NKCDC

NKCDC We believe community development can and should benefit all residents. Serving neighbors across Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond.

New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) advances social equity & economic empowerment by nurturing and creating opportunities for residents to live in, and actively shape, their neighborhoods of choice. NKCDC provides free housing services to anyone in Philadelphia, and offers many additional resources to residents and businesses in the Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond neig

hborhoods. Whether we are building affordable housing or helping residents build their wealth, we pledge to promote equity, stability, and safety in all we do, with a sharp focus on those most at-risk of being displaced.

NKCDC rehabilitates, builds, and manages housing, mixed-use properties, and commercial spaces across Kensington, Fishtow...
08/31/2026

NKCDC rehabilitates, builds, and manages housing, mixed-use properties, and commercial spaces across Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond. We’re seeking tenants for three apartments across our service area. Could this be you?!

- 2513 Frankford Avenue (Unit 2) : A newly renovated 2 bed/1 bath apartment, 598 Sq Ft. for $1,600/month. Includes Air Conditioning, heat and dishwasher.

- 2513 Frankford Avenue (Unit 4): A newly renovated 2bed/2bath, 881 sq ft, listed at $1,700/month. Includes in-unit Washer/Dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning and heat,

- 3115 Kensington Avenue (Unit 3): A newly renovated 1 bed/1bath in Kensington, 500 sq ft, listed at $900/month, available September 1st! Includes an oven, air conditioning, and heat.

Interested in checking out one of our apartments? Email [email protected] or give us a call at 215-427-0350 to set up a tour!

To find more information on or to apply to our current rental properties, head to: https://nkcdc.org/housing-services/apartments-for-rent/

NKCDC’s Housing Counselors are holding Homebuyer workshops both virtually and in-person throughout NKCDC’s service area ...
08/30/2026

NKCDC’s Housing Counselors are holding Homebuyer workshops both virtually and in-person throughout NKCDC’s service area at 2515 Frankford Avenue and Orinoka Civic House for first-time homebuyers in Philadelphia! Take a look at upcoming workshops and see if you can come in person or log in virtually:

- Tuesday, September 8th, from 4PM-8PM (Virtual)
- Wednesday, September 16th, from 9:30AM-1:30PM at 2515 Frankford Avenue
- Saturday, September 26th from 9:30AM-1:30PM in the Orinoka Community Room (2771 Ruth Street, Suite 1)

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home or trying to remember all the steps from the last time, this is the class for you! The first-time homebuyer class is also approved to qualify you for most down payment assistance programs.

Sign up for one of the September Workshops here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-time-homebuyer-workshop-english-tickets-1078159426869?aff=oddtdtcreato and be sure to make note of the location when signing up!

NKCDC’s Housing team also offers a variety of services such as housing counseling, rental assistance within a targeted area of Kensington, energy efficiency and weatherization services, mortgage default advice, income and tax rebates, and financial coaching. Find more information and request an appointment here: https://nkcdc.org/housing-services/

08/26/2026

Join Philly Boricuas and NKCDC for another popular education event in the People’s Exposition Series. In this workshop, organizers resisting luxury development projects like Esencia in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico; AI Data centers in NJ; and incinerators in Philly will share strategies for civic action and defending your community against harmful projects.

We’ll talk to an organizer from the Defiende a Cabo Rojo coalition fighting against the Esencia Project and learn more about how they are fighting back against wealthy developers. Folks from Sustain NJ will share more about how they are organizing against data centers in Vineland, New Jersey. And we’ll talk with Philly activists who are opposing incinerators and other toxic projects.

We invite you to come and share your concerns about gentrification and environmental racism in your community and network with other community organizers.

Food and refreshments provided.

RSVP by DMing us or emailing [email protected]

Hope to see you there!

08/25/2026

At NKCDC, we believe that community development can and should benefit the entire community. For 40 years, that belief has guided our mission to advance social equity and economic empowerment by nurturing and creating opportunities for neighbors to live in, and actively shape, their neighborhoods of choice.

