For Immediate Release: March 7, 2025
Contact: Amaury Ávalos, amaury.avalos@phila.gov
Office of Public Safety Announces New Grant Fund for Philadelphians Disproportionately Impacted by the Overdose Crisis
The $3.6 million will fund community organizations providing programming, education, and other forms of life-saving work related to overdose prevention
The Office of Public Safety is pleased to announce the establishment of a new grant opportunity dedicated to serving communities in Philadelphia, that are most disproportionately impacted by the overdose crisis, including Kensington and North Philadelphia. With an allocation of $3.6 million, this program places essential funding directly in the hands of trusted community-based organizations engaged in a diverse array of programming, education and other life-saving work to create a safer, cleaner, greener Philadelphia with economic opportunity for all.
“It is critical that the City of Philadelphia continues funding community groups working tirelessly day and night to restore our city to a state of health and dignity it deserves,” said Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer. “Their commitment to our city is the backbone of our public safety work and this investment will guarantee our residents continue to have access to their important services.”
The new grant program is part of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s vision for addressing the overdose crisis and supporting those communities most impacted by it. To guarantee funding is allocated where it is most impactful, the Office of Public Safety will continue to foster relationships with vetted community organizations making a tangible difference combatting the overdose crisis throughout the city.
“I fully support Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s plan to tackle the opioid crisis with real, meaningful action, including a new and comprehensive grant fund for communities hit hardest by this epidemic,” said State Senator Christine Tartaglione. “Communities like Kensington have suffered for too long, and this approach prioritizes the resources and accountability needed to bring lasting change. These investments are about saving lives, restoring dignity, and rebuilding neighborhoods.”
Mayor Parker’s administration is dedicated to ensuring this funding has a meaningful and lasting impact on Philadelphia and looks forward to collaborating with community leaders and those most impacted by the overdose crisis. Announcements of grantees are forthcoming in 2025. For more information about the program, please contact ops@phila.gov.
Support for the grant fund provided by majors takeholders and partners
- State Senator Christine Tartaglione: “I fully support Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s plan to tackle the opioid crisis with real, meaningful action, including a new and comprehensive grant fund for communities hit hardest by this epidemic. Communities like Kensington have suffered for too long, and this approach prioritizes the resources and accountability needed to bring lasting change. These investments are about saving lives, restoring dignity, and rebuilding neighborhoods.”
- State Representative Jose Giral: “I support the Parker administration’s plans to get funding more directly into the hands of community organizations that need it, as they do the essential work of serving neighbors and individuals impacted by the opioid epidemic. It’s a smart, proactive approach to supporting these organizations, and I support it whole heartedly.”
- Casey O’Donnell, CEO Impact Services: “Mayor Parker and her team are showing up for Kensington. They are taking responsibility for deploying resources to both simplify processes and align solutions to these complex problems. This is the Mayor being accountable to Philadelphians.”