If you live in a disaster area impacted by Hurricane Helene and it's been declared a presidential disaster zone, you may be eligible for $750 in initial relief to cover urgent needs. Learn more
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If you live in a disaster area impacted by Hurricane Helene and it's been declared a presidential disaster zone, you may be eligible for $750 in initial relief to cover urgent needs. Learn more
Get the resources and support you need to overcome everyday challenges and build a brighter future for yourself and your family
Our Mission
Our mission is to shape government economic policies, particularly those affecting the labor market and other areas of economic intervention that negatively impact working people. We provide assistance to help workers find employment and educate them about government programs designed to enhance job opportunities. Additionally, we aim to inform the public about economic policy failures and bridge the current political divide by promoting collaboration among local, state, and federal officials to pursue common goals that benefit working Americans.
Understanding the Burdens of Working People
Working-class People in Tennessee and across the United States face daily struggles with the rising costs of essentials like food, rent, and other basic needs. High living costs and stagnant wages stretch many families thin, leaving them uncertain about how to make ends meet each month. This economic strain has created an urgent need for support systems and opportunities to ease the burden on hard-working people. Vital resources, such as affordable housing, child care, and early education, are often out of reach, while reliable transportation remains limited across much of Tennessee. Access to education and job training, food and clothing assistance, and strong community and faith-based support networks are also essential for helping these communities stay resilient. Steady, well-paying work is difficult to secure without adequate training and support. By expanding these resources and opportunities, we can build a path to stability and growth for Tennessee’s working class, empowering them to not only get by but also to thrive.
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The Current Economy Fails to Benefit Working Americans
$7.25
The federal minimum wage is currently set at $7.25 per hour, which translates to approximately $15,000 annually for a full-time worker. This income is insufficient to meet the basic needs of a family, including housing, food, healthcare, and education.
43%
of U.S. workers make less than $15 per hour. More people than ever are working in jobs that pay too little and offer too few benefits. Nationwide, 58.3 million workers (43.7 percent) earn under $15 an hour; 41.7 million (31.3 percent) earn under $12 an hour.
50%
of working-class Americans now spend more than 30% of their income on housing, with many dedicating nearly half of their earnings to rent or mortgage payments. This leaves little for essentials like food, healthcare, and savings, pushing millions into financial instability.
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Affordable Housing Solutions
The housing crisis in Tennessee has placed an immense burden on working-class Tennesseans, many of whom are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing rent prices and the limited availability of affordable housing. As urban areas like Nashville and Knoxville experience rapid growth, housing costs have outpaced wages, forcing many families to live in substandard conditions, face overcrowding, or move further away from job centers. This displacement increases commuting costs and further strains household budgets. The lack of affordable housing options has led to a rise in homelessness and housing insecurity, making it difficult for working-class individuals and families to achieve financial stability and secure a safe, permanent place to live.
Childcare and Early Education
Access to affordable and reliable childcare is critical for working parents. Learn about programs in Tennessee that provide childcare subsidies, free pre-K education, and after-school programs to ensure your children are cared for while you work. Learn about programs in Tennessee that provide childcare subsidies, free pre-K education, and after-school programs to ensure your children are cared for while you work.
Health Care
America, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, faces a crisis in healthcare access. Despite advances in medical technology and treatments, millions of Americans go without health insurance and essential care. This lack of access isn't just a financial burden—it’s a life-and-death issue. America’s healthcare crisis is a complex issue, but solutions exist. By working at the federal, state, and local levels, and by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, we can reduce the burden on our healthcare system and improve overall well-being. Each person who makes a change—from drinking more water to engaging in regular physical activity—contributes to a healthier society. If we combine personal responsibility with systemic reforms, we can begin to address the healthcare crisis and build a stronger, healthier America.
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Education and Skills Training
Education and skills training are essential for working-class Tennesseans looking to advance in today's increasingly competitive job market. With industries rapidly evolving and requiring specialized skills, many jobs now demand more than just a high school diploma. For those who have not completed their secondary education, Tennessee offers GED and high school equivalency programs, providing adults with the opportunity to earn credentials that open the door to better job prospects. Additionally, trade schools and vocational programs across the state offer hands-on training in high-demand fields such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology, allowing individuals to gain valuable, marketable skills in a relatively short time.
Food and Clothing Resources
Food and clothing are basic necessities that form the foundation of daily life, yet many working-class Tennesseans struggle to consistently afford them due to economic challenges. Access to nutritious food is essential for the well-being of individuals and families, but rising grocery costs and stagnant wages have left many unable to make ends meet. Organizations such as Feeding Tennessee and local food banks, and churches partner with grocery stores and farmers to distribute essential food items to those in need. Additionally, federal programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) offer food assistance to low-income families, ensuring access to essential nutrition.
Joining the U.S Military
Life can be challenging when school, jobs, and opportunities feel out of reach. For many, the military offers more than just a career—it provides stability and support when it’s needed most. With benefits like housing, healthcare, and financial security, the military can transform your life. And it’s not just about combat. The military offers thousands of career paths in fields like technology, healthcare, engineering, and administration, giving you a wide range of opportunities to build a successful future.
Community, Faith and Support Networks
Sometimes, the most valuable resource for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances is a strong, supportive community. In Tennessee, local Christian churches play a pivotal role in providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support to working-class families in need. These churches often serve as more than just places of worship—they are community hubs where people can come together, share their burdens, and receive guidance and encouragement. Many Christian churches in the region offer a wide array of services, including pastoral counseling for emotional and mental well-being, mentorship programs for personal and spiritual growth, and support groups for those facing specific challenges such as grief, addiction, or financial hardship.
Job Opportunities and Workforce Development
Finding stable employment is a crucial step in overcoming financial and personal struggles, as a reliable income can provide the foundation for housing security, healthcare access, and overall stability. For many working-class Tennesseans, however, the job market can be difficult to navigate without the right tools and support. That's why a wide range of resources exist to help individuals find and secure meaningful employment that matches their skills and goals.
Transportation Solutions
For many Tennesseans, a lack of reliable transportation poses a significant barrier to accessing employment opportunities and essential services, such as healthcare and education. In rural and urban areas alike, public transportation options can be limited, making it challenging for individuals without a vehicle to reach job sites, grocery stores, or medical appointments. Whether it's public transportation routes, carpool programs, or assistance for vehicle repair, there are resources available to help you get where you need to go.
