Just Economics has determined the minimum Living Wage in Asheville is $11.35/hour without benefits, or $9.85/hour with employer-provided health insurance. They estimate that 1/3 of the people in Asheville earn below this level, and do not have sufficient income to meet their basic needs. Their “Living Wage Employer Certification Program” certifies employers – there’s a long list of them on their website.
From their website:
“JE was born out of the Asheville-Buncombe Living Wage Campaign, an effort that initially began in 2000, but took root in 2006. This coalition of faith, labor, and community groups succeeded in passing the first living wage ordinance in our region, which guarantees Asheville City employees a living wage.” -http://justeconomicswnc.org/
There is also information about other programs they have on their website.
