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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Can We Really Abolish Poverty?

For Pulitzer Prize-winning author and sociologist Matthew Desmond, the answer is YES! During his recent visit to Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Desmond brought both data and passion to the discussion of why America is one of the richest nations on earth, yet has "more poverty than any other advanced democracy."

October 26, 2023

For Pulitzer Prize-winning author and sociologist Matthew Desmond, the answer is YES!

During his recent visit to Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Desmond brought both data and passion to the discussion of why America is one of the richest nations on earth, yet has “more poverty than any other advanced democracy.”

With compelling data, he explained why his research shows poverty persists and thoroughly dispelled the notion that ending poverty is unaffordable.

“I’m asked what I think the biggest myth about poverty is. I always say that we have to live with it, that it’s like the normal state of affairs. Our ambitions have become very boring, you know, and defeatist,” said Desmond as he spoke to a small group of changemakers at Crisis Assistance Ministry before his evening keynote at Davidson College.

He offered examples of efforts that worked to reduce poverty, including the expanded child tax credit during the pandemic that cut child poverty in half during the brief time it was implemented. Yet, he says, people did not celebrate that small step forward, so lawmakers let it expire without much fanfare. If government programs like that can and do work, why does poverty persist, he asked?

Why Does Poverty Persist?

One reason: a good bit of government aid intended to reduce the impact of poverty does not reach people who need it most. There is little evidence that welfare dependence is prevalent, Desmond said. Rather, welfare avoidance is much more common.

What’s more, the United States spends exponentially higher amounts on tax breaks and other subsidies for the affluent than we do to fight poverty. In fact, Desmond’s research reveals that top 20% of U.S. families receive 40% more in government subsidies than the poorest 20%.

Equally important for Desmond is the continued exploitation of the poor by labor, housing, and financial markets. Low-wage workers often have to work multiple jobs to afford basics. Here, Desmond points the finger for the persistence of poverty directly at middle and upper-class taxpayers along with corporate monoliths.

“I think there’s so much poverty here not in spite of our affluence but because of it,” Desmond proclaimed.

Becoming Poverty Abolitionists

Desmond charged listeners to become “poverty abolitionists” by “recognizing that profiting from others’ pain corrupts us all.” To do so means pushing those in power to begin to do three big things:

  • INVEST in families by rebalancing the safety net to ensure families can access help when it’s needed, to streamline the processes that administer that aid, and to divest from the systems that can keep people away from aid.
  • EMPOWER the poor by reining in exploitation with a mass movement for economic justice that champions labor changes and sectoral bargaining.
  • BUILD inclusive and open communities that allow low-wage earners to actually access home ownership while replacing exclusionary zoning laws with inclusionary laws to tear down the (literal and figurative) walls that force economic segregation.

He offers detailed ideas and compiles powerful data on his national website End Poverty in America which offers this fact sheet about poverty and economic justice in North Carolina.

Desmond’s message is clear and repeated on that site: “Poverty will be abolished in America only when a mass movement demands it so.”

To the audience of 600 individuals who gathered at the Belk Family Performance Hall on the campus of Davidson College to hear his keynote address, he closed with a critical question about the abolition of poverty: “Why settle for anything less?”

Learn More

  • READ from WFAE: Maybe we should actually be a bit more hopeful about poverty
  • READ from Princeton University: Princeton sociologist Matthew Desmond urges individuals to commit to abolishing poverty
  • LISTEN from WFAE’s Charlotte Talks: How does America prosper while so many Americans struggle to make ends meet?
  • READ from GoodReads: Poverty, by America
  • WATCH from Urban Institute: In Conversation with Matt Desmond: How We Can End Poverty in America
  • READ from The New York Times Magazine: Why Poverty Persists in America

Filed Under: Advocacy, Agency News Tagged With: #abolishpoverty, #FinancialSecurityCLT, #FSCLT, #opportunityforall, 50, Abolish Poverty, Davidson College, Economic Mobility, Matthew Desmond

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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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