Poverty Issues Group

The DNA of SAPC has long been rooted in mission, outreach and carrying for the least of these. It is no surprise that such rootedness has grown into a tree with a social justice branch, bearing fruit, as more learn about the root causes as to why so many needs of our society persist. The Poverty issue group, is a natural outgrowth, sprouted in response to our most recent book study of Poverty, by America, previous classes on poverty, racism, housing and SAPC’s commitment to being a Matt 25 congregation focused on eradicating poverty.       We are a group of curious, passionate and humble folks trying to learn, educate and advocate for better working conditions that allow ALL, not just to survive but to thrive.

Currently, we are advocating with letters to our representatives to raise the NC minimum wage which has stood at $7.25/hr, despite inflation, for the last 17 years. At this wage, according to the NC Budget and Tax Center, a single adult with one child would need to work 229 hours a week to afford to live in Wake county! 

Given the complexity of the issue we are also looking into ancillary topics that can better support working conditions for our communities; such as paid sick days, paid family medical leave, collective bargaining, earned income tax credit, access to affordable child care, healthcare, transportation, housing and food. We are also tracking relevant bills in the NCGA and following the work of larger community organizations working in this area. Poverty is a complex issue and no one policy will fix it all. It will require many voices and creative solutions. We hope you can be one of those voices and join us as we reach down into that rootedness of faith to bear fruit for a more fair and just world.

We meet the second Mon of each month by zoom 7-8 pm. Please check us out. We would love to have you! Contact Katie Hircher at poverty@sapc.com