The Philadelphia Taking Care of Business (PHL TCB) Clean Corridors Program expanded the Department of Commerce’s cleaning efforts from 49 commercial corridors to 129 throughout the city. TCB funds community-based nonprofits to sweep sidewalks and remove litter within neighborhood commercial corridors.

PHL TCB invests in small businesses, creates employment opportunities for local residents and keeps Philadelphia’s neighborhood commercial corridors clean. TCB currently funds 39 community-serving nonprofits and 4 minority-owned cleaning companies that have hired 255 local Philadelphians for meaningful employment opportunities as cleaning ambassadors. The program is part of a larger effort by the Department of Commerce to enhance and promote vibrant commercial corridors.

Hear from neighborhood organizations

Neighborhood organizations are here to serve you and maintain clean commercial corridors! In this series, we are highlighting the stories of neighborhood organizations funded to keep commercial areas clean. The Olney Community Collaborative in Olney neighborhood provides regular cleaning on North 5th Street commercial corridor.

Here’s what Stephanie Michel (SM) had to say about what the PHL TCB program means for the organization and the areas that they serve.

What is the mission of your nonprofit organization?

SM: The Olney Community Collaborative’s mission is to implement revitalizing initiatives in Olney that cultivate community connectivity and resilience, encourage economic growth, and foster a safe, welcoming neighborhood. Olney is home to the most linguistically diverse zip code in the city of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our team has a long-standing commitment to the Olney community, with a proven track record of impactful service since 2008. We’re expanding our reach to connect with even more of our neighbors and expand the small business ecosystem in Olney.

What services does your nonprofit organization provide?

SM: We are committed to offering neighborhood programs, resources and services for local residents in the areas that we serve. That includes ensuring that the voices of our youth and people of all ages in the neighborhood are heard. We empower community members to take an active role in shaping the future of Olney, providing support to help them succeed. We also strive to promote economic opportunities that enhance the livelihoods of our community members and contribute to a vibrant local economy. 

From ideas to expansion, we help small business owners learn how to take the leap to open a business, walk owners through city and state programs to ease access, support business sustainability, and share opportunities for growth. We serve Olney neighbors and the small business ecosystem from Lawrence Street to 15th Street, Somerville Avenue to Godfrey Avenue, and Somerville Avenue to Fairhill Street to Roosevelt Boulevard. 

How many local residents are employed through the TCB program to maintain clean streets in the areas that you serve?

SM: We have a team of five from the neighborhood who do an excellent job maintaining a cleaner N. Fifth Street business district that enhances a welcoming shopping experience for Olney neighbors and visitors. It is amazing to see the positive difference they make. Our TCB crew loves Olney and are happy to serve our neighborhood. Feel free to say hello when you visit and see them.

How does the TCB program help increase your capacity to do the work that you do?

SM: We are deeply grateful for the investment, support, and workforce training provided by the TCB program, which significantly enhances our capacity to serve our community. Thanks to TCB, we can sustain our commercial corridor cleaning efforts, and our TCB ambassadors serve as essential points of contact for those wanting to learn more about our organization. The TCB program brings invaluable visibility to our commercial corridors, allowing us to strengthen our community outreach.

Our dedicated TCB team starts their work even before sunrise, connecting with people during hours when few are out and forging meaningful relationships with local business owners and residents who keep us informed. We truly appreciate how our TCB team amplifies our mission. In addition to maintaining North Fifth Street, we also organize community cleanups and engagement initiatives that further enrich our neighborhood.

What does your organization appreciate about being part of the TCB program?

SM: We value the opportunity to meet and cultivate relationships with organizations throughout the city that are dedicated to maintaining litter-free commercial corridors through the TCB program. The PHL TCB Pep Rally has been a highlight for us over the past few years, providing our TCB crews with a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences. This event is not only encouraging but also empowering, fostering a strong sense of community that resonates deeply with us. It allows us to exchange valuable connections and insights, reinforcing our collective commitment to keeping our neighborhoods clean and vibrant.

What have been some of the highlights for your organization since joining the program? Any key moments or stories that stand out to you?

SM: I appreciate how the TCB program personalizes the celebration of TCB ambassadors who have dedicated many years to this vital work. This recognition makes a significant difference and serves as a powerful motivator. Additionally, thanks to the investment from TCB, we have been able to hire more staff and ambassadors while also increasing their pay. Our close relationship with our ambassadors is invaluable; they are community members who live here and genuinely care about our neighborhood. Their commitment enriches our efforts and strengthens our community ties.

In your view, what are the benefits of the program? What do you think people should know about this program based on the daily work in the commercial areas that you see?

SM: The primary benefit of our work is a clean neighborhood and a tidy commercial corridor. We take pride in providing job opportunities to local residents, which adds to the community’s strength. While some may think it’s just about picking up trash, the reality is that it’s hard work that reveals many things others might overlook. I encourage residents and neighbors to take a moment to thank our cleaning crews and to appreciate their efforts. It’s also crucial to avoid littering, as that can be incredibly frustrating for those dedicated to maintaining cleanliness. The TCB program not only inspires our team but also motivates others in the community to take action. TCB can help demonstrate the ripple effect of our work, fostering a culture of pride in keeping our neighborhoods beautiful.

How does the support from the Department of Commerce support your efforts? 

SM: I truly appreciate the communication, investment and meaningful efforts to support local neighborhood organizations that I’ve observed over the years. The regular data collection and surveys are also invaluable and show a commitment to transparency. I am especially grateful for the recent Phillies game celebration honoring our sanitation specialists; it was a wonderful acknowledgment of their hard work. It’s encouraging to see the opportunities being created for those starting out, allowing them to advance within the city. This forward-thinking approach not only strengthens our team but also fosters growth and development in our community.