Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings
As of October 3, we are back to holding our check-in meetings for faith, community and nonprofit leaders WEEKLY. We will continue to address general needs in the community as well as issues related to Hurricane Helene.
These meetings are open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response, especially in partnership with the most vulnerable among us.
Meetings are held online every Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording:
OPENING REFLECTION
Mary Oliver:
My work is to love the world.
...Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still half-perfect? Let me keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work.
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
INTERFAITH YOUTH DIAPER WRAPPING PARTY
Sunday, November 17 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Advent Lutheran Church
Calling ALL middle and high school youth to join us on Sunday, November 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church for a diaper packing service project.
Register HERE
MECKLENBURG INTERFAITH FRIENDSGIVING
Join MeckMIN on Thursday, November 21, at 6 PM to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving and faith diversity through prayer, music and food. There will be international food and presentations from five different faith groups.
Register HERE
Please help us share this event by posting on your various communication channels:
OPEN TABLES
Thursday, December 19 | Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte
Open to ALL. Join us for a Potluck dinner and a chance to have a conversation around the table with people of various faiths on Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 PM at Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte.
Register HERE
SAVE THE DATE
April 6, 2025 (evening) – Interfaith Youth Panel
May 8, 2025 (morning) - Awards Breakfast
MECKMIN TRAINING
MeckMIN offers a variety of training events, all of which can be tailored to your group, your budget, and the amount of time you have available.
Here’s one example:
HOW DO I CONVINCE THEM? SKILLS and MINDSETS FOR EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONS WHEN WE DISAGREE
Topics Include: Non-Binary Thinking; Compassion and Self Compassion; The Comfort Zone; Learning Conversations; Curious Questions; Positions vs. Feelings, Interests, & Culture
Timing: 1 hour
Cost: $250 ($125 for current MeckMIN members)
GURU NANAK'S LIFE AND TEACHINGS EVENT
Sunday November 17th 10:30 to 11:30am
Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar, 401 E Arrowood Rd,
A short discussion of Guru Nanak's life and teachings in English will be hosted at the Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar on Arrowood. There will be tea/snacks served of course followed by the special program for the holiday and langar (meal) as always at 1pm.
WEEKLY MEETINGS THROUGH DECEMBER
These Thursday 11 a.m. Zoom calls will be held WEEKLY through the end of December as we work to share information and resources and to lift up needs related to Hurricane Helene – we will also continue to offer general information/resources/needs as we have been doing.
The views and opinions expressed below are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
2. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
CONTINUUM OF CARE HOUSES OF FAITH SURVEY
Glennis Davis | glennisdavis@agivingheartproject.org
The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote a communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. We provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness. In addition, we promote access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care includes individuals and organizations across Mecklenburg County who are committed to ending and preventing homelessness. Click here to read more about our work.
In an effort to gain additional information to inform efforts, we are reaching out to faith leaders across Charlotte to gain valuable insights through a brief survey. Your participation will help inform the Continuum of Care efforts and allow us to better understand how we can support the incredible work being done within our local Houses of Faith. This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes of your time. Complete Survey Here
BUILDING BELONGING BOOK: CONGREGATIONS SUPPORTING HOUSING
Rev. Dr. John Cleghorn | 704-957-4511
November 23 from 8:30-1:45
Hope Hall, Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 1609 E 6th Street.
Did you know that Charlotte is a national trend-leader in the movement of how congregations are finding new life by building housing in response to the national housing crisis? Who better than Christ’s church to build community and reimagine their financial realities by sharing God’s property?
Come one and all to a day of learning, sharing and dreaming. Please RSVP
The pastor of Caldwell, Rev. John Cleghorn, has just released his new book on this subject. Building Belonging explores the church movement reshaping our neighborhoods. In many neighborhoods, soaring housing costs have created an alarming wave of instability, leaving congregations situated at the heart of communities grappling with housing insecurity. Simultaneously, societal divisions across ideologies, racial lines, class disparities, and diverse perspectives have eroded the fabric of these communities, leaving a void in shared connections.
