Help, Hope & Understanding

for people struggling with limited financial resources

Curbside rent and utility assistance is available for Mecklenburg County residents at 500-A Spratt St on Monday - Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm.

The Free Store is now open by appointment. The Furniture Bank remains closed at this time. For more updates, please visit our FAQs.

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.

Customer Stories

Julia’s Journey Continues

When we first met Julia, she was struggling to stay housed and grieving the death of her teenage son. Though she was in the lowest place she had ever been, she never lost hope that there would be brighter days ahead.

Midori is Grateful to Give Back

As Midori joined fellow Elevation Outreach volunteers at Crisis Assistance Ministry last week, she quickly earned the title of “Chief Encourager.” As she began to greet people in cars arriving for curbside assistance, she saw herself in every harried face.

Moving Forward is All About Empathy

We could all use more empathy during these challenging times. Scott was able to move forward several years ago when he received empathy and emergency financial assistance after falling behind on his rent. Now stably housed, he helps his students and others in the community find their voice.

Tanisha Invites You to Move Forward Together

Tanisha came to America as a hopeful child. After a difficult struggle, she now feels able to fully realize those childhood dreams thanks to generous individuals like you.

Keisha Fights an Uphill Battle

Laid off from her job waiting tables at a local restaurant, Keisha now spends her days alone in the hotel room she’s called home for the past two years, working to create a good home for her son.

Ethiopia is Optimistic Thanks to You

Ethiopia had a good job at the airport; in fact, she had just been hired permanently after months of working through a temp agency. Eighteen days later, she was laid off due to COVID-19.

Basic Needs

Mecklenburg County families receive help with life’s basic needs: emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing, household goods, furniture, beds, and appliances.

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Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility Program helps families move towards financial security and introduces pathways to economic opportunity. Enrolled families are given the opportunity to work one-on-one with a caseworker for an hour per week for up to 90 days.

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Civic Engagement

In a vibrant city like Charlotte, it’s easy to overlook the fact that many are suffering amid affluence. Our Civic Engagement Program increases awareness of the complex issues facing more than 100,000 neighbors in Mecklenburg County living in poverty.

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By the Numbers

Families Served

More than 20,000 households were served in person or through local partnerships.

Average Financial Assistance per Emergency

On average, a family may receive $419 in rent and/or utility assistance.

Children Benefiting from Our Services

Children under 18 made up 42% of those benefiting from Crisis Assistance Ministry services.

Latest Agency News

2020 Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk Goes Virtual

For 42 years, the Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk has invited the community to walk together against hunger—locally and globally. This year’s (virtual) walk is scheduled for Sunday, October 11th, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in a neighborhood or park near you.

Julia’s Journey Continues

Crisis Assistance Ministry Update from CEO Carol Hardison

Carol has a quick video update on what has been going on at Crisis Assistance Ministry and how we are currently helping those in need in our community.

Non-Event Gala Playlist

Keep your #NonEventGala going with this playlist full of hits to get you on your feet. While enjoying the at home party take a moment to make a gift to help families on the edge avoid eviction.

Moving Forward is All About Empathy

Tanisha Invites You to Move Forward Together

Tanisha came to America as a hopeful child. After a difficult struggle, she now feels able to fully realize those childhood dreams thanks to generous individuals like you.

Crisis Assistance Ministry Encourages Those in Need of Rent and Utility Assistance to Seek Help Now

Crisis Assistance Ministry is offering multiple safe, convenient ways for Mecklenburg County residents to receive financial assistance with rent and utility payments.

Time Is Running Out to Double Your Impact

You can join the Challenge by making a life-changing gift for our neighbors in need. See why other people are joining the Challenge and make a gift by April 30 to double your impact with a matched gift.

This Volunteer is Actually A Rock Star

Randy Franklin is truly a rock star volunteer. As he plans what he hopes will be his 11th annual benefit concert featuring local musicians, he shares why he continues to work on behalf of families served at Crisis Assistance Ministry.

Your Help Makes It Possible

Carol has a special video message to thank all of our donors and supporters as well as those on the front lines helping us stay safe and healthy. Though our doors are closed temporarily we are working to help our neighbors in need from home and planning for the future of the agency.

We All Depend Upon Each Other

Due to health and financial issues, Tangejula was already at risk when the coronavirus appeared. Thanks to help from people like you she has something to be grateful for right now.

We Are All In This Together

Emily and Jacob understand that we need to work together to lift our community up in these uncertain times and they invite you to do the same. Join the challenge and your gift will be matched up to $250,000 through April 30.

Everybody Has a Story to Tell: You Changed Wendy's

Wendy first visited Crisis Assistance Ministry for help decades ago when her children were small.  Today, she is a member of the agency’s Board of Directors. Watch this brief video and listen as she shares how your support changed her family’s future.

A Story of Hope & Thanksgiving: Julia's Story

Just a year ago, Julia was feeling overwhelmed. Her family had already pushed through tragedy to get back into stable housing, but things would never be "normal" again. She visited Crisis Assistance Ministry for a little help, and thanks to a generous donor, found renewed hope for the holidays too. This is her story.

Empowered by Help with Utilities & a Brand New Stove: Patricia's Story

Patricia turned to the community for help through Crisis Assistance Ministry and found hope in the form of restored utilities and a working stove.

Finding a Voice and a Way Forward, with Your Help: Sheila's Story

Sheila finally found her voice. Through personal determination, her caseworker’s coaching, and moral support from other program participants, she traded her low-paying job for one paying several dollars more per hour.

Good News, Thanks to You: William's Story

William had it all – a happy family, a wonderful place to live, and a great job. All of that changed quickly and unexpectedly. With your help, his story on the upswing and he wouldn’t be smiling without your support.

Asking for Help Requires Bravery: Shaniora's Story

“People are really here to help you,” says Shaniora, an aspiring baker who found herself needing help when chronic illness and surgery derailed her plans to support herself while finishing her degree.

When Working Hard Isn't Quite Enough: Schawniekaw's Story

Schawniekaw first came to Crisis Assistance Ministry when her landlord filed for eviction. She and her three children packed all their essentials into their truck. They honestly weren’t sure if they would be able to return to their apartment by the end of the day. With your support, she's turned her life around for the better!

Learn More about Our Impact

Ready to learn more about how you can help
Make a Difference?

Volunteer

Preventing homelessness. Preserving dignity.

Help, Hope & Understanding

for people struggling with limited financial resources

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.

Our Programs

By the Numbers

Families Served

Average Financial Assistance per Emergency

Children Benefiting from Our Services

Everybody Has a Story to Tell

Everybody Has a Story to Tell: You Changed Wendy's

A Story of Hope & Thanksgiving: Julia's Story

Empowered by Help with Utilities & a Brand New Stove: Patricia's Story

Finding a Voice and a Way Forward, with Your Help: Sheila's Story

Good News, Thanks to You: William's Story

Asking for Help Requires Bravery: Shaniora's Story

When Working Hard Isn't Quite Enough: Schawniekaw's Story

Ready to learn more about how you can helpMake a Difference?

Preventing homelessness. Preserving dignity.

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.

Ready to learn more about how you can help
Make a Difference?