Discussions of poverty and its impact in Charlotte-Mecklenburg often uncover a few myths and misconceptions about who is affected, how they are affected, and how the needs of struggling neighbors are (or are not) met equitably. Each month, we’ll compile relevant topics here that show up in social media and community discussions.
Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which guaranteed women the right to vote. Nearly a century later, has that legal right translated to equality for women?
Partnership Rallies Community to Help Lake Arbor Families
When more than 170 families at Lake Arbor apartments received notice to move out before year’s end, Crisis Assistance Ministry joined a partnership of agencies to help affected residents avoid homelessness. Initial estimates show the community will need an additional $350,000 to assist affected families.
National Senior Citizens Day: The Future is Silver
It’s National Senior Citizens Day, a fitting time to reflect on the outlook for aging in America. About 5% of the people served at Crisis Assistance Ministry are age 65 and over. Each has a unique story of a life filled with triumphs and challenges.
Hungry for Knowledge or Just Plain Hungry?
College students surviving on ramen noodles and peanut butter may not be a myth according to a recent study which revealed nearly half of all students are food insecure. How are college campuses responding?
Oh, SNAP: Proposed Changes to Food Stamps
Imagine receiving a well-deserved raise at work, only to discover that it drives your struggling family further into financial distress.
Poverty: The Newest “Dirty” Word
Poverty isn’t a permanent place that someone lives in; in fact, most people flow in and out of living in poverty throughout their lives. Living paycheck to paycheck is relatively normal today. Therefore, missing a paycheck due to sickness or another issue could cause a surge in the direction of poverty and hinder the ability to pay rent on time or buy groceries for your family.
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.