Year: 2018

2018 Promotional Materials for Seventh Hunger and Homeless Banquet and Soup Luncheon

October 26, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles

October, 2018 is drawing to a close, and the November 10th, 2018 Seventh Annual Hunger and Homeless Banquet and Soup Luncheon is almost here.

This page contains some promotional materials that you can use to help spread the word.

PRINTED & PRINTABLES

Hear and Learn Flyer

8.5 x 11"
PDF Format

Hear and Learn Flyer 2-up

8.5 x 11"
PDF Format

AUDIOVISUAL

Youtube video, 60-second presentation: https://youtu.be/gFq99jK6KfA
Youtube video, 30-second radio PSA: https://youtu.be/WUlG26lQoBI

Radio PSA, 30 seconds, 320kbit MP3, 1.2MB: 7th-hh-30sec-radio-spot-BCHC.mp3

Radio PSA, 30 seconds, WAV format, 5.3MB: 7th-hh-30sec-radio-spot-BCHC.wav

FACEBOOK

If you use Facebook, you can click on the following link to share the Seventh Hunger and Homeless Banquet page to Facebook: Facebook Share/BCHC/Seventh H&H Banquet

WORD OF MOUTH

Invite your friends, influential people, random strangers, and anyone else you can think of. Remember to tell them to go to brunswick homeless dot com to register online.

NC Disaster Supplimental Nutrition Assistance (Food Stamps) Now Available

September 26, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles

Information comes from the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has received approval to help people buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) program in 27 counties that were declared a federal disaster after the storm. In Brunswick County, you should apply in person at Odell Williamson Auditorium between Sept. 28th and Oct. 6th, 2018. (9/28 8:30am-5pm, 9/29 9am-5pm, and 10/1 through 10/6 9am-5pm).

More Storm Information
More storm recovery information is available on the following page: brunswickhomeless.com/florence-recovery/

D-SNAP/Emergency Food Stamps: Eligibility

To be eligible, people must:

  • Live in one of these counties: Bladen, Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, New Hanover, Moore, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson. (Other counties may be added later.)
  • Have suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Florence, such as damage to property, loss of income or food loss.
  • Have proof of identity and proof of residency (if available).
  • Have income and resources below certain levels.
  • Not currently be receiving help buying food through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program.

Note: Those already receiving FNS can also get extra help buying food, but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application. Your additional benefits should appear on your card by Thursday, September 27th, 2018.

Amount
The assistance amount depends on household size, but a family of one would receive $192, a family of four would receive $640, and larger families would receive more.

Application information
The application window is Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, through Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. All application sites will be closed Sunday, Sept. 30. People who want to apply for help buying food must do so in person. People are encouraged to apply in the county they live in, but can apply in person in any of the 27 counties, regardless of which county they live in. Expect wait times when you get to the office. Counties will do everything they can to process applications quickly, but many people are expected to apply.

Brunswick County applications will be received at Odell Williamson Auditorium/Brunswick Community College Main Campus, 50 College Road NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 according to the following schedule:

Fri., Sept. 28 … 8:30 – 5pm
Sat., Sept. 29 … 9-5pm
Mon., Oct 1 … 8:30-5pm
Tue., Oct 2 … 8:30-5pm
Wed., Oct 3 … 8:30-5pm
Thu., Oct 4 … 8:30-5pm
Fri., Oct 5 … 8:30-5pm
Sat., Oct 6 … 8:30-5pm

You can complete your application ahead of time and bring it with you if you want to. (English application, Spanish application). If you are eligible, you will receive your one-time debit card the same day you apply, so you will only need to visit the office once. You will be able to use your card to buy food within three days of receiving it. More information about what you need to bring with you to apply and how you can use your benefits to buy food is available in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

Source: www.ncdhhs.gov/after-hurricane-florence-help-buying-food, www.ncdhhs.gov/hurricane-florence-d-snap-locations

Hurricane Florence Recovery – Emergency Relief [Update 10-5-2018]

