Philadelphia: Meeting the Challenges of a New Millennium

As we begin a new millennium, Philadelphia continues to mirror the demographic diversity of urban centers throughout the United States. Philadelphia, the nation's fifth largest city with nearly 1.5 million people is a vibrant, dynamic, urban center.

As the birthplace of American democracy and freedom, Philadelphia continues to draw individuals of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. 

With a 45% increase in the city's Latino population, there is an increasing need for staff, services, and programs to accommodate its newest residents.  Of the individuals living in Philadelphia five years of age or older, nearly 20% speak a language other than English at home.

Of those speaking a language other than English at home, 40% speak Spanish. MOCS is meeting the needs of its Spanish speaking residents by providing materials in Spanish, an outreach office at 6th Street and Lehigh Avenue staffed by bilingual/bicultural community organizers.

The median household income in Philadelphia is $29,721.  Eighteen percent of families and 33% of female households have incomes below the poverty level. 

With the help of staff, volunteers, interns, and the agency's partnerships, MOCS is working to reduce the number of individuals living in poverty by providing them with the skills and tools necessary to compete successfully in the new millennium.   Source: 2000 US Census Bureau

Background Mural: Secret Book, 312 North 19th Street by Joshua Sarantitis
Sponsored by Philadelphia Reads and the City of Philadelphia.  Photo: Jack Ramsdale.