State Rep. Mike O'Brien (D-175th dist.) is reaching out to his constituents in the coming months with a pair of community meetings aimed at helping residents in need.

Last week, he said he hoped meetings would allow him to get to know his constituents better.

"I'm the smallest governmental unit," he said, comparing his number of constituents with the larger population served by City Council and the mayor's office.

"So, I'm accessible," he continued. "People see me around town. As I go through my district, in talking to people, they tell me their problems. We've decided that the best thing to do is put together community meetings."

O'Brien, a longtime aide to his predecessor, Marie Lederer, was first elected in 2006. He will face reelection next year.

While last week's gathering, held on Thursday, Oct. 29, was at the Fishtown Recreation Center, O'Brien will hold the upcoming meetings at separate locations in his district. The 175th covers Fishtown, Northern Liberties, parts of Kensington, and runs as far south as Tasker Street.

Also at the Oct. 29 meeting were representatives from PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works, Independence Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the New Kensington Community Development Corporation. Topics from weatherproofing homes to lowering gas bills were covered.

The available information, O'Brien said, is important to everyone, but can often be difficult to access when desperately needed.

Relating a story about his mother's trouble with a property tax rebate after the death of his father, O'Brien said many residents find themselves confused and frustrated by paperwork and other bureaucratic hurdles.

It's that type of frustration he's hoping to help residents avoid by providing information about public services during the community meetings.

"If you don't know, (how to access these services) it can be the most complicated thing in the world," he said.

During the recent event, residents mingled and leisurely discussed their concerns with the various exhibitors.

Carol Washington-Lomax, a representative from the U.S. Census Bureau, was in attendance to educate residents about the upcoming census in 2010.

Often, she said, members of the public are nervous about talking to the census bureau because they might be illegal immigrants or worry that their information will be shared with other agencies.

That doesn't happen, ever, she promised.

"A lot of people have apprehensions that we would share statistics," said Washington-Lomax. "But, we don't. We've sworn an oath."

Instead, Washington-Lomax said the census bureau holds on to all personal information - such as names and addressees - for 72 years before it eventually is handed over to the National Archives where it becomes a matter of public record.

Joe Filipski, of the NKCDC, was set up at a nearby booth to share information about how to prevent home foreclosure.

He said that, in these times of economic hardship, people need to know how to protect themselves from potentially losing their homes.

He said those in danger of foreclosure often have high amounts of debt and other bills piling up at home, adding to their stress - especially if they don't know where to turn for help.

"We try to educate people ... They might not know where to turn. They don't think there is hope or help for them," he said. "They deal with anxiety, depression and are often in denial. Sometimes it's too late, but we're trying to be proactive rather than reactive."

Fishtown resident Harry Lamport noted the small group of locals who made it out, and joked that the meeting was doomed to have a light turnout from the start because it was scheduled during the opening hour of the Philadelphia Phillies' second game of the World Series.

But, he said, he was happy the meeting was held, as the groups on hand presented needed information for many residents, even if he didn't need anything specific.

"I didn't come out here for anything. I just wanted to see what was going on," he said. "It's a good night out anyhow."

Reporter Hayden Mitman can be reached at 215-354-3124 or hmitman@phillynews.com

Meet your representative

State Representative Michael O'Brien (D-175th dist.) is hosting community meetings to provide information on a variety of topics including jobs, health care, home energy assistance, senior issues, mortgage assistance and more from representatives of various local agencies and organizations.

Visitors also can discuss concerns directly with the representative.

Future meetings will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Old Pine Community Center at 401 Lombard St. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 at George Washington School at 1198 S. Fifth Street.¥¥