Churches, amid declining membership and dwindling engagement, have an opportunity to provide a key role in these changing landscapes. In Building Belonging, John Cleghorn shows how numerous congregations across the United States are leading the charge, embracing innovative approaches to ministry that leverage their resources to become havens of both welcome and shelter. https://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/0664268501/building-belonging.aspx
CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES
Sterling Patterson | sterling.patterson@charlottenc.gov | (704) 386-7417
Youth Programs Coordinator
Housing and Neighborhood Services (Engagement and Customer Service)
The City of Charlotte has been dedicated to fostering economic growth opportunities for our youth through the Mayor's Youth Employment Program (MYEP) every summer for 39 years. Summer 2025 is no different. The MYEP provides inclusive career development experiences for Charlotte high-schoolers in their industry of interest thus improving their economic mobility and career clarity.
In the upcoming summer, our goal is to offer paid internships to more than 600 students. We are actively seeking employers willing to host these youth, granting them the chance to better understand the professional work environment. Our students undergo a rigorous curriculum (Job and Career Readiness Training) which equips them with the professional skills essential for success in the workforce. This year we just trained 1,069 on soft skills, resume creation and interviewing and they need positions!
Overview:
June 23 – August 1, 2025
150 hours (25 hours a week)
Salary of $13/hour
High-schoolers ages 16 – 18+
We recognize the challenge of a non-profit paying the salary of an intern, so we created the MYEP Grant Program to cover the cost of the student salary. It is an easy process (application, one-way interview, job description and certificate of liability insurance). Generous partners provide funding so we can ensure our young people are able to see the dynamics of working in non-profit organizations.
Click here to begin the application MYEP24grants While the deadline is January 17, if you complete the application before December 31 you are eligible for our incentives (1-on-1 time with staff for consultation, professional development, reverse mentoring and more!) Questions: sterling.patterson@charlottenc.gov
Sterling Patterson | sterling.patterson@charlottenc.gov | (704) 386-7417 |
Youth Programs Coordinator, she/her/hers,
Housing and Neighborhood Services (Engagement and Customer Service)
Who can be a civic leader? YOU!
Apply to be part of the next Youth Lead Charlotte-Mecklenburg program for grades 9-11. Through the youth civic leadership academy, you can:
Build your civic leadership
Learn first-hand how Charlotte works
Make friends from different schools
Engage with community leaders
Find out about careers connected to local government, civic leadership, community investing, public service, and more
Become a civic difference maker on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council and additional roles across CMS and YOUR city
and more!
Apply now bit.ly/YLCMapply. Next YLCM program is January-June 2025. The program is free.
MASS EVICTION NEED #1
Greg Jarrell | gjarrell@redressmovement.org
There’s an emerging need with an apartment complex on N. Graham (Tanglewood) where all of the tenants are being forced to leave, possibly by the end of November. The city and Action NC are gathering info right now. The City has an anti-displacement policy, but Greg and others have concerns that it won’t be helpful. Reach out to Greg if you are interested in getting involved – he will also keep us posted in these meetings.
Apryl Lewis, also in the meeting to report on a mass eviction situation, pointed out that the city and other concerned parties need to identity the retaliatory practices of some bad actors (landlords) so the right pressure can be applied. This is part of a larger effort to coordinate efforts around bad-acting landlords.
Greg’s group has a reading group which is reading Just Action, meeting on
Sunday afternoons. The third sunday of each month. THis is about finding actionable ways to address housing justice. This book is the follow up to RIchard Rothstein’s The Color of Law.
MASS EVICTION NEED #2 – LAMPLIGHTER INN UPDATE
Apryl lewis | kineticworksclt@gmail.com
CURRENT CRISIS
Our neighbors at the Lamplighter Inn are fighting for basic dignity, safety, and the right to stable housing. Their struggle represents a critical moment in our city's housing justice movement. The residents aren't just fighting for themselves – they're fighting for every tenant who has faced negligent owners, unsafe conditions, and systemic housing injustice. The Lamplighter Inn houses families, elders, workers, and youth – our neighbors who form the backbone of our community. Despite facing persistent neglect and harassment from property owners, residents have:
Organized a democratic resident council
Created youth-led community maintenance programs
Developed mutual aid networks
Maintained dignity and community despite deplorable conditions that include
No hot water
Compromised door security
Blocked access to essential repairs
Using police to intimidate rather than protect
Children and elderly at risk
Basic habitability standards violated
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
Essential Supplies
Non-perishable food items
Personal hygiene products
Cleaning supplies
Basic household items
Winter clothing and blankets
School supplies for youth
Youth Support
After-school activity supplies
Sports equipment
Art supplies
Educational materials
Mentorship volunteers
Employment Support
Job leads
Interview clothing
Resume writing assistance
Transportation assistance
Professional mentorship
Community Support
Legal observers
Documentation volunteers
Transportation assistance
Childcare during meetings
Translation services (Spanish priority)
UPCOMING ACTIONS
Join us to lobby the City Council at the upcoming meeting
Date: November 25, 2024
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Lobby at 600 East 4th St Charlotte, NC 28202
Residents will testify about living conditions and demand: their rights.
