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
Only Love by James Crews
And so I imagine the entire earth
as one beating heart held in the space
of this universe, inside a larger body
we can’t fathom, filling with enough
love to lead each of us out of the cave
of our personal pain and into the light—
enough love to lead all humans as one
out of collective fear, rage, and hate
into a place of peace that is found only
within our own hearts, beating in sync
with the pulse of this planet we were
born to inhabit, despite the daily storms
which overtake us and make us forget
we are the lifeblood pumped into these
veins, every particle of love we generate
running into rivers, lakes, and creeks,
evaporating into the air we breathe,
give back, and breathe again.
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
MECKMIN FAITH LEADER LUNCH
OCTOBER 29 12:00 to 1:30 PM | The Park Expo & Conference Center | 800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Topic: Communities of Faith Impacting the Community for Good
Thanks to a grant from the Foundation for the Carolinas, we are able to gather quarterly, share a meal together, enjoy a wellness practice, and explore what's working well in congregations, plus do LOTS of networking.
Purchase a lunch ticket HERE
DIAPER DRIVE – NOVEMBER 1-10
We are collecting Newborn and Size 5 ONLY
For anyone who wants to publicize the Amazon Wishlist for the Diaper Bank, here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/5GZMC9KE0C1B?ref_=wl_share.
A reminder, this link will allow for people to purchase diapers and wipes and have them directly sent to the Diaper Bank and held aside for our specific event. If you prefer to drop off diapers you can do that at Advent Lutheran and Park Road Baptist Church. Details in the flyer.
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
MECKMIN TRAINING
SKILLS and MINDSETS FOR CONVERSATION WHEN WE DISAGREE
Would your congregation, nonprofit, or community group like to explore the skills and mindsets for effective conversations when we disagree? We have a GREAT workshop that can be presented on-line or in person in one hour or less. Longer versions can also be tailored to your group.
INTERFAITH PANEL FOR THE WORKPLACE OR SCHOOLS A one-hour panel with people of 4-5 different faiths sharing about work or school experiences -- what's been great, what could be better, specifics about what does or doesn't help create a sense of belonging. Q and A is included. Can be customized and shortened or lengthened for your school or organization.
Prices and further information are available HERE
The (reasonable and negotiable!) fees for these programs support the work of MeckMIN – and the skills, knowledge and connections created are invaluable.
Finally, we have an active speaker’s bureau of local members representing a wide range of cultural and faith traditions, and we’re happy to connect you. Email us at meckmin@meckmin.org.
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.
COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATES
Mecklenburg County Health Department
David Sweat, a faithful member of this community and a gift to us through COVID, has just taken a position to lead the Buncombe County Health department. Thanks, Farewell and BLESSINGS to David! If you want to send a personal email thanking him, send it to LeDayne@meckmin.org and she can share it with him.
Jamila Freelain-Holly, MPA | Jamila.Freelain@charlottenc.gov | charlottenc.gov
Community Engagement Liaison Housing & Neighborhood Services
Neighborhood Engagement Services Team
600 East Trade Street |Suite 308 |Charlotte, NC 28202
Office (704) 336-5004 | Cell (704) 591-901
Keep Charlotte Beautiful - Beautification Grants $8000.
Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) is currently accepting Letters of Intent for its Beautification Grant, an annual opportunity which awards up to $8,000 for community beautification projects. This competitive grant is open to neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and individuals citywide.
Projects must fall within the four tenets of Keep Charlotte Beautiful: litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling, beautification, and community greening. For more information about these principles and project ideas, please see the table below.Deadline for letters of interest in Nov 13th.
Board Trainings
November 13, 2024, 6-7:30, Allegra Westbrooke LIbrary
This practical workshop is designed for neighborhood organizations seeking to enhance their board's performance and impact. Participants will explore essential tools and techniques for effective governance, board organization, improving decision-making, and boosting overall board effectiveness. Registration: https://charlottenc.seamlessdocs.com/f/FY25CEtraining
December 03, 2024, 6-7:30, Hickory Grove Library
This workshop is dedicated to fostering collaboration, building trust, and creating connections among local organizations, businesses, and residents. This session is aiming to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to enhance community partnerships and drive meaningful, collaborative success. Registration: https://charlottenc.seamlessdocs.com/f/FY25CEtraining
January 14, 2025, 6-8, Belmont Regional Center
This workshop is designed to help neighborhood leaders effectively involve people of all ages in community activities. This session will explore key strategies for engaging diverse youth, creating inclusive programs, and fostering meaningful participation.