Want to learn more about our work? Head here to watch the full video: https://youtu.be/T_-l_VkCOyQ?si=UjjLRddYs-2C9kuI

Thanks to Big Picture Alliance & their team for capturing our work!
director SAM AUSTIN | DP | PHL
producer Iliana Pineda

The Philadelphia Citizen Planning Commission is accepting applications for this year's Citizen Planning Institute, an 8-...
08/23/2026

The Philadelphia Citizen Planning Commission is accepting applications for this year's Citizen Planning Institute, an 8-week course dedicated to empowering citizens to take a more effective and active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods through a greater understanding of city planning and the steps involved in development projects.

The deadline to apply this year is August 30th at 11:59PM! To learn more and apply, head to https://citizensplanninginstitute.org/

The city of Philadelphia recently completed its latest property assessment, with the biggest increase in property values...
08/22/2026

The city of Philadelphia recently completed its latest property assessment, with the biggest increase in property values occurring in Kensington by an average of 15%, meaning homeowners in the neighborhood are likely to see higher taxes on their properties.

To help relieve some of the cost of higher taxes, qualified Philadelphia homeowners may be eligible for Real Estate assistance programs for their primary residence. Real Estate Tax assistance includes programs like the Homestead Exemption, the Longtime Owner Occupants Program, Senior and Low-Income Tax Freezes, Real Estate Tax Installment Plans, and Owner-Occupied Payment Agreements.

Applications can be submitted by mail and in person at any of the City's 3 service buildings:

● Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19102

● Northeast Services Center, 7522 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152

● North Philadelphia Services Center, 2761 N 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19132

Want to see if you qualify? Use the City's online combined application on the Philadelphia Tax Center to find out which programs they are eligible for and apply online here: https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/

While these programs provide critical support to homeowners feeling the pressure of rising property taxes, there are a variety of approaches the city can take to mitigate the impacts on low-income residents. In a recent op-ed for the Philadelphia Inquirer, we discuss and outline strategies that can address our greater problems of displacement and gentrification To learn more, read the op-ed at https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/kensington-philladelphia-affordable-housing-property-tax-valuation-increase-20260816.html (link in our bio)

Due to inclement weather, tonight’s (08/20) summer league game is cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience, we will...
08/20/2026

Due to inclement weather, tonight’s (08/20) summer league game is cancelled.

We apologize for the inconvenience, we will be back at Trenton & Auburn playground for our game on Tuesday, August 25th!

Beginning on August 23rd, SEPTA will be altering 30 SEPTA Bus Routes in Philadelphia, including two new bus routes, six ...
08/20/2026

Beginning on August 23rd, SEPTA will be altering 30 SEPTA Bus Routes in Philadelphia, including two new bus routes, six extensions, and the elimination of seven existing routes.

Of the many routes that are scheduled to be eliminated or altered, several run through Kensington, Port Richmond, and Fishtown or will affect the ability of residents to travel the area via public transit.

These routes are being discontinued:

- 89: This will affect Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond. The replacement services are spread among Routes 3, 25, 53, and the new 76, plus the Market-Frankford Line.

- 47M: The replacement service for this bus route is the 47. For those riding the 47, this may affect travel time starting August 23rd.

These routes are being altered:

- 25: adjusted to run on Aramingo, York and Frankford, and shortened to operate between the Frankford Transit Center and Spring Garden MFL Stops. New Route 76 provides service to Pier 70 and Columbus Commons. Number of bus trips increased throughout the week and overnight.

- 53: extended in both directions to connect to Carpenter Regional Rail Station and Richmond-Westmoreland Loop. Buses no longer serve the Hunting Park Broad Street Line stop.

- 57: adjusted to operate most trips via Front St & Godfrey Ave. to Fern Rock Transit Center. Route 57 provides hourly service via Crescentville, Cheltenham and 2nd St. No longer serves Marine Terminal.

