Temple University is taking steps to bridge the gap between its students and the North Central Philadelphia community through a new initiative. The “Community Gateway,” located on Cecil B. Moore Avenue, serves as a hub for locals to access educational programs, youth activities, and health resources.
Concerns have been raised by both students and community members regarding new Temple President John Fry’s past involvement with community relations and gentrification during his tenure at Drexel University. Despite this, Temple is moving forward with its efforts to engage with local residents through the Gateway.
Antonio Romero, the director of the Temple Community Gateway, describes the initiative as a “dream come true.” He explains that the Gateway aims to foster community cohesion, both within the university and in the surrounding neighborhoods. “It’s a place where we can cultivate a level of community cohesion, both internally within the university and externally throughout the neighborhoods,” Romero said.
Violence prevention and community engagement coordinator Shelbie Ulysse notes that the Gateway is part of the university’s mission to reduce gun violence in the area. By providing resources and programs, the Gateway intends to address some of the root causes of violence by improving education and economic opportunities.
The Gateway has already established a database of at least 400 programs, ranging from mental health support to summer activities for youth, which can be accessed through the initiative’s website. Valerie Harrison, Temple’s vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion, and community impact, emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities and access to improve economic mobility and reduce crime.
Social disorganization theory, which suggests that the environment influences crime rates more than the demographics of an area, supports the Gateway’s approach of integrating social programs and education to bring about community change.
Harrison also highlights the significance of connecting residents with resources post-incarceration, including assistance with transportation and housing. The Gateway is positioned as a comprehensive support system, addressing the community’s needs from early childhood education to workforce training.
In an era when diversity and inclusion initiatives are under scrutiny, Harrison underscores the importance of not losing sight of the individual stories and needs of North Central residents. “Temple has enjoyed a really long and significant history of care and concern for its neighbors,” she said. “You can go on the website and try to figure it out. We have everything from preschool programs to youth engagement, middle school, academic enrichment programs to high school dual enrollment programs to job and workforce training.”
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