During the coronavirus crisis, oases of hope continue to pop up. While some organizations have been working in the Charlotte community for years, some are now collaborating and some are newly formed.
The crisis is giving people an opportunity to help people in need when they have little or nowhere else to turn.
“A majority of the neighbors we serve have absolutely no income at this time. Many of them have kids and seniors in their households that they cannot support,” said Jermaine Nakia Lee, Poor No More founder.
Poor No More provides programs and services that offer financial education and financial empowerment for the Charlotte area’s most under-resourced citizens.
“(We) provide poor and working poor individuals and families with essential resources that they can not afford,” Lee said. “Food, toiletries, clothes, paper products, household items and a hot meal to go.”
Lee points to studies that indicate nearly 70 million Americans have nonsalary jobs. Many jobs don’t qualify as essential workplaces.
“Many individuals and families who were already working poor and living paycheck to paycheck will immediately become impoverished,” he said.
The organization accepts new and gently used clothes, shoes, accessories, household items, furniture, electronics and brand new paper products and toiletries which Lee says are essential to the survival and well-being of the under-served neighbors in the community.
Poor No More accepts donations by appointment Tuesday through Friday, 1-7 p.m. at its free store inside NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios, 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite 110, Charlotte.
“America’s strength and resilience is always punctuated during a crisis. The Carolina spirit is even stronger,” Lee said. “Now, more than ever, we need each other desperately.”
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.
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