The poverty rate in White County is somewhere between 12 and 15% depending on reporting from governmental agencies. That puts the number anywhere from roughly 1,633 to 2,042 people. Of those, more than a quarter are under the age of 18 and 6% are age 65 or older. The Carmi Compassion Center is growing to meet the need and since the non-profit’s conception in 2014 has already outgrown it’s home once. It’s under the same strain again and is currently working on a capital building campaign. Tina Youngman, the director for the Carmi Compassion Center says the need has increased by more than 400% since she started in October of 2020 going from serving about 85 people per month to 400 in June of this year. In the last year alone, the center has helped more than 3,600 people according to Youngman.
The CCC got a thousand dollars closer to it’s $150,000 goal during the Carmi Kiwanis lunch Thursday. Kiwanis president Emily Williams presented the group with a $1,000 check donated with proceeds stemming from the civic club’s 50/50 raffle. The donation brings the total raised to $89,000 in gifts or pledges. Land has already been secured on Third Street across from Carmi Lumber and building plans have already been drawn up.
Youngman says the CCC is always in need of clothing, socks, underwear, and hygienic products. In fact some local businesses are holding hygiene product drives including Joyner Therapy Services. Youngman says they also need shoes, work clothes, coveralls, and work boots for those who are getting or trying to gain employment.
The Compassion Center is open to anyone in White County and is currently located at 213 7th Street in Carmi. They’re open from 9am – noon Tuesdays and Thursdays for donation drop offs and from 2pm – 5pm Tuesdays and Thursdays for client shopping.
If you feel moved to help the Carmi Compassion Center meet it’s financial goal, you can donate at either First Bank location in Carmi or scan the QR code below. Donations are tax-deductible.
