Livable Meck
Livable Meck is dedicated to bringing people together to enhance the quality of life across our community.
Livable Meck’s goal is to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in Mecklenburg County. Liveable Meck connects partners from across the community and gives them the information, training, and tools they need to offer services that residents need.
Livable Meck seeks to address the many factors the determine everyone’s health—where you were born, grow up, live, work, and grow older. We use a “collective impact model,” which is based on the idea that not single organization or agency can solve the problems on their own.
The mission of Livable Meck is to serve as a connector and convener of community partners to drive collective impact. Through collaboration and shared efforts, we enhance the quality of life for everyone in Mecklenburg County
We envision a community where residents are empowered to improve their health, safety, and well-being. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, we aim to create a vibrant, supportive environment for all.
Values – I.M.P.A.C.T. (Inclusive, Metric-driven, Partner, Advocate, Compassion, Trust)
Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These determinants play a crucial role in influencing a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes. Understanding and addressing these factors is essential for improving health equity and creating a healthier, more livable community.
Livable Meck is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health to drive impactful and sustainable change for all residents. By harnessing the strengths of our community, we convene residents, local governments, and non-profits to collaboratively improve key areas such as education, housing, economic stability, and healthcare access.
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Behavioral Health
This includes mental health and substance use.
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Built and Natural Environment
The physical surroundings, including buildings, parks, transportation systems, and air and water quality, impact health.
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Economic Stability
Financial resources and employment opportunities influence health by determining the ability to afford healthcare, nutritious food, housing, and other necessities.
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Education
Educational attainment is closely associated with health outcomes.
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Food Security
Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is essential for a healthy life.
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Healthcare
Covers the availability and quality of healthcare services.
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Housing Security
Safe, stable, and affordable housing is fundamental to health.
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Social and Community Context
Includes the social environment and relationships that individuals have.
Collective Impact Model
Collective Impact is an innovative approach designed to tackle complex social issues through coordinated efforts and shared goals. The Collective Impact Model emphasizes collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and community members. By aligning their resources and strategies towards a common vision, these groups work together to drive meaningful, long-term change. This model fosters systemic change by focusing on a common agenda, mutually reinforcing activities and work, and establishing continuous communication among all participants. Explore how the Collective Impact Model can transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable progress.
The Five Conditions of Collective Success
- All participants should have a shared vision and purpose.
- All participants should agree on the primary goals of the collective impact model.
- Developing a shared measurement system is essential to collective impact.
- Measuring results consistently on a short list of indicators of a community level and across all partners.
- By bridging gaps between County departments and strategic community partners, we ensure that services are not only accessible but also effectively delivered to those who need them most.
- Ongoing effective communication is key. We achieve this through ongoing discussions, feedback and real-time troubleshooting bwtwen organizations.
- Align on common vocabulary, which takes time.
Managing collective impact requires an organization with dedicated staff to serve as the backbone for the entire collective (facilitation, tech and communication support, data collection and reporting, admin and logistics).
Partner with Us
A Livable Meck partner is an organization or individual dedicated to improving the quality of life in Mecklenburg County. These partners are actively engaged in our network, leveraging the information, training, and tools we provide to deliver effective community-based services. They share our vision of empowering residents to enhance their health, safety, and well-being. By fostering collaboration and providing essential resources, Livable Meck partners contribute to creating a vibrant, supportive environment where all community members can achieve their full potential.
Why Partner with Livable Meck?
- Collaborative Synergy: Partnering with Livable Meck allows us to share resources, expertise, and efforts toward common goals, addressing complex social issues more effectively.
- Enhanced Alignment & Impact: The collective impact model enables partners to combine knowledge, networks, feedback, and resources to enhance impact and achieve success in addressing the social determinates of health.
- Sustainable Change: Focus on long-term, systemic change rather than short-term fixes, tackling root causes and building a foundation for enduring positive community outcomes.
Benefits to Your Existing Community Engagement Work:
- Strengthened Partnerships: Engage with a diverse range of community partners, leveraging their insights and resources to amplify the effectiveness of your current programs and initiatives.
- Increased Visibility: Enhance your organization’s profile by participating in a impact driven collective effort, showcasing your commitment to collaborative solutions and community betterment.
- Innovative Solutions: Collaborate on new strategies and share best practices, leading to more effective and creative solutions for local challenges.
- Shared Learning: Benefit from the collective knowledge and experiences of diverse partners, gaining new perspectives and approaches to community engagement.
How Livable Meck Supports Partners:
- Increased Reach: Access to a digital resource hub, the Livable Meck partner network, and promotional opportunities.
- Enhanced Impact: Collaborate with other partners, increase awareness of referral pathways, and help shape county policy and programming.
- Support: Utilize centralized data trends, event co-hosting and facilitation support, training and funding opportunities, and capacity-building toolkits.
Become a Partner
Become a Partner with Livable Meck.
Livable Meck Event Submissions
Submit an event to Livable Meck.
Livable Meck Shared Metrics
81 years
Life Expectancy
The average number of years a person is expected to live
Healthy Community: Health Care Access and Quality
13.2%
2023
Health Insurance
Percent of persons under 65 without health insurance
11.8%
2022
Food Insecurity
Households lacking access to enough food for active, Healthy life
5.3%
2023
Infant Mortality.
Number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births
Safer Community: Neighborhood & Built Environment/Social & Community Context
98.4%
2023
Healthy Air Quality
Percent of days that air quality is satisfactory
4,405
2023
Violent Crime
Number of gun related assaults
Economic Opportunity: Economic Stability
10.5%
2022
Poverty Rate
Percentage of the population living under the poverty line
48%
2023
Housing Affordability
Percentage of renter households that spend >30% of income on housing costs
Educated Community: Educated Access and Quality
29%
2023
Literacy Rate
Percent of 3rd grade students who are college & career readiness proficient
TBD
Kindergarten Readiness
Percent of rising kindergarteners that meet reading levels for enter kindergarten
Livable Meck Resources