Right to Counsel for all tenants
Stronger code enforcement
Anti-harassment protections
Support for cooperative housing conversion
Funding for Neighborhood Stabilization Center
VISION FOR CHANGE
We're not just fighting against bad conditions – we're fighting FOR:
Conversion to resident-controlled supportive housing
Creation of a Neighborhood Stabilization Center
Community-based solutions to housing instability
Systemic changes to protect all tenants
Youth empowerment and leadership development
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Immediate Support
Donate Supplies
Drop-off location: Front parking lot ask for Alicia or Eveco
Times: Coordinate times with Alicia and Eveco
Priority items list available
Volunteer Skills
Legal support
Construction/repairs
Youth programming
Healthcare
Social services
Documentation
Provide Services
Mental health support
Job training
Educational programs
Financial counseling
Health screenings
Show Up!
Attend City Council meeting
Join resident meetings
Participate in community workdays
Share on social media
Contact elected officials
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT NEEDED
Legal organizations
Tenant rights groups
Youth programs
Social service agencies
Faith communities
Labor unions
Community organizations
Local businesses
Educational institutions
This isn't just about one building – it's about justice, dignity, and the future of our city. The Lamplighter residents are showing us what community power looks like. Now they need all of us to stand with them. Contact: kineticworksclt@gmail.com
Avery Payne | avery@ncdiaperbank.org | 980-900-7364
Branch Director – Greater Charlotte Area, Equity & Inclusion Director (State-wide)
We are still distributing to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Now working in Western NC.
Distributing over 3 million supplies. Over 100 distributions to 28 impacted counties. Working with the Governor's operations center. Not just sending things, working with locals to ensure that supplies go where needed.
How You Can Help
Donate: Your financial support allows us to procure and distribute essential supplies quickly and efficiently. Every dollar you give will go directly toward helping families affected by this disaster. https://ncdiaperbank.networkforgood.com/projects/137696-disaster-response-tropical-storm-helene
Host a Drive: Organize a collection of diapers, period products, and formula in your community. Whether it’s through your workplace, neighborhood, or faith community, your efforts will provide much-needed relief.
Spread the Word: Raise awareness on social media and in your networks. The more people who know about the needs in Western NC, the more support we can gather. https://www.ncdiaperbank.org/disaster-relief, https://www.facebook.com/DiaperBankOfNorthCarolina
Commit to Long-Term Support: We are in this for the long run, and we need sustained help to continue providing these essential items over the coming months. Consider becoming a monthly donor to ensure we can meet ongoing needs in the region.
Erin Welborn, President | erinwelborn@greenboxsolutions.org, 980-622-4926
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to aging, retirement planning and eldercare issues – and the education, preparation and resource management needed to ensure that those among us passing into the later stages of life have everything that they need to live exceptional, long, independent lives. We are excited about our upcoming year-end activities and plans as we look toward 2025. Each of these initiatives represents a key part of our mission to support seniors, caregivers, and families in our community.
2025 Social Security Updates event
On December 12, 2024 we will host this event to provide essential information on upcoming Social Security changes. Lisa Wallace from the Social Security Administration will be the featured guest and will cover important updates, provide tips on managing Social Security accounts online, and share insights on maximizing benefits.
Our community partner, Care Ring, will be onsite providing free health services, including health screenings, counseling, and wellness resources. We have 60 seats available for this event. With such limited spots, we’re encouraging early RSVPs. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals approaching retirement, retirees, and families to stay informed and access important health resources all in one place.
