WACC Luncheon Focuses on ALICE

By Gloria Way

  Common Cents Credit Union (CCCU) sponsored the Winnie Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) May networking luncheon last Thursday. Tish Cornell, VP of Marketing for CCCU, introduced the guest speaker Dr. Belinda George, a strategic financial planner. “We at Common Cents need to know the economic status of the residents of the Winnie area in order to serve them better,” said Cornell.  “Our goal is to create solutions to their economic situation. We have contracted with Dr. George to help us with creating an economic needs assessment of our area, and to use that information to better understand what financial assistance is needed.”

  Dr. George spoke to the attendees about ALICE – asset limited, income constrained, employed. George stated, “The largest segment of the population in Winnie that is struggling is the single mom. She makes too much money to qualify for public assistance such as food stamps and rent assistance but is only one paycheck away from having nothing.” George emphasized that if a child gets sick or injured or the car needs a major repair, the single mom must choose between buying groceries or paying rent. “This group lives paycheck to paycheck. One emergency can totally break them.” said George.

  The working poor struggle with a limited chance of upward mobility. They can’t afford adequate housing, safe childcare, healthcare, or transportation. “So, what can we do as a community to assist?” asked George. “We must advocate for affordable housing. We must support businesses that have in-house childcare. We must promote financial literacy, create transportation solutions, and push for a living wage,” she said.

  George informed the attendees that the Winnie area needs to support more nonprofits into the community to provide these needed services. She also emphasized the need for more people to volunteer in the schools. But her main message to the attendees was that it is essential for all public service providers and nonprofits need to work together seamlessly to provide the services. “I like to call it “wraparound” where all nonprofits collaborate with each other so the people in need will only have to go to one place to seek help,” stated George. 

  To join the Winnie Area Chamber of Commerce, contact Executive Director Debbie Breaux at 409-296-2213 or [email protected].