US

January Predicted to be Poor for Most Businesses in US

Published

6 years ago

December 31, 2018

Every year, the month of January slows down the speed of business in the US. But this time, the situation for business may deteriorate as the federal government shutdown would likely to make it worse. The good thing is that the shutdown would not last for a long period of time, hence it would be easy to regain the momentum soon after the shutdown comes to an end. According to reports, federal workers have been absent or working without pay since December 22. But still, there will be no issue for them in receiving a paycheck from the US government between Dec 28 and Jan 3. This paycheck will be smaller than as usual but the next one which is due on Jan 11 would only come if Donald Trump and Congress give their consent for it.

The economist, Stephen Fuller, head of the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at George Mason University told that it is not possible right now to tell how many people would get affected due to the shutdown. According to economists and marketing experts, the contractors and many industries would bear the brunt of this shutdown. And mostly, small businesses such as retailers inside federal buildings and food trucks that largely depend on the spending of federal workers and contractors.

Since the shutdown period always remains slow every year so it won’t get reflected in the economic indicators much. People restrict their spending post-Christmas so there will not be much loss due to the shutdown. Also, tourism during this phase of time also remains on the lower-side so this is not a significant subject to worry. As is the tradition every year, if the Trump government pays the paycheck to federal workers once the shutdown is over, then it will not affect the economy much.

“Because it’s the slowest time of the year, the side effects are considerably smaller just because the economy is in suspended animation at this point,” Fuller said. If the continues for over six month then it would affect everyone otherwise there is no such need to worry due to it.

US

Creating Safe Havens: Inside Genesis USA’s Vision for Inclusive Housing

Published

2 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Jimmy Lerner

Photo Courtesy of GenesisUSA

GenesisUSA, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas, works to improve the lives of disabled veterans and children who have lost their parents. Led by Charles Ford, the organization goes beyond providing financial aid. It focuses on long-term solutions, like building wheelchair-accessible homes, to support independence and dignity for those in need. With rising housing costs and growing inequality, GenesisUSA’s mission addresses a critical gap.

Ford and his team create supportive environments that help promote self-reliance in underserved communities. As a smaller, community-based organization, it addresses challenges that can be difficult for larger organizations to manage. Its work shows how local initiatives can make a noticeable difference.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Accessible Housing

The demand for affordable and accessible housing continues to grow. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that more than 11 million U.S. households need homes with accessibility features. This challenge is more pronounced for disabled veterans, with nearly four million living in homes that do not meet their physical needs.

“Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for this country, but many still face housing that doesn’t suit their needs,” Ford says. “Beyond merely providing them shelter, we’re creating a space where they can live comfortably.”

GenesisUSA is responding by building homes designed for accessibility. These houses include ramps, wider doorways, and modified kitchens and bathrooms to allow veterans to live more independently. The organization also plans to create supportive environments for children who have lost their parents, many of whom also face mobility challenges.

Ford’s Community-Driven Leadership at GenesisUSA

Ford’s years of experience in construction and his dedication to charitable work have shaped his leadership at GenesisUSA. He stays closely involved, often meeting veterans and families to learn about their needs firsthand. “For me, it’s about building personal connections,” Ford says. “Large charities sometimes miss the individual stories.”

The community focus defines Ford’s leadership. Although some wonder if a smaller nonprofit can make a meaningful impact, Ford is confident. “We don’t have celebrity endorsements or huge budgets, but we have real relationships with the people we help,” he says. His dedication to grassroots efforts sets GenesisUSA apart from larger, more structured organizations.

GenesisUSA has already helped over 100 people and aims to expand its impact with affordable, accessible housing solutions. One notable feature is the inclusion of a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool, which has received positive feedback. Ford says, “We’re creating spaces where people can enjoy life fully, just like everyone else,” which reflects the organization’s mission to support independence and inclusion.

Building More Than Homes: A Reflection of Hope

Ford looks back on GenesisUSA’s progress with a clear sense of purpose. “We’re not simply building homes, we’re offering hope and building opportunities for independence,” he says. “We’re here to support veterans who face mobility challenges and children who have lost their parents, offering them a chance at a more self-reliant life.”

As the organization’s reach expands, so does its ability to impact lives across the country. Its work embodies Ford’s dedication to ensuring that no one is overlooked. Ford envisions scaling their efforts while maintaining the personalized approach that defines their model.

“We’re still in the early stages,” he notes. “As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize individual needs. Our success hinges on the improved quality of life for each person we help.”

As the demand for accessible, supportive housing rises, organizations like GenesisUSA play an important role in filling gaps left by larger institutions and government programs. Through its focus on tailored support and community-driven solutions, GenesisUSA is building a model for how smaller nonprofits can significantly impact and address pressing social needs.