STATEMENT OF NEED

In order for our organization to carry out its mission, the school building our organization purchased is in dire need of major improvements. The building needs the entire electrical system replaced and brought up to code. The entire heating and cooling system need to be purchased and installed. The roof needs to be upgraded and gutters replaced. The plumbing, and flooring, need to be upgraded. The building has a solid structure of cinder block walls and cement floors. Windows have been broken and need to be replaced with the same type due to the building's historic destination. The Davidson School according to the architects drawing is facing close to one million dollars in needed repairs. (Neighboring Concepts, Charlotte) 10 years ago, the state of North Carolina closed the employment office in the city of Kings Mountain leaving residents to have to travel to another city for assistance in their job search and employment assistance. Kings Mountain youth have to travel to other cities for mentoring programs, which our community and city lack. There are many adults and seniors who do not have access to computers or who are lacking in the use of a cell phone or smartphone in the community. So much of what our society requires us to have access to. With the county's health department located in another city, it would be healthy for our community and city to have access to healthy living information and programs through our organization. With the rising cost of living due to inflation, food shortages, and their high cost, we look forward to continuing to give away boxes of food and other essential items for those in need in the community. The City of Kings Mountain is a diverse city of just over 11,400 residents. There are many seniors, families, and single-parent households in the city. Its population makeup is 73% white, 22% black, 1% Asian, and 1% other. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. The Davidson School sits in the heart of this diverse city.