Civic Engagement Program
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 living in poverty.
Even families whose income is twice the Federal Poverty Level struggle to afford safe housing, reliable transportation, child care, utilities, food, and other necessities. An unexpected event such as an illness or job loss can send an accomplished person into a downward financial spiral.
More than 100,000 of our neighbors live in poverty.
Empowering Advocates
The Civic Engagement Program engages and empowers the community to be advocates for people facing poverty by:
- Increasing awareness of the complex issues that make it challenging for some neighbors to make ends meet
- Encouraging community dialogue and participation in removing barriers to financial security
- Changing attitudes and policies that create barriers to economic mobility
The most powerful advocates are customers themselves. We provide training to highly motivated individuals interested in sharing their story and effecting positive change for others living in poverty.
Poverty Simulations
Since 2008, Crisis Assistance Ministry has been the local lead facilitator of the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS), a two-hour interactive, immersive experience designed to create awareness among participants of life at the bottom rung of the economic ladder. The simulation presents participants with real-life scenarios and challenges faced by people living in poverty and is immediately followed by a group debrief, during which participants reflect on the experience, discuss insights, and consider next steps.
What We’re Reading in 2021: Our Top Ten Picks for the New Year
Following a year that exposed so much racial inequity ingrained in the bedrock of our society, we are focused on understanding and finding ways to dismantle structural racism.
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Are You Ready to Vote?
September is National Voter Registration Month! Election Day may still be weeks away, but now is the time to act to ensure your voice is heard this November.
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Eviction: Know Your Rights
Being served with a summons to eviction court is panic inducing. If you or someone you know receives court papers like the one below, the best advice is to stay calm, learn the process, and know your rights.
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Six Facts About Racial Disparity in Mecklenburg County You Should Know
We know that access and opportunity open doors. And we may even know that access and opportunity are not equally distributed to all of our residents. But, do we know exactly what those disparities look like? And, further, the actions we can take to address them head-on?
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The Tragically Unsurprising Truth About COVID-19
While it may be true that no one is immune to the novel coronavirus, some have a socioeconomic resistance that protects them from the disease’s most ravaging effects. Others are left exposed and vulnerable.
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I Am An Advocate
For Deborah, your support when she was at her lowest point was more than a lifeline. It was a life-changing gift that empowered her to reclaim her true self.
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The CARES Act
The recent passage of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which directs $2.2 trillion towards the coronavirus crisis, is a ray of hope in an otherwise desperate time.
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Kim’s Current Situation
The last time Kim shared her story, she was in the midst of putting her life back together after a medical emergency and a job lay-off sent her family into a tailspin. We checked in with her for an update in the midst of our community’s current crisis.
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What To Do If You’re Out Of Work Or Have Lost Income
COVID-19 has already changed the economic landscape for many of us. If you’ve been laid off or lost income due to the threat of the novel coronavirus, it’s a scary time. Here are some helpful resources if you’re one of the more than 100,000 people in North Carolina in this situation right now.
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Funds Available To Help Families Behind on Utility Bills
Right now, many families are struggling to make choices between rent, groceries, and utility bills. Crisis Assistance Ministry can help. Special funding is currently available to prevent a disconnection of electricity or gas utilities for low income Mecklenburg County families.
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Black History Month Focuses on Right to Vote
As February ushers in this year’s national Primary season, it’s important to remember the sacrifices and historic milestones that brought each of us (at different times, through differing means) the right to vote. One way to celebrate history is to educate yourself on the issues and the candidates – from the most local offices to the White House – and make a plan for when and how you will vote.
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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 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
Basic Needs
Mecklenburg County families receive help with life’s basic needs: emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing, household goods, furniture, beds, and appliances.
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.
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.
By the Numbers
Children Benefiting from Our Services
Children under 18 made up 42% of those benefiting from Crisis Assistance Ministry services.
Stacey Says Thanks for Your Compassion
Due to job loss and lack of income caused by the pandemic, this holiday season is a lot harder for many people in our community. Stacey has seen this firsthand with the families she has been assisting in the Free Store and wants to say thank you for your compassion and generosity.
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Honoring Volunteers In 2020 Style
In fiscal year 2020, volunteers collectively contributed over $1 million worth of time and expertise to meeting the basic needs of families in our community. During a video conference celebration, volunteers were honored for their continued commitment to preventing homelessness and preserving dignity even in 2020’s ever-changing and challenging environment.
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Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart
Patricia has seen hard times, she says, but she’s also seen blessings. This year, she counts Crisis Assistance Ministry as one of those blessings.
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Electrolux Stocks Charlotte Kitchens
Electrolux and Crisis Assistance Ministry teamed up to stock kitchens with hope throughout the Charlotte region for the holiday season.
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Shannon’s Hope
Ready for 2021? Shannon is thanks to your support. We need your help to ensure that 2021 starts right by providing hope and home.
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You Gave Kim Peace of Mind and Home
After a medical emergency, Kim and her family found themselves on the brink of homelessness. Your support helped keep them housed and now she is thriving!
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Aaron’s Giving Tuesday Request for YOU
Your help kept Aaron and his family housed last year. This #GivingTuesday he is asking for your help to ensure that 50 families avoid eviction with heat and water.
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Amy’s Giving Tuesday Update
A year ago, we shared Amy’s story of homelessness and housing instability after she fled domestic violence. Thanks to your support, she was better prepared when COVID-19 hit for the hardships that came along with the pandemic. This #GivingTuesday, help us ensure that 50 families like Amy’s remain stably housed.
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Giving Thanks for You and Our Community Today and Every Day
Saying thank you to people like you and Sarah will never seem like enough. Your support this holiday season and throughout the year is the greatest gift of all.
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Princess the Support Dog
Julia is a customer and advocate for people in crisis in our community. Along with her husband and support dog, Princess, she is rebuilding her life thanks to amazing people like you.
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Have You Saved a Starfish Today?
If you ever feel like you can’t make a difference, think again. Even small acts of kindness, such as saving one starfish, can make a big difference to those in need of assistance.
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Home For The Holidays
Shavonna’s world was upended when her family went from two full-time incomes to almost nothing overnight. She had been making partial rent payments but the debt kept growing and she was terrified of becoming homeless. Then you stepped in to make sure she and her family were home for the holidays.
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