2. NONPROFIT UPDATES
Kaelan Boyd | kaelan@civicsedu.org | (704) 698-8008
Co-founder and Executive Director
We are a Charlotte area nonprofit dedicated to improving civic literacy in schools and communities across the Central Carolinas. In an effort to understand the civic behaviors of residents across the region, we have recently launched our inaugural Civic Pulse Survey. The Civic Pulse Survey is CivicsEDU’s primary data collection tool for measuring the civic education needs and engagement behaviors of residents across the Central Carolinas region. The survey provides CivicsEDU staff with critical insights into local civic activities, barriers to participation, and areas for potential growth. Our goal is to reach at least 500 respondents by the survey deadline on December 1, 2024.
As a non-profit leader in the Charlotte area you can play a critical role. Please support our work by taking the Civic Pulse Survey yourself and sharing it with your networks, including your organization's mailing list or newsletter. Civic education is a priority for all, transcending age, race, and socioeconomic background, and I believe our audiences share the same commitment to this cause.
We have created the attached graphic to make including this information in your communications easier. You can find more information on our website at civicsedu.org/survey.
Thank you so much for your help. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.
BEYOND THE BRIDGE: A SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS
Screening Nov 19 | 5:30-8:30 PM | Dubois Center uptown
Branden M Lewis | Branden.Lewis@mecklenburgcountync.gov
November is National Homeless Awareness Month. To raise awareness about issues related to homelessness and housing instability, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care is hosting a screening of the film Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness. This event also kicks off our community’s 2025 Point in Time Count planning activities.
The Beyond the Bridge filmmakers will join us here in Charlotte on Tuesday, November 19th at 6:00pm at The Dubois Center on UNCC’s Center City campus to screen the film and host a brief panel conversation. Please share with your networks. Registration is free and tickets can be reserved here.
WELCOMING NEW FRIENDS St. John’s Baptist Church and Refugee Support Services
Kheresa Harmon | kharmon@sjcharlotte.org
The Immigrant and Refugee Ministry Group at St. John’s will be hosting an event in Broach Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5:30-7:00 PM called “Welcoming New Friends”. The focus will be on the work of Refugee Support Services and on their Fruitful Friends program in particular, which pairs volunteers with RSS program participants to build friendships, share cultures, and provide support. The speakers will be Pam Dellinger, RSS Help Desk Coordinator and Esther Schmidt, RSS Mentor Programs Coordinator. There will be a buffet meal at 5:30 PM, and the program will be from 6:00-7:00. The cost of the meal is $15, pay at the door by cash or check. Registration is required, but there is no charge for those who wish to come for the program only.
MIND BODY BABY NC Community Doula Program
Jasmine Mix |jasmine@mindbodybabync.org,
Mind Body Baby NC | Village@mindbodybabync.org
Mind Body Baby works to support mothers, birthing people and families through the perinatal period through a reproductive justice lens. Thanks in large part to a grant from Mecklenburg County we have space available for families in our Community Doula program which provides Black Birthing people in our county not only full spectrum doula support, but also resource navigation, mental health education and peer support.
WEDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH Third Annual International Holiday Bazaar
Sunday, December 1st | melsevans@yahoo.com
Wedgewood will once again host the International Holiday Bazaar on December 1st at Refugee Support Services, and we need your help! We're looking for vendors who sell handmade crafts, food, and music, and volunteers for the day of the event. All proceeds will support our immigrant community and Refugee Support Services. More details will be shared soon. For vendor inquiries or volunteer opportunities, please contact the church. Wedgewood Church <wedgewood.church@yahoo.com>
It will be held at the same location as last year, the Refugee Support Services building at 3925 Willard Farrow Drive in Charlotte.
