Closed on Labor Day. Why?

Closed on Labor Day.

Wait, why?

The end of summer? Sales? A long weekend before school really starts?

This is how it started. Throughout the 1880’s, labor strikes became increasingly common, with workers protesting their long hours and difficult, sometimes even dangerous, working conditions. In the late 1800’s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to make a basic living.

People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.

Fast forward.  We may not have the exact same issues, but there is a common theme and quality of life issues in the needs of our fellow workers of today.  Today, we still face the uncertainty that was present before our current pandemic. – shortage of homes that are safe and sustainable for low- income families working at the lower-wage jobs. These families, who are disable, single parents, veterans and elderly, often choose between paying rent, or their health care, and basic needs are being decided on a month to month basis.  Now, at this period of time, the need is amplified.  There are ways to strategically help now.

We strive to meet the sustainability needs of these families.  Please help US to help sustain the low-income families in Carteret and Onslow Counties.

At Crystal Coast Habitat we thank each of the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our community and to our country.