Everyone deserves the stability to weather a storm—and the opportunity to build a thriving future.
Too many families in Forsyth County live one unexpected expense away from crisis. At the Asset Building Coalition, we work to change that.
What is Asset Poverty?
Asset poverty is when a family lacks the financial cushion to cover basic needs—like housing, food, and childcare—for three months if their income is disrupted.
- 23%
In Forsyth County, 1 in 4, or 23%, of Forsyth County households face this invisible crisis, impacting their ability to afford their basic needs.
Why Does it Matter?

Meet Cheryl & Jefferson
Cheryl and Jefferson both started their careers after college with the same drive and determination. But when an unexpected expense hits, their outcomes look very different. This isn’t about personal choices—it’s about the resources you have when life happens.

Let’s Build Solutions Together.

Advocacy
Asset poverty is a community-level issue that requires a coordinated, community-level response.
The Benefits Cliff
The Benefits Cliff is when a pay raise results in a net loss of combined income and benefits.


Forsyth Living Wage
A living wage is the minimum income needed for a worker to meet their basic needs.
The ABC Data Exchange
An informational resource that offers in-depth data and context on the issue of Asset Poverty in Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Our Coalition is 30 Members Strong, and Growing.
Individual Members
Bill Lawler, community member
Kaisha McDermott-Carter, community member
Karl F. Yena, nonprofit consultant
Tyler Sparks, Communications Consultant
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