Our Community

About The West Philadelphia Promise Zone​

Promise Zones are federal place-based initiatives designated by the Obama administration to address challenges faced by people living in deep and persistent poverty. The West Philadelphia Promise Zone (WPPZ) was one of four first-round designations declared in January 2014 and is now one of twenty-two Promise Zones that serve urban, rural, and tribal areas across the country. The ten-year designation offers preference points to help local organizations be more competitive when applying for federal funding for projects within the Zone, provides the support of AmeriCorps VISTAs, and uses a collective impact approach to facilitate partnerships and cross-sector coordination. These efforts aim to create jobs and affordable housing, improve education and health, reduce crime, and empower the community.

WPPZ Boundaries and Neighborhoods

The WPPZ is roughly two square miles with well-defined boundaries: the Schuylkill River to the east, 48th Street to the west, Girard Avenue to the north, and Sansom Street to the south. These bounds fully or partially encompass ten neighborhoods: Belmont, East Parkside, Mantua, Mill Creek, Powelton Village, Saunders Park, Spruce Hill, West Powelton Village, Walnut Hill, and University City.

Challenges and Opportunities in the WPPZ Neighborhoods

The neighborhoods within the West Philadelphia Promise Zone (WPPZ) are rich in culture, civic pride, and community assets but face unique challenges. Poverty rates here (53.6%) are more than double the city average, reflecting the enduring impacts of redlining and generational inequities. Many residents live in homes passed down “unofficially,” lacking proper ownership documentation, while high housing vacancy rates affect both residential and commercial spaces like Lancaster Avenue.

Located near Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania, the community also navigates pressures from rising student housing costs, which often exceed what long-term residents can afford. To ensure a thriving and equitable future, investments in affordable housing, education, and workforce development are vital to supporting and empowering our community.

West Philly Research Day 2025 is Coming!

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Join us on April 3, 2025, for an exciting day of groundbreaking research, community collaboration, and innovation.