Local business who pay their employees a “living wage” will be honored during the launch of a new certification program on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, at 10:30am. The Living Wage Certification Program event will be held at Gray Jay Provisions on 1311 S. High Street in Harrisonburg.

Speakers include: Brent Finnegan, initiator of the Living Wage Program; Chris Hoover Seidel, Director of Bridge of Hope; Rebekah Nolt, Parish Associate at Trinity Presbyterian Church; and Amanda Silcox, Economic Justice Program Manager at Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP).

“Virginia’s minimum wage is far below the amount that it takes to survive and lift someone out of poverty.  The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Living Wage Certification Program showcases businesses who pay a living wage and encourages consumers to support those businesses,” said Amanda Silcox, Economic Justice Program Manager at VICPP.

A living wage is defined as the minimum wage a worker must earn to pay for basic necessities, without receiving assistance from others. More employers are joining this program around Virginia, helping to improve the economy and grow their businesses.

“Living wages enable people to support themselves and get back on their feet,” said Chris Hoover Seidel, Director of Bridge of Hope and member of the Certification Committee. “Bridge of Hope supports families in breaking the cycle of homelessness but it’s nearly impossible to secure stable housing with a job that pays $7.25/hour,” she added.

The Monday morning program will recognize the following organizations that are the first in the area to be certified:
      Bridge of Hope
Community Mennonite Church
      First Bank & Trust Company
Friendly City Food Co-op
      Gray Jay Provisions
      Trinity Presbyterian Church

Organizations can be certified at 3 different levels:
      Gold ($15/hour or $13.50/hour plus healthcare),
      Silver ($12.50/hour or $11/hour plus healthcare), and
      Aspiring ($11/hour or $9.50/hour plus healthcare).
Organizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply at https://www.hrlivingwage.org/.

Ramona Sanders, a key member of the Certification Committee, said she was interested in starting this program to raise wages in Harrisonburg because, “I want to spend my money at businesses that pay their employees a living wage.  As a community member in Harrisonburg, I’m excited to help develop this program so it can be a resource for like-minded consumers.”

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Living Wage Certification Program is part of a group of Living Wage Certification Programs in Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and Richmond.  There are groups in the planning stages in Blacksburg and James City County.  These programs are sponsored by local groups, like Bridge of Hope, and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, a state-wide, faith-based advocacy group.

“We hope that this effort will expand community conversations about living wages but also issues like wage theft, income inequality, and paid sick days – all crucial elements of a comprehensive strategy to address poverty and support working families,” added Amanda Silcox.

There will be an opportunity to win two baskets from the Friendly City Co-op for those who attend.  Light refreshments from Gray Jay Provisions will be served.

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Media contacts:

Amanda Silcox
Economic Justice Program Manager
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
amanda@virginiainterfaithcenter.org
216-375-9570

Chris Hoover Seidel
Director
Bridge of Hope
director@hr.bridgeofhopeinc.org
(540) 478-2356