OPERATION SLEEP SAFELY PROGRAM FROM CMPD
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During the month of October, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is sponsoring Operation Sleep Safely, a collection drive to support the families affected by domestic violence in our community. All items collected will be donated to the Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter. Items needed include new twin-sized sheet sets, new twin-sized blankets, new pillows, new bath towels and washcloths, laundry detergent (liquid or pods), and $10-$20 Walmart or Target gift cards.
CMPD drop-off locations are listed below:
HAITIAN HERITAGE & FRIENDS of HAITI (HHFoH) Seeking Office Space
Sabine Guerrier, MBA, MHA, CEM, CSM, | sabinesg@hotmail.com or hhfoh@live.com
Founder/President Haitian Heritage & Friends of Haiti (HHFoH)
704.890.9903
Haitian Heritage & Friends of Haiti (HHFoH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich culture and heritage of Haiti while providing critical support and services to Haitian communities, both locally and abroad. As we continue to expand our outreach efforts and serve those in need, we are seeking support from community partners like MECKMIN. One of our current needs is for office space to facilitate our operations and better coordinate our programs. Something small to start with, where we can put a desk, couple chairs, a filing cabinet, etc...
We kindly request your consideration in offering us a space within your facilities, free of charge, to help us advance our mission. This generous support would allow us to allocate more resources directly to the community we serve and foster even greater impact.
CONTINUUM OF CARE (CoC) Faith Leader Survey
Glennis Davis | Faith-Based Representative, CoC Board of Directors,
Co-Founder and Executive Director, A Giving Heart Project.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care includes individuals and organizations across Mecklenburg County who are committed to ending and preventing homelessness. The vision of Continuum of Care (CoC)is to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. We have created a survey where faith leaders across Charlotte can share valuable insights from their own work. Your participation will help inform the CoC’s efforts and allow us to better understand how we can support the incredible work being done within our local Households of Faith. This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes of your time. If you are not a faith leader, we kindly ask that you forward this email to someone who is.
Link for survey: https://forms.gle/Fv2Fydg6Ty2XU7DK8
Please respond to this first round by 11/8/24
DIGITAL NAVIGATOR CORPS FROM THE Center for Digital Equity:
Sherry Sample | Samples@queens.edu
Program Director The Center for Digital Equity
The Center for Digital Equity is excited to be part of a new Americorps program called the Digital Navigator Corps. Established in 1994, AmeriCorps is a valuable program that provides individuals with hands-on experience, professional skills, and educational benefits, while empowering them to make a meaningful impact by addressing critical community needs across the United States. We invite you to learn more about Americorps through this video.
We are currently recruiting 10 Americorp members who will be trained to be Digital Navigators with the CDE in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. This year of service is a great opportunity to learn about and get hands-on experience in a growing career field. The role includes a bi-weekly stipend and an education award upon completion. We especially value individuals that speak languages in addition to English.
A Digital Navigator helps local residents with their tech needs- which might include helping them find a low-cost internet plan or teaching them basic digital skills on a computer. Someone with basic technological skills, a willingness to learn, and capacity to work with people in a caring and compassionate way would make a great Digital Navigator!
Residents or Partners can fill out a form to request services
EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES
Patrick Garcia | contato@embracealllatinovoices.org | 704.369.4145
Hiring a new Development Director. Are you passionate about empowering Latino communities through transformative philanthropy? EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES, a dynamic non-profit organization committed to advocating for health equity, recognition, business development, and social navigation for Latino individuals in North Carolina, is seeking a Director of Philanthropy to join our growing team.REquires three years of experience. https://www.embracealllatinovoices.org/en/post/embrace-is-hiring-director-of-philanthropy
Free Community Health Worker Certification Program. They are providing CPCC certification for community health workers for bilingual navigators
CHARLOTTE TOOL BANK
OUR MISSION
The Charlotte ToolBank serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise to empower their most ambitious goals.
OUR VISION
To equip all communities with tools for change.