September 21, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles
This article was updated Sun Sep 23 13:33:56 EDT 2018 to include emergency hotline numbers, Sunday distribution sites, and Fire Department Distribution information, on Mon Sep 24 10:54:58 EDT 2018 to include FEMA information, Tue Sep 25 10:24:29 EDT 2018 to update donation needs, Wed Sep 26 12:38:04 EDT 2018 to add D-SNAP information/Local and Regional Resource Links/additional 9/26 - 9/28 distribution sites, Fri Sep 28 13:09:57 EDT 2018 to add additional county & BFA distribution sites and road information, and Mon Oct 1 16:39:57 EDT 2018, Fri Oct 5 16:59:22 EDT 2018, Fri Oct 12 20:08:40 EDT 2018, and Tue Oct 23 12:22:56 EDT 2018 to add distribution sites.

FEMA Disaster relief: Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to determine whether you are eligible, or visit the website disasterassistance.gov to check eligibility for federal, state, local, and voluntary organizations’ assistance. FEMA has also published a disaster information page: www.fema.gov/hurricane-florence

Hurricane Relief: Emergency Supplies Distribution – Brunswick County

Tuesday 10/23/2018

  • THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462, Tues. & Thur. 11:00am – 4:00pm

Thursday 10/25/2018

  • THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462, Tues. & Thur. 11:00am – 4:00pm


Hurricane Florence Hotline and Recovery Numbers
As published on WECT-TV6
• If you are unable to get what you need from a distribution site, you may call your county’s hotline/recovery number, listed below.

Brunswick County: 910-253-5383
New Hanover County: 910-798-6800
Pender County: 910-259-1210
Columbus County: 910-640-6610
Bladen County: 910-862-7813

D-SNAP (Emergency Food Stamps)
The D-SNAP (Emergency Food Stamps) benefit period from Hurricane Florence is closed in all counties declared a federal disaster after the storm. In Brunswick County, the application site was Odell Williamson Auditorium between Sept. 28th and Oct. 6th, 2018. Past information is available online.

Donations and Volunteers

Brunswick Family Assistance continues to coordinate donations and volunteer efforts in Brunswick County. Those wishing to donate or volunteer should contact Brunswick Family Assistance at 910-754-4766 or 910-231-9182.

RELIEF DONATION NEEDS identified as of 9-25-2018: Residents continue to be in need of basic necessities; some families have lost everything and must rebuild from scratch. The following items have been identified as especially needed as relief supplies.
  • Nonperishable foods (Must be sealed and within freshness/expiration date)
  • Diapers
  • Toiletries & feminine items
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Paper towels/toilet tissue
  • Clothing, undergarments, shoes, socks, towels, and sheets (Must be new/unused)
  • Gift cards from stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes Home Improvement, and Food Lion

Before donating, it is suggested to contact BFA at 910-754-4766 or brunswickfamily@yahoo.com to ensure that the goods being donated meet citizens’ needs. BFA is receiving donations at the Brunswick Beacon. Items donated for storm relief should be new/unused items.

Note: NO WATER is needed at this time. If you or your hurricane relief distribution location needs water, please contact BFA to arrange to get it.




Local and Regional Resource Links


Road Conditions
The North Carolina and South Carolina departments of transportation offer interactive online maps reporting current road closures and conditions.

North Carolina Roads: https://tims.ncdot.gov/TIMS/RegionSummary.aspx?co=10
• Road or Lane Closures are indicated by Yellow diamond symbols; select a symbol to see the reason for the closure.

South Carolina Roads: https://scdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=f89dbb607181411b86e999ed2897fb21
• Road or Lane Closures are highlighted in purple; select a highlighted area to see what the problem is.

Both maps allow pan and zoom to find the travel area of interest.

WARNING:  Driving over flooded or damaged areas of a roadway or street is NOT SAFE. Turn Around, Don’t Drown(R).


Information sources: If you know of a relief distribution effort or resource that you believe should be listed here, please leave a comment or contact relief@brunswickhomeless.com.

