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ECONOMY FROM OUR PARTNERS |
More White Collar Workers Seeking Help In Economic Downturn
POSTED: 5:04 pm EDT June 18,
2008
UPDATED: 6:34 pm EDT June 18,
2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Local charities said they're seeing a growing number of white collar workers in their lines.It may sound surprising, but people who made up to $80,000 last year are now struggling in the economic downturn and say they’re forced to seek help to support their families.“This economic cycle is causing us to see people who never thought they'd be here,” said Carol Hardison, executive director of Crisis Assistance Ministry.
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Crisis Assistance Ministry gives financial help to those who can't pay their utility bills or who are on the verge of being evicted from their homes. Hardison said an increasing number of professionals are coming there for help.“Because of the housing crisis, we are seeing three new groups of people: people who were in real estate, people who were in the mortgage business and people who were in foreclosed homes as renters,” she said.Hardison said although the current numbers show the housing market is steady in Charlotte, the people seeking help tell a different story.“I got kids and my wife is a student. I’m only 24 and I'm trying to make it,” said Envoy Nance, who works as a plumber.Nance said he’s been hurt by the changes in the housing market. Last year, he was busy with jobs at new housing developments, but this year he's struggling.“The plumbing industry is going down. The remodeling and new construction is not as much as it was,” he said.Hardison said she thinks this is only the beginning.“It would be really scary to depend on the housing industry. Charlotte-Mecklenburg has been fortunate, but we're starting to see it,” she said.
More White Collar Workers Seeking Help In Economic DownturnSURVEY: Are You Concerned About The Economy Falling Into A Recession?DISCUSSION:Are You Feeling The Pinch? Share Your StoryCrisis Assistance Ministry gives financial help to those who can't pay their utility bills or who are on the verge of being evicted from their homes. Hardison said an increasing number of professionals are coming there for help.“Because of the housing crisis, we are seeing three new groups of people: people who were in real estate, people who were in the mortgage business and people who were in foreclosed homes as renters,” she said.Hardison said although the current numbers show the housing market is steady in Charlotte, the people seeking help tell a different story.“I got kids and my wife is a student. I’m only 24 and I'm trying to make it,” said Envoy Nance, who works as a plumber.Nance said he’s been hurt by the changes in the housing market. Last year, he was busy with jobs at new housing developments, but this year he's struggling.“The plumbing industry is going down. The remodeling and new construction is not as much as it was,” he said.Hardison said she thinks this is only the beginning.“It would be really scary to depend on the housing industry. Charlotte-Mecklenburg has been fortunate, but we're starting to see it,” she said.
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