ABOUT US
We are a nonprofit tool lending program that provides charitable organizations with year-round access to our inventory of tools for use in their volunteer projects, facility and grounds maintenance as well as special events. We provide tools to enhance the charitable sector’s capacity to serve, facilitating hands-on volunteerism in the greater Charlotte area.
The Charlotte ToolBank maintains an 8,000 sq ft warehouse in South End and an inventory comprised of more than 358 different types of tools and special event equipment in volumes large enough to equip thousands of volunteers at a time. Access to ToolBank tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, repairing and storing tools, reducing the costs associated with service projects and allowing these agencies to focus more of their resources on their mission.
Low cost for non-profit organizations and houses of worship
NO COST for disaster-relief and recovery
COMMUNITY LINK FREE TAX PROGRAM
Marsha Clark | MClark@communitylinknc.org
Charlotte Free Tax program (VITA) starts 12/7/24. You can sign up to be a greeter or tax preparer at www.communitylinknc.org – Helping low-income people get their full tax refund is a great way to help create economic sustainability and mobility
HEALTHY MECK
Julie Alexander | Julie.Alexander@atriumhealth.org
Healthy Meck will be offering a free advocacy training for area nonprofits on November 22 from 9 - 1 in Davidson. We are particularly reaching out to smaller nonprofits whose service area includes North Mecklenburg. If you have an interest, please reach out - Julie.alexander@atriumhealth.org.
CWS IMMIGRANT SOLIDARITY FUND
Madison Burke | mburke@cwsglobal.org | (M) 919.520.1071 | (O) 919.680.4310
Migrant Services Coordinator CWS Durham Immigrant Solidarity Fund
504 W Chapel Hill St, Suite 106 | Durham, NC 27701
I wanted to reach out and share the impact report from CWS Durham for our 2024 fiscal year, which just wrapped up in June. I am happy to share that the Immigrant Solidarity Fund distributed just shy of $80,000 in direct financial assistance to undocumented, mixed status, and asylum-seeking families across the state this past fiscal year. Over $6,000 of those funds supported 23 individuals here Charlotte area.
Since its creation in 2019, the Immigrant Solidarity Fund has distributed over $1.1 million across the five different regional funds throughout the state. In addition to funds distributed, CWS provided referral-based case management and engaged in advocacy alongside our undocumented neighbors.
It has been such a joy to connect with ISF supporters over coffees, lunches, tabling in the community, presentations, worship services, and various events. We are grateful to our regional partner Carolina Migrant Network for their support, expertise, and guidance. Personally, I am grateful to be part of a community working to stand in the gap for undocumented neighbors. I am constantly inspired by the courage, creativity, and brilliance of the clients I have the pleasure of working with every day. One client shared the following feedback:
"One of few key resources that was available, helped in a major circumstance when I had to relocate, rent was behind, had just lost my job, things piled up at the same time...This was the best life jacket, and it came at the most appropriate time... It got me back on route and let me rest comfortable."
Please feel free to share the impact report with friends, neighbors, and members of your organization or congregation. If you are not already registered to receive the CWS Charlotte monthly newsletter and are interested in receiving regular updates, please sign up here. If you are interested in learning more about the ISF, I would love to meet 1:1-please feel free to book time with me here.
CWS Durham welcomes refugees, immigrants, and asylum-seekers from around the globe into lives of freedom, hope, and opportunity.
MOVING AMERICA'S SOUL ON SUICIDE
Carol Senick | csenick@alliancehealthplan.org
Moving America’s Soul on Suicide is dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and creating connections that foster a deeper understanding of suicide prevention. For more information, please visit the website: https://masosfilm.com/
Please consider on attending. To register, please refer to the attached flyer and scan the QR Code. Please forward this information to your distribution lists and community contacts.
Event Details
Date: November 14, 2024* Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM*
Location: UNC-Charlotte Dubois Center 320 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202*
Theme: An invitation to action: We can all be Suicide Preventionists
3. HURRICANE HELENE
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”
Are you aware of local places where displaced people are congregating?
Has anyone heard by any chance of some hotels where displaced people are congregating? I had a good chat with the Disciples of Christ national disaster recovery person, and she said that frequently there are a couple of low-cost hotels that end up with a lot of displaced people and those can be good spots for congregations to do some outreach and support. But I have no idea where to even start looking for that.
