# data[].attributes.body
This short film Shows how the economy is losing people or firing them because its either they don't have enough money, or the workers are leaving because the pay is not a lot.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Surviving an Unlivable Wage | Full Documentary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
“The restaurant industry has driven a significant amount of economic growth since the Great Recession, but many restaurant employees continue to end up hungr...

# data[].attributes.body
A living wage is considered as the theoretical income level that allows individuals to afford the adequate necessities for normal living.

# data[].attributes.headline
We are planning to set up a zoom meeting with local state governors.

# data[].attributes.subject
We are planning to set up a zoom meeting with local state governors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is LIVING WAGE? What does LIVING WAGE mean? LIVING WAGE meaning, definition & explanation

# data[].attributes.body
This is a documentary about the life of a person living an inadequate income.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Living Wage Now! presented by Asia Floor Wage (full length)

# data[].attributes.body
This is a link for a petition that we have been working on. We wanna help Robert Reich, the campaign manger, to reach his goal of 30,000 signatures.

# data[].attributes.body
We can go to representatives or local mayors to have meetings or suggestions on how we can make the world better so none has to suffer living a miserable life. We can also hold protest, to be recognized and taken seriously for a cause that we truly support.

# data[].attributes.body
We are going to help people get the amount of signatures that they need to get their, which we support, recognized.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pass a $15 Minimum Wage in the First 100 Days

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tell your Representatives and Senators to raise the minimum wage in the first 100 days of the Biden administration!

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/z1NUJ_xNg8s

In this song she is telling us how the minimum wage is not enough for her to live off of every month and still get everything paid because she is falling short. Then she mention how she feel like its a waste of time but something is better then nothing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A little extra help, organized by Sam Valadez                                         Here are sum you can check out.

# data[].attributes.headline
We are also going to eventually set up a go fund me, to help families who are struggling. While their are already numerous go fund mes' already.

# data[].attributes.subject
We are also going to eventually set up a go fund me, to help families who are struggling. While their are already numerous go fund mes' already.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.gofundme.com/en-ca/c/blog/how-to-get-help-with-bills

https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/how-to-get-help-with-bills

https://www.gofundme.com/f/dwrfje-help-us-afford-rent

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-poverty-wage-transgirl-with-housing

https://www.gofundme.com/f/tipsAREwages

https://www.gofundme.com/f/2dju3xclzc

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A few months ago I raised money to try to afford rent after getting kicked out for coming out to my parents as trans. Unfortunately, making minimum wage at my job leaves me extremely strapped for cash when it comes to my bills. I'm just asking for an extra boost when it comes to those bills. Thank you also for everyone that donated to my previous GoFundMe to get me to where I am now!

Read more

#1 fundraising platform

More people start fundraisers on GoFundMe than on any other platform. Learn more

GoFundMe Guarantee

In the rare case something isn't right, we will work with you to determine if misuse occurred. Learn more

Expert advice

Contact us with your questions and we'll answer, day or night. Learn more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A little extra help, organized by Sam Valadez

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A few months ago I raised money to try to afford rent after getting kicked out for coming out to my parents as trans. Unfortunately, making minimum wage at my job leaves me extremely strapped for cash when it comes to my bills. I'm just asking for an extra boost when it comes to those bills.

# data[].attributes.body
Instagram

# data[].attributes.body
This song explains the struggle of living with the little money she earns.

# data[].attributes.body
This song described the long struggle Blake Shelton went through before he became famous.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Blake Shelton - Minimum Wage (Official Music Video)

# data[].attributes.body
He wrote this song to tell us how he was working for a minimum wage but got sick of not having enough money every two weeks or month and not being able to provide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Taylor Bennett - Minimum Wage (Directed by Cole Bennett)

# data[].attributes.body
This song explains how people that are living off living wages are not able to provide for them and their family. Living wage is not paying people enough for them to keep up with today's cause of living.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
about the struggle of people to make ends meet working for less than a living wage ...about just enough ...about the change that is coming.I started writ...

# data[].attributes.body
"About 20 percent of families with a worker earning up to the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25 per hour), 13 percent of families with a worker earning above federal minimum wage to $12.00 per hour, and 5 percent of families with a worker earning $12.01 to $16 per hour were in poverty in each year" according to GAOs' evaluation.

