Christmas on Minimum Wage

Lately, there have been a few stories in the national media chronicling food service workers and the low pay they receive. Some of the lowest paying jobs in America are tied to this industry. Over the years, I can recall many of our residents who found employment with various fast food restaurants around Kalispell, so this issue has a profound effect on those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

 In July, Forbes magazine interviewed Carman Iverson, a 28-year-old minimum-wage McDonald's worker in Kansas City, Missouri, who has four children.  Many people think finding any job is a cure for not being homeless, but the article detailed the utter impossibility of making ends meet on the wage, especially in an industry that limits workers' hours.

Taken from the interview:  Iverson said she started working in 2012 at $7.25 an hour, and makes $7.35 an hour now after Missouri adjusted the minimum wage. She makes between $400 and $600 a month. Her rent is $650 a month. When asked how she could pay her rent on those wages, she said she had a landlord who works with her. "I'm kind of on my last little leg, because I've been late on rent. I'm actually behind three months in rent.

"Sometimes I can pay it, sometimes I can't. I get paid twice a month, and both checks go to rent and the rest of it goes to utilities to the point where I don't have any money left to buy anything for my kids -- to buy them clothes, shoes or anything they need." She said she manages to feed her four children on $543 worth of food stamps a month.

Many single parents are in the same position as Iverson, living check to check and day to day. Without an accommodating landlord, she would likely be out on the streets. But what about the hundreds of thousands of tenants who are not shown such grace? Leniency with rent seems to be the exception rather than the rule. As the calendar turns toward Christmas, this time of year can be difficult for families attempting to balance rent, food, utilities, and presents for children on such a limited budget.

It is our hope that some of you would be willing to help out with Christmas at Samaritan House. If you are able, would you consider making a donation toward our residents or to help the shelter? As we are approaching the holiday season and end of the year, we will have a detailed list of items we need and ways you can help.

Thank you for everything!