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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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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Preventing homelessness.
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    500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
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Summer Ahead! 😎 
As schools wrap up for the summer, Charlotte families look ahead to how they will keep their children occupied and cared for all summer long.
What are some of your "close to home" plans for the summer?
🏊‍♀️ ☀️ ⛲

crisisassistmin

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It's Intern Season!
Last week, our civic engagement team met with @CovenantPresbyCLT interns kicking off their summer of service. These young adults took part in a poverty simulation activity and talked about real life issues facing the families served at Crisis Assistance Ministry.

crisisassistmin

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As we take time out this Memorial Day weekend to remember those who sacrificed on our behalf, Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed to all customers, staff, donors, and volunteers on Monday, May 29, 2023. Typical business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30.

crisisassistmin

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This family of five signed up to provide snacks for families who seek assistance here because "everyone could contribute." 17 year old Lydia wrote messages, 13 year old Spencer washed apples, Mom packed crackers, Dad packed cookies, and 6-month-old Isaiah cheered everyone on.
With summer ahead, there will be even more need for snack packs to share with the families served here. You can find this and other volunteer opportunities on our website.

#volunteers

crisisassistmin

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Should North Carolina Implement Child Tax Credits?
Expanded federal child tax credits were a lifeline for many families during the pandemic. But those expansions have expired and aren't likely to be renewed at the federal level. North Carolina could implement its own credit to help families struggling to make ends meet. 
You can learn more about the benefits and decide what you think at the link in bio. #NCChildTaxCredit #FightPoverty #PreserveDignity

crisisassistmin

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Thank you for a fabulous National Volunteer Week! You inspire us every day with your commitment to help all of our neighbors achieve financial stability.

crisisassistmin

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As expanded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits end, hunger-fighting groups expect a surge in demand at food banks and warn that SNAP recipients may fall back into poverty. Some studies estimated that the Emergency Allotments during the pandemic reduced child poverty by 14% in 2021. This week we ask who will suffer now that these benefits have expired in North Carolina and all remaining states? (Read more through link in bio)

crisisassistmin

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Meet Ed Holland, a grandfather who gives back consistently and finds hope in helping others who are experiencing a financial crisis. In less than two minutes, hear his hopeful outlook, what fuels his community involvement, and his invitation to join the Challenge going on right now to help more families who visit Crisis Assistance Ministry for help. #DoGoodCLT #DoubleYourImpact

crisisassistmin

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Yesterday was a great day to celebrate #volunteers with so many great groups "in the house!" First up:  two sets of high schoolers from opposite sides of the Atlantic. 
📷 1 & 2:  Teens from West Charlotte HS who serve consistently, always getting stuff done in our warehouse.
📷 3:  High school students from all the way in France via Charlotte Latin School who also spent time preparing donated goods for Free Store shoppers.
We ♥️ our teen volunteers who bring so much energy to their visits here.

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