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-17-677

# data[].attributes.body
Their is also a living wage network called employment policies institute, that is dedicated to help people with these problems. They create assistance programs for low-income families.

https://epionline.org/living-wage/living-wage-policy-solutions/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A Closer Look at Living Wage Ordinances

The living wage movement advocates local government wage mandates, called living wage ordinances (LWOs), applicable particularly to government contractors and employers receiving government subsidies or financial aid. However, if the purpose is to assist working low-income families within the jurisdiction, there are far better approaches, including targeted tax credits to employees. A wide array of federal, state and local government programs to assist low-income families already exist. Local governments can expand their programs to help families in need without relying on LWOs.

The Federal and State Governments Provide Assistance to Low-Income Families

The federal government runs a number of cash or in-kind assistance programs for working low-income families. In addition to the basic cash assistance welfare program- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)-the federal government also provides assistance through food stamps, housing assistance, Medicaid, child tax credits, energy tax credits, and the earned income tax credit. A number of states also provide targeted relief to low-income working families, including packages of assistance for families leaving welfare.

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit is a particularly important program for low-income working families with children. In the tax year 2005, a two-child family with earnings below the poverty line would be eligible to receive up to $4,400 in tax credit or refund from the federal government.

Nineteen states (including the District of Columbia) also provide earnings-based tax credits that supplement the federal EITC. Most state programs "piggy-back" on the federal EITC. The state supplemental tax credits range from 5 to 50 percent of the federal credit. The tax credits are refundable in 15 states.

Two Local Governments Have Adopted Earned Income Tax Credits

Two local governments (Denver, CO, and Montgomery County, MD) have adopted their own earned income tax credit programs. Such local initiatives cost less than contractor-based living wage ordinances and reach more families genuinely in need.

There are several reasons why local targeted living wage tax credits are better than living wage ordinances:

1. Tax credits do not raise employer costs and thus do not discourage employers from hiring low-skill job applicants.

2. Targeted tax credits can reach more needy families in the jurisdiction at the same or lower cost than LWOs. This is because local governments bear the brunt of the cost increases from the LWOs and because much of the wage increases from the LWOs go to families and individuals without children and not in low-income families.

3. Targeted tax credits are more effective than LWOs in boosting family disposable income (i.e., tax home pay). This is because the tax credits are not subject to payroll tax and not generally counted in determining eligibility for many government assistance programs. Therefore, the benefits delivered by the targeted tax credits are not as subject to reductions for taxes and lost benefits as are those delivered by LWOs.

The Employment Policies Institute Advocates a Targeted Living Wage Subsidy

The Employment Policies Institute has published a report, The Case for a Targeted Living Wage Subsidy, which identifies the specific advantages to a local government of adopting a targeted living wage subsidy rather than a LWO. Some of its major points are:

Based on research into the effects of living wage programs, it is possible to design a local targeted wage subsidy program that would have the same effect on the disposable income of workers in poverty but at much lower costs.

A local government can piggyback on the state or federal EITC for the employee base it wishes to support. For example, rather than adopting a LWO for contractors, a locality could enact a targeted wage subsidy for employees of contractors who are eligible for the state or federal credit.

We estimate that such a targeted wage subsidy could deliver the same benefits as a living wage mandate to workers in genuine financial need at 35 to 60 percent of the budgetary cost of the wage mandate. In a major city such as Los Angeles, this could translate into saving as much as $3 to $7 million annually. This comparison does not even consider the additional wage subsidy benefits of avoiding the loss of jobs and loss of work opportunities.

The targeted wage subsidy alternative is more cost-effective for three main reasons

1. Based on research into the San Francisco and Los Angeles living wage ordinances, local governments are likely in the short run to absorb 50 to 75 percent or more of the living wage mandate's increase in labor cost.

2. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 30 percent of those workers who would benefit from LWOs are from families below twice the poverty line. However, all of the families reached by a targeted living wage subsidy would be in or near poverty.

3. Finally, because many of the intended beneficiaries stand to pay payroll taxes or lose governmental assistance when their earnings rise, the untaxed wage subsidy allows them to keep more of their income and benefits. Thus, by redirecting the benefits to those in need by a means that is more tax advantaged than wages, the local government ends up paying less for the same gain to workers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Living Wage: Policy Solutions - Employment Policies Institute

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Closer Look at Living Wage Ordinances The living wage movement advocates local government wage mandates, called living wage ordinances (LWOs), applicable particularly to government contractors and employers receiving government subsidies or financial aid. However, if the purpose is to assist working low-income families within the jurisdiction, there are far better approaches, including targeted tax [...]

