To whom it concerns,
I am writing this for the Asheville Community Resource Center (ACRC),
myself and the community if Asheville, as well as all communities
around the world. I am a single parent with a nine year old child.
I have worked in the “for profit” system for most of my
life. I am forty-four years old. I am not a homeless youth, a struggling
artist, a budding musician, a disenfranchised worker or an inmate
in prison, although I have much in common with all the people who
work with and appreciate the ACRC. I have given up my position in
the corporate world to work in the “not for profit” world
of community.
We moved to Asheville, this vibrant city nestled in the mountains,
less than a year ago. The reason we moved to this city is because
Asheville is so community oriented and supportive of the arts; a diverse
artistic community rooted in compassion and sustainability. The Asheville
Community Resource Center is an important part of the life of the
city.
While unemployment rates rise, corporate power is surging and we are
discovering that the food, the water, the air we breathe is becoming
more and more toxic, I’m thankful to the Asheville Community
Resource Center. In a world torn apart by war and violence I am thankful
for the ACRC. In a world where profits are valued above all else,
I am thankful for the ACRC.
The ACRC is a valuable organization and space that CANNOT be measured
by profit margins. It is built on the back and spirits of our community,
The benefits to the city of Asheville are endless. At a time when
these services are desperately needed, the Asheville Community Resource
Center offers untold community resources to our city, FOR FREE!
The ACRC is a radical organization. Radical, in that we support peace
and justice in the community. There are numerous benefits held at
ACRC for various local community groups. The ACRC offers housing to
many local environmental groups, including Earth First and the Bountiful
Cities Project. Radical, in that we support free education for all.
The Asheville Free School, Asheville Free Homeschoolers and a Womyns
Heath Clinic utilize this space. Radical, in that there is an alternative
reference library, internet service, local phone, used bike collective,
a nationally acclaimed weekly newspaper, a prison books organization,
as well as a multitude of other community service organizations that
utilize the ACRC. And all of these services are provided for FREE.
There is no profit involved. The ACRC is a place to come in out of
the cold, harsh world and be supported by people who really care about
each other and our community.
Let us stop and look at what is going on here. What will happen if
there is no downtown space for our community? Think about it. What
will happen on the streets of North Lexington? Where will all the
people go who utilize the community center? The city of Asheville
needs the ACRC. It performs a vital, necessary service for the people
of our community.
The caring, compassionate people of the ACRC need our help. Let us
trust in the goodness of each of our hearts, as we ask for the support
of our community and friends, in sustaining the Asheville Community
Resource Center.
I believe we can Stop the pending eviction of the ACRC. I believe
we can Stop the corporate takeover of North Lexington. We can Stand
up for the ACRC and ourselves. Stop in the center, located at 63 North
Lexington, sign a petition, make a donation, take a free class, support
your community and the ACRC. Standing up for each other, we will be
heard.
Sincerely,
Cherrie Williams
Asheville, NC