WAYS TO HELP
KEY MESSAGES FROM GROUPS ON THE GROUND IN WNC
DO NOT bring in donations or volunteers unless you have a local partner!There is a great need, but self-deploying is dangerous and can strain limited resources, block critical supply routes, and complicate recovery efforts while putting yourself and others at risk. Many donations are being left on the side of the road as warehouse space is limited right now.
Unsolicited donations are overwhelming donation centers. Sorting through excess donations uses limited volunteer hours. At this point in the recovery process, it’s much better to connect with people in the affected areas, learn what they need, and only bring the supplies they request.
Supplies needs are transitioning from water and food to propane, kerosene, and other ways to heat people and homes. Avery County received snow in the mountains and other parts of the region have seen freezing temperatures.
MDC, NC INCLUSIVE DISASTER RECOVERY NETWORK (NCIDR)
If you would like to represent MeckMIN on these calls, please contact LeDayne
The NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR) is a collaborative of public, non-profit, and faith-based organizations seeking avenues for community voice and equitable access to resources in our disaster recovery system. Our network was formed in October 2016 in response to Hurricane Matthew. It serves as a way for statewide mainstream organizations to be allies to community-based leaders.
Next meeting: Oct 22 at 2:00 PM. Meeting focus on policy responses to Hurricane Helene, including housing or other investments of public funds.Everyone is welcome – to receive an invite, please fill out this form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCIDR-Membership
NCIDR also hosts a living resource guide available here:
There are also calls related to disaster response in several areas. All are currently active. If you would like to represent MeckMIN on one of these calls, please contact LeDayne. We are particularly interested in having a representative in these calls, coming up in the next few months: DEI Committee, Donations management, Spiritual and Emotional Care, and Volunteer Management.
See the full list of committees here: https://www.ncvoad.org/join-a-committee/
SOME GRASSROOTS, TRUSTWORTHY PLACES TO DONATE CASH (always the most HELPFUL, most versatile option):
Second Harvest Food Bank - Metrolina (taking weekly trucks to impacted areas)
Beloved Asheville - Asheville-area relief efforts
Bounty and Soul - Food distribution in Black Mountain and Swannanoa Valley
Charlotte ToolBank - Funding to deploy tools and resources WNC
Swannanoa group - https://www.heartswithhands.org
Helene has devastated Western North Carolina, a region with a large and vibrant Latine Community. Language barriers and fear from authorities can limit people's access to goods and services. Help us get resources to directly impacted Latine families.
All funds collected will be sent to grassroots Latine-led organizations in Western NC for mutual aid efforts.
---------------------------
Helene ha devastado el oeste de Carolina del Norte, una región con una comunidad latina grande y vibrante. Las barreras lingüísticas y el miedo a las autoridades pueden limitar el acceso de las personas a bienes y servicios. Ayúdanos a llevar recursos a las familias latinas directamente afectadas. Todos los fondos recaudados se enviarán a organizaciones de base lideradas por latinos en el oeste de Carolina del Norte para esfuerzos de ayuda mutua.
And don’t forget that MeckMIN also needs your support as we play a coordinating role from here.
VERY SPECIFIC NEEDS
Communities do not need – have already received sufficient donations of – water, feminine hygiene products, and pet food. Used clothing is also unhelpful because there is no one to sort and process it.
Communities do need pallet jacks, totes, boxes, bubble wraps, and other supplies to manage donations.
Here are some specific unmet needs of which we are aware – reach out to LeDayne for more information on these, and she can connect you to the groups who have asked for support.
Survivors are experiencing travel barriers to reach Disaster Recovery Centers. Houses of faith with vans/buses could be very helpful, please pass along this need to partner houses of faith in impacted areas
REQUEST: There are pockets of populations in impacted areas from Hurricane Helene who face transportation challenges to access resources, particularly for visiting Disaster Recovery Centers to register for FEMA. The NCVOAD Disaster Case Management Committee is looking to identify groups who can provide transportation to these communities, especially churches and congregations with vans and minibusses. Please email Daniel.Altenau@ccharitiesdor.org to be part the discussion with the NC VOAD Disaster Case Management Committee.
