Frequently Asked Questions

New to the NeighborhoodLooking for HelpStarting a BusinessAbout NKCDCLiving at Orinoka Civic House

New to the Neighborhood

What district am I in?

I’m looking for ______ nearby.

  • ANSWER:
  • NKCDC publishes an annual Business Directory and Neighborhood Resource Guide that’s chock full of local suggestions, from art collectives and appliance repair to dentists, florists, printers and senior services.
  • View the directory

What is my local neighborhood association?

  • ANSWER:
  • Many parts of our community are served by civic associations that share news, plan events and represent the neighborhood in zoning cases.
  • Find your neighborhood association

I want to get more involved in my neighborhood.

  • ANSWER:
  • Learn what’s happening in your neighborhood, find your local neighborhood association, volunteer for community events or sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!
  • Learn More

How can I support local businesses?

  • ANSWER:
  • NKCDC publishes an annual Business Directory and Neighborhood Resource Guide. Shop locally!
  • View the directory

How do I get a recycling bin?

  • ANSWER:
  • Find a pick-up spot for a free City recycling bin below. NKCDC also provides recycling bins to residents to be picked up during business hours, but call ahead to make sure we have them in stock.
  • Recycling bin pick-up spots

Looking for Help

I would like to buy a home, but don’t know where to start.

  • ANSWER:
  • Since 1985, NKCDC’s housing advisors have helped thousands of Philadelphians buy their own home, and we can help you too!
  • Learn More

I need help with utilities.

  • ANSWER:
  • NKCDC can help you apply for LIHEAP, emergency energy assistance, and budget billing programs for PECO, PGW and the Water Department—and give you advice on how to reduce your energy costs. Our services are free.
  • Request an appointment

I need home repairs.

  • ANSWER:
  • If you own your home, NKCDC can connect you to free home repair or low-interest loan programs, and help you make your house more energy efficient at the same time.
  • Request an appointment

I got a foreclosure notice.

  • ANSWER:
  • Let NKCDC assist you so that you have a better chance of staying in your home. Our services are free.
  • Request an appointment

Where can I find healthy food that’s affordable?

  • ANSWER:
  • Food pantries, farmers markets, senior meals, community meals and farm shares are a few of the ways affordable food is available to families in the River Wards.
  • Read More

Do you help business owners?

  • ANSWER:
  • Yes. NKCDC can connect you to free business plan development and consulting, grants, training, networking and promotion.
  • Learn More

Do you help artists?

  • ANSWER:
  • Yes. The arts and artists are central to our work and our neighborhood. NKCDC collaborates with artists on public projects, promotes arts events, coordinates monthly First Fridays, and maintains a curated list of arts opportunities and funding sources.
  • Learn More

Starting a Business

I have an idea for a business, but I don’t know where to start.

  • ANSWER:
  • NKCDC provides free business plan development and small business consulting, local and low barrier financial resources and opportunities for training, networking and promotion.
  • Learn More

I’m looking for financing.

  • ANSWER:
  • Browse a carefully selected list of opportunities for grants, financing, city services, education, consulting, guides and tools for your small businesses in the River Wards.
  • Learn More

About NKCDC

What is a CDC?

  • ANSWER:
  • Community Development Corporations (CDCs) are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that are created to support and revitalize communities, especially those that are struggling. CDCs often develop affordable housing, but they can also be involved in a wide range of community services that meet local needs, such as education, job training, healthcare, commercial development, and other social programs. Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC) put out a report at the end of 2012 estimating Philadelphia CDCs contributed $5.1 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy (and $3.3 billion to Philly’s economy) over the past 20 years. This includes 37,100 jobs statewide and 11,600 in the city.
  • Learn More

Can I come to an NKCDC meeting?

How can I help NKCDC?

  • ANSWER:
  • Make a contribution, volunteer for community events, browse employment opportunities, sign up for our newsletters or get involved in your local neighborhood association.
  • Learn More

Living at Orinoka Civic House or Coral Street Arts House

Can I have pets?

  • ANSWER:
  • At Coral Street Arts House, cats and dogs under 40 pounds are allowed with proper vaccination documentation. At Orinoka Civic House, only service animals are allowed, with proper vaccination documentation.

Which utilities are tenants responsible for?

  • ANSWER:
  • Tenants pay their own gas and electric. If tenants choose to have phone, cable or internet services, they also pay for those.

Does the building have security?

  • ANSWER:
  • The building has an on-site property manager. In addition, it has a front door entry system that only residents with key cards can enter. Residents are able to let guests in from their apartments. There is plenty of street lighting and security cameras.

How many people can live in one apartment?

  • ANSWER:
  • The general rule is a maximum of two people per bedroom. In other words, two people can share a one-bedroom apartment, and four people could share a two-bedroom apartment

What is Area Median Income?

  • ANSWER:
  • Each year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates the Area Median Income (AMI) for every metropolitan region in the country. Half of the families in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median. You can find the current median income for Philadelphia County on the HUD website here:
  • See Philadelphia’s AMI

Do I make the right amount of money to live there?

  • ANSWER:
  • The right income depends on a lot of factors, including family size. The best way to determine whether you are eligible is to submit an application and then speak to a member of the property management staff so they can determine your eligibility.

Who can I talk to if I still have questions?

  • ANSWER:

  • Please call Multifamily Management of Philadelphia:

  • Orinoka Civic House — 215-278-2615

  • Coral Street Arts House — 215-739-0310