Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Cephas gathers community for legislative town hall meeting

Cephas gathers community for legislative town hall meeting

Welcomes local organizations, SEPTA, and DHS to provide service updates

Philadelphia House Delegation    September 18, 2025 | 1:57 PM

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. hosted nearly 100 community members Wednesday night for a legislative town hall meeting at the Overbrook Park Church of Christ in the Overbrook Park section of West Philadelphia.

Cephas said that it’s a crucial time for residents to understand what is happening in their government and the developments that might impact the services they’ve come to expect.

“It’s been a challenging year with the chaos coming out of D.C. and all of the uncertainty around SEPTA, so it’s more important than ever to meet people where they’re at and speak directly with the community about how changes in government and local services might affect them,” said Cephas, who also is chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation.

Cephas welcomed the deputy secretary of the PA Department of Human Services to explain how federal funding cuts might impact the health care, food benefits, and other services provided by the agency. Representatives from SEPTA and local organizations St. Barnabas Episcopal Community Services and Transit Forward Philadelphia were also present to provide updates on their services for the community.

“The discussion was a meaningful window into the day-to-day struggles of our neighbors and their genuine concern for the well-being and quality of life for themselves, their families, and our communities in 2025 and beyond. Philadelphians across all walks of life are already overburdened financially and are worried about things like whether their food assistance programs will continue and how they’ll get to work or the doctor’s office. So, it was good to have DHS here to explain the new work requirements for SNAP benefits, and our local organizations like ECS have been wonderful in stepping up to improve quality of life issues with programs like their Safe Steps West Philly partnership to build cleaner and safer communities. I think we provided valuable and reassuring information for our neighbors,” Cephas said.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to Cephas’s office in Overbrook if they missed the meeting and have questions about state and local services.

The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street including Overbrook, Overbrook Park, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and more.