One of the best things about journalism for me has always been the competition. Few things in my work life have given me more joy than latching onto a big story and watching my competitors follow the dust trail.

Every now and then, however, something bigger comes along, something that beckons us all, including those of us in the media, to put aside our competitive instincts and work toward a greater good.

The financial crisis that now threatens many of our charitable organizations is one such instance.

If you’ve been watching at all, you undoubtedly know that our local nonprofits are hurting. A sour economy means more families need more services… just as donations to United Way and other major charities have fallen.

On its front page today, the  Charlotte Observer reports that demands for homeless services are up 85 percent, requests for Medicaid have grown 23 percent, requests for help at Crisis Assistance Ministry are up 48 percent and food stamp applications are up 39 percent.

It probably wouldn't surprise many readers here if I reminded you that many of those families in need are African American.

To keep our readers informed,  the Observer and other local media – including Qcitymetro.com – have formed a coalition to spotlight some of our community’s most critical needs. Other members of this coalition are WCNC NewsChannel 36, public radio station WFAE, Spanish language newspaper La Noticia and the local Web sites CLTblog.com and DavidsonNews.net.

So what does this mean for Qcitymetro.com readers?

In the coming weeks you will be linked to stores on other Web sites we ordinarily might consider friendly rivals.

Some of these stories will be calls to action, asking our respective readers to get involved or, yes, donate money. Others will seek to inform or solicit public input. Some of the best ideas for solving our problems, we believe, will come from you.

We are calling this effort Charlotte Mission Possible, and you’ll know the related stories when you see the logo at the end of this column.

On Monday, CharlotteObserver.com will launch a blog where readers can learn more about this effort, as well as offer thoughts on how we might address some of the very real needs in our community.

At some point soon, we hope, the economy will improve and the crushing demand now placed on our charities will ease. Until then, let’s make sure that none in our community goes without food, clothing and shelter… our most basic human needs.

Get involved, and keep reading.