When the Cupboard Is Bare: A New York Times article documents increases in food insecurity, "In the four months since June, demand for food aid has risen 20 percent in areas of the country with the healthiest economies and more than 40 percent in areas with the weakest, leaders of nonprofit food-distribution organizations say." Definitely take a look at the photoessay that accompanies the article and listen to the reporter podcast.
CNN to name Nation's "Heroes" on Thanksgiving night. United Way of America has partnered with CNN for the program. Ten citizens who have made a difference through extraordinary deeds will be honored.
I recently read an article in the Boston Globe about how plans to revitalize Downtown Crossing through the construction of new office buildings, retail stores and high-end lofts and condominiums are causing many youths in the city to seek alternate “hang-out” spots. read more »
This fall, the Attorney General’s Office hosted a series of Winter Heating & Energy Roundtables to address issues of heat and utilities particularly in anticipation for the coming winter and growing cost of living. As it turns out, the resulting conversation overflowed the 4 part series and the Attorney General's Office having no more curvilinear furniture, decided to do the next best thing: They launched a blog. read more »
Tipping Point - the threshold at which a movement becomes irreversible. Today, this afternoon actually, 18 United Ways from across the Commonwealth announced that they are responding to the growing number of families in financial crisis by uniting for a new statewide drive to provide emergency assistance for basic needs this winter. The emergency appeal, called the Community Support Fund, will leverage the support of residents from all corners of the Commonwealth to create a safety net for individuals and families in crisis. Here's United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley president, Michael Durkin, on the effort:
Last Friday morning found me in a strange and unfamiliar location for that time of day: a large spacious gym on Church Street in Lowell, MA. read more »
Next Tuesday after you submit your vote for president, please help us garner support for another important campaign, one that we can all agree on. On Tuesday, November 4th, United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley and the City of Boston are looking for volunteers to help collect canned goods and distribute information about the Community Support Fund at polling places throughout the city. Whether you vote in Boston or not, you can help us bring food and basic needs to families who have been hit particularly hard by this year's uncertain economy. read more »
Today is Blog Action Day wherein people all over are joining together to think and write about poverty. It's a big task to undertake, and quite frankly, I'm not completely sure where to start. As I sit writing this I am thinking about the state budget cuts that are set to be announced later today. And, of course, I can't help but think every day about the larger economic crisis facing our country and the globe. read more »
Massachusetts has one of the highest median family incomes in the nation, yet its percentage of children who are poor has hovered for years at 13%, even in better economic times. read more »
I am upset. I guess upset doesn’t quite describe the undercurrent of fury that’s clouding my day to day activities. And no, it’s not the driver who cut me off on 95 today or the tantrum my kid threw that caused me to be late for work. I’m mad because I can’t seem to get a grip on where my once disposable income is going. read more »
