Standing Together for Justice
This is an excerpt of the joint statement offered in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations, City of Charlotte Office of Equity, Mobility and Immigrant Integration, Mecklenburg County Office of Equity and Inclusion, Community Building Initiative, and Race Matters for Juvenile Justice. To view our full statement, please click here.
To date, 2020 has been a very difficult year for our country and those of us who call Charlotte-Mecklenburg home. Our lives have changed in ways we could have hardly imagined when the year began. Now, in the midst of dealing with the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 and the inequities it has illuminated, a virus that has plagued black and brown communities for over 400 years has proved yet again that it can be just as damaging to one’s livelihood - discrimination, white supremacy and systematic racism. The ongoing intolerance against Black people has manifested itself in violent acts such as lynchings. With the death of George Floyd due to the actions and inactions of law enforcement, it now affirms what has long been known; namely, that racism and injustice continue to persist throughout our community and within our institutions.
Collectively, we must be intentional about how we move towards healing as a community and a nation. In the past, we have allowed tough issues around race and injustice to sink back into our personal and community’s ground - like toxic waste - only to have the discord, pain and anger resurface with the next crisis. We rush to get back to “normal” without acknowledging that what many deem “normal” has been fairer for some than others and has been a significant part of the problem. It will take a new normal that examines root causes to create true and lasting change.
Many wonder what actionable steps can be taken to begin this process. We want to hear from you, and frankly it is our responsibility that you be heard. Over the coming months, we will be hosting community conversations to listen to one another, discuss work currently being done to address these issues and partner within the community to explore solution-oriented ideas. We know our community is hurting, and we know that the trauma is deeply rooted. We also know the strength and power we have when we work together.
This is not a time for any of us to sit on the sidelines but rather a time for reflection, response and involvement to make our community a place where everyone has an equitable opportunity to flourish and breathe.
COVID-19 Community Resources
Emergency Assistance
Charlotte Area Fund is committed to providing emergency assistance to Mecklenburg County residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that many are experiencing circumstances that are nuanced. As such, the Charlotte Area Fund is expanding family and household support services to reach those experiencing loss of job, income and other situations due to the pandemic. If you or someone you know is experiencing hardships, contact the fund by calling (704) 372-3010, emailing info@charlotteareafund.org or visiting the Charlotte Area Fund website.
The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy can assist individuals and families who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. They can answer questions and assist with unemployment benefits, stimulus payments, evictions, foreclosures or utility shut-offs, health care coverage, and food assistance. Learn more here.
Housing
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau , Federal Housing Finance Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development launched a new mortgage and housing assistance website that consolidates the CARES Act mortgage relief, protections for renters, resources for additional help, and information on how to avoid COVID-19 related scams. It also provides lookup tools for homeowners to determine if their mortgage is federally backed, and for renters to find out if their rental unit is financed by the Federal Housing Authority, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac.
Financial Security
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has compiled several resources on how consumers can protect their finances during the pandemic, including what you need to know about student loans and the pandemic, federal mortgage relief options, a guide to economic stimulus checks, and helping small businesses during COVID-19. You can find these resources and many others on the CFPB blog.
Employment Opportunities
Each week, our job development team curates a list of employment opportunities with Charlotte Works and N.C. Works. Additionally, we also host weekly virtual job fairs. See the latest job opportunities available here. Want to attend our next job fair? Click here for more information.
You can also find additional employment opportunities from the following resources: The
- Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s website has immediate employment opportunities available.
- The Charlotte Business Journal recently published a list of current job opportunities in Charlotte during COVID-19.
Food Access
Dilworth Soup Kitchen is a nonprofit organization providing hot, nutritious lunches every Monday of the year to approximately 150 neighbors and guests from throughout Charlotte. An all-volunteer team prepares and serves fresh, high-quality food, generously donated by local partners, including individuals, businesses and corporate donors. Learn more online.
JumpStart Community Safety Microgrants Now Available
Our next cycle of JumpStart Community Safety Grants is now open. These microgrants provide up to $500 (for first-time applicants) to community-based organizations to help jumpstart efforts around the following themes:
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Crime Fighting & Prevention
- Opportunities for Youth and/or Parents
- Family Stability
- Addressing Racial Segregation
Applications are due June 13. Learn more here.
Headline YMCA Seeking Church Partnerships for Summer Camp Facilities
The YMCA will need to operate summer camps at 50% capacity at their location to accommodate new safety precautions, which means serving 1,500 kids rather than 3,000. They are exploring partnerships with facilities at houses of faith which would allow them to serve all 3,000 of the children they usually serve. Please contact Victor Nicholson at victor.nicholson@ymcacharlotte.org or 718-908-9031 if you are interested and if your facilities meet the following criteria:
- Has a multiuse space large enough for 60 kids
- Large enough parking space for 5-6 cars
- Entrance that allows for the kids to enter the space directly without use of hallways and that can be dedicated for use by the kids during summer camp hours
- Has field space available
- Bathrooms in the facility
- Classrooms in the facility
Urban Ministry Center Now Called ROOF ABOVE, Opens Third Location
Urban Ministry is excited to announce that they have merged with Men’s Shelter to create the combined organization ROOF ABOVE. They are now opening a third location which will allow for increased social distancing while serving more people. This residence will have additional focus of helping support the guests in employment opportunities. Check out their website for additional information.
Parents Matter Program from Planned Parenthood
Are you the caregiver or guardian of a middle or high school teen? Planned Parenthood is hosting virtual parenting programs. These programs provide valuable information and tools to help parents and caregivers effectively communicate their values while providing the information young people need to make healthy decisions. Contact Jessica Neupane at 980-280-6792 to sign up or for additional information.
Mecklenburg County Absentee Voting
Any voter registered in Mecklenburg County can request an absentee ballot from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections prior to the last Tuesday before an election by completing the Absentee Ballot Request Form. An application and ballots will be mailed to the voter after the receipt of a completed form. The form must be mailed or hand delivered to our office. Electronic forms will not be accepted.
