | Jordan Casey, Director of The Foundation for Delaware County's Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE) reports on issues affecting rental housing. |
|
Affordable Homeownership in Delaware County
Philip Welsh, Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development, presented on affordable homeownership, with a focus on identifying obstacles facing Delaware County residents in acquiring and maintaining home ownership and providing sensible and realistic initiatives to support home ownership through current and new stakeholder groups. In 2023, Delaware County had the second most foreclosures per housing unit in the state.
Three priorities addressing affordable homeownership were identified, including:
- Homeowner stabilization
- Expansion of opportunities
- Increased housing supply
To address these priorities, the Coalition is looking at a variety of possible ideas, including the expansion of the Whole Home Repair Program, the creation of mortgage foreclosure diversion programs, the examination of co-housing policies, increased publicity surrounding the Homestead Exemption Program, and working with municipalities to promote alternatives to single-family detached dwellings. Other ideas reported by the Coalition included improved translation resources, outreach to faith-based groups, and creation of a listserv to facilitate resident education to better empower residents looking to purchase and maintain homes within the County.
Council Chair Taylor acknowledged that while much work had been done, much remained to help Delaware County residents. “This is not the end,” said Dr. Taylor of the assessments and priorities discussed during the presentation, “This is a beginning.”
|  | Philip Welsh, Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development, discusses the Coalition's priorities and goals to address issues affecting affordable homeownership. |
|
Meeting Available on the Delaware County YouTube Channel
The Delaware County Housing Coalition presentation can be viewed on the Delaware County YouTube channel at DelcoPA.Gov/HousingCoalition.
Delaware County Council and The Foundation for Delaware County wish to express our gratitude to all Coalition participants, stakeholders, and public attendees for contributing to a constructive and successful event.
| |
Click to watch the Delaware County Housing Coalition Presentation from Jan. 24 | |
Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, The Foundation for Delaware County President Frances M. Sheehan and Delaware County Executive Director Barbara O'Malley pictured with Delaware County Housing Coalition participants, elected officials, and presentation attendees | |
Delaware County Elections Completes Mailing of 100K Vote-by-Mail Ballot Applications for the Upcoming 2024 Elections | |
|
The Delaware County Elections Department has completed the mailing of approximately 100,000 vote-by-mail ballot applications to Delaware County registered voters who have voted using a mail or absentee ballot in recent elections. This mailing is required by state law.
In Pennsylvania, voters must apply each year to receive mail or absentee ballots for the upcoming year’s Primary and General elections. The application must include valid ID.
The mailing, which went out January 18, 2024, consisted of applications only, not ballots.
Voters who received a mailed application are given the option to either scan a QR Code on the form or visit the state’s Voter website to apply online. Voters can also fill out the paper application and return it by mail to the Delaware County Elections Office. April 16, 2024 is the deadline to apply for a mail/absentee ballot for the April 23, 2024 Primary.
What’s on the Ballot in 2024?
Delaware County ballots for the April 23, 2024 Primary Election will include a combination of contests in federal, state and local primaries, including candidates for:
- President
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House
- Attorney General
- Auditor General
- State Treasurer
- State Senator (9th and 17th Districts only), and
- State Representative Districts (all Districts)
Democratic and Republican primary voters also will be electing convention delegates. Republican primary voters will be electing local committee members.
More election information, including dates, deadlines, in-person and drop box polling locations, can be found on the Delco Votes! website at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote.
|  | |
Delaware County Health Department to Partner with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center to Provide Free Mammogram Screenings | |
|
The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital are continuing their partnership to bring breast cancer awareness and screening services to Delaware County.
Free mammogram screenings will be provided at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Chester, located at 151 W. 5th Street, on Fri., Feb. 16, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
"Early detection through mammogram screenings is critical for successful treatment of breast cancer," said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. "We are honored to continue our partnership with the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in the pursuit of providing essential health services in our community.”
