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Rocky Steps, Longwood Gardens, and Peddler’s Village. Places like these can get tarnished by the image of Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, a location that became infamous among the sea of famous sights. From people fighting their drug addictions to truly tragic stories, you shouldn’t write off the avenue as some skid row of Philadelphia. 

Kensington Avenue runs 3 miles through what is now a dangerous and crime-ridden neighborhood. Every corner houses a story about a broken person. The streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Avenue, don’t hold back on the scary factor. If there is a problem plaguing modern society, chances are you will find the living form of it in the 3-mile-long stretch.

Photos are the best way to experience the ugly, rugged, and dirty side of Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia. Between 2008 and 2014, the photographer Jeffrey Stockbridge took a series of intimate portraits of people he later put in a book, capturing a side of Philadelphia that is rarely seen or talked about.

In the Kensington Blues project, the residents shared their stories, talking about drugs, prostitution, and other struggles of their lives. Without further ado, let’s look at the photos, discover the difficult hand some people have been dealt, and learn more about the infamous neighborhood in Philly.

More info: kensingtonblues.com

#1

Al

Portrait of Al holding a cat

Al lives in a house off Kensington Avenue without electricity or running water. He sometimes rents his upstairs bedroom to prostitutes in need of a private location for engaging in sex and drug use.

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will second Nancy E on this one: Mental illness, drugs, including alcohol, cause lives to go awry. It is simply the truth, so why the down'voting?

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Cashew
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Petra has a very strong point. Lack of familiar or formal education tend to lead to a "weak" character and to complicate things (the lack of support through) hard phases of life (including public support) may also set the vulnerable context in which abuse of whatever thing takes place. Traumatic externalities such as accidents, jobloss, depression, burn out, family issues, abandonment, and so on. Statistically the great majority of mankind does or has done drugs, "asocial" addiction is not a rule. I see drugs as a social "crutch", this way it can constructively seen like more of a public health and a social issue, i.e. a social rather than an individual problem. Finally, what matters is that the solution to such problems rarely come without some sort of social support and social reintegration, the latter plays a determinant role in patterns recurring drug abuse. FYI fat, sex and sugar can lead to addiction as well.

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Nancy E
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mental illness , drugs , including alcohol, cause lives to go awry.

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Maree B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm praying for you Al and for the girls who rent space from you. Jesus forgives, heals and renews. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - from the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13:13

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Donna O
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but I really don't see how jesus can help this man, or others in the same situation as him.

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Nah Me
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My guess is he's squatting... if there's no electricity or running water. That's a shame... a person needs heat (so the pipes won't burst) and running water.

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Robin Valdez
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Supply the demand... kensington alone generate 1.4 billion dollars from drug proceeds... there s your answer..

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Paik Cook
Community Member
3 months ago

This is a classic example of a photo essay. It reminds me of Eugene Smith who covered the Minamata disease in Japan in the early 70s.

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Liz Iodice-Fox
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the way everyone has something to say about a medical condition and no one has any education in the field, you have misguided opinions. You base your misguided comments on a family member or a guy you see standing outside of a convenience store not medical fact.

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Danny Meeks
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@It’s Caturday 3.0, Baby "psychiatry". What a moron you are.

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Robert Crucial
Community Member
6 years ago

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Now the cat I feel sorry for and I appreciate the man for being human.

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Black Dahlia
Community Member
6 years ago

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All things considered he's got it pretty good.

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#2

Sarah

Photography of Sara posing near concrete wall

"I'm 55 years old, I have a master's degree in psychology, but after my husband, mother and father, died in a car accident two years ago, I lost my whole family, my career, one, my health, all in one go."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#3

The Twins Tic Tac And Tootsie

Twins Tic Tac And Tootsie posing on stairs

"We out here so we can get money so we has somewhere to rest our heads. We look out for each other. If I can't get money, she gets it, and whatever money we get we share...We need quick money cause we need somewhere to sleep every day. I mean, trust me, we don't want to be out here doing this. This is the last thing I want to do. But I do what I have to do to take care of my sister. Cause she’s all I got and I’m all she's got."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Desiree Summer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have gone through all of the comments on these pictures and there have been a lot from a lady named nancy and a man named robert and another account named black dahlia. I get that you like to joke about other peoples weaknesses but what you do not realize is that they have a legitimate problem. an addiction that controls their live. accept it or not but they depend on their drug or the occupation as much as any one else depends on our lungs to breath or water to cleans us. addiction is nothing in the matter to be laughed at or jokes upon, what they need is support and hope to help them deal with the terrible decision they have made in their past. also before you sit there and call someone "disgusting" because of a decision they made in their past, step back and think of the worst thing you have ever done in your life, sure it may not be heroin or prostitution, but it can still be judged and mocked just as much as these people in these pictures.