There is still a great need for heated housing with running water for volunteers. Until there’s greater housing availability, local volunteers, or those that live close enough to do day shifts, are preferred to those that need overnight accommodation. Volunteer Housing in impacted areas continues to be a great need. If you have housing supports or ideas, please contact Kristy Kolberg at president@NCVOAD.org
CARL BARTLETT | 828.273.9518
-Working as volunteer coordinator from Black Mountain
-Former Mayor
-Spoke with our group last week asking for winter clothes BUT: Currently urging cash donations as the most efficient and helpful means of support
SPECIFIC REQUESTS VARIOUS LOCATIONS
well water testing
NCVOAD (ask LeDayne for contact)
water/soil/air quality professionals to help create guidelines for residents
UNETE (ask LeDayne for contact)
child care volunteers
Project Camp (ask LeDayne for contact)
Pallet jack, shrink wrap, and laundry detergent
Crisis Relief and Recovery (ask LeDayne for contact)
Asheville:
Free or at cost building materials
SKILLED construction volunteers
AVLFAST (ask LeDayne for contact)
Sylva, Morganton, Waynesville area:
One Site- Sylva
75 Dehumidifiers
150 Box Fans
One Site – Morganton
100 Dehumidifiers
175 box fans
One Site- Waynesville
50 Dehumidifiers
65 Box Fans
Contact: Roland Whitley (ask LeDayne for contact)
Henderson County #1
El Centro of Henderson County could really use donations of building material - floor plywood, sheetrock, snap-lock flooring - particularly for undocumented families who will receive no federal aid and are taking it upon themselves to rebuild their homes. At a later time, we will also need appliances and beds. Thank you for your consideration.
LAC Main Nancy Díaz (ask LeDayne for contact)
Henderson County #2
Help removing trailers (would need a specialized crew)
I need at least 43 single mattresses and 20 space heaters
Contact: Melisa Soto (ask LeDayne for contact)
MITCHELL COUNTY NEEDS
Generators
Electric Heaters
large and small propane buddy heaters
butane cylinders tanks
1lb and 20 lb propane tanks
Propane hose with regulator
Drop cords/ Surge protectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke Detectors
Bungee Cords
Pallets 150
Boxes (various sizes). YES TO TOTES!!
Plastic bins/containers (for smaller items).
Packing tape and dispensers.
Label maker or pre-printed labels.
Pallet wrap or shrink wrap (to secure items on pallets)
Dollies for moving boxes 10
Pallet jacks (manual or electric) 4
Forklifts (if available and necessary for larger loads)
Shopping carts or baskets for individuals to carry items 50
Shelving for items 200
Racks for clothing 200
Hangers for clothing 2000
Contact: Carlene Anders (ask LeDayne for contact)
Norma Duran Brown, Founder and Executive Director.
Luisa Rodriguez, UNETE Youth Coordinator
Jose Infanzon Chavez, Community Health Workers Coordinator
We are a local nonprofit that serves an average of 1,300 people per month. Our Latino Youth program only outreaches weekly to 150 Latino families with our flagship programs: Mentoring And Nurturing Our Students (MANOS) for high schoolers and Freedom, Advocacy, Resilience for Our Students (FAROS) for middle schoolers. We also have De Mujer a Mujer NC, a Latina women programs that has led a movement raising awareness about unhealthy relationships
As we approach Thanksgiving, we are preparing for what will be a very different holiday season for many in our community. While some will be filled with gratitude more than ever, others are facing significant challenges. It’s heartening to see how this uniquely American celebration has been embraced by our Latino families, and we’re hoping to make this time a bit brighter for them.
With that in mind, I wanted to reach out to see if your faith congregation would be willing to help us by creating a "Thankful Box" for our families. Any support would be deeply appreciated, especially by families currently dealing with unemployment and uncertainty.
Thank you so much for considering this request. We would be grateful for any way your congregation could contribute.
