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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Energy: The Overlooked Aspect of Affordable Housing

As the debate about how to fix Charlotte’s affordable housing shortage rages on, it’s important to remember that skyrocketing rents are not the only factor. “Affordable housing” means a household spends no more than 30% of its income on rent and utilities. It’s that second part – the cost of utilities – that often gets left out of the conversation.

June 7, 2019

As the debate about how to fix Charlotte’s affordable housing shortage rages on, it’s important to remember that skyrocketing rents are not the only factor.  “Affordable housing” means a household spends no more than 30% of its income on rent and utilities.  It’s that second part – the cost of utilities – that often gets left out of the conversation.

Energy Costs Hit Low-Income Homes Harder

The percentage of a household’s income spent on utilities is known as its “energy burden”.  A 2016 study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that low-income households have an average energy burden of 7.2%, more than triple the 2.3% experienced by higher-income households.

Source: Lifting the High Energy Burden in America’s Largest Cities

In Charlotte, the study found, low-income families at the median have an 8% energy burden as opposed to 4% for the city overall.

Less Energy Efficient Homes Increase Burden

Compounding the problem is the fact that low-income renters are likely to live in housing that is not as well maintained and less energy-efficient, thereby paying for heating and cooling that literally flies out the window.  If the landlord is unwilling or unable to invest in weatherization and other improvements, the tenant is left scrambling to pay for utilities or, in some cases, simply do without.

Old fashioned dial thermostat

The recent announcement of Piedmont Natural Gas’ plans to increase its rates in North Carolina highlights the impact of utility bills on lower-income families.  The company says the average customer’s bill would increase by about $6 a month, an amount easily absorbed by households with disposable income.  But for families living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to pay ever-increasing rents, any additional utility costs could be the proverbial straw that breaks the budget’s back.

Most people would agree that shelter, electricity, and heat in the winter are essential to survival.  These basic necessities are increasingly out of reach for too many families in our community.  Let’s remember that affordable housing refers to more than just a roof and walls.

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: Affordable Housing, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Energy Burden, Energy Costs, Piedmont Natural Gas

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    Charlotte, NC 28206
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What a happy accident. @kwballantyne and @Southpark both signed up to spend #RedDay here and didn’t even know it! They had such a great time serving the community listening to great music and banding together to get the Free Store in tip-top shape. 
Keller Williams was so enthusiastic about helping community members overcome long-term financial instability for their families, they stayed an extra hour before their lunch and had another crew from Southpark serve at 1pm! 👏🏽

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You know how it is – life gets busy, but when something good comes along, you pay attention. Well, guess what? Myers Park United Methodist Church just jumped into our Challenge! 🙌 Their support, along with Christ Church, Covenant Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church, and Myers Park Presbyterian Church is seriously boosting this thing we’re all making happen together.
 
Now, if you’ve been meaning to get involved but haven’t yet, or maybe you donated a while back? 🤔 Good news! This wave of generosity means your gifts will now be doubled through June 1st! Consider it a little nudge – a chance to double your dollars and make a real difference for folks right here in our community.

And hey, if you’re new to the party and looking for a way to actually see your money doing good? 🌱 This is it. Every donation until June 1st gets matched. Let’s not let this momentum fade – we hope to finish strong, like we always do. 💪 Head over to the usual place to make a direct donation.

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To the mothers who face the toughest battles and still rise to provide for their children: Your strength is our inspiration. ❤️ Meet Natasha, a mother of three who found support through Crisis Assistance Ministry and our Financial Empowerment program. Her journey of perseverance is a powerful reminder of a mother's unconditional love.

Happy Mother's Day to all the resilient mothers out there! Let's show them some love today. Double-tap if you agree! 👇

#HappyMothersDay #Resilience #MothersLove #FinancialEmpowerment #CrisisAssistanceMinistry #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp

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Just a little love going to Eastway Middle School! 🥰 Thanks to the community’s generous donations through our Partner Agency Shopping Service, we helped create 105 gift baskets for their amazing teachers’ appreciation event. Your donations provided the materials, directly showing the power of your giving in our community, especially for our educators.

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This is what it looks like when you leave it all on the field! 📢 What more can we say? @davidsonwildcat just showed what it means to play for something bigger than yourselves! They ran a full press on a month-long donation drive across their campus, and collected a truckload of items for neighbors who shop here, free of charge, for essentials. Shout-out to @c_kochera and the Davidson Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Let's take this energy and continue to champion our customers with the dignity they deserve! 💪 #CrisisAssisMin #DavidsonCollegeAthletics #GoCats #AthleticsDoneRight

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Imagine the excitement of finding your dream prom dress! 🥰 Thanks to an amazing collaboration between Crisis Assistance Ministry, #AtriumHealth, and other generous organizations, local teens received stunning prom dresses, jewelry, makeup, and even empowering workshops on safety and beauty! It was a day filled with excitement and confidence. Thank you to everyone who made these dreams a reality! #AtriumHealth #CharMeckSchools #CMS #PromSeason #SeniorProm #JuniorProm

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This week, we're showering our incredible educators with appreciation! 🎉 From classroom teachers to supportive parents, dedicated bus drivers, caring counselors, and everyone in between. Thank you for inspiring, guiding, and shaping the future. We "apple-solutely" value all you do! ❤️ #EducationAppreciation #ThankATeacher #TeacherAppreciationWeek

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Ever wonder about the name Conor? 🤔 Our amazing Benefits Access Volunteer, Conor (spelled the Irish way with one “N”!), shared his inspiring journey to Crisis Assistance Ministry and how he empowers our neighbors. But there’s extra magic when Conor invites you to join in a matching Challenge! Between now and May 15th, every donation is DOUBLED thanks to a 100% match! Imagine the impact! If you’re ready to make your generosity go twice as far? Click the link in bio or CC for details, and let’s rise to Conor’s challenge together! Time’s ticking – May 15th will be here before you know it! 😉 crisisassistance.org/donate/social/ (see stories to click directly)

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Happy International Dance Day!
Throwing it back (in more ways than one) to this holiday 2024 moment of joy featuring Crisis Assistance Ministry staff and community members who have overcome difficulties to create long-term financial stability for their families.

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