By Jessica Westergom

Mantua, the small neighborhood located in West Philadelphia, tends to be more commonly known for the crime and blight surrounding the area. From a distance the area may seem to match that description, but up close exists another world.

Many efforts within the community are being made to make Mantua a better place for all, especially the children, but what about the residents who are not new to the community? Mantua has about 6,826 residents, according to data compiled by the University of Pennsylvania. Of those residents, 1,464 people are over the age of 50.

While an emphasis on the future of the local children is a wonderful thing, care needs to be taken to look out for the seniors. Every Block Philadelphia, a Web site that posts daily crime activity, has at least one to two reports of crime per day. Many of these crimes are assault or robbery and makes it all the more clear that seniors need help staying protected.

Many of the older residents in Mantua already own homes, but for those who do not, the Mantua Presbyterian Apartments, located at 600 N. 34th St., is always a possibility. It is a sponsored affordable residential living community where seniors can comfortably live and feel safe.

The apartments are just one step that is being taken to look out for seniors in the area, but local community centers and churches also provide seniors with activities and a place to go. Not too far from the Mantua area is the Haddington Multi Services for Older Adults Inc., which offers assistance including workshops, in-home support programs, congregate meals and transportation.

The center recently hosted a money-managing workshop. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Weed & Seed Project and HSBC bank, the workshop informed seniors and caregivers how to better handle money and protect themselves against possible identity theft or fraud. Several people who attended the workshop expressed how important it is that older adults have a strong financial literacy. Not only will this help seniors stay safe, but they will be able to pass along the knowledge to their family.

Hopefully, programs and centers such as Haddington can catch on and become a larger influence for Mantua. Local resident Denise Robinson said:  “Senior citizens like to sit outside and enjoy the weather. Sometimes they can’t though because they need to be careful of the younger kids in the area.”

Related posts

Mantua: Transportation Assistance Provided for Elderly Residents

Public transportation for the elderly residents of Mantua and Parkside can be a struggle to find. Handicaps make taking local buses and trolleys run...

Mantua: Being Neighborly Can Be Difficult

/h3> Mantua is not the safest place in the world. In fact, Mantua is considered to be one of the worst areas in West...

Mantua: Young Writers Reach Out in the Community

On a scorching Saturday afternoon in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia, the Charles L. Durham Free Library is full of activity.  Children are...

Mantua: Farming Provides Locals with Fresh Produce

A bright spot sprouts amidst a string of deteriorating row homes lining Brown Street in the Mantua neighborhood of Philadelphia. The fresh patch of...

Mantua: Daycare Centers Feel the Pinch

Some of the children of Heavenly Hall Day Care center know their ABCs. Others choose to defer the alphabet to focus on the basic...