Previous Disaster Relief Sites (archived information):
Saturday 9/22/18: Brunswick Family Assistance, 4600-10 Main Street, Twin Creek Plaza, Shallotte, NC 28470, 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last. , Saturday 9/22/18: Town of Shallotte/WVCB 1410 AM/Others (info), Mulberry St Park in Shallotte, 10:00-2:00 or while supplies last.

Sunday 9.23.2018: Spring Lake Park (210 Pine Road in Boiling Spring Lakes), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Sunday 9.23.2018: Northwest District Park (1937 Andrew Jackson HWY NE in Leland), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Sunday 9.23.2018: South Brunswick Middle School (100 Cougar Drive, Boiling Spring Lakes), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Sunday 9.23.2018: Town Creek Park (6420 Ocean Highway East in Winnabow), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday 9/24/18: Soldier Bay Church, 3905 Whiteville Road NW Ash, NC 28420, 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last. , Monday 9/24/18: Bolivia Baptist Church, 4013 US 17 Business (17 E. Bolivia, NC 28422), 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last.

Tuesday 9/25/18: Town Creek Baptist Church, 832 Green Hill Rd. NE Leland, NC (Town Creek Area), 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last. , Tuesday 9/25/18: Sharon United Methodist Church, 2030 Holden Beach Rd. SW Supply, NC 28462, 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last.

Wednesday 9/26/18: Beulah Baptist Church, Pastor Doug Adams 670 Hickman Rd. NW Calabash, NC 28467 (Little River Area), 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last. , Wednesday 9/26/18: Pastor Barbara Bell’s Church, 4124 Mt. Misery Rd. NE, Leland, NC 28451, 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last.

Thursday 9/27/2018: First Baptist Church of Shallotte, 4486 Main St., Shallotte NC 28470 (Also providing free meals while supplies last), 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last. , Thursday 9/27/2018: Navassa Community Center, 334 Main St., Navassa, NC 28451, 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last.


Friday 9/28/2018: Brunswick Baptist Association, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Bolivia, NC, 11:00-4:00 or while supplies last. Friday 9/28/2018: Waves of Praise Worship Center (Water and food), 3000 Unit 4 George II Highway, Boiling Spring Lakes, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3-7 p.m. Monday, 10/1/2018: New Hope Clinic, 201 W. Boiling Springs Rd., Southport, NC 28461, 11:00am - 4:00pm Monday, 10/1/2018: WAVES OF PRAISE, 9 East Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, 10:00am -4:00pm Tuesday, 10/2/2018: SOLDIER BAY CHURCH, 3905 Whiteville Rd., Ash, NC, Tues, Wed, Thurs. Fri., 11:00am – 3:00pm Tuesday, 10/2/2018: NAVASSA COMMUNITY CENTER, 334 Main St., Navassa, NC 28451, Tuesday & Thursday 11:00am -1:00pm Tuesday, 10/2/2018: WAVES OF PRAISE, 9 East Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, 10:00am -4:00pm Tuesday, 10/2/2018: THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW,Supply, NC 28462, Tues. & Thur., 11:00am - 4:00pm Wednesday, 10/3/2018: SOLDIER BAY CHURCH, 3905 Whiteville Rd., Ash, NC, Tues, Wed, Thurs. Fri., 11:00am – 3:00pm Wednesday, 10/3/2018: WAVES OF PRAISE, 9 East Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, 10:00am -4:00pm Wednesday, 10/3/2018: BRUNSWICK BAPTIST CENTER, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Rd. 17 Business, Bolivia, NC 28422, Wednesday & Friday, 11:00am – 4:00pm Wednesday, 10/3/2018: St James AME Zion Church, 27 Old Town Creek Rd., Leland, NC 28451, Wed & Thur., 1:00pm – 5:00pm Thursday, 10/4/2018: SOLDIER BAY CHURCH, 3905 Whiteville Rd., Ash, NC, Tues, Wed, Thurs. Fri., 11:00am – 3:00pm Thursday, 10/4/2018: NAVASSA COMMUNITY CENTER, 334 Main St., Navassa, NC 28451, Tuesday & Thursday 11:00am -1:00pm Thursday, 10/4/2018: WAVES OF PRAISE, 9 East Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, 10:00am -4:00pm Thursday, 10/4/2018: BRUNSWICK BAPTIST CENTER, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Rd. 17 Business, Bolivia, NC 28422, Wednesday & Friday, 11:00am – 4:00pm Thursday, 10/4/2018: St James AME Zion Church, 27 Old Town Creek Rd., Leland, NC 28451, Wed & Thur., 1:00pm – 5:00pm Thursday, 10/4/2018: THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW,Supply, NC 28462, Tues. & Thur., 11:00am - 4:00pm Friday, 10/5/2018: SOLDIER BAY CHURCH, 3905 Whiteville Rd., Ash, NC, Tues, Wed, Thurs. Fri., 11:00am – 3:00pm Friday, 10/5/2018: WAVES OF PRAISE, 9 East Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, 10:00am -4:00pm Friday, 10/5/2018: BRUNSWICK BAPTIST CENTER, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Rd. 17 Business, Bolivia, NC 28422, Wednesday & Friday, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday 10/7/2018