# data[].attributes.body
Their are numerous programs around the country to help families that struggle with food, bills, housing, and more.

https://www.gofundme.com/en-ca/c/blog/how-to-get-help-with-bills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One unexpected emergency can wreak havoc on your finances, wiping out your savings and leaving you with piles of unpaid bills. Thankfully, there are nonprofit and government programs as well as crowdfunding resources that can help you overcome financial setbacks. We've compiled the best resources that can help you understand how to get help with bills and get back on your feet.

Charities that help with bills

There are many charities eager to help out if you've fallen on hard times. Below are some of the most well-known nonprofit organizations that can help you pay medical bills or find safe housing.

Charities that help with car costs

For millions of Americans, a reliable vehicle allows them to travel to work, visit family members, and go to doctors appointments. Without a car, everyday life can screech to a halt. These charities specifically help individuals and families get from point A to point B safely.
Working Cars for Working Families
This organization distributes cars to families in need, makes low-interest loans for car purchases, and matches savings for down payments, among other services.
Ways to Work
Ways to Work is a nonprofit that helps thousands of families with less than perfect credit obtain auto loans up to $6,000 every year.
Good News Garage
Founded in 1996, this organization provides low-income families with refurbished vehicles. It repairs donated vehicles in the New England region, then turns them over to those in need.

Charities that help with medical bills

Even with insurance, many are left with expensive medical treatments. Without insurance, out of pocket medical expenses can be astronomical. The below charities understand this struggle and want to help eliminate overwhelming medical debt.

United Way's 2-1-1 program helps people understand complex health care options by connecting them with resources on a range of issues, from disaster relief to health services.
National Association of & Charitable Clinics (NAFC)
The NAFC is made up of 1,200 clinics across the US where struggling individuals and families can seek affordable medical treatment. It helps fill in the gaps by providing dental, medical, pharmacy, vision, and other health services.
Healthwell Foundation
This nonprofit offers help with medical bills for uninsured individuals and families. Programs help cover everything from copays to deductibles to travel costs.
Family Reach
Family Reach helps families that are fighting cancer by helping pay for everyday living expenses. It also help families with financial planning so they can avoid the bankruptcy that so often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

Charities that help with utility bills

A brightly-lit home and running water are conveniences that are easy to take for granted until they're suddenly gone. If you need help with utility bills, consider one of these programs.
The Salvation Army
This reputable organization's HeatShare program helps families with electricity, natural gas, and oil and propane costs on a yearly basis.
Modest Needs
Modest Needs has been working since 2002 to provide temporary financial aid to people who live paycheck to paycheck. The organization awards grants that can be used to pay for short-term expenses.
Citizens Energy
Citizen Energy's program called Joe-4-Oil provides 100 gallons of heating oil to low-income individuals in 16 states. In Massachusetts, it awards families $150 credits to put toward their gas bills, while it installs solar panels for in California.

Charities that help with housing costs

Housing costs are typically one of the largest monthly expenses on the budget. If you're having trouble paying that bill when the first of the month rolls around, or if you're searching for a safe and affordable home, these charities want to help.
Community Action Partnership
The Community Action Partnership strives to combat poverty, improve lives, and change communities for the better. It has helped over 148,000 families find safe and affordable housing through its various programs.
Volunteers of America
For over a century, this organization has been providing affordable housing to veterans, the elderly, and those with physical and mental disabilities. Volunteers of America has properties in 40 states and Puerto Rico that it uses to house those in need.
Mercy Housing
Mercy Housing is passionate about serving low-income families, people with special needs, and the elderly by finding them affordable housing. The organization renovates existing housing and also builds new rental properties.

Government assistance with bills

Depending on your situation, government programs can be a lifeline while you get back on track. Federal and state programs offer assistance for everything from mortgage payments to phone bills.

Government help with medical bills

Whether it's a trip to the emergency room or long-term chemo treatments, these visit can lead to hefty medical bills. The below government programs can help you avoid medical bankruptcy.

PACE, which stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, offers help with medical bills for low-income elderly folks. Those 55 and over can receive funding for the cost of adult primary day care and home care.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Under CHIP, children up to age 19 whose families make up to $49,200 per year can receive or low-cost hospital visits, dental care, prescriptions, and more.

While this organization is a 501(c)(3), it helps people find government assistance through state-sponsored programs. The organization's website lists government programs that help with health insurance, disease screening, general medical care, and more.

Government help with utility bills

It can be easy to fall behind on monthly utility bills, especially in the summer and winter months when the weather is the most extreme. The following government programs can make sure you have a safe and comfortable home.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The LEAP program helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills and reduce their overall energy consumption.
Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers
The Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline Program offers a monthly discount of $9.25 on phone bills to low-income individuals and families.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program gets to the root cause of high energy bills by optimizing the energy efficiency of homes for 35,000 low-income households every year. The program helps households save a yearly average of $283.

