September 25, 2018

Did You Know: Last year, NeedLink Nashville helped over 700 working neighbors in crisis.

Everyone has heard about rapid population and economic growth of Nashville. While the boom has been a positive opportunity for our city, it has also increased the cost of the housing market, and in some cases, made living in Nashville a challenge for some of our working families.

Today jobs in the hospitality industry reflect an average wage $11.04 per hour. BUT the living wage in Nashville for a family of one adult is $11.24 per hour. Living wage is the hourly rate that an individual must earn to support their family, if they are the sole provider and are working full-time (2080 hours per year). The expenses used to calculate a living wage do not include unforseen crises, such as a life-altering health issue, car repairs, or an unanticipated home repairs.

According to indeed.com, a host or hostess working 2080 hours a year in Nashville makes an average of $22,963 annually. According to the Living Wage Calculator, one adult with no children NEEDS to make $11.24 per hour to live in Nashville and one adult with one child NEEDS to make $22.77.

Furthermore, to qualify for the federal poverty rate, a family of one adult would need to be making $5.00 per hour. Yes, $5.00 per hour to qualify for Federal support programs.

At NeedLink Nashville, we understand that a crisis can happen to anyone at any time. You can be working and still struggle to make ends meet, even without a crisis.