Mission & Vision
The mission of Crisis Assistance Ministry is to provide assistance and advocacy for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency.
Our vision is to inspire our community to justice and generosity as we provide help, hope, and understanding to people struggling with limited financial resources.
Basic Needs
Mecklenburg County families receive help with life’s basic needs: emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing, household goods, and appliances.
Economic Mobility
One-on-one coaching empowers Mecklenburg County families to rebuild financial stability and pursue economic opportunity. Participants collaborate with a specialist for approximately 90 days to identify barriers, set goals, and create a plan for the long-term stability of their families.
Civic Engagement
In a vibrant city like Charlotte, it’s easy to overlook the fact that many are suffering amid affluence. Our civic engagement and community education efforts increase awareness of the complex issues facing more than 100,000 neighbors in Mecklenburg County living in poverty.
By the Numbers
Children Benefiting from Our Services
Children under 18 made up 42% of those benefiting from Crisis Assistance Ministry services.
Reflections on Black History Month 2024: Artists, Trailblazers, and the Racial Wealth Divide
Black History Month serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It’s also an opportunity to confront the challenges and injustices that persist, including the racial wealth gap. We at Crisis Assistance Ministry know that through collective will and action, our community can honor the legacy of Black history while working toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and prosper, regardless of race or background.
Read MoreWhy VITA Is So Vital to Our Community
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an often overlooked but invaluable resource for families across the country, including many of the people served at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Aimed at promoting financial wellness and administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA relies on trained volunteers to provide free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. The FREE tax return service is available through two Mecklenburg County agencies this year.
Read MoreMLK Day 2024: Upholding the Dream
MLK Day invites us to consider how we can contribute to creating communities founded on love, compassion, and understanding. For nearly 50 years, we at Crisis Assistance Ministry have been working on the front line to do just that by providing help, hope, and understanding to people struggling with limited financial resources.
Read MoreStacey’s Journey of Strength
You can usually find Stacey in the warehouse working with volunteers to keep the Free Store stocked for families who shop free of charge each day. But what is her personal connection to our mission? What keeps her motivated as a part of the Crisis Assistance Ministry team?
Read MoreThanksgiving and the Spirit of Community
Beyond the sumptuous feasts and festive parades, Thanksgiving embodies the power of community and the spirit of giving. Here at Crisis Assistance Ministry, we see that power every day as you reach into our lobby and offer help, hope, and understanding to neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.
Read MoreCan We Really Abolish Poverty?
For Pulitzer Prize-winning author and sociologist Matthew Desmond, the answer is YES!
During his recent visit to Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Desmond brought both data and passion to the discussion of why America is one of the richest nations on earth, yet has “more poverty than any other advanced democracy.”
Steve’s Coats for Kids Keeps Neighbors Warm
It’s October and some mornings bus stop temperatures have already been in the 40s. For many parents, that means discovering that last year’s coat no longer fits their 2nd grader. You can join neighbors from across the region who will help kids stay warm through Steve’s Coats for Kids.
Read MoreWill Medicaid Expansion Help Mecklenburg?
This long-awaited move by North Carolina will provide welcome relief to many low-wage earners who often are not offered health insurance through their employers. Considering the struggles of working families here in Mecklenburg County, there are certainly thousands who will benefit from Medicaid expansion in our own community. Based on evidence from other states, it’s likely all of us will reap the benefits of improved community health, lower eviction rates, and a stronger safety net for our neighbors.
Read MoreHear Pulitzer Prize-winning Matthew Desmond
We are proud to partner with Davidson College to co-host Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond on their campus. Desmond’s thought-provoking message will help us understand the systemic issues contributing to poverty and inspire us to be part of the solution here in our own community.
Read More