Learn More about the EastSide

 Here are some facts about East Charlotte:

• 160,000 people live in 40 unique East Charlotte neighborhoods.
• East Charlotte is defined by Independence Boulevard, The Plaza, The Plaza Extension, and Albemarle Road.
• The Hezekiah Alexander homesite is the oldest surviving structure in Mecklenburg County.
• Former Eastland Mall built in 1975, was once the largest mall in the state and was the first to have two floors of retail space and an indoor ice-skating rink.

  Many organizations in Charlotte aim to help struggling refugees and residents of our city. Here are some statistics of need for our community according to the U.S Census Bureau, 2013 American Community Survey:

• More than 1 in 7 (15.2%) Charlotte residents live below the poverty line
• 1 in 5 children in Mecklenburg County live in poverty
• The majority of kids in poverty are children of color:

o 35.7% of all Hispanic children

o 30.7% of all Black children

o 19.7% of all Asian children

• 165,000 residents are food insecure, according to the Mecklenburg County Health Department
• And from a 2014 Harvard University report titled “Equality in Opportunity Project”

· Charlotte was cited as last in the country for upward mobility 

In the Child’s Best Interest, a report by the International Human Rights Law Clinic, the Warren Institute at UC Berkeley School of Law, and the Immigration Law Clinic at the UC Davis School of Law finds that:

More than 100,000 children were affected by parental deportation between 1997 and 2007.

· At least 88,000 of these children were U.S. citizens

· 217,000 other immediate family members were affected by the deportation.

The deportation of parents has a negative impact on their U.S. citizen children.

· According to a report from the Urban Institute, many families who lose a parent to deportation experience housing instability and food insufficiency because of lost income.

· Other adverse behaviors experienced by children facing the deportation of a parent include changes in eating and sleeping habits, increased episodes of crying and lower grades in school.

Rosalia Torres-Weiner painted this mural with a budget that only covered materials, not her time or labor. It’s a larger wall, and since her son often painted with her during her private commission days, she asked him to assist with this project as well. He asked how much he was going to get paid and she responded “Nada.” One day an elderly gentleman approached them while they were painting. He said “Que Dios te bendigo” or “God Bless You.” Torres-Weiner told her son that, was their payment.

  Here are clues to help you identify all of the neighborhood dogs:

• The purple bulldog in the middle is based on the lore of a famous suit based on a beloved children’s character created by a business down the street. Any ideas?  Or is it Bigfoot?
• The fit Labrabor retriever is working out and getting smarter and stronger to be an excellent pet. Dog training anyone? Don’t have to look far to guess that one.
• How about the bluesy boxer? He represents a venue down the road that has been there for a very long time. Like a long time. 
• On the left, this dog with the rainbow-colored heart works with the LGBTQ community for support and justice. 
• Vegetables are a hallmark of the iconic restaurant on the corner. Ever eaten there?
• Need a cup? Of coffee or whatever. This locally owned gathering spot is a great addition to the neighborhood. And it is not ordinary at all.