safesteps northeast

At Glitter, we believe every block deserves to shine. That’s why we’re thrilled to bring our innovative cleaning services to the 515 residential blocks of Pennsylvania State District 202. This 15-month initiative, in partnership with State Representative Jared Solomon, combines state funding with community contributions to tackle litter, improve safety, and boost neighborhood pride.

The funding will allow us to clean neighbors blocks FOR FREE 1x a month for a year. Our hope is that neighbors will love us and our service so much that they will chip in to cover the other weeks of the month so we can come back every week to clean even after the grant funding runs out.

Home to around 61,000 residents, District 202 in Northeast Philadelphia is a diverse and vibrant community spanning 515 blocks. For this project we will be cleaning blocks in the following neighborhoods that fall in the district boundaries:

Mayfair, Bustleton, Tacony and Oxford Circle.

our local approach

We don’t just clean streets—we build communities. Glitter’s proven model integrates:

  • Monthly Cleanups: State funding provides a baseline cleaning every four weeks for all blocks.

  • Community Contributions: Neighbors and businesses can increase cleaning frequency through our pay-what-you-can model.

  • Living Wage Jobs: Our team of trained cleaners earns $20+ per hour, prioritizing those facing barriers to employment.

  • Sustainable Impact: Cleaner streets mean safer neighborhoods, reduced crime, and improved property values.

project goals

This project is about more than litter removal—it’s about creating lasting change:

  1. Cleaner Streets: Every block cleaned once per month.

  2. Safer Communities: Cleaner blocks reduce perceptions of crime and contribute to a 29% drop in gun violence near maintained areas​.

  3. Community Engagement: Neighbors are empowered to invest in and maintain their shared spaces.

Together we can create safer, cleaner streets, by partnering with residents local businesses like Glitter and government - the path to a better Philadelphia is through collaboration and practical proven approaches like this one.
— State Representative Jared Solomon

Join the movement

District 202 residents, this is your chance to take action! Together, we can:

  • Keep streets and storm drains free of litter.

  • Support local jobs with a living wage.

  • Foster pride and collaboration in your community.

Want more frequent cleanups? Your block can easily opt into additional services through Glitter’s unique funding platform. Let’s make your neighborhood a place everyone is proud to call home.

Make your pledge

How ever much you can chip in!

Project Timeline

  • Planning and Hiring

    (February - March 2025)

    Project launches with hiring a dedicated project manager and assembling a cleaning crew prioritizing local hires. Engagement efforts begin to foster community partnerships and develop outreach materials and events.

  • Cleaning Begins

    (March 2025 - March 2026)

    Kickoff 12 months of monthly cleanings across 515 designated blocks, with extensive community engagement, including door-to-door outreach and the hosting of block parties to celebrate the initiative's impact.

  • FUTURE PLANNING & COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

    (April - June 2026)

    Gathering feedback, assessing the link between cleaning and improved community safety, and planning for project extension and replication. Encourage neighbor investment in continued cleanup efforts via Glitter’s pay-what-you-can, shared funding model.

get involved

Apply to be a Cleaner

We're hiring reliable team members to join our Glitter cleaning crew in Northwest Philadelphia. Learn more and apply today!

COMMUNITY PARTNER SIGNUP

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

stay informed

Join us on our journey towards a cleaner, safer Philadelphia. Receive the latest updates, progress reports, and news directly to your inbox, and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Reach out to us to learn more:

hello@shareglitter.com | 215-436-9018.

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 we 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.

  • 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, tell us how you can help support safer, cleaner neighborhoods hello@shareglitter.com.

  • During and after the grant, we invite neighbors to support ongoing cleanups through recurring pledges. 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.

  • We’re eager to hear from you!

    Contact Glitter at hellos@shareglitter.com.