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West Philly 'Party and Health Fair For The Homeless'

By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia councilwoman celebrated her birthday again this year by helping the homeless.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell celebrated her birthday with the 15th annual "Party and Health Fair For The Homeless," in West Philadelphia.

"It's always on the Friday closest to my birthday," Blackwell tells KYW Newsradio.

She says the event is usually held in center city, but this year they decided to move it to West Philadelphia.

"We usually serve between 3,000 and 4,000 people, and this is our first time here because of the feeding ban in town," Blackwell says.  "So we're looking forward, since the judge ruled in our favor and extended it, to be able to go back in town, where it's a more central location for people on the streets."

blackwell event card
(Attendees sign a huge birthday card for Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who hosted the event. Credit: Hadas Kuznits)

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There was food, music, and activities for kids, but also useful information available.

"We have various health agencies, we have people with all kinds of information (such as) voter registration information," she said.

Read the KYW Regional Affairs Council series, "Princes & Paupers: The Income Gap At Work"

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