On Tuesday, October 7, Hunting Park residents gathered at the Esperanza Multipurpose Room to celebrate the neighborhood’s first bilingual community meeting, an event dedicated to sharing what matters most to residents and learning about city resources.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Pachi Suárez and Morgan Doyle of Esperanza, who reviewed the agenda and shared important reminders with attendees.
One of the central moments of the event was the presentation by Community Legal Services (CLS), represented by Tue Dac Ho and Alexandra Reyes, who provided detailed information about the recent changes to the SNAP/EBT (food stamps) program. They also offered practical guidance to help families keep their food benefits, focusing on the new work requirements and changes in immigrant eligibility.
Work requirements
Since September 1, SNAP recipients must work an average of 20 hours per week, unless exempt due to age, health, education, caregiving responsibilities, or because they already work and earn at least $217.50 per week. Those who do not meet these requirements could lose their benefits after three months within a three-year period.
Immigrant eligibility
Beginning November 1, only lawful permanent residents, Cuban Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants (from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau) will be eligible for SNAP. Categories such as refugees, asylees, and trafficking survivors will no longer qualify.
What the community should know
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and County Assistance Offices (CAO) have been reviewing cases since the summer. Those who receive questionnaires or termination notices should respond promptly to avoid losing benefits, advised Tue Dac Ho from the Community Legal Services office in Philadelphia.
How to get help
CLS offers free legal assistance with SNAP and other benefits:
- In-person help: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., at 1410 W. Erie Ave., North Philadelphia.
- Phone line: Thursdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., at (215) 981-3799.
More information is available on their website: CLS is Open for Live Legal Help!
During the event, attendees received free recycling bins and enjoyed food and refreshments in a friendly and participatory atmosphere. Organizers encouraged community partners to continue collaborating and sharing information about future events and available resources to support Hunting Park families.
This first bilingual meeting, held in English and Spanish, marks an important step toward greater inclusion and civic participation, ensuring that all neighborhood voices are heard in shaping the community’s future. The goal is to strengthen communication and collaboration between residents and city representatives.