For the third time in a row, Esperanza has been selected to receive the Tree Philly Yard Tree Giveaway Grant, which provides 100 trees to distribute in the community as well as $500 to support community beautification efforts. This time, Esperanza is partnering with Northeast Treatment Centers, another local non-profit, to expand its reach. This program is part of an initiative sponsored by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo to increase the tree canopy coverage to 30% in every neighborhood of Philadelphia by 2035.
Greening is also an important part of the Hunting Park 2022 Neighborhood Plan, a 10-year revitalization plan which Esperanza completed in 2012 with the partnership of a number of local organizations and with the participation of over 800 residents. Through this Plan, Esperanza hopes to continue partnering with other agencies to make of Hunting Park one of the greenest neighborhoods in the City. In less than one year, Esperanza has distributed close to 200 trees to its neighbors and hopes to distribute many more in the future.
The Fall 2015 tree giveaway will take place on Tuesday, October 13 from 10 am to 2 pm at Esperanza (4261 N. 5th St.) and on Thursday, October 15th from 10 am to 2 pm at Northeast Treatment Centers (4404 N. 5th St.). The giveaway is free and open to residents of Philadelphia. The trees must be planted in Philadelphia, on a private yard (not sidewalks or containers) within 15 days of receiving it. Those who are interested in receiving a free tree can register by filling out the tree giveaway registration form or by calling 215-324-0746, extension 176.