Adopt a Senior Holiday Program
The Adopt a Senior holiday program is a cherished annual tradition. Community members adopt a senior by sponsoring a $50 gift card, which gives seniors the joy and dignity of shopping for essentials during the holiday season. This year, we’re aiming to support 100 seniors.
Our Senior Angels program honors those we lost this past year. For a $20 donation, we provide a beautiful memorial ornament to the families of our Senior Angels, offering a meaningful way to remember their loved ones. Both the Adopt a Senior and Senior Angels programs have been deeply appreciated by our recipients, and the support we receive from the community truly brings holiday joy and warmth to those in need.
Green Box Preparedness series
We are launching the Green Box Preparedness series starting in February 2025. This new program is designed to provide educational resources and practical tools for personal and family preparedness. Topics covered will include aging, retirement planning, healthcare navigation, and emergency readiness.
Our goal is to empower our community with knowledge and resources to confidently navigate the future. This series is especially relevant for individuals, caregivers, and families facing the unique challenges of aging and planning ahead. We believe the Preparedness series will be a valuable resource for long-term support, helping our community members make informed, proactive decisions about their health, finances, and overall well-being.
We’d love your support in helping us spread the word—whether it’s through sharing these opportunities with friends, adopting a senior, or attending the Social Security Update event, every bit of involvement helps us make a meaningful impact.
GIVING MACHINES FROM THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST of LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Kristen Anderson | andersonkw@comm.churchofjesuschrist.org
Give clean water, goats, meals, toys, and more to those in need through a unique giving experience. Your donations go directly to global and local charities to help change lives around the world.
Where? The Promenade at Providence 10844 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
When? 11-23-2024- 12-08-2024
Facebook Link: Charlotte Giving Machines Facebook
Instagram Link: Charlotte Giving Machines Instagram
REIMAGINING AMERICA PROJECT: HEALTH and HEALTHCARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY: An Active Listening Session, January 25th
David F. Keely, M.D. Family Medicine & Public Health, Co-Chair, Health Justice Committee
We are the Health Justice Committee of The Reimagining America Project. Our committee’s mission is to illuminate the health disparities in communities of color that result from social determinants of health as well as structural racism in the healthcare delivery system and to reimagine healthcare with outcomes not determined by race or ethnicity.
In order to heal the health wounds from disparities in American healthcare, we have to first understand their cause. A critical, but often overlooked, ingredient of that understanding comes from active listening to impacted persons.
Therefore, rather than providing another presentation about health and health care disparities where experts tell the audience what the problems are and what policies and services are needed, we have instead chosen to listen deeply to the experiences of individuals whose lives are literally at stake. We have compiled a list of key questions regarding health and health care that will be presented in a small-group format led by facilitators familiar with each issue. Facilitators will circulate between groups so that all participants might have a chance to answer and discuss each question. We will collect demographic information but no personal identifiers.
The group sessions will be transcribed and responses to key questions will ultimately be compiled into a document provided to you the participants, as well as to healthcare system leaders, educators, public health officials, policy makers, and the media. The goal is to advocate from participants’ lived experience more effectively in the healthcare arena for improved, more accessible, essential health services.
Gun locks will also be available at this event.
CHILDREN OF THE WORLD LEARNING CENTER – Invitation to Present Faith and Cultural Celebrations of Light
Jill Henley | Light Up the Winter Night Committee | 910-975-4618
Children of the World Learning Center is a multicultural, dual-language, four-star licensed preschool in East Charlotte. Located at Central United Methodist Church, our mission is to bring together children and families of diverse cultures, languages, and incomes. We operate on a sliding tuition scale so that all families have access to high quality preschool.
To raise money for student scholarships, we will be hosting our fourth annual Light Up the Winter Night fundraiser on Saturday, December 14, 4:30-7:30. In keeping with our mission of celebrating our commonalities as well as diversity, we are recognizing festivals of light celebrated by different cultures and faiths throughout the world. Lighted Christmas trees will be sponsored by local businesses and organizations, and we are asking community groups to set up displays about other festivals of light celebrated throughout the year.
Louise Woods suggested that I contact you to see if you could put me in touch with individuals or groups who might be interested. The booths can be simple with nothing more than a display or they can be more interactive with someone to teach participants about a special holiday or celebration.
