Case Study: PhillySafe / Project 32

Introduction In a pilot project starting in May 2022, PhillySafe collaborated with Glitter to improve neighborhood cleanliness in West Philadelphia, demonstrating the model's impact on employment and community feedback in a project called Area 32. The project then expanded to clean in Strawberry Mansion.

Background Sponsored by PhillySafe, this project aimed to validate the impact of employing local cleaners and collecting neighborhood feedback and data.

Project Implementation

  • Activities Conducted: Cleaned 12 blocks weekly from May 2022 to mid-October 2022.

  • Community Engagement: Engaged local residents and hired two cleaners from the Strawberry Mansion area, including a justice-impacted individual and a part-time Area 32 staff member.

  • Role of Cleaners: Weekly cleaning of 13 blocks funded by the PCCD grant and an additional 10 blocks funded privately.

Outcomes and Impact

  • Achievements: Successfully cleaned 23 blocks weekly, provided employment to local residents, and gathered valuable community feedback.

  • Incentives: Financial support from grants and private funding ensured the project's feasibility.

  • Future Plans: Explore further collaborations and expand the model to additional neighborhoods.

Conclusion The pilot project with PhillySafe demonstrated the effectiveness of employing local cleaners and engaging the community. The initiative's success paves the way for future collaborations and expansion.

Call to Action Looking to enhance community cleanliness and support local employment? Partner with Glitter to implement impactful, sustainable cleaning initiatives. Contact us to discover how we can work together for a cleaner future.

HOW IT WORKS

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    Make a pledge

    Pay what you can by making a pledge that fits your budget.

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    Share and save

    Costs are shared by everyone who signs up on your block.

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    Spread the word

    We provide tools and materials to help get neighbors on board.

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    Weekly Cleanups

    Cleaning starts once per month. Raise funds for weekly service.

Learn more

  • Glitter is an affordable service that keeps litter and trash off your streets, sidewalks, and storm drains. Our pay-what-you-can model brings neighbors together to fund weekly cleaning.

    We pay a living wage and are and prioritize hiring those in the community with barriers to work. We’re based in Philadelphia and committed to supporting cleaner and safer neighborhoods across the city.

  • Our main focus is removing litter and trash from the sidewalks, street, and storm drains. When time allows, we’ll sweep also up leaves and pull weeds.

    We report bulk items like tires, appliances, and construction debris to the city for removal.

    We’ll clean up anything that is safe to handle, including discarded needles and bagged pet waste. We cannot handle other hazardous materials, such as unbagged feces or dead animals.

  • A block is one city street between two major intersections and includes both sides of the street. The average block in Philadelphia is 450 ft and has 60 households!

    If your block is anything but “average,” we’ll work with you to determine an equivalent cleanup area. We can also group multiple blocks together into a group subscription.

  • A weekly block cleaning subscription is $200 per month and can be split by any number of neighbors. Cleanups begin once per month when at least $50 is pledged.

    North10 is matching up to $50 per block for the first month. This will help blocks get funded more quickly and affordably.

    When signing-up, each neighbor makes a pledge that works for their budget. We pool all pledges to fund block cleanings. Neighbors pay Glitter directly once cleaning begins.

  • We celebrate a diverse team of cleaners who share our passion and commitment for cleaner, safer, and more optimistic neighborhoods. Cleaners include students funding their education, parents requiring flexible work, and individuals seeking a second chance following reentry.

    We prioritize hiring from underemployed populations and are proud to offer paid training, free branded gear and supplies, a $20 per hour starting wage and company profit-sharing.

    Whenever possible, we hire cleaners who live nearby and assign them the same blocks each week so that cleaners and neighbors get to know and rely on each other. Our goal is to care for blocks as if we lived there—and sometimes we do!

  • Every block gets a fundraising page where neighbors make their pledge. We show the block’s current pledges, cleanup frequency, and photo from prior cleanups. Neighbors have the option to display their names or remain anonymous.

    To help spread the word, outreach materials are available by request and shipped directly to you. Available materials include door hangers, letters, and yard/railing signs. They are customized for each block with QR codes.

  • By default, cleanings are scheduled the day before trash day and bagged litter and trash is placed curbside for city collection the next day.

    Cleaning can also be scheduled after trash day. We require at least one neighbor to volunteer to hold the collected bag(s) to put out for curbside collection the next week. Volunteers often hold bags in an outdoor trash can, alley, or backyard.

    Cleanup schedules adjust automatically to align with city-observed holidays.

    Cleanups begin once they are funded and as soon as a Glitter cleaner is available. Most cleanups start within 1-2 weeks of funding.

  • There is no long-term commitment with Glitter. All contributions are month-to-month and you can cancel anytime by emailing hello@shareglitter.com.

    As long as we have enough pledges from other neighbors to fund at least one cleanup per month, the subscription remains active.

  • You can reach Glitter by email at hello@shareglitter.com or by phone at 215-995-0210.

    You can reach North10 by email at info@north10phl.org or by phone at 267-908-9000 ext 241.