- 60: extended to serve Wissahickon Transit Center, every other trip. No longer serves Delaware Ave and Lewis St. Number of bus trips increased throughout the week.

- 73: loses overnight OWL service, with 25 taking over that function.

- 76: New Route 76 operates between Columbus Commons and Olney-Rising Sun Loop via Pier 70, Columbus Blvd, Frankford Ave and G St., every 30 minutes.

Wondering how this will affect your travel?

Want a full rundown of the upcoming August 23rd changes? Click here: https://wwww.septa.org/initiatives/bus/phase-one/

Use SEPTA's trip planner tool to see how your route may be affected: https://nbn-plan.septa.org/ #/

Advocate for public transportation by getting involved with Transit Forward Philadelphia and Transit for All PA! Head to https://www.transitforwardphilly.org/take_action for a one stop shop for updates to public transportation and chances to take action for safe and accessible public transportation in Philadelphia!

Riders can also call SEPTA Customer Service at 215-580-7800 or email [email protected] with questions and concerns!

Next Thursday, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia will be at the Kensington Engagement Center providing free legal...
08/20/2026

Next Thursday, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia will be at the Kensington Engagement Center providing free legal resources to income eligible residents from 12:30-2:30PM. This will be the final on-site support at the engagement center of 2026!

If you need support understanding your rights at work, want to explore clearing a criminal record, or are experiencing an employment law issue, this is a resource for you! CLS will be on site to support community members with issues like criminal records, wage theft, employment discrimination, and more.

For more information on the services that CLS provides, visit their website at: https://clsphila.org/

We're thrilled to announce NKCDC's recent acquisition of a $3.74 million portfolio of properties spanning nearly an enti...
08/19/2026

We're thrilled to announce NKCDC's recent acquisition of a $3.74 million portfolio of properties spanning nearly an entire city block on the 1900 block of E. Stella Street in Kensington!

Strategically located between Conwell Middle School and Willard Elementary School, and near other community anchors, including the Ruth Street Community Garden (Philly Unknown), the Kensington Engagement Center, and other NKCDC properties coming online this fall and next year, the Stella Street portfolio will be part of a coordinated ecosystem of support, economic activity and mobility, and bubbles of safety.

This acquisition is preserving 24 units of naturally occurring affordable housing (renting at 40%-60% AMI) and a 30,000 square foot warehouse that will bring new partners to create a bubble of economic activity, workforce development, educational opportunities and safety that supports community healing and transformation.

Representing the next stage of NKCDC's real estate development work and a model for more intentional, anti-displacement development, we are stabilizing a pocket of Kensington and layering it with investments and resources residents have identified as their priorities for years through our ongoing engagement process, Co-Creating Kensington.

As a part of this project, we will also work with partners to deepen affordability through environmental and sustainability improvements to homes. In addition, residents will have increased access to our wrap-around services, including community gardening and urban agriculture, nutrition education and food access, housing counseling, financial coaching, and violence intervention, these investments will create additional pathways to economic opportunity and increase food and environmental justice by strengthening household stability and improving health and safety.

Preserving affordable housing like this is part of our larger strategy to preserve, build, and stabilize housing in a neighborhood facing intersecting crises, where market-rate development keeps expanding, and deeply affordable housing can't keep pace. The Stella Street portfolio and subsequent layered services will be a catalyst for a collaborative, hyper-local anti-poverty strategy, created in response to the community's self-determined priorities, that links housing stability to workforce development, education, health, food access, and urban agriculture into one comprehensive effort.

In the coming months, we'll be seeking new partners to help us transform the warehouse and bring coordinated services to residents. Stay tuned for more! You can read more about this acquisition and how it fits into NKCDC's real estate development strategy here: https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2026/08/10/nkcdc-stella-street-portfolio-kensington.html and at nkcdc.org/annual-report.

We're grateful to Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, NeighborWorks Capital, and philanthropic contributions which made this acquisition possible!

Address

2771 Ruth Street
Philadelphia, PA
19134

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12154270350

Website

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