Financial Security CLT is a coalition of Mecklenburg County nonprofit organizations who share a belief that financial security is the underpinning of economic mobility. The members of Financial Security CLT have made a commitment to work collaboratively to help families get on and stay on a path to greater financial security. These organizations first came together informally in fall 2018 after attending a national conference on financial security sponsored by Prosperity Now and realizing that the respective missions of their individual agencies could best be fulfilled with an overarching strategy for collective impact.
Financial Security CLT seeks to mobilize local nonprofits, grassroots voices, and the wider community to collaborate and advocate for greater financial security and generational wealth for historically excluded residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
In its work, the Financial Security CLT coalition is guided by the following values:
Financial Security CLT seeks to mobilize local nonprofits, grassroots voices, and the wider community to collaborate and advocate for greater financial security and generational wealth for historically excluded residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Financial Security CLT monitors and is engaged in a broad range of issues that impact the financial security and financial well-being of residents in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. These issues include low wages, the high costs of basic expenses (e.g., housing, childcare, health care, transportation, etc.), and a lack of wealth or financial assets.
In working to accomplish its goals, the members of Financial Security CLT envision playing the following three key roles:
For more information about Financial Security CLT, contact [email protected].
Charlotte, North Carolina, has become a place where a comfortable life requires a six-figure salary, according to a recent study from SmartAsset. The study’s authors used a 50/30/20 model for their calculations, in which no more than 50% of a household’s income is allocated for essentials such as housing, transportation, and groceries, 30% for “fun” things such as hobbies and entertainment, and 20% for savings, investments, and paying off debt.
Read MoreThe Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an often overlooked but invaluable resource for families across the country, including many of the people served at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Aimed at promoting financial wellness and administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA relies on trained volunteers to provide free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. The FREE tax return service is available through two Mecklenburg County agencies this year.
Read MoreFor 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.”
This long-awaited move by North Carolina will provide welcome relief to many low-wage earners who often are not offered health insurance through their employers. Considering the struggles of working families here in Mecklenburg County, there are certainly thousands who will benefit from Medicaid expansion in our own community. Based on evidence from other states, it’s likely all of us will reap the benefits of improved community health, lower eviction rates, and a stronger safety net for our neighbors.
Read MoreWe are proud to partner with Davidson College to co-host Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond on their campus. Desmond’s thought-provoking message will help us understand the systemic issues contributing to poverty and inspire us to be part of the solution here in our own community.
Read MoreWeathering a financial storm is essential for all families to build towards a stronger future. New data about the financial health of our state highlights where disparities exist that prevent individuals and families from reaching economic freedom in five areas: financial assets and income, businesses and jobs, homeownership and housing, health care and education.
Read MoreAs we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this year, we examine his “other dream” through his writings on the elimination of poverty among all Americans.
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