Appointments are required. All women ages 40 and over, with or without insurance, and with no prior diagnosis of breast cancer, are eligible to register.
To register for an appointment, call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100, or request an appointment by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
Registration takes only a few minutes, and all registered individuals will receive a confirmation call back. Registrants will also be able to speak with DCHD staff and discuss other health services that are offered by DCHD to Delaware County residents.
The most recent data shows Pennsylvania women 50 years of age and older have a risk of invasive breast cancer nearly nine times higher than women under 50. However, early detection plays a critical role in survival, with 99 out of 100 people surviving breast cancer. The key to these successful outcomes is early testing. The older you are, the higher your risk. Mammogram screenings are crucial to the health of women in Delaware County.
|  |  | |
A brief video of introducing the Sydney Kimmel Cancer Center Dietz & Watson Mobile Cancer Unit: Bringing cancer screening to vulnerable communities in Delaware County and the region | |
Delco Gives Day Coming this May! Nonprofit Registration is Now Open | |
|
The Foundation for Delaware County announced the launch of Delco Gives Day at the January 17 County Council Meeting—a day created to be a 24-hour community-giving initiative to unite residents, businesses, and organizations in a collective effort to support Delaware County’s nonprofit sector.
Delco Gives Day, happening May 8-9, 2024, will be county-wide celebration of generosity, unity, and shared purpose.
It’s a unique opportunity for Delaware County residents to support the nonprofits that tirelessly serve our community and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Delco Gives Day Highlights:
-
Online Giving: Beginning May 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. donors can visit DelcoGives.org from any computer, smartphone, device, or visit an in-person drop-off site. There, they can explore and donate to any participating local nonprofit organization serving Delaware County. Every donation qualifies for bonus funding provided by The Foundation of Delaware County and Delco Gives sponsors, maximizing the impact of each contribution.
-
Cash Prizes: Generous local businesses have sponsored cash prizes that will be awarded throughout the day, adding an exciting element to the giving experience.
-
Learn about nonprofits working in our community: Delco Gives offers an easy-to-use online platform that allows residents to discover and support nonprofits that align with their passions and interests. It's a modern and convenient way to engage in philanthropy.
-
Community Celebrations: The day will be marked by various celebrations throughout the county, kicking-off at Dining Under the Stars and culminating in a grand closing celebration at Rose Tree Park. Additionally, a livestream event from Union Stadium on May 9th will connect participants from all corners of the community.
Delaware County's Deep Generosity
The reception for Delco Gives Day has been phenomenal, underscoring the deep sense of generosity and pride that characterizes Delaware County. Notably, sponsors such as Boeing, Brinker Simpson, Comcast, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, Haverford Trust, and the Hamilton Family Trust, among others, have stepped forward to enhance the event and contribute bonus funding.
Since registration opened on January 3, more than 110 nonprofit organizations have signed up to participate. From organizations focused on education and healthcare to those championing the arts and social services, Delco Gives Day will showcase the rich tapestry of nonprofit work in the region.
Nonprofit Registration
Registration is now open for nonprofits to participate in Delco Gives Day 2024! To get involved in Delco Gives, please visit delcogives.org to register your organization or stay updated on event details. The registration window is open until April 17, 2024. Nonprofits are strongly encouraged to complete it as soon as possible.
Delco Gives is a collective effort that encourages residents to actively participate in shaping the future of Delaware County. More than fundraising; it's about fostering a sense of community, unity, and collaboration to address our most urgent challenges.
Delaware County Council is grateful to The Foundation for Delaware County for spearheading this event, which will benefit hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the county and to the incredible support of our community. We look forward to celebrating the generous spirit of our community on May 8-9, 2024!
Questions & More Information
Reach out to Laura Sindoni at lsindoni@delcofoundation.org with questions about Delco Gives Day or go to www.delcogives.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
|  | |
Introducing COSA: The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging | |
|
The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging, informally known simply as COSA, is a county department dedicated to serving residents aged 60 and older, and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering programs and services for the County's 60 and older population.
