Raccoons Inside the Ceilings. A Home Falling Apart. A Block Asking for Help.

In this special edition of The Block Report, Don Bird travels to Southwest Philadelphia to investigate a growing wildlife and public safety crisis affecting two neighboring homes on Dicks Avenue.

WHAT WE DOCUMENTED:

– Raccoons inside the walls, ceilings, and closets of a family home
– A homeowner who hears movement at 3AM as animals travel through structural cavities
– A neighboring home in severe disrepair, with multiple exterior openings allowing wildlife to nest
– A resident who loves animals and has tried to care for them, but is overwhelmed
– A timeline of calls made to L&I, the Health Department, the Mayor’s Office, and Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson
– A lack of follow-through that has allowed the situation to escalate

INTERVIEWS INCLUDED:

– Steffond Douglas, homeowner affected by the raccoon intrusion
– The neighboring homeowner, who shares her perspective
– On-site review of property damage, structural openings, and wildlife pathways

THE BROADER ISSUE:

This is not simply an animal control problem.
This is a failure of institutional scaffolding — a breakdown in follow-up, public safety, and structural maintenance that puts entire families at risk.

HOW THE BRIDGE TO LIFE FOUNDATION IS RESPONDING:

The Bridge to LIFE Foundation is stepping in as a community stabilizer, helping:
✔️ The affected family secure resources
✔️ The overwhelmed neighbor get support, repairs, and wildlife guidance
✔️ Connect both parties to humane wildlife organizations
✔️ Coordinate with city agencies for immediate action
✔️ Provide structure, advocacy, and visibility

WHY WE’RE REPORTING THIS:

When systems fail, families suffer.
When visibility increases, accountability follows.
This is why The Don Bird Morning Show and The Block Report exist —
to bring structure, clarity, and stabilization to communities that need it.

📩 If your block is dealing with a similar issue, contact us:
blockreport@birdbrand.com

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