Mecklenburg’s nonprofits and faith community help fill gaps for poor

As government programs run out of money, other organizations step in and help poor people, many of whom are recent immigrants.    - - Donna Poisl

By David Perlmutt

For years, Mecklenburg County’s nonprofits and faith community have filled some of the gaps for the poor left empty by government programs.

They feed, clothe and help with rent and utility bills. They offer English classes for the newly arrived in hopes it will help them land a job. Some churches adopt schools in their area where there is a high concentration of students who receive free or reduced lunches.

Two weeks ago, Guatemala native David Rivera began taking English classes at Forest Hill Church, which partners with the Harris YMCA and Central Piedmont Community College.

Rivera said learning English is the only way to get ahead “so you can fill out applications and communicate with your manager.”
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