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.
Interfaith Poverty Simulation Spurs Action in Matthews-Mint Hill
In the fall of 2016, with political acrimony and discord rocking the nation, retired pastor Reverend Richard Little looked around the congregation at Morning Star Lutheran Church and thought to himself, “If we can’t get together in the church to talk about our differences, where can we do that?”
Monthly Mythbusters: Poverty, Rural vs. Urban Impact, and Banking
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.
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.
“Don’t Feel Sorry for Me”
A recent discussion and training session brought together college-aged interns with community advocates who have experienced life on the bottom rung of the economic ladder in Charlotte. The wide-ranging conversation allowed participants to put themselves in the shoes of the people they will serve and to think a bit differently about the lives of people in poverty.
Transforming a Skeptic
I’m skeptical when I hear people talk about life-altering, perspective-shifting experiences. So, when I came home to tell my roommate that I had just experienced one of the most powerful and transformative two hours of my life, I recognized the incredulous face looking back at me.
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.