Despite the intense cold felt on the streets of Philadelphia, the community’s mood reflects a mix of hope and caution as 2026 approaches. Along a route stretching from 5th Street to Olney and Hunting Park, residents’ voices were heard directly as they shared their hopes for how the new year will unfold.

While many agreed that 2026 brings positive expectations, fear remains present. Arrests carried out by ICE in recent months have created an atmosphere of widespread uncertainty, especially within the immigrant community. For this reason, several of those interviewed preferred to remain anonymous.

One of them was Efraín, whom we met while he was waiting for the bus. For him, priorities are clear: “I hope SEPTA continues to improve, that routes are not eliminated, and that fares are not increased. For many of us, public transportation is essential for getting to work and meeting our responsibilities.”

In the same area, Doña María, a resident near 5th Street, expressed her wish that past problems are not repeated:

“I just hope that trash continues to be collected as it should and that last year’s strike becomes a thing of the past. We want stability and basic services that work.”

Jackeline Rodríguez, who participated in Esperanza’s Food Drive at the end of the year, expressed her gratitude and shared her hope that food distribution efforts continue, noting that there is a great need for food assistance in the community.

We also spoke with a mother who was taking her child to school, who shared one of the most common dreams among working families: “My hope is to be able to own my own home someday. We work hard, but everything is very expensive.”

Between bus stops some filled with passengers and others completely empty, creating a striking contrast and closed businesses that have yet to recover, the general sentiment points in the same direction: that this year will bring greater economic stability. Many expressed their desire to earn more income, maintain the benefits they currently have, and avoid the financial pressure that defined 2025.

Thus, amid the winter cold and the daily wait on Philadelphia’s streets, the community begins 2026 with the hope of a fairer year, real opportunities, and no setbacks that could put their well-being at risk.