A member of First Presbyterian Church and former employee of Bank of America, Ruth Ellen transitioned into the Benefits Access Counselor volunteer role almost two years ago. She is an extremely dedicated individual, supporting customers each week. Thus far, Ruth Ellen has worked over 125 hours, assessing customer needs and connecting each one with community resources for which they are eligible.
jane hixson: “Showing Love is the Best Thing We Can Do…”
jane hixson wants Charlotte to be known for being a loving and giving community. Speaking about her neighbors who are experiencing financial crisis she says, “If we do not help them, it says a great deal about each one of us.” For decades, jane has demonstrated generosity of time and spirit and her support for Crisis Assistance Ministry has meant that struggling neighbors have received urgent assistance with life’s most basic needs.
“Economic Mobility” – The Report that Started It All
“Economic mobility” is the centerpiece of nearly every Charlotte-centered conversation these days. Wondering why? Here’s the report that started it all: “Where is the Land of Opportunity?: The Geography of Intergenerational Mobility in the U.S.”, by researchers at Harvard and UC-Berkeley.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Evictions Series – Full Reports with Local Data
For the first time, the community has access to local-level details of where, why, and how tenants are evicted in Mecklenburg County. Inspired by the award-winning book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, and author Matthew Desmond’s visit here last year, UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute set out to study eviction at the local level.
What We’re Reading: Our Top 10 Discussion-Provoking Books
A Few Thousand Dollars: Sparking Prosperity for Everyone. Author and Prosperity Now founder Bob Friedman makes the case for a revised tax code that could fund a universal savings program in order to close the racial wealth divide in America.
Summer Made Possible Thanks to You
Angel and Tony earned trips to sleepaway camp through the Bruce Irons Camp Fund. But with their mom already struggling to make ends meet, the long supply list was a bit daunting. Fortunately, they were able to shop at the Free Store for flashlights, swimsuits, pajamas, towels, water shoes, toiletries, summer clothes, and more.
Collaboration Brings Jeff Home with Your Help
When his rent went up to just $33 less than his entire monthly income, Jeff joined the ranks of our city’s chronically homeless. For the next 14 months, he made his home in a tent in the woods. He didn’t know what else to do. He couldn’t afford market rent on his disability income, and the waiting lists were so long to get into subsidized housing for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
You Helped Patricia and Her Son Rebuild Their Lives
When her husband walked out on her, Patricia and her 15-year-old son Jamil were plunged into an unfamiliar world of financial distress. Fully disabled after a surgical mistake years earlier, Patricia had relied on the income from her husband’s job to pay the mortgage and other bills. Left with only her monthly Social Security disability payments, she soon found the situation unmanageable.