Turning Silver Into Gold Community, City Revitalize Decaying Nine-block Area

Three months ago, life on Silver Street was unbearable.

Residents lived amid trash-filled abandoned houses, at the mercy of drug addicts, dealers and the fear that one of those houses would catch fire and ignite the block.

Life has gotten a lot better.

In a city-community partnership so far successful beyond anybody's dreams, residents of Silver Street near 25th and neighboring streets are turning the tables on blight. The city sealed abandoned houses in a nine-block area, demolished four houses and is working closely with neighbors to plan demolition of other imminently dangerous houses. Residents banded together with city workers to clean lots and alleys.

Residents said they feel safer. On Silver Street they throw block parties and barbecues.

When community organizer Ruby Hester returned from a trip recently, she came back seeing houses that had caused her such grief in past cleaned and sealed.

"I said to myself, 'Praise the Lord, look at this.'

"Everybody we talked to with the city has kept their promise to us, and people of this community have come out in number to volunteer," Hester said.

The neighborhood threw itself a great two-day Unity Street festival last weekend to celebrate a renewal of community organization.

Residents eager to have a hand in determining the neighborhood's future reinvigorated the Philadelphia Community Civic Organization. Lucille Odrick, assistant director of the group, offered space in one of her properties at Lehigh Avenue near 26th Street.

Odrick said the organization was fueled by the enthusiasm of volunteers, scores of community residents who are unemployed or retired and use the group to channel expertise, energy and creativity. It is funded by donations from residents, sometimes only a few dollars. Odrick said she has contributed about $5,000.

Their efforts are assisted by the Department of Licenses and Inspections and the city Streets Department. Residents were given a direct path to the departments and call daily with complaints or to leave locations where trash

from cleanups can be hauled off.

The office is busy with laborers creating office space, staffers helping residents with problems and questions, and men and women hoping to hear of work.

The group also offers housing classes that teach residents about city and private resources and housing programs in preparation for housing money targeted for that area by the city. Referrals for counseling and youth outreach programs are also offered.