"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

It’s no surprise housing continues to be the biggest crisis point in North Carolina.

According to NC 211 caller data, Catawba County is no exception. In the last three months, 236 requests were made from the county to 2-1-1, seeking help with housing/shelter.

In Catawba Co.:

-106 calls about rent assistance.

-65 calls about shelters.

-Ages 60+ are the largest demographic seeking help with rent.

-Women were 66% of the calls looking for information about shelters.

Statewide:

-8,298 calls about rent assistance.

-5,261 calls about shelters.

NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina health and human services information line supported by local partners like the Catawba County United Way.

To find local nonprofits or other programs who could help with a housing crisis, dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org.

If your agency isn’t listed in NC 211, visit https://nc211.org/add-your-agency/ to add your services to the database.

The Catawba County United Way is trying to connect with families who would like to claim American Legion portraits of members of Post 240 in Maiden. The building has been condemned and will be torn down. 

Call the CCUW and ask for Mark – 828-327-6851 – if you’d like to look through the portraits recovered.

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization, focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities throughout the country..

From left: At the Catawba County United Way - Teri Cain with her father's photo (K.B. Clippard), Mark Bumgarner with his mom and dad's photos and Pat Kenner with her cousin's photos - John Hefner and Gus Carter. Pat already picked up her husband's photo (Ronnie). Photo by John Bailey/Catawba County United Way

The Catawba County United Way (CCUW) recently received a special mural from the Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Foundation in partnership with local community initiative “The Art of Compassion” and the CVCC Fine Arts Department.

The mural was the product of an artistic display at the CVCC Foundation S.T.A.R.T. Gala. “The Art of Compassion” was a lead sponsor and supporter of the event. Proceeds went to support the Fine Arts programs at CVCC.

Jeff Kieffer, Director of the Visual Arts program at CVCC, facilitated the design of the mural.

Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner appreciated how the mural was a metaphor of the local nonprofit community.

“It speaks to the collective whole. We want people to walk into our space and gain a greater sense of what the United Way and Catawba County truly are,” Bumgarner said.

The donation of the mural was made possible by the CVCC Foundation, Inc. and “The Art of Compassion,” an initiative supported by team members Robert and Julie Lackey. The goal of “The Art of Compassion” is to inspire and promote compassion, kindness and love for others through Education, Arts and Entertainment.

Robert Lackey said that both the CCUW and CVCC have been invaluable in helping with “The Art of Compassion’s” mission.

The initiative is working to create more opportunities to give back and help the area become known as the “kindest community in the nation,” he said.

To learn more about The CVCC Foundation, Inc., or to make a donation, please contact foundation@cvcc.edu.

To learn more about “The Art of Compassion” movement, please visit theartofcompassion.net.

To learn more about the Catawba County United Way, visit ccunitedway.com.

In the Photo (From Left): Robert Lackey, Julie Lackey, Mike Bumgarner (CCUW), Jennifer Jones (CVCC Foundation, Inc)., Dr. Kim Stinson (CVCC), and Jeff Kieffer (CVCC).

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.