What If Everyone In Our Community Had The Support They Need?
Often not deemed poor by the official poverty measure more families in Person County lack enough income to meet the rising costs of essentials - food, housing, transportation and healthcare. Many families are one interruption away from devastation. COVID-19 has become that one universal interruption. The 2020 NC Self-Sufficiency report released by United Way of NC highlights the growing gap between sluggish wages and ever-increasing expenses, clearly illuminating the economic “crunch” experienced by so many families today.
Key Findings
In North Carolina, the amount needed to be economically self-sufficient varies considerably by geographic location and family type.
For families with young children, the cost of housing and child care combined typically account for approximately half of the family's budget.
Over the past two decades, cost increases have far outstripped wage increases.
The federal poverty measure for three-person families ($21,720 annually) is set at a level well below what is minimally adequate to meet a family's basic needs.