  • Kendall Chapel AME, 4362 River Rd., Winnabow, NC 28479, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Monday 10/8/2018
  • WAVES OF PRAISE Worship Center, 3000 George II HWY., Southport, NC 28461, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 2:00pm – 7:00pm
  • City of Northwest Town Hall, 4889 Vernon Rd. NE, Leland, NC 28451, Mon & Wed. 11:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday 10/9/2018
  • WAVES OF PRAISE Worship Center, 3000 George II HWY., Southport, NC 28461, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 2:00pm – 7:00pm
  • THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462, Tues. & Thur. 11:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday 10/10/2018
  • WAVES OF PRAISE Worship Center, 3000 George II HWY., Southport, NC 28461, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 2:00pm – 7:00pm
  • BRUNSWICK BAPTIST CENTER, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Rd. 17 Business, Bolivia, NC 28422, Wednesday & Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm
  • St James AME Zion Church, 27 Old Town Creek Rd., Leland, NC 28451, Wed & Thur. 2:00pm – 5:00pm
  • City of Northwest Town Hall, 4889 Vernon Rd. NE, Leland, NC 28451, Mon & Wed. 11:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday 10/11/2018
  • WAVES OF PRAISE Worship Center, 3000 George II HWY., Southport, NC 28461, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 2:00pm – 7:00pm
  • THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462, Tues. & Thur. 11:00am - 4:00pm
  • St James AME Zion Church, 27 Old Town Creek Rd., Leland, NC 28451, Wed & Thur. 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Friday 10/12/2018
  • WAVES OF PRAISE Worship Center, 3000 George II HWY., Southport, NC 28461, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 2:00pm – 7:00pm
  • BRUNSWICK BAPTIST CENTER, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Rd. 17 Business, Bolivia, NC 28422, Wednesday & Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday 10/16/2018
  • THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462, Tues.16th & Thur.18th 11:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday 10/17/2018
  • BRUNSWICK BAPTIST CENTER, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Rd. 17 Business, Bolivia, NC 28422, Wed.17th & Fri.19th 11:00am – 4:00pm
  • St James AME Zion Church, 27 Old Town Creek Rd., Leland, NC 28451, Wed.17th & Thur.18th 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday 10/18/2018
  • THE BRIDGE, 1180 Mt Pisgah Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462, Tues.16th & Thur.18th 11:00am - 4:00pm
  • St James AME Zion Church, 27 Old Town Creek Rd., Leland, NC 28451, Wed.17th & Thur.18th 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Friday 10/19/2018
  • BRUNSWICK BAPTIST CENTER, 1041 Old Ocean HWY., Rd. 17 Business, Bolivia, NC 28422, Wed.17th & Fri.19th 11:00am – 4:00pm