We serve 5 counties, but our offices and main Latino programs are located in Asheville.
Allow me to share how an ideal Acción de Gracias Food box will look like:
Turkey
Rice
Oil
Canned tomatoes
Stuffing
Maseca
Oregano
Cumin
Clove
Pepper
Canela sticks
Condensed milk
Sugar
It is a big ask and if course that we can pick up the donations but we always love to share the moment of giving with our army of angels on the ground...
Contact Norma Duran Brown J.D. (ask LeDayne for contact info)
DISCOVERING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
North Carolina Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NCVOAD) Multiple opportunities available by county or volunteer agency
American Red Cross Give blood and/or get trained to volunteer
Hands-On Asheville-Buncombe Multiple opportunities available
CRISIS CLEANUP HOTLINE
Crisis Cleanup (www.crisiscleanup.org) is a website tool and hotline used throughout the US. It connects disaster survivors who need property cleanup assistance with volunteers who can help. The hotline is staffed by volunteers like you who work from home as they have time. Survivors call the hotline, and phone volunteers take the call, and enter the information on the website. Volunteer organizations claim cases, do the work, and then close the case. Everyone is working from the same list which minimizes duplication of efforts and saves time, so more people get help. All services are free.
MeckMIN is an approved Crisis Cleanup Hotline volunteer-sending agency. Reach out to us if you want to sign up as a volunteer.
-Something you can do from home, answering calls, fill up a case and upload it to their website
If you have a crew or crews willing to assist families, you can also use the web site to learn of families who have requested help
UNITED WAY 211:
WAYS TO GET HELP
Please see our website for previously-shared information
Relief Resources
– geared for you to share with impacted people – https://www.meckmin.org/s-hurricane-helene-relief-resources
They have a great resource page for NON-PROFITS impacted by the storm and its aftermath:
LOCAL FEMA OFFICE
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is up and running for Mecklenburg County.
Location: 9501 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC. Open: Monday - Sunday | 7 AM - 8 PM.
It is there to help anyone, from anywhere, process their assistance applications. Share with your networks!
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
4. GENERAL INFORMATION
CARE RING MOBILE CARE UNIT November 6th
The Care Ring Mobile Care Unit is coming to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on November 6th with free health screenings and more!
The mobile unit provides:
Counseling Support
Health Care Screenings
Care Coordination/Navigation
Links to Community Resources
CANOPY HOUSING FOUNDATION
Kim Oliver, MPA
Director of Community Engagement | Canopy Housing Foundation1120 Pearl Park Way, Suite 200 | Charlotte, NC 28204704-940-3142
The Canopy Housing Foundation (the charitable arm of the Canopy REALTOR® Association) is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Humanitarian Award. This is a perfect opportunity to recognize a deserving person, organization or project. The ideal nominee demonstrates what it means to be a great humanitarian, benefitting our community through their efforts.
This initiative is open to the entire community, and self-nominations will be accepted. Please note that your nominee does not have to be a Realtor®, and nominations are not limited to housing initiatives. For your reference, attached are nomination information and an editable/fillable PDF of the nomination form--also available on the Foundation’s website (click on the box titled, “Nominate a 2024 Humanitarian!”). The chosen recipient will be recognized with a crystal award at the Canopy Realtor® Association Holiday Luncheon on Friday, December 13. In addition, the Foundation will donate $5,000 to a non-profit organization of the recipient’s choice.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION IS OCTOBER 31 at 5 pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
Please do share with others who might know someone, a project or an organization deserving of consideration. You are welcome to contact me for additional questions or concerns
NOVANT HEALTH CHARLOTTE HEALTH FEST 11/02/24
This event is driven to empower the health of our community, with free diabetes and kidney screenings, health education, music, and fun activities.
To make an appointment, please scan the QR code.
5. ELECTION INFORMATION
VOTING LOCATIONS and PROCESSES MAY HAVE CHANGED IN Western North Carolina
Leading up to this fall’s election, the Center will offer a variety of tips for nonprofits about nonpartisan voter registration and voter education. Share these tips with your staff, board, and the people you serve.
This week’s tip: Voting locations and processes may have changed in parts of western North Carolina.