If you would like to know more about Children of the World Learning Center or our Light Up the Winter Night event, please feel free to email or call me. I would love to tell you more about our preschool.
GALILEE 3rd ANNUAL COAT/CLOTHING DRIVE
Bettie Jones | jnbettie1@gmail.com
It’s time for Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte’s 3rd Annual Coat & Clothing Drive!
From: November 6th to December 9th, we’ll be collecting new and gently used coats, warm clothing, and winter essentials to support neighbors in need.
Drop off donations: 3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Your Offerings will be received in the Flag Hall between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM
Every item you give helps bring warmth and comfort to someone this winter.
Join us in spreading warmth and kindness throughout our community!
Also working to provide holiday meals for neighbors at St. Andrew’s homes -For more details and information, please call 704.900.5210
-Connect with Bettie if you want to help
HEALTHY MECK ADVOCACY TRAINING
Julie Alexander | Julie.Alexander@atriumhealth.org
Healthy Meck invites you to register for our free advocacy training before the deadline next Friday, November 15!
Please join us on Friday, November 22 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm for Advocate and Initiate - Training for Advocacy and Changemaking
This half-day in-person advocacy training, sponsored by Healthy Meck, hosted at the Ada Jenkins Center, and powered by Seeds of Change Consulting, is designed to empower you as a changemaker. Together, we will:
Equip You with Advocacy Skills: Learn how to articulate your mission and influence decision-makers in a way that resonates.
Develop Actionable Plans: Collaborate on strategies for community health initiatives that reflect the needs and voices of those you serve.
Build Your Confidence: Gain the tools and support to engage with policymakers and advocate for the changes you envision.
In this transformative workshop, we’ll draw connections between individual experiences and broader systemic challenges. Let’s work together to strengthen our voices and create a more equitable future for all.
Register now to secure your spot—we can’t wait to see you there!
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP
Sim J. Singh Attariwala | Director, Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships
The DHS and other FEderal agencies are collaborating to offer several resources to houses of worship, including security training, risk assessments, and funding opportunities. Faith-based institutions and communities have security interests in protecting their places of worship, community centers, and other locations. IN addition, they are hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 14, at 3:00 pm ET and Thursday, November 21, at 3:00 pm ET
Nonprofit Security Grant Program - National Security Supplemental Webinar Invitation
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) invites all interested nonprofits to our Nonprofit Security Grant Program - National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS) Webinar Series. These webinars will cover details of the NSGP-NSS Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), changes from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 NSGP NOFO, and important dates and deadlines. Sessions will offer a standard presentation followed by time for questions and discussion.
Overview
The United States Department of Homeland Security announced that it will distribute $210 million in NSGP funds through FEMA as the second tranche of funding to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. This funding was made available in aNOFO published in late October. The first tranche was made available in June 2024. In total for FY 2024, the Administration secured $664 million for the NSGP, more than double last year’s $305 million appropriation.
GPD is conducting a series of webinars with the goal of increasing transparency and ensuring our stakeholders have the timeliest information available to successfully navigate and submit their grant applications. GPD will facilitate feedback from stakeholders during this webinar to consider integrating into future outreach, engagements, events, and materials. The upcoming webinars will focus on:
The NSGP-NSS NOFO, changes from the FY 2024 NSGP NOFO, and important dates and deadlines.
Note: Webinars will not be recorded, and each will be a repeat of the same information. Due to the high demand for these webinars, please only register for/attend one of the following events.
Dates
Thursday, November 14, at 3:00 pm ET
Thursday, November 21, at 3:00 pm ET
Series Registration Link:
https://fema.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_fX4bZg-DQISUOr7tkncH4w#/registration Note: Please select the preferred session at time of registration.
For questions regarding the Homeland Security Grant Program, please contact FEMA Grants News (formerly ASKCsid) at FEMA-Grants-News@fema.dhs.gov. FEMA Grants News covers everything you already rely on, including webinar and meeting invitations, funding notices, resources, and more.
3. HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY UPDATES
We have created and will keep updated two Hurricane-Helene specific pages on our website:
Relief Resources – geared for you to share with impacted people – https://www.meckmin.org/s-hurricane-helene-relief-resources
Ways to Help – ways for you and your networks and communities to respond https://www.meckmin.org/copy-of-hurricane-helene-ways-to-help
If you have things to add, please email them with the subject lines:
“Possible addition to Hurricane Helene Relief Resources” OR “Possible addition to Hurricane Helene Ways to Help”
We would love to have someone represent MeckMIN at these calls. Let LeDayne know if you are interested. Thanks to Joelle for stepping up for the DEI committee.
Emotional and Spiritual Care/Child Wellbeing: We have settled on meeting at 12:30 pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays with the possible exception of Thanksgiving week.
Volunteer Management: Fridays at 2 pm
NEW INFORMATION:
Private Bridge Repair Resource: www.ldrcarolinas.org/bridging-together/ Please direct clients to fill out the form. Partners in bridge or road repair welcome.
Volunteer Need: Folks in Save Beacon Village in Swannanoa where 22 houses were damaged and have completed the muck and gut stage are looking for volunteers for the next stage of recovery. https://savebeaconvillage.org/
KEY MESSAGES
DO NOT bring in donations or volunteers unless you have a local partner! Uncoordinated donations are resulting in unneeded supplies that monopolize storage space. Utilize the coordination resources below.
If you NEED VOLUNTEERS…
List your Buncombe County volunteer needs on Hands On Asheville, https://www.handsonasheville.org/ or
Contact Denise Gonzalez for support in listing your volunteer opportunity. Denise Gonzalez, dgonzalez@unitedwayabc.org
If you can OFFER VOLUNTEERS…
NCVOAD: https://ncvoad.org/volunteer
United Way 211: https://nc211.org/hurricane-helene-volunteer-opportunities/
VolunteerNC: Urgent Volunteer Opportunities information
Crisis Cleanup Phone Volunteers: English and Spanish volunteers are needed through November 8. Volunteers must be associated with an organization registered in Crisis Cleanup. Info is located at https://tinyurl.com/ms3nmw53.
If you NEED or can OFFER SUPPLIES…
List on Needs List: https://volunteernc.app.needslist.co/issues/storm-helene
DEADLINES AND HEADLINES — Spread the word
EXTENDED: Tuesday, January 7 is the new deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Everyone should apply to see if they are eligible for assistance. Legal Aid of NC, Pisgah Legal, and Emergency Legal Responders offer disaster legal services programs to assist with applications and appeals to FEMA, for homeowners and rentals dealing with damage and displacement, and for fraud support. [updated]
FEMA: “FEMA Rental Assistance is a grant to provide survivors with a temporary place to live while they repair or rebuild their home. This money can be used to rent a place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel room, RV or other options while your home is repaired, or while you look for a new place to live.”
FEMA Public Assistance is also available for Houses of Worship and certain other eligible private nonprofits.
NC Justice Center: Resources about the rights of individuals accessing disaster benefits in English and Spanish. https://www.ncjustice.org/helene/
NCDHHS: “DMHDDSUS has released a new workbook to explain Hurricane Helene to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). It is written in plain language with visuals to support understanding. This workbook includes a story, activities, and information for care partners. The Hurricane Helene I/DD Resource Workbook is available in both English and Spanish.” [new]
NCDHHS: Hurricane Helene Recovery Communications Toolkit. “Access the kit for flyers, social media images, and video about disaster recovery.”
