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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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How the American Rescue Plan of 2021 Could Transform Poverty

For the hardworking families served at Crisis Assistance Ministry, and millions of others like them across the country, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 has the potential to be life changing.

March 16, 2021

 For the hardworking families served at Crisis Assistance Ministry, and millions of others like them across the country, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 has the potential to be life-changing. 

Now that President Joe Biden has signed the $1.9 trillion-dollar COVID relief plan into law, experts and everyday people alike are examining the details to understand its true impact. Fortunately, indications are that it will have the greatest positive effect on those who have suffered the most during the pandemic, who are disproportionately lower-income people of color. 

Four components of the plan – the $1,400 direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and expansion of the child tax credit – are projected to have transformative effects on millions of vulnerable families.  

According to a recent report by the Urban Institute, these four elements may slash child poverty in half this year, reduce the overall poverty rate by one-third, and lessen the disparity in poverty rates for households of color compared to white households in 2021. 

Here in North Carolina, the bill’s increased childcare tax credit is expected to lift 137,000 children in our state out of poverty, according to NC Policy Watch. Furthermore, the bill provides broader benefits to children overall with 92% standing to benefit from this boost to their parents’ budget. 

smiling girl and boy
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/awqZwqtnxXE 

The American Rescue Plan not only raises the maximum amount of tax credit per child but makes that credit available to parents whose incomes were previously too low or too high to claim it. In addition, checks will be sent periodically throughout the year rather than in one lump sum at tax time, making money available for families to use as needed. 

Some analysts point out that the American Rescue Plan’s provisions are targeted at kick-starting recovery from the devastation of COVID-19 so their effects may well be temporary. Others believe the success and popularity of many of the plan’s approaches could lead to permanent changes and usher in a new way of addressing poverty and economic disparities. Certainly, the idea that a relatively modest influx of cash for families can result in a dramatic decrease in poverty and as increased financial stability for lower-income households is gaining traction with policymakers. 

At Crisis Assistance Ministry, the average family’s rent or utility crisis is solved with a $400 payment to the vendor. If these families’ tight budgets were eased through policies that put some hard-earned money back into their hands, they would have a greater ability to plan, save, and resolve their own financial emergencies. All families desire that level of stability, freedom, and dignity.  

The American Rescue Plan of 2021 is a sweeping piece of legislation encompassing a wide variety of actions designed to save lives, stabilize families, and bolster the economy.  Along with the four key provisions discussed above, the package includes money to help reopen schools, aid with rent and utilities, revitalize the restaurant industry, and expand health care, among other actions.  

For more details, refer to The National Law Review’s summary of the plan or the full text of H.R.1319-American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. 

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: american rescue plan, childcare tax, childcare tax credit, covid relief, crisis assistance, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Poverty, snap, supplemental nutrition assistance program

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

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    Charlotte, NC 28206
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We can't wait for next month's LIVE MUSIC tribute benefitting families served here. Rock Star Randy Franklin has put together a great show at @theeveningmuse featuring @kennyroby of @6stringdrag and other local musicians in a tribute to the craft of songwriting. This show has been known to sell out, so you'll want to grab your tickets soon. (Use the Quick Link in our bio)

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Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed Monday, July 4, 2022, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Typical hours resume on Tuesday, July 5. 😎

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Happy New Year! 🎉
Our staff celebrated the beginning of a new fiscal year with smiles and a few popsicles this afternoon. Every one of them counts it an honor to serve our neighbors here.
Thanks for helping us continue serving families in financial crisis throughout the year 😎

crisisassistmin

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Pssst . . . we've got plenty of room for group and individual #volunteers this summer (and even this fall). These great folks from @wellsfargo helped prepare donated clothing for Free Store shoppers yesterday. Meanwhile, individual volunteers helped get customers connected to emergency financial assistance. You can find the perfect opportunity for you OR your teens by visiting our VOLUNTEER tab on our website. (link in bio)

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This volunteer team from @CareRingNC's Nurse Family Partnership brought a burst of energy Friday as they inspected and hung clothes in the warehouse and then helped stock the Free Store. We had a hard time keeping up with them, but with their help the store is now stocked and ready for up to 60 Mecklenburg County families per day to shop free-of-charge thanks to the generosity of our community. And the store looks fabulous, thanks to awesome #volunteers!

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Rising fifth-grader Haley knows what she wants. Accompanied by her mother, she combs the aisles of Crisis Assistance Ministry's Free Store looking to find just what she needs for her upcoming trip to camp. An avid reader, Haley is among 150+ area scholars who will attend overnight camp this summer with the help of @wayfindersnc. Mom Amber is focused on the basics, but then a new summer companion catches Haley's eye. Join her on her shopping trip at the link in bio: Meet Haley's New Friend

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The ONE Charlotte Health Alliance mobile unit will be back onsite Wednesday AND Thursday this week. Wednesday (9 am to 4 pm) will focus on Free HIV Testing, and Thursday (10 am to 3 pm) will include a variety of health screenings.
No appointment is necessary.

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Crisis Assistance Ministry is closed today to observe Juneteenth. But the question remains: while Juneteenth commemorates the arrival of legal emancipation for formerly enslaved people, when will we loose the chains of economic disparity and move our community toward a place of equity? Read more in today's blog at the link in our bio.

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Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed on Monday, June 20, 2022, in observance of Juneteenth. Typical business hours will resume on Tuesday, June 21.

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