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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Beyond the Poverty Rate: A More Nuanced Look at Financial Security in Mecklenburg County

You've probably heard the saying that numbers don’t lie. But when it comes to understanding poverty, the numbers certainly can be deceiving. Mecklenburg County’s Scorecard, based on data from 2019, paints an optimistic picture overall. On most measures, our community appears to be thriving. But when those numbers are broken down by race, a very different picture emerges.

November 17, 2021

You’ve probably heard the saying that numbers don’t lie. But when it comes to understanding poverty, the numbers certainly can be deceiving.

According to the latest Census Bureau data, the overall poverty rate in the United States is 11.4%. But that figure masks tremendous variations across the country, from a high of 18.8% in Mississippi to a low of 5.3% in New Hampshire. North Carolina falls in between at 13.2%.

Of course, differences in poverty exist within states as well. The newly-released Prosperity Now Scorecard is an excellent tool for examining the economic wellbeing of a given location and comparing it with other places across the country.

Mecklenburg County’s Scorecard, based on data from 2019, paints an optimistic picture overall. On most measures, our community appears to be thriving. Our poverty rate of 8.4% is considerably lower than both the national and state rates. We also have a relatively low unemployment rate (3.8%) and a high percentage of adults with a college degree (45.4%).

But when those numbers are broken down by race, a very different picture emerges.

Of course, having employment, sufficient income, and a good education are critical factors in attaining financial stability. But acquiring assets and building wealth is the key to achieving genuine economic security, so the number of families in Mecklenburg County with zero net worth is of particular concern. Overall, nearly 1 in 5 households here have absolutely no financial cushion to fall back on. But households of color, particularly Black families, are much more likely to accumulate no wealth, making them especially vulnerable to unexpected financial strain.

The creator of the Scorecard, Prosperity Now, is a research and advocacy organization that envisions “an economy that is just, fair, and free from structural racism. One where every person, family, and community has the power to build sustainable wealth and prosperity.”

Their website, prosperitynow.org, contains a treasure trove of free information that anyone can use to increase their knowledge and understanding of the complex issues related to financial wellbeing. These innovative resources are designed for use in the pursuit of economic equity and justice.

For local level insights, spend some time exploring Mecklenburg County’s Scorecard. Along with the type of data illustrated above, you will find information on homeownership, entrepreneurship, health insurance coverage, and more, broken down by race, gender, family type, and nativity.

To ensure everyone in our community has an equal opportunity to thrive, we must begin with acknowledging that racial inequities exist. The Prosperity Now Scorecard puts the data in a user-friendly format so you can dig deep below the surface and uncover the truth that is all too often obscured by the numbers.

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: Income Pvoerty, Poverty Rate, Prosperity Now, Scorecard

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  • 500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
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🎓🎓🎓Look CLOSELY at this video. You'll see a group, but each extraordinary individual within it carries a story of resilience that knows no bounds. As we congratulate our newest customer advocate class, we're also honoring their unique experiences and eagerly anticipate their advocacy moving forward. Collectively, their stories powerfully illustrate the challenges many families navigate when seeking help during a crisis.

This year, as we mark our 50th Anniversary, our Customer Advocate's #LivedExperiences are only a few of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing— demonstrating stories of resilience and the support that helps individuals regain stability.

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Happy Independence Day as we celebrate freedom in all its forms— including the freedom to pursue housing and financial stability! We cheer on all those working hard to build a secure future for themselves and their families. #FinancialFreedom #IndependenceDay

Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed on July 4th. We will resume normal business hours on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

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Inspired! Last week, the Middle School Ministry from Thomas Road Baptist Church (Lynchburg, VA) @ThomasRoad traveled over 200 miles to serve our Mecklenburg County neighbors.

Despite the heat, these young people delivered 150 snack packs and cold water and meticulously stocked the Free Store with dignity. 

There's always a place for volunteer groups here. Head over to our link in bio to sign up.

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"It could have been way worse... I was on the emergence of a deployment and I couldn't get any help here from family and friends."

George, an active service member, courageously shares his #LivedExperience of facing a financial crisis while deployed. He found a lifeline at Crisis Assistance Ministry, securing vital rental and utility assistance. Since 1975, we have been here lifting up our neighbors so that no one has to face financial hardship alone.

For 50 years, neighbors like George have found what they needed at Crisis Assistance Ministry to achieve financial stability. His is just one of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing in recognition of #50yearsofhopeCLT.

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🚨ATTENTION: A new bill in Congress, H.R. 1, proposes significant cuts to vital safety-net programs for Mecklenburg County families. This could impact food security, healthcare, and energy assistance for our most vulnerable neighbors.

At Crisis Assistance Ministry, we believe everyone deserves basic dignity. Learn why these potential changes matter to our community and how it may affect you.

➡️ Tap the link in bio for full details.

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Full circle moments! ✨ In our 50th Anniversary year, we were so honored to welcome students from @queensuniv, carrying forward a legacy started by our founder, Queens alumna Caroline Love Myers!

This amazing group spent their afternoon meticulously stocking our Free Store and processing incoming donations – turning generous gifts into dignified essentials for families in crisis.

These students reminded us that these shelves stay full because of YOU, our incredible material goods donors! Your contributions directly empower families. Want to keep this legacy of compassion thriving? Learn how to donate goods: Link in Bio!

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🥵 We are feeling the Charlotte heat! For many neighbors, staying cool isn't just about comfort—it's critical. Extreme heat disproportionately impacts lower-income communities due to factors like urban heat islands and historical disinvestment.

Here at Crisis Assistance Ministry, the community comes together to help households pay their utilities, ensuring families can have air conditioning or running fans during these sweltering days. You can be the neighbor to help keep the electricity on! Link in bio to learn more and give.

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Twenty-five years of heart. 25 years of steadfast leadership. ✨ We're honoring our CEO, Carol Hardison, for a quarter-century of dedicated service to Crisis Assistance Ministry and our neighbors. It's remarkable, especially considering she's only the second CEO in our 50-year journey!

Want to help us celebrate this amazing milestone? Flood our comments with a "Happy Anniversary Carol!" 👇Don't forget to tag her @carolinthehouse
#HappyAnniversaryCarol #Leadership #CommunityHero #CrisisAssistanceMinistry #Charlotte

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Meck County and the City of Charlotte have opened cooling stations across the area, including:
•	Day Service Centers
•	Recreation & Senior Centers
•	Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries
•	Spraygrounds, Pools & Beaches!

PLUS, CATS (@ridecats) is offering FREE transportation to cooling stations.

This is critical for a variety of populations, including those experiencing homelessness, seniors, and families struggling with utility costs. Access to cool spaces and resources like fans (available from Mecklenburg County DSS for eligible residents!) can literally be life-saving.

KNOW THE SIGNS: Heat illness is preventable! Drink water, limit activity, and seek cool spaces. Spread the word! Visit @mecklenburgcounty for more details.

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