May 21, 2013
One organization traveling throughout the state for the second time this year to raise awareness of families struggling through the economy made a stop in the east Friday.
The "Truth and Hope" tour was in Greenville before heading to Goldsboro and Faison to hear the community's call for help.
Organizers say they want to hear the views of residents who are struggling to find work, housing, transportation and food. Melinda Lawrance, executive director of NC Justice Center says, "
We've learned the depths of the desperation and the amazing courage of the people who are struggling to raise their families, create a good life and be a part of the community with no resources, no support and no infrastructure."
Last year North Carolina's poverty rate was nearly 18 percent. Officials say it hasn't been that high since 1981.
Organizers of the "Truth and Hope" tour plan to have two more tours throughout the state later this year.
Groups organizing the tour are: North Carolina NAACP, UNC Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity, NC Justice Center, Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change at North Carolina Central University, and AARP of NC.