COSA’s primary mission is to connect and empower the County’s older residents through services that support their health and well-being. All older residents in Delaware County should be able to live with quality of life and dignity at the highest levels of independence.
Under the leadership of Director Barbara Nicolardi, COSA is dedicated to fulfilling its mission by providing a diverse array of in-home and community-based long-term care services tailored to the unique needs of Delaware County's senior residents.
"At COSA, we're dedicated to providing Delaware County's seniors with support and services that significantly enhance their quality of life," said Director Nicolardi. "Our aim is to uplift our seniors' daily experiences, ensuring a life of dignity and comfort for each individual.”
Following a personalized assessment, seniors are offered suitable solutions from a comprehensive suite of services. These include home-delivered meals, personal care, home support, adult day care, legal aid, protective services, and many other essential resources designed to enhance their quality of life.
For those seeking to explore eligibility for any of COSA's programs and services, please contact COSA at (610) 490-1300 or visit our website at DelcoPA.Gov/COSA.
COSA in the Community
COSA actively engages with the Delaware County community throughout the year. This engagement includes hosting events like the Centenarian Luncheon, a celebration for residents reaching the milestone of 100 years and partnering with the Parks and Recreation Department for the Delaware County Senior Games—an Olympic-style competition, extremely popular among the senior community, that brings together hundreds of seniors for competitive yet enjoyable activities at various county venues.
Additionally, COSA is present at numerous community events, offering information and support to those interested
COSA-Funded Senior Centers
Central to COSA's mission is fostering spaces for seniors to connect, relax, and stay active. COSA financially supports eight senior centers across the county, providing venues for socializing, dining, and exercising.
These centers include the Surrey Center in Media, the Chester Senior Center, the Friendship Circle Senior Center in Darby, the Schoolhouse Senior Center in Folsom, the Good Neighbor Senior Center in Sharon Hill, the Upper Darby Senior Center, the Surrey Center for Healthy Living in Broomall, and the Wayne Senior Center.
For more details on these centers, including hours and locations, please visit the COSA Senior Center webpage at www.delcosa.org/senior-centers.
Health and Wellness Opportunities
COSA also sponsors a popular series of evidence-based Health and Wellness initiatives. These include Active Living Every Day, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Diabetes Self-Management Program, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, Walk with Ease-Arthritis Foundation Walking Program, and the WISE Program (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education).
Each program is designed to enhance seniors' health, promote active lifestyles, and provide vital education on managing and preventing chronic conditions.
Protecting Our Seniors
As the county agency authorized by The Older Adults Protective Services Act, COSA investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of persons aged 60 and over. Reports, which can be made anonymously and confidentially, are accepted 24/7 at (610) 490-1300.
|  | |
Delaware County Seeking Residents for Board Openings | |
Delaware County is seeking board members for several County boards, to fill immediate and upcoming vacancies. Delaware County Council encourages interested residents who can contribute their time, energy, and passion to serve as board members and provide their experience and ideas.
Board members provide valuable insight and feedback to Council and County departments and help to improve the overall function and success of the County. Delaware County boards with openings include:
-
Delaware County Commission for Immigrant Affairs (Deadline is Feb. 2, 2024)
-
Community Action Agency (Deadline is Feb. 16, 2024)
-
Delaware County Drug & Alcohol Planning Council (Deadline is Feb. 16, 2024)
Interested Delaware County residents are encouraged to complete the online application. Applicants must provide their name, address, contact information, current employer/occupation, a brief explanation as to why they are interested in serving on a particular board, and attach an up-to-date resume.
Details about board openings, and the online application, can be found at DelcoPA.Gov/Board-Vacancies.
Applications for the board openings listed above will be accepted through the stated application deadlines. Applicants MUST be residents of Delaware County.
|  | | | | |