Beginning Monday, Sept. 24, citizens in the affected areas may continue to get water and MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) at certain fire departments:
  • Boiling Spring Lakes VFD (3059 George II Hwy in Boiling Spring Lakes)
  • Northwest Fire Department (5029 Northwest Road in Northwest)
  • Navassa Volunteer Fire Department (336 N. Main Street in Navassa)
  • Waccamaw Volunteer Fire Department (4045 Whiteville Road NW in Ash)
  • Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department (161 Governors Road SE in Winnabow)

BCHC Provides Shelter Supplies During Time Of Need

September 21, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition’s Direct Aid group today delivered a shipment of baby food, baby formula, diapers, and baby wipes (purchased new at local retailers) for the families staying in our temporary shelters.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and its effects on our area, Brunswick County’s storm shelters at the high schools stand in great need of supplies. Evacuees–people facing homelessness, whether chronic or temporary–some of whom have lost everything–are staying in these shelters as a last resort and are depending on us, their neighbors, for support.

Some of the identified needs:

  • Blankets
  • Towels
  • Boys’ and Girls’ clothing
  • Shoes (for kids and adults)
  • Large size clothing for women (2x & 3x)
  • Baby food, formula, and diapers

The central collection point for these items is the Brunswick Beacon office on Smith Ave. in Shallotte (around back). The collection point is staffed by Brunswick Family Assistance Agency employees and volunteers. For more detailed information, including exact needs and dropoff point hours of operation, you are encouraged to contact BFA in Shallotte at (910) 754-4766.

Baby food, baby formula, diapers and baby wipes donated September 21, 2018

Brunswick Family Assistance to serve as primary point of contact for groups, individuals wishing to help with storm recovery

September 20, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles

According to information supplied by Commissioner Frank Williams, Brunswick Family Assistance will serve as primary point of contact for groups and individuals wishing to help with storm recovery in Brunswick County.

Article source: http://www.commissionerfrankwilliams.com/brunswick-family-assistance-to-serve-as-primary-point-of-contact-for-groups-individuals-wishing-to-help-with-storm-recovery/

Quoting Commissioner Williams’ web site:

“Numerous organizations and individuals have inquired about how they can help Brunswick County residents impacted by Hurricane Florence. It is important that volunteer efforts be organized and coordinated to ensure that they help those in need, and it is important that donations be made to legitimate organizations.

“Brunswick Family Assistance will be the primary point of contact for those wishing to help.

“Individuals/Groups: If you or your group would like to provide assistance, please contact BFA at 910-754-4766 or brunswickfamily@yahoo.com. Donating goods: If you would like to donate goods, please contact BFA at 910-754-4766 or brunswickfamily@yahoo.com to ensure that the goods being donated meet citizens’ needs. Donating financially: If you would like to contribute financially, please visit BFA’s website.”

RESCHEDULED BCHC September 2018 meeting 9-25-2018 at 5:30pm at BSRI Shallotte [Update 9-24-2018]

September 20, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles, press

Updated Mon Sep 24 2018 to indicate meeting location

Friends & Neighbors,

I hope that you are safe and comfortable after the storm that we’ve just experienced. If not, you can find information on our website at http://brunswickhomeless.com/ about ways to find assistance.

Because of storm preparation and evacuation related to Hurricane Florence, Brunswick County Homeless Coalition was not able to hold its monthly September meeting as it was scheduled. BCHC Meetings usually occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

The Brunswick County Homeless Coalition will hold our rescheduled September 2018 meeting at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 25.

PLEASE NOTE: The venue for the meeting is not yet set. We are unable to confirm space at BSRI (our usual meeting location) because they are closed due to the storm until this coming Monday. As soon as we know where the meeting will be held, we will let everyone know. For now, please save the date.

UPDATE: The venue for the meeting will be the BSRI Brunswick Center at Shallotte, 3620 Express Dr., Shallotte, NC (our usual meeting location thanks to the kindness of BSRI). Please feel free to bring water or a drink to the meeting.