This week, the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) and NC General Assembly approved several changes to voting rules in the 25 counties in western NC most affected by Hurricane Helene. Among other things:
County boards of elections in these counties can make changes to Early Voting sites and polling places on Election Day. These changes may be necessary because some planned Early Voting sites or polling places are damaged or inaccessible.
Voters may submit absentee ballots in person at any county board of elections in the state, any Early Voting location in the state, or any Election Day polling place in the state. This could be helpful for people who are displaced from their homes in western NC and currently staying in other parts of the state.
County boards of elections can develop rules to enable multipartisan assistance teams to assist people with requesting absentee ballots and to serve as witnesses for absentee ballots.
NCSBE has information for voters in western NC who were affected by Hurricane Helene. Among its tips is for displaced voters to request absentee ballots at their current address and to contact their county board of elections if they have already requested an absentee ballot and need to have it sent to a new address.
Note: If you missed previous 2024 Election Tips of the Week or want a refresher, (re)read them:
Need voter information? See below for details for both North and South Carolina voters:
Voting Reminders
Vote early! Don’t wait—it’s so easy to vote early!
Check your registration! Since 2023, over 700,000 voters were removed from the North Carolina voter rolls. Confirm your North Carolina registration here. If you’re not registered, you can still register in person at any early voting site.
In North Carolina, early voting begins Thursday, October 17, and ends at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 2. You can register on the same day during early voting. If you’re in Mecklenburg County, you can vote at any of these locations during the early voting period. For other counties, check your local sites here.
For South Carolina early voting information, look here.
If you’d prefer not to vote in person in North Carolina, you can request an absentee ballot here by 5:00pm on Tuesday, October 29. Make sure to follow the submission rules carefully as they’ve changed. Don’t forget, the return envelope needs 3 full-price stamps.
If you have a new voter in your house or a college student, make sure they know where and how to vote.
Do your research ahead of time and vote the entire ballot! Here’s how:
North Carolina voters can find their ballot here and check the Mecklenburg County bonds and a constitutional amendment on the ballot for this year.
You’ll need an ID to vote in person in North Carolina. See acceptable forms of ID here.
Information about NC statewide judicial races can be found here.
You can also find information on all candidates at vote411.org.
If you do none of these things, make sure to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Here's how to find your North Carolina polling place. Remember, on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling location.
Here is the link to the NC Voter Search webpage for the NC Board of Elections. Using this link, people can verify they are registered at their current address under their current name, get details about what districts they are in, learn where their polling place is on Election Day, and get a link to their sample ballot.
Having an acceptable photo ID to vote is now required. The traditional IDs, like a drivers license and passport, are just some of those that are accepted. People can also get a free ID from their county Board of Elections if they are registered to vote. Should people not have or bring their ID when voting, they can still vote by completing an ID exception form. Typically, any reasonable reason will be accepted for their vote to count, but they will need to complete a provisional ballot.
Candidate information is critical for voting, especially for down ballot races. Here is a link to a variety of candidate information that the WNC Nonpartisan Voting group compiled that can be helpful for people to review before voting. Democracy NC, Common Cause NC and other partners have also created this candidate guide for Mecklenburg County. These are also available in paper versions, but it may be challenging to get them and distribute prior to the election. The latter guide also includes the locations, days and times open for all the early voting sites for that county.
While people have three options for voting in NC - Early, Election Day, and Mail-in or Absentee Voting, I (and many others) encourage people to Early Vote if possible. There are many advantages to doing so.
Finally, people are encouraged to draft a plan to vote and implement that plan. The plan should include how they plan to vote; where they are going to vote if they are voting early; who they plan to vote for; and when they are going to vote. A key element is that everyone should vote their entire ballot! All races on their ballot are important, especially those down ballot, as they often are the offices that impact people most directly.
Should people have questions, encourage them to contact their county Board of Elections. That number in your county is (704) 336-2133.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
Only love is big enough to hold all the pain of this world.
-Sharon Salzberg
ONE WEEK FROM TODAY – Thursday, October 31 at 11 a.m.
Comments