Government help with mortgage payments and safe housing

These government programs are designed to eliminate the financial barriers that prevent families from having a safe and affordable place to call home.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Section 8 program helps people secure affordable and sanitary housing. Local public housing agencies (PHAs) provide housing vouchers to people so they can choose their own housing and pay the difference after applying the voucher.
Cash-out Refinance Loan
This mortgage program allows qualified veterans to trade equity from their home for cash to help pay off debt or make home improvements.
Rural Housing Aid
The Rural Development Program helps those living in eligible rural areas make rent or mortgage payments through direct loans and grants. Funds can be used to buy or improve land, build new housing, purchase and rehabilitate buildings, and more.

Using crowdfunding to pay bills

Emergencies like car accidents or devastating house fires can wipe out your savings account and leave you with bills for years to come. Countless people have launched emergency fundraising efforts through GoFundMe when they didn't know how to get help paying bills.

Crowdfunding lets you raise money from your friends, family, and community online. While some people aren't sure if their need is worthy enough for an online fundraiser, there is no cause too small or too big for GoFundMe.

Why fundraising makes a difference

Most government and nonprofit programs have strict eligibility requirements, long wait times, and a capped amount of money they can offer. These factors often make it difficult to receive the financial help you need, right when you need it. Online fundraising is often the quickest and most efficient way to conquer mounting bills and find emergency financial assistance. Through GoFundMe, you can start fundraising right away and receive your donations within just a few days.

Setting up a GoFundMe takes just a few minutes, and we make it easy to share your fundraiser with people who can rally around you. We also offer a fundraising platform, which means you can keep more of your donations.

Tips for running a successful fundraiser

Once you've launched your GoFundMe, you'll probably be focused on hitting your fundraising goals. The below fundraising tips will help you create a fundraiser that encourages people to donate.

See how others use GoFundMe to pay bills

When unfortunate circumstances left them in dire straits, these folks found help through crowdfunding.

Olivia was just an average middle school girl living in a small town in Indiana when a cancer diagnosis turned her world was turned upside. After chemotherapy failed to stop the cancer, doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant. Olivia's family couldn't afford the $350,000 surgery, so a friend came to the rescue and helped raise over $300,000 in just five months through GoFundMe.

Jen and her daughter were driving home on a Wisconsin highway when they spotted a car in flames on the side of the road. They pulled over to help and discovered that the family ran into car trouble shortly after being discharged from the hospital. The family's 5-year-old son Jackson had been in the hospital recovering from a liver transplant. Wanting to help them during a tough time, Jen started a GoFundMe. She raised over $50,000 so the family could purchase a new car and go to doctors appointments.

Find financial relief right now

Becoming debt-free doesn't need to take months or years when you can start raising funds for bills right away through crowdfunding. If you still need emergency help with bills after exploring government and charity programs, GoFundMe can allow you to find financial stability. Start a fundraiser today and begin focusing on what matters.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One unexpected emergency can wreak havoc on your finances, wiping out your savings and leaving you with piles of unpaid bills. Thankfully, there are nonprofit and government programs as well as crowdfunding resources that can help you overcome financial setbacks.

# data[].attributes.body
But based off of fortune.com, $15 an hour is not a living wage for Americans and especially their family.

https://fortune.com/2021/09/06/minimum-wage-15-an-hour-living-wage-labor-day/

# data[].attributes.body
Kaliyah Mobley is 15 years old and she currently go to Tuner Tech and is in the Criminal Justice academy. When she graduates from high school, she will be a junior in college. Also when she grows up, she will like to be a defense attorney. Her passion is to be start her own organization for young black women to help them prepare for adulthood.

# data[].attributes.body
Karisma Lovell is 14 years and she attends Tuner Tech and is in the Academy of Medical Science. When she graduates high school she wants to be a obstetric nurse. And if possible, she would like to graduate college with a doctorate degree. Her passion is to help young kids like her get somewhere in life, without having a worry in life.

# data[].attributes.body
They are 2 young black African American women that are growing up in Miami Florida. They are concerned about the living wages that are not keeping up with the enhanced cost of living. They desire to help people live a worry-free life, with enough income to live normally.

# data[].attributes.body
As of 2022, states like California decided to raised the minimum living wage to $15 per hour . Moreover, the United States living wage, $16.54 per hour before taxes, is not adequate living wage for most American families.

https://livingwage.mit.edu/articles/61-new-living-wage-data-for-now-available-on-the-tool#:~:text=The%20living%20wage%20in%20the,wage%20for%20most%20American%20families.

