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A new report released from the Working Poor Families Project, shows the financial struggles of low-income working families have gone from bad to worse.
Based on U.S. Census data, the report, Still Working Hard, Still Falling Short (8 pages, PDF), found that between 2002 and 2006 the number of low-income (below 200 percent of the federal poverty level) working households rose from 9.2 million to nearly 9.6 million, while the earnings gap between those families and the nation's wealthier households increased by almost 10 percent. As a result, nearly one in four working families with children in the United States now qualify as low-income.
The report also found that the majority of low-income working families are in a constant struggle to meet basic needs, even though 72 percent of them have at least one employed adult, more than half are headed by married couples, and only 25 percent receive food-stamp assistance. The report's recommendations include increasing state-level investment in programs that advance the job skills of adult workers; developing state policies that strengthen wages and employment benefits; increasing the number of living-wage jobs; and conducting regular assessments of the challenges facing low-income working families.
Source: Philanthropy News Digest, 10/17/08 | |
| Habitat Seeks Applicants for Homeownership Program |
Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County will be accepting applications for those interested in its homeownership program from October 27 to November 21. Applicants will be selected based upon their need for adequate housing, ability to pay for the house, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County builds homes in partnership with low-income, Anderson County residents. Habitat does not give houses away. Future homeowners must pay a $1,200 down payment prior to construction and put in at least 400 hours of "sweat equity" labor working on their house and other Habitat activities. After construction is completed, houses are sold to partnering homeowners with zero-interest mortgages. Monthly mortgage payments are required, and income guidelines vary based on family size. For example, a family of four with a household income of less than $35,100 may qualify for a Habitat house. Click to continue >> |
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| Thank You Notes |
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We would like to extend special thanks to all the volunteers that helped provide hospitality to the Villanova University volunteer group this month: Patty Campbell, Central Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Connie Flood, Grace Covenant Church, High Places Community Church, and Oak Ridge Alliance Church.
Thank you to the students from Villanova University that spent their fall break volunteering with Habitat. With their help, we were able to get much accomplished, including sprucing up the Habitat building.
We would also like to thank Applebee's in Oak Ridge for graciously hosting Habitat for an All-You-Can-Eat pancake breakfast on October 18. |
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Habitat Home Store Cashiers
Unable to work at the construction site? Volunteer at the Habitat Home Store! As the store continues to grow, we especially need volunteers to help as cashiers. The store is open to the public Tuesday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Feed the Need
Do you have the gift of hospitality? Is your group looking for a way to help Habitat? Then we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you - feed the need by helping to provide meals for volunteers! Providing meals does more than nourish volunteers, it provides a time for fellowship. Starting in January, we will be hosting youth volunteer groups participating in Habitat's Collegiate Challenge program. Groups will vary in size, and March will be our busiest month. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for groups, business, and individuals.
If you want to volunteer for any of the volunteer activities listed above, contact Amanda Walters at 482-7713 or volunteer@hfhac.org. |
| Put Your IRA to Work Building Houses
The IRA Charitable Rollover has been extended |
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By simply instructing their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) plan administrator to transfer money directly from their account to a qualified charity, donors may: support the mission of a nonprofit organization they care about; help to meet their IRA's minimum annual distribution requirement; and exclude the distribution from their taxable income. Donors must be age 70 ½ or older on the date of the distribution, the income exclusion may not exceed $100,000 per year, and the contribution must be a direct gift to a charity.
The provision has been made retroactive to January 1, 2008, and will apply to gifts made from that date through December 31, 2009. Contact your financial advisor today to learn more details about taking advantage of this opportunity to support Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County. |
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Thank you for helping build simple, decent housing in Anderson County!
Best Wishes,
Jennifer Hancock
Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County |
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1 National Low Income Housing Coalition | |
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 Housing Statistic
About 95 million people, one third of the nation, have housing problems including a high-cost burden, overcrowding, poor quality shelter and homelessness.1 | |
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| Penny for your search? |
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