Engagement and Advocacy
NCORR: “Public invited to comment on proposed use of Tropical Storm Fred long-term recovery funds for Hurricane Helene impacts. The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) is seeking public comments through Dec. 8 on a proposed amendment to the action plan for administering HUD Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds in areas of Haywood County that were impacted by Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Helene. The proposed action plan amendment is intended to address new unmet homeowner recovery needs, including cases where homeowners and communities have experienced additional damage due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. A draft of the new Substantial Action Plan Amendment 2 for Tropical Storm Fred funding is available for review online. The public is strongly encouraged to submit comments by email to ncorr.publiccomments@ncdps.gov…” [new]
NCORR: “Call for Applications: North Carolina’s Planning for Extreme Heat Cohort. We live in the South, but extreme heat is still challenging. When heat indices spike, residents are at a higher risk of experiencing heat-related illnesses. These higher temperatures also increase utility bills and can cause structural impacts to roads and buildings. To help local leaders mitigate these impacts, the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) and the State Climate Office of North Carolina invite applications for the Planning for Extreme Heat Cohort. Over the course of five months, Cohort participants will walk through the process of developing a heat action plan for their community. Register for the November 18th webinar and read the program page to learn more. Applications are due Wednesday, December 4, 2024. [new]
NC Budget and Tax Center: “Guidance has been provided to local governments in disaster affected areas that Local Fiscal Recovery Funds can be obligated to respond to the disaster. This means that millions of dollars in communities could be available in your community for priorities like rental assistance, grants to child care providers and more. Reach out to local leaders if you see there are funds not obligated in a county and ask if they would consider funding the rebuilding effort from Helene. Here is some information from the Budget & Tax Center (note this data is from Q12024): https://ncbudget.org/critical-american-rescue-plan-funds-deadline-approaching-for-nc-local-governments/”
United Farm Workers: “Farm workers need disaster relief just like farmers. Act to support HR 8765.
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
OFFENSIVE TEXT MESSAGES COMMUNITY PARTNER CALL
Please join us for a partner call on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 3:30 pm ET concerning the offensive text messages that have been received in many communities. The FBI Office of Public Affairs, FBI Criminal Investigative Division, and DOJ Civil Rights Division leadership will discuss bias crime enforcement and provide remarks about these incidents.
To access the call, please use the following phone number and meeting passcode:
Participant Toll-Free Number: 888-566-5913
Participant Passcode: 7211501
We apologize if the scheduled call time conflicts with religious observances; we wanted to provide this information in a timely manner. We hope you are able to attend the call.
As always, we encourage members of the public to report tips and threats of physical violence to law enforcement. If the victim is in immediate physical danger, call 911. Contact your local FBI field office, visit tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI to report a tip or threat associated with a federal crime. You can report your tip anonymously.
4. GENERAL INFORMATION
THE Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. HOLIDAY PARADE
January 18
We are thrilled to invite you to Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events and activities honoring Dr. King's legacy of unity, justice, and service. Join us as we celebrate his vision and build on our collective dreams for a brighter future. Here are some exciting ways you can participate:
MLK Parade Participation
The annual Atrium Health Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is a cherished tradition, showcasing our community's dedication to equality and diversity. Registration ends Friday, Dec. 13.
Atrium Health Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Growing the Dream Award
Growing the Dream is a luncheon held to recognize Mecklenburg's unsung heroes and community members who work to foster unity and promote diversity and multiculturalism in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Nominations end Friday, Dec. 13.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion Award Nominations
Nominate someone you know who embodies Dr. King's values of leadership and service! The Medallion Award recognizes those who work tirelessly to make a difference. Nominations ends Friday, Dec. 13
To learn more and stay up to date on all events and activities being held, please visit the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK Celebrationpage. If you have additional questions or concerns, please email the planning committee at mlk@charlottenc.gov
Let’s come together to honor Dr. King's dream and continue the work of building a just and inclusive community. We look forward to celebrating with you!
MENTAL HEALTH TRAININGS IN DECEMBER
Youth Mental Health First Aid
This training is for any caring adult (school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents, caregivers, etc.) who interacts with youth 12-18 years old and would like to know how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
Thursday, December 12
9:00am – 3:00pm
Belmont Regional Center, 700 Parkwood Ave
This is a BLENDED class, so you are required to complete 2 hours of pre-work before the class. Details provided at registration.
Register here by November 21 https://buytickets.at/recast2/1430415
Resilience & Thriving: The Secret Power of Stress
As we approach this busy and stressful holiday season, the ReCAST II program invites you to learn how to harness that stress into resilience, to go from coping to thriving. Join this restorative and enriching workshop to learn easy-to-use and practical skills for identifying and reducing stress at home and at work.
Wednesday, December 4
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Valerie C. Woodard Center, 3205 Freedom Drive
Register here: https://buytickets.at/recast2/1457682
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
Only love is big enough to hold all the pain of this world.
—Sharon Salzberg
NEXT MEETING: ONE WEEK FROM TODAY – Thursday, November 21 at 11 a.m. Then skipping Thanksgiving Day and meeting again on December 5.
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