Impact

By the Numbers

fiscal year ending June 30, 2019

Individuals Served

More than 50,000 individuals were served in person or through local partnerships.

Average Financial Assistance per Emergency

On average, a family may receive $392 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.

Customer Stories

A Home For Edna

It’s been a while since Edna had the luxury of lingering over a cup of coffee. Over the past four years, she has crashed with friends, lived in her car, and most recently, lived at the Salvation Army Women & Children’s Shelter. That all changed thanks to your support and Edna’s hard work overcoming chronic homelessness.

In Her Own Words: Julia’s Story

Last year, Julia shared her story of Thanksgiving after a visit to Crisis Assistance Ministry. Yet, hidden in that one brief moment were so many more moments of loss, resilience, and hope. This fall, Julia shared her journey with Crisis Assistance Ministry volunteers gathered for their annual recognition dinner. Here, in her own words, is her story.

20190826_Financial_Customer_Legal-Aid_WilliamS_tmartin

You Gave William Hope

“You gave me hope when I had none. And when you’re struggling like I am, hope means everything.” That’s how William describes his visit to Crisis Assistance Ministry while trying to get through the devastating impacts of renal disease, job loss, and a neglectful landlord.

Financial Help is Music to Darneal’s Ears

Darneal is a hard-working musician helping to support his girlfriend and her school-age children. When summer brought a drop in income for her teaching assistance job, he swallowed his pride and sought help to avoid eviction and restore disconnected utilities for their family.

You Restored Robert’s Faith

Robert is a boisterous soul who loves people and tries to leave everyone he meets better than he found them. He’s always been a helper. Until he was the one who needed help.

You May Need A Hand Up Some Day

As a native Charlottean, Kara had been aware of Crisis Assistance Ministry for some time but never imagined she would need to seek out the agency’s services. But a job loss and other strains on her finances meant that several years ago, she needed a temporary hand up.

Free Clothing, Household Goods & Furniture Distributed

Mecklenburg County residents received more than 1,000,000 items free-of-charge.

Value of Free Clothing, Household Goods, & Furniture

More than one million items were distributed to customers at a value of $3.3 million.

Average Mattresses Distributed per Month

Mecklenburg County residents received an average of 198 mattresses per month.

Preventing homelessness. Preserving dignity.

For over 40 years, Crisis Assistance Ministry has been here to meet families’ most basic needs addressing challenges brought by the community’s explosive growth and economic transition.

By keeping families in their homes with utilities flowing, we prevent homelessness for those who are housing insecure.

By providing clothing, shoes, household items, furniture, beds, and appliances free-of-charge, customers can divert limited financial resources towards essential bills.

By empowering customers to set personal goals and address the factors that contributed to their financial crisis, through regular meetings with a caseworker, families get on a path to economic mobility.

By educating the community about the realities of poverty and lack of economic mobility, we put a face on the problem, serving as a voice for those served.

Average Customer Income

Families receiving financial assistance earned an average gross monthly income of $1,435 compared to $4,850, the average for Mecklenburg County.

Customer Income Obligated to Rent, Utilities

On average, customers seeking assistance had 71% of their income obligated to pay rent and utilities.

Emergency Housing Assistance

Your generosity enabled families in need to receive $2,438,379 in emergency housing assistance.

Agency Work Performed by Volunteers

28% of the work of Crisis Assistance Ministry is performed by volunteers.

Customers Remained Housed

95% of customers receiving financial assistance remained stably housed 60 days later.

of Every Dollar Donated Goes Directly to Programs

For every dollar donated, 92 cents goes directly to support programs.