# data[].attributes.body
As reported by livingwagenetwork.org, "Paying a living leads to increased worker morale, worker health, and improved quality of service....Paying a living wage creates an economy that works for everyone."

"Paying a living wage can increase productivity, reduce worker turnover and absenteeism, and improve the quality of future job applicants." From knowledgeauckland.org.nz

A living wage can make life better for everyone along with numerous perks like healthier children, better looking city, and less bums/homeless people.

https://www.livingwagenetwork.org/

https://knowledgeauckland.org.nz/media/1650/tr2013-034-a-literature-review-on-the-effects-of-living-wage-policies.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The network is composed of certification programs that recognize employers who pay a living wage, significantly impacting the lives of tens of thousands of low-wage workers across the country.
To date, over 2,500 small and medium sized businesses across the country have certified their willingness to pay a living wage to their employees. By linking organizations across the nation through this network, the Living Wage Network will expand and support the movement for living wages and lift up employers who believe it's good business to pay livable wages to all workers.

What is Certification:

Living wage certification recognizes employers who pay workers fairly. After an interested employer has applied, they are guided through the certification process. As a certified living wage employer they are recognized and promoted for paying a living wage.

why certify:

Living Wages Benefit Workers
When workers are paid a living wage, they are able to adequately provide for themselves and their families. They are able to avoid stress such as holding (or seeking) multiple jobs to make ends meet, acquiring crippling amounts of debt, or relying on financial assistance from family or friends. Because a living wage means workers can earn enough to provide for their basic needs by working fewer hours, it also means that workers can have more time to spend with their children, spouses, and friends. But the benefits of a living wage aren't limited to the workers earning a living wage themselves. Having living wage employers in a community can create a ripple effect that raises the standards within a given industry or geographical area.

Living Wages Grow the Economy
Consumer demand is the fuel that drives economic growth. When consumers buy products, companies and their workers profit and the economy grows. But when the vast majority of families have limited wealth, they cannot afford to buy goods and services. Widespread inequality creates an economy that lacks consumer demand. This lack of demand weakens economic growth, thereby causing the economy as a whole to stagnate and decline. A living wage enables workers to buy goods and services, thereby increasing consumer demand and kick starting the engine of economic growth. That is to say, fair wages don't just benefit workers and companies on an individual level, they also helps the economy as a whole to function well. This in turn creates a broader tax base so that local, state, and federal governments can invest in the infrastructure and services that help strengthen communities. Paying a living wage creates an economy that works for everyone.

Living Wages Benefit Employers
Paying a living wage leads to increased worker morale, worker health, and improved quality of service. It also lowers turnover rates, saving money for employers. Economic research shows that higher wages aid in job creation and helps small business. Because living wages give workers more buying power to buy goods from local businesses, these findings should not be surprising.

START A CERTIFICATION PROJECT

In order to promote a more just economy, we seek to strengthen communities by recognizing employers who pay living wages.
Our toolkit was designed to help groups add this approach to their organizing.
Start your own Program →

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The network is composed of certification programs that recognize employers who pay a living wage, significantly impacting the lives of tens of thousands of low-wage workers across the country. To date, over 2,500 small and medium sized businesses across the country have certified their willingness to pay a living wage to their employees.

# data[].attributes.body
This video is about the different living wages in each country and what they need to improve in those wages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How much do you need to live out of poverty in each state?  All 50 States.

# data[].attributes.body
As quoted from CNBC.com, "Even with a raise of $15 per hour, a typical family of four couldn't afford the basics in any U.S. state.... The U.S. minimum is less than half the "living wage" for a single adult."

In accordance to ethicaltrade.org, "Raising wages: an urgent imperative. A wage that's enough to meet basic needs and to provide  some discretionary income....."

Not having a living wage can cause others to not obtain the basic necessities for a normal life.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/21/15-minimum-wage-wont-cover-living-costs-for-many-americans.html
https://www.ethicaltrade.org/issues/living-wage-workers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A living wage for workers | Ethical Trading Initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A wage you can afford to live on - still elusive for many workers.

# data[].attributes.body
This is TEDtalk speaker, Cori Ramsay, speaking about her past experience with poverty and why a living wage is needed for our poor societies. "Cori works to dispel misconceptions about working poverty and minimum wage...", as stated by TED by summary TEDxUNBC summary.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Poverty and the Power of the Living Wage | Cori Ramsay | TEDxUNBC