Neighbors in Debt, United in Relief
In a small church in North Carolina, a group of members with vastly different political views came together to tackle a pressing issue: medical debt. The church, Trinity Moravian, has around 200 members, and its congregation is a microcosm of the country's diverse political landscape. Despite their differences, they found common ground in their desire to help neighbors struggling with crushing medical bills.
The church's Debt Jubilee Project was born out of a need to alleviate the financial burden on local residents. The pastor, Rev. John Jackman, was inspired to act after hearing stories of people unable to pay their electric bills because of hospital expenses. He discovered a nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt, that buys unpaid medical bills and retires them. The church set a goal to raise $5,000 to retire $500,000 in medical debt.
The response was overwhelming. Donations poured in, mostly in amounts of $25 or $50, and the goal was met in just six weeks. This success was not a one-time event; the church has completed eight medical debt campaigns, with the most recent one raising over $17,000 and retiring $2.2 million in debt.
Medical debt is a widespread problem in the United States, affecting an estimated 100 million adults. Many people, regardless of their political affiliations, can relate to the fear of financial ruin due to medical expenses. Catherine Coe, a conservative who works in a hospital's accounting department, and Terri Mabe, a liberal who used to work in construction, are two examples of church members who have seen the impact of medical debt firsthand.
They, along with other members, believe that something is broken in the system. Paul Sluder, a 78-year-old retired credit union worker, thinks the system is out of whack. He said people want to pay their debts but often have no choice but to go into debt when they get sick.
The issue of medical debt has sparked a movement, with polls showing bipartisan support for limiting debt collection practices. Some, like Coe, suggest capping medical debt at a certain dollar amount and writing off or forgiving excess amounts.
The church's efforts have not gone unnoticed. A conservative radio host praised their work, and North Carolina government officials have taken notice. The church's approach has brought people together, showing that even in a divided country, common ground can be found.
As one member, Cynthia Tesh, said, "We need to look out for one another. If we start looking out for one another, things will change." The church's Debt Jubilee Project is a testament to the power of community and collective action in creating positive change.