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#4

Pat And Rachel

Portrait of Pat And Rachel

They still have children, whom they gave away to a special agency for their protection. "We gave the kids away, people say it's a selfish act, but I think it's the best I could do for their better future," Rachel said.

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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What is Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, Known for?

Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia has more than one problem. The problems are more dangerous due to their long-lasting nature and both long and short-term side effects. According to the 2019 City of Philadelphia report, Upper Kensington ranks dead last in health factors. In some cases, health-related metrics in this area are significantly higher than the average numbers for Philadelphia as a whole. Specifically, per 10,000 residents:

  • 204.7 violent crimes are committed (average for Philadelphia — 95.7).
  • 203.1 lives are lost from injuries (average for Philadelphia — 68.6).
  • 8.3 homicides are committed (average for Philadelphia — 1.7).

Upper Kensington also has higher levels of unemployment (27%) and drug overdose deaths (152.1 per 100,000 people, where the city’s average is 44.8).

#5

Carroll

Photo of Carroll sleeping on stairs

She told that she often sleeps on the streets during the day to protect herself at night.

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Anna Herrington
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thought I might see my niece in one of these photos.... thank you for documenting this world. Difficult to see, terribly tough to experience and survive in. My heart goes out to all.

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#6

Jamie

Photography of pregnant Jamie sitting on the grass

"I’ve been raped, and, you know, almost killed really"

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#7

Bob

Portrait of Bob standing in the street

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Molly Block
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish there was more info on Bob. He's dressed so nicely, you'd never think he was a drug user. What is the story here?!!

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#8

Tanya

Portrait of Tanya posing on stairs

She is 25 years old, working in the sex industry since she was 18.

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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#9

Carol

Carol

A local resident, at the time she was 41. Carol told the photographer that she had been doing heroin for 21 years and it became "the love of her life".

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Maggie Collins
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see myself in her. I was a heroin addict (and anything else I could get) for 20-25 years. I have been clean for 21 years and have a better life than ever. But during my using days I lost my husband (best man on the planet) cuz yeah heroin was my only love, my son, family, everything. I've been working at Denny's for 15 years and proud of it. I am totally self sufficient today. It is so hard. Go to meetings, Narcotics Anon., Alcoholics Anon. get a sponsor, work your program and it will work. When you want it more than anything, it will work. Good luck.

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#10

Mary

Portrait of Mary near blue and grey concrete wall

"I don't just do this for drugs. I do this because I wanna eat, because I like to buy clothes, because I like the small things, you know. I did have a normal life once but...I really believe, like if my, if my family say like, "Mary come, come home stay with us" like, if I could I would..."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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stephanie
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why everyone hating on nacy? shes not even being rude or anything? Haters gunna hate nacy your free to comment what ever you want, these pictures where takin to start awareness & concern.

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#11

Sarah And Dennis

Man injecting drugs to the neck.

The veins in Sarah's arms were no good for injection, so she asked Dennis for the drug to be injected to her neck.

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#13

Matt Neal

Portrait of two men's one of them are musician

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Celental Midnight
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww. This one is sweet. Oh wait. Dahlia is here..... Why haven't they been banned yet???

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#14

Kensington And Somerset

Photography of people in one of the Kensington Avenue street

Maria: "I’ve been here almost 8 years and I see a lot of bad stuff going around. They say when you go between it, you gonna do it too." Robert: "You don’t need no cable, you don’t have to watch TV. You just gotta sit out here. You see drama, you see soap opera, you see violence and crime." Maria: "You even see sex."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Where is Philadelphia Skid Row?

Want to look at the streets of Philadelphia Kensington Avenue firsthand? Well, you can find the area most often referred to as Philadelphia’s modern-day skid row in northern Philly. Once a bustling center of workers, the area is riddled with vices today.

#15

Matt Neal

Portrait of Matt Neal sitting on chair

He struggled with drug addiction after being released from prison. Sepsis developed in his left leg. Because of his addiction, he failed to meet the treatment regimen and eventually the doctors had to amputate part of the leg.

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Alia Gail
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeez... So many trolls in all these comment sections. All I can say is that i hope matt is doing a bit better now.

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#16

Nichole

Portrait of Nicole standing on the street

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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GalaxyInAJar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the way she looks hopeful, it's inspiring to think that even in these situations people can still maintain hope

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#18

Melissa's Arms

Photography of person arms who is addicted to drugs

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Fero Othello
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like sometimes the physical wounds are a small percentage of our inner suffering. My heart goes out to this person.

