Join our #HomeForTheHolidays campaign to support Black single mothers
Dear friend.
We know how hard the holidays can be. So, for the first time ever, join Color Of Change for our “Home for the Holidays” campaign-where we’ll be working with local organizations in Baltimore, Flint, Newark, and Detroit to pay Black single mothers’ utility bills and fight for equal access to electricity and water for all families. This holiday season, we are paying mamas’ bills in cities around the country so that we can give mothers an opportunity to focus on something other than making sure their lights and water stay on
When you think of a high electricity bill, you may think a big house with a lot of fancy tech gadgets, but that’s not the case. Studies show that in the United States the poorer you’re the more money you’re spending on electricity--especially in cities like Baltimore, Newark, Detroit and Flint where elected officials’ negligence have led to unclean water, exorbitant prices, and constant shut offs. For example, Baltimore's officials have been trying to collect long-unpaid waters bills leaving thousands of residents with no water, but larger commercial companies with unpaid dues have been notable untouched. The unfairness is a direct reflection on how America views and cares for Black and poor people.1
Black women take on two to three jobs to make sure their electricity and water stay on -- sacrificing time with their kids and time for themselves. Many of these women, don’t own their homes or have the resources to access new home-improvement gadgets that could lessen their bills such as solar polar, low-flush toilets or even hybrid cars that could make their car gas bill less. Historically, Black women are the heart and providers for many of their families with little to no support from the government, so we’re showing our support and giving a helping hand by paying their utility bill.
In addition to paying a Black single Mama’s bill, we are supporting local campaigns to bring awareness to the everyday problems Black mamas face. Places like Detroit, Flint, Newark and Baltimore have people on the ground working overtime to make sure Black mamas have a voice in a world where they’re often silenced. We’re using this year's #HomefortheHolidays campaign to support Black women and families in need.
Money should not determine if your lights or water stay on. No one should have to worry about needing the basic necessities to survive simply because they are too poor to afford them. We need to continue showing up for Black women because they always show up for us. But, we can’t do it without you.
Until justice is real,
Jade, Rashad, Arisha, Brandi, Evan, Johnny, Future, Corina, Chad, Mary, Saréya, Angela, Eesha, Samantha, and the rest of the Color Of Change team
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