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Philly February CRC AmeriCorps and Housing Voucher Deadlines
Time Sensitive Philly Community Resources January/February 2023. Here are two time-sensitive community resources for a part-time AmeriCorps service opportunity, and an affordable housing resource. Please read and share:
The Ozempic and Other Diabetes Medication Shortage
Is Ozempic misuse becoming our next medication and healthcare crisis?. Is the trendy abuse and misuse of diabetic drugs like Ozempic similar to the opioid crisis?. Many diabetics are waiting for or being denied life-saving medications like Ozempic to help lower their blood sugar levels (A1C) and lose weight because Tik Tok influencers are using it as a diet fad and quick weight loss drug. This is frustrating, dangerous, and way too similar to the opioid epidemic where privileged people with money had access to concierge doctors who wrote on-demand prescriptions for the customer’s choice of painkillers versus helping actual patients that needed them.
Philly Community Resources January 2023
From property tax and rent rebates to housing vouchers and local honey and farm boxes. The Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program is open once again for applications. You can now apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2022. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2023. You can find more information, see if you qualify, and apply here or by contacting GPASS or call 215–456–1662.
Ways to Honor Dr. King Every Day, Not Just MLK Day
Real change starts within and in our "beloved communities" Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s (MLK) birthday and Day of Service. It’s a federal holiday and a day off for many, but other people honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through service in our local communities.
Avian Flu and Inflation are Driving High Egg Prices
It’s time for an alternative egg plan (#AEP) The bird flu is driving high egg prices across the country. In November 2022 I wrote a story about needing an “alternative protein plan (APP)” for Thanksgiving due to the bird flu, but we may need to make an alternative egg plan (AEP). Most of America escaped the looming turkey shortage of Thanksgiving 2022, but I started seeing chicken and egg prices increase during the holiday season. I watched eggs go from $1.40 to $4–6 per dozen in various grocery stores from Aldi (which normally has the lowest egg prices) to Shoprite, Trader Joes, and of course Whole Foods. Reports are predicting that the prices are going to stay high for a while due to inflation and other factors.
ACP Makes Internet Free or More Affordable for Many in Philly
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) increases access to tech and internet service in Philly and nationwide. (Philadelphia, PA) ACP stands for the Affordable Connectivity Program and it makes internet service free or affordable for people in Philly and nationwide.
Sangria with Rum Soaked Seasonal Fruit and Candied Ginger Syrup
A quick and simple — seasonal Boozy Fruit Sangria. Below is my Boozy Fruit Sangria recipe. I’m not a chef or recipe tester so this “recipe” is more of a suggestion. You can use any seasonal fruit, wine, or soaking spirit you prefer. I’ve made this several times and everyone loved it.
Beans, Greens, and Cornbread: A New Year and Kwanzaa Feast Tradition
Hoppin’ John, collard greens, and sweet honey cornbread + recipes from Chef BJ and more. I’ve got beans, greens, and cornbread — now I’m ready to start the new year right! This menu has been a Southern American New Year’s tradition since I was a child and now it’s part of my Kwanzaa feast (which ends on January 1st).
“Free Money” from PA Treasury Is Real — The Catch is It’s Your Unclaimed Money
How I Received Some Christmas Cash When I Paid My EZ Pass. Money in an envelopePhoto bymicheile dot comonUnsplash. We’ve all seen ads about how you can find free money, but there are legitimate government sites that will send you money. However, state treasuries aren’t making it rain cash and coins it’s returning money you forgot or someone left you. This is how paying tolls and ordering an EZ Pass resulted in me getting an old refund and some Christmas cash.
Tips To Stay Safe and Warm During in Winter Storm Season
A snowy city streetPhoto byJustin Snyder PhotoonUnsplash. Philadelphia - It's 7 degrees outside and many are facing our first storm with extremely cold temperatures and strong winds. Here are some tips to stay safe and warm during a storm or extreme cold weather.
Federal Student Loan Pause Extended To Summer 2023
On December 20, 2022 the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Department sent an email stating, “As we previously announced, we have extended the pause on federal student loan payments. You will NOT have to make your loan payments that would have been restarted in January.”
News About How Credit Bureaus Report Medical Debt
Medical bills don’t have to kill your credit scores anymore. Millions of Americans who were hospitalized for COVID or another health condition you probably have mounting medical debt that may impact your credit score. But there may be a glimmer of hope according to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Capital One and CNBC.
Holiday Self-Care Suggestions
Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings — and set healthy boundaries for you and others. Every morning I try to wake up with an attitude of gratitude, but for a lot of people like myself — the holidays are an unintentional reminder of how many people we’ve lost before, during and after the pandemic. So I want to take a moment to remind us to take care of ourselves as we take care of others this holiday season.
Everyday Hydration Helpers
Hydration Helpers #SIPTIPS - Sip and see how to stay healthy and hydrated. *Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, but the information provided is from reliable, trusted sources including medical professionals, the CDC, etc. You should always consult your doctor before trying something new — including increasing your water intake especially if you take medications.
Small Business Saturday Started This Weekend in Philly and Across the Country
Small Business Saturday started across the country and Gene Marks from the Philadelphia Inquirer covered several exciting kick-off events all across Philadelphia, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. There were a wide variety of pop-up shops and special events showcasing all the great products and services in our communities.
Help for the Holidays: Where to Give or Get Help for Thanksgiving
56 locations like Operation Turkey, churches, and police departments will serve or deliver thousands of meals in Philly and across PA this season!. Thanksgiving with all the sidesPhoto byBrent Hofacker.
0% Balance Transfers: Give Yourself the Gift of Less Debt
Credit cardsPhoto byPhoto by rupixen.comonUnsplash. Why pay high-interest rates when there are so many low or no-interest credit deals? (Medium.com) I’ve been working hard to improve my credit and reduce my debt. Yet, my credit card company doesn’t seem to reward my hard work with a lower APR or eliminate my annual fee. There’s a lot of credit advice, but I gravitate to the ones that immediately save me money and help me make smarter financial decisions.
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