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#22

Paul (Left) And Anthony (Right), In The Courtyard At The Last Stop Recovery House

Portrait of two friends

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#24

Matt And Brian

Photography of Matt shoots Brian in the neck in front of the McPherson Square Library on Kensington Avenue

Matt shoots Brian in the neck in front of the McPherson Square Library on Kensington Avenue. It's 10 AM on Sunday morning.

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Alia Gail
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeez... I’m curious about the person in the back there. I hope all three will be ok. (If the third has a problem at all)

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What is the Life Expectancy in Kensington, Philadelphia?

With crime going rampant, it’s easy to guess the impact it has on the average health of residents near or in Kensington, Philadelphia. According to the report mentioned above, in Upper Kensington, where the health factors are the worst, the average man lived up to 63.9 years. The average Philadelphia man in 2019 lived up to 72.3 years—that’s a 10-year difference.

#25

Nichol

Portrait of Nichol posing with blue umbrella

"I don’t really ask people for a lot, I get my money, like I don’t like to, cause a lot of times to get people to take care of you, you have to lie to them. And then lead them on and make them think that you're gonna get clean. And then, and then it ends up getting to be too much, where they’re trying to control what you do. And I’d rather just get the money and end it at that with no strings attached cause I don’t need someone following me around, trying to track me down like, trying to drop me off at rehabs and shit."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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#27

Diana With Her Kids

Portrait of Diana with her kids

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Casandra Nițescu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ok, I seriously don't understand what's so horribly wrong with Nancy's comments? I mean, it DOES look like this woman is pregnant again. It's not an insult, it's not making fun, it's just an observation.

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#29

Marion

Portrait of Marion

"I went into rehab, for, like, snorting cocaine, taking oxies, perks, and I met people that did dope and smoked crack, and, you know, like, one thing led to another, and I was just, I was, I wanted to try it, and I did."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#30

Woman On East Sterner Street

Woman posing on red East Sterner street

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#31

Jennette

Portrait of Jennette

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#32

Edward

Photo of person sitting on the bench and writing journal

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Alia Gail
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can’t imagine what it’s like for people without anywhere to go in the winter. It got to negative fourteen degrees here the other day and i saw a woman on the side of the road in a T-SHIRT. I gave her my coat of course, but even so she could still get frostbite, or worse. It just breaks my heart.

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#33

Crystal

Portrait of Crystal

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Birdgirl45
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But it's a sad, demeaning and hard lifestyle that haunts someone forever if (I'm most cases) they are forced into it

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What is the Documentary About Kensington in Philadelphia?

Pictures taken on Kensington Avenue are just one way to experience the life of the place. Independent YouTubers and news services also took cameras to the street. They captured the atmosphere of the avenue with sound and commentary. SBC News repeatedly covered the avenue, advising viewers to avoid the area

Moreover, a 2023 documentary named Utter Nonsense has drawn attention to the opioid crisis in Philadelphia, specifically highlighting its impact on the Kensington section of the city.

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#36

Eric Kyle

Photography of Eric Kyle posing near graffitti wall

"What I’m doing I really don’t particularly care to be doing, but I do it anyway, and I’m not ashamed of it 'cause if I was ashamed of it, I wouldn’t do it....Until I decide to change it’s what I’m gonna do. Hopefully, like, the will of God...will make me strong enough and give me the determination to stop and get some help."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#37

Bobby

Portrait of Bobby standing on the street

"I sold a lot of drugs and was involved with a lot of like, stuff that had to do with shooting guns and all. Most of it was uh selling drugs and collecting money that was owed to me and it caused me getting into a lot of trouble."

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

#39

Nancy

Portrait of Nancy posing on stairs

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Trixy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All you people making such rude remarks should go find somewhere else to take your negativity. These people are already living less than ideal lives.

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#40

Nancy

Portrait of Nancy posing on stairs

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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CBN2143
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nancy E has chosen to refrain from commenting about this other Nancy

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#41

Alex

Portrait of Alex near concrete building

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Trixy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

review of Black Dahlia: S****y attitude, ugly profile pic, haughty, judgmental, and obnoxious.

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#42

Christian

Photography of Christian behind a metal door

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Meep
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Black Dahlia please do us all a favor and shut up with all of your negative, judgmental comments.

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#43

Jose

Portrait of Jose

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Mimi Guo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only wish that these people will someday have a place to call home...

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#44

A Woman Stands On Kensington Ave

Photography of a woman stands on Kensington Ave

Jeffrey Stockbridge Report

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Maree B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know if you will see this. I wish I knew your name. You matter. You matter. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - from the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13:13

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