Safe Steps Northwest is a grant-funded initiative bringing weekly block cleaning and community engagement to Germantown and Mt Airy neighborhoods to help reduce gun violence.

From March 2024 to June 2025, Glitter provided free, weekly cleaning on hundreds of residential blocks. Subsidies were available to offset the cost for neighbors who wished to fund ongoing cleaning on their block.

With the grant funded work concluding, we are now proactively seeking partnerships and community buy-in to keep the cleanings going. Glitter proudly supports a pay-what-you-can, shared funding to bring affordable weekly cleaning to every block. We are pleased to see so many new blocks subscribing to Glitter with the conclusion of the grant program and hope more will join.

Want to see weekly Cleanings on your block?

State Senator Art Haywood with JP a Glitter Cleaner

State Sen. Art Haywood and Glitter Cleaner J.P. on one of the new Safe Steps by Glitter blocks in Germantown.

celebration party:

Safe Steps & Next Steps

A Community Celebration and Strategy Session

📅 Date: Monday, July 14, 2025

🕓 Time: 4:00–6:00 PM

📍 Location: Braid Mill, 441 High St, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Join us as we celebrate the powerful work of the Safe Steps Northwest cleaning initiative—cleaner streets, living-wage jobs, and neighbor-led change in Germantown and beyond.

This isn't just a wrap party—it's a launching pad. We'll reflect on what we accomplished together and start mapping out what comes next.

Impact and Goals

Research shows that cleaner blocks are safer blocks. Through weekly cleaning of litter and trash, we aim to reduce gun violence and improve residents’ neighborhood engagement, satisfaction, and well-being.

We’re committed to living wage work and hiring cleaners with barriers to employment—especially those impacted by the justice system.

BLOCK Funding and SELECTION

This initiative is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Violence Intervention and Prevention program.

Blocks were selected based on a comprehensive assessment of gun violence incidents and litter levels, targeting areas with the highest need for intervention and potential for positive impact. All blocks are located within Germantown and Mt Airy neighborhoods.

PROJECT PARTNERS

This collaborative initiative represents a unified approach to transforming our northwest neighborhoods.

We were also pleased to receive a secondary grant from Healing Verse Germantown to support an artistic component to the project which will be unveiled at our Celebration Party: Safe Steps & Next Steps on July 14th 2025.

Project Timeline

  • Planning and Hiring

    (February - May 2024)

    Project launches with hiring a dedicated project manager, conducting a pre-intervention litter study, and assembling a cleaning crew prioritizing local hires and those impacted by the justice system. Engagement efforts begin to foster community partnerships and develop outreach materials and events.

  • Cleaning Begins

    (June - October 2024)

    Kickoff 5 months of fully-funded weekly cleaning across 335 designated blocks, with extensive community engagement, including door-to-door outreach and the hosting of dozens of block parties to celebrate the initiative's impact.

  • Block Subsidies

    (November 2024 - March 2025)

    Grant-funded subsidies encourage neighbor investment in continued cleanup efforts via Glitter’s pay-what-you-can, shared funding model.

  • FUTURE PLANNING & COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

    (April - June 2025)

    Gathering feedback, assessing the link between cleaning and improved community safety, and planning for project extension and replication

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.

Reach out to us to learn more:

safesteps@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 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