History
In 2019, a group of neighbors came together to form the Norris Square Community Action Network (NSCAN). Since then, we have been organizing residents and working with many groups from the area to improve the section known as Norris Square in the Southwest Kensington area.
We are neighbors fighting for equitable development, affordable housing, increasing homeownership opportunities (priced according to community needs), improvements in health and economic outcomes, clean and safer streets, social justice, and a fair share of government resources.
NSCAN seeks to provide a vehicle through which homeowners, renters, and small business owners can share concerns and ideas, organize and mobilize to help shape their built environment and the future of their neighborhood.
Mission
NSCAN is committed to the preservation of single residential properties, community institutions and historic landmarks, making housing truly affordable and accessible for low and moderate-income households, and creating economic opportunities for residents.
We accomplish our work by engaging and training residents to serve as their own advocates and ensuring that public investments are aligned with community needs.
How We Build Community
- Unity for Survival Program: During COVID-19, in partnership with the Community Liberation Center, delivered 300,000+ lbs of food over one year to 300+ families in Norris Square and Fairhill.
- Coordinated transportation to vaccination sites for dozens of our elders.
- Conducted surveys to document chronic health conditions, identify community needs and service gaps, and gauge community priorities.
- Supported seniors with prescription pick-ups and telemedicine tutorials during the pandemic.
- Organized protests and meetings directed at the Philadelphia District Attorney to petition for dismissal of charges against a local business owner who acted in self-defense.
- Distributed groceries and fresh produce to the elderly during the SNAP emergency caused by the federal government shut-down.
- Secured increases over the Mayor’s proposed HOME budget allocations, targeting funding to the lowest-income renters and homeowners.
Steering Committee
Meet the neighbors leading NSCAN.
Nilda L. Pimentel-Perez
President / Chair, Zoning Committee
Timour Kamran
Vice President / Co-Chair, Zoning Committee
Talia Giles
Interim Treasurer
Karla Martin
Secretary
Antonio Gonzalez
Member
Dawn Sheaffer
Member
Jackie Beltran
Member
Diana Quinones
Member
Lupe Fernandez
Member
Zane Knight
Member