Philly program offers opportunities to entrepreneurs and adolescents   

This year, Philadelphia’s “Making Space” initiative received more than 600 applications – approximately 80 percent of which were submitted by people of color.

Winners operate rent-free at the entrepreneur-in-residence rec space, if they offer free programming to adolescents and young adults.

Creative space is exchanged for mentorship in endeavors such as barber shops, community sea food centers, and comic book stores.

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Conclusion of COVID-era assistance leaves people vulnerable to food insecurity  

Pittsburg food banks and pantries are among countless others nationwide that braced for increased need as covid-era benefits drew to a close earlier this year.

Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) no longer receive two monthly payments.

People receiving SSI may be disproportionally affected as well, because although their payments increased due to cost of living, SNAP eligibility guidelines did not change.

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Benefits of infrastructure improvements expected in Wilkes-Barre 

Replacement of water main throughout Wilkes-Barre City is intended to improve community health and safety, and service to customers.

The $5.3 million investment also yields positive economic impact, however.

For every million invested, more than 15 jobs are created.

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Potential San Francisco projects shed light on dynamics of building conversions  

San Francisco has faced economic challenges for years, and there has long been a push for productive use of vacant office buildings.

This space may be converted into housing, though doing so would be costly.

Such projects could become more feasible if construction costs decline and government support becomes readily available.

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School administrators consider options for acquiring electric busses

Electric busses typically cost three times as much as diesel busses, which is largely why many public school administrators hesitate to invest in them despite their benefits.

California’s Twin Rivers School District has cut costs by acquiring the vehicles from third parties, however, and 57 electric busses now comprise approximately 40 percent of the whole fleet.

Awards from the EPA lottery rebate program can also support financing for busses and charging infrastructure.

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Strategies in areas like Los Angeles County address rising poverty among seniors

The poverty rate among older adults has risen substantially across the nation.

Many must work past retirement age because they lack retirement savings or pensions.

California’s ‘Master Plan for Aging’ is designed to mitigate this issue through focus on mental health and disabilities, social connectivity, eviction prevention, affordable housing, and employment. 

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