You may contact me as always with any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions. If you are a member of BCHC, please let me know whether you will be able to attend the meeting.

Thanks,

Joe Staton

Brunswick County Homeless Coalition
Publicity Committee
joe@brunswickhomeless.com
Mobile: (843) 474-1821

Brunswick County Commissioners Proclaim 2018 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week – Nov 10 – 18

August 20, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles
Commissioner Marty Cooke reads the official proclamation at the 8/20/2018 Brunswick County Board of Commissioners meeting as Joe Staton and Barbara Serafin of the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition attend.

At their August 20, 2018 meeting, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners voted to officially proclaim the week of November 10th – 18th, 2018 as “National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.” Commissioner Marty Cooke read the official proclamation, then presented it to Barbara Serafin, representing the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition.

Commissioner Marty Cooke presents the official proclamation to Barbara Serafin of Brunswick County Homeless Coalition.

Also in observance of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Commissioner Mike Forte is scheduled to speak at the BCHC’s Seventh Annual Hunger and Homeless Banquet and Soup Luncheon at the Brunswick Center in Shallotte on Nov 10, 2017. Commissioners Frank Williams, Marty Cooke, and Pat Sykes, and County Manager Ann Hardy have also worked to make previous Hunger and Homeless Banquet events a success. BCHC appreciates the tremendous support that the Board of Commissioners has consistently shown.

Affordable Housing Crisis: Minimum wage doesn’t cover the rent anywhere in the U.S.

July 27, 2018 joe Leave a comment articles

CBS News reports earlier this summer (2018) that a job paying minimum wage doesn’t pay enough for rent anywhere in the U.S., based on a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Excerpts below:

A minimum-wage worker would have to put in lots of overtime to be able to afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the country. And downsizing to a [one bedroom apartment] barely helps.

Even with some states hiking pay for those earning the least, there is still nowhere in the country where a person working a full-time minimum wage job can afford to rent a decent two-bedroom apartment, according to an annual report released Wednesday by the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

[Even a $15 an hour minimum wage wouldn’t help in the] overwhelming majority of states, the coalition found. Nationally, someone would need to make $17.90 an hour to rent a modest one-bedroom or $22.10 an hour to cover a two-bedroom place.

Renters across the country earn an average hourly rate of $16.88, the report estimated, a finding that illustrates how even folks earning more than the minimum wage scramble to pay for housing.

The findings are based on the standard budgeting concept of not spending more than 30 percent of one’s income on housing… The study bases its definition of “modest” rental housing on a weighted average of fair market rent estimates developed annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to calculate the agency’s housing assistance to poor people around the country.

“While the housing market may have recovered for many, we are nonetheless experiencing an affordable housing crisis, especially for very low-income families,” [says] the report’s preface. “In America today, nearly 11 million families pay more than half of their limited incomes toward rent and utilities. That leaves precious little for other essentials.”

In just 22 counties–parts of AZ, CA, CO, OR, and WA–a one-bedroom apartment is affordable to a minimum wage worker, in part because each of those counties has a higher minimum wage than the federal standard of $7.25 per hour.

You can read the complete article on the CBS News website. The linked article is copyright (c) 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.

ORCA announces 2018 Make A Difference Day (M.A.D.D.)

June 17, 2018 Admin Leave a comment articles

BCHC is truly blessed to have ORCA (Ocean Ridge Charities Association) as one of our top donors. With their support, we are able to achieve our goals of helping those in need in Brunswick County. Every year, ORCA chooses a cause that they want to support and raise funds and/or goods needed. This year, they have chosen the needs of the homeless and disadvantaged children in our area. October 27, 2018 will be Ocean Ridge’s Make a Difference Day (M.A.D.D.) event and they will be collecting and sorting goods and gift cards for the homeless and distributing items and BCHC has been chosen as one of the charities that will benefit from this event.

Thank you ORCA and good luck in your upcoming event!