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.

"Safe Steps Northwest'' captures our commitment to enhancing neighborhood safety through weekly block cleaning, right up to your doorstep. And it signifies the beginning of a positive step for those with barriers to work and those affected by the justice system, providing living wage jobs that make a difference right in their community. This name reflects our commitment to safety, engagement, and empowerment in Northwest Philadelphia.

Blocks were chosen through a detailed analysis of gun violence incidents and litter levels, focusing on areas within Germantown and Mount Airy that showed the greatest need and potential for positive impact. Our approach also considered community engagement potential and local partnership support. An interactive map and full block list will be shared this spring.

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.

Join Cleaner Hiring Waitlist

Live nearby and want to contribute? Join our waitlist to be first in line for cleaning team positions as they become available.

Sign-Up as a Community Partner

Your support is crucial. Whether you’re a local business, community leader, or engaged citizen, sign up today to tell us how you can help support safer, cleaner neighborhoods.

Post-grant, we invite neighbors to support ongoing cleanups through recurring pledges, incentivized by 6-months of subsidies to keep services affordable. Long-term, we aim for each block to self-sustain these efforts, backed by ongoing community, business, and organizational support, with Glitter committed to the community as long as there is grassroots support.

Our dedicated project manager will spearhead robust community engagement through partnership development, outreach materials, and event organization. Expect door-to-door engagement, block parties celebrating our progress, and opportunities for feedback throughout the initiative to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

Stay updated with our website and newsletter for all project milestones, progress reports, and news. For residents on serviced blocks, expect direct engagement and materials right at your doorstep, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Safe Steps Northwest stands apart as a grant-funded initiative focused on sustainable, recurring cleanups providing living wage jobs, particularly to those impacted by the justice system. We are not city-funded nor volunteer-led. We are focused on affordable, scalable, and accountable services across Philadelphia with a commitment to long-term community improvement.

While our initial cleaning schedule is already determined, all Northwest Philadelphia blocks will be eligible for subsidized cleaning starting in October, encouraging neighbor investment in our shared mission. This inclusive approach allows every community member the opportunity to participate in our sustainability campaign.

We’re eager to hear from you!

Contact Glitter at safesteps@shareglitter.com or 215-436-9018

Reach out to Mt. Airy CDC via www.mtairycdc.org or info@mtairycdc.org

Connect with PA State Senator Art Haywood online at www.senatorhaywood.com