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.
The Civic Engagement Program engages and empowers the community to be advocates for people facing poverty by:
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.
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.
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.
Read MoreSeptember 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.
Read MoreBeing 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.
Read MoreWe 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?
Read MoreWhile 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreCOVID-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.
Read MoreRight 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreMecklenburg County families receive help with life’s basic needs: emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing, household goods, furniture, beds, and appliances.
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.
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.
Children under 18 made up 42% of those benefiting from Crisis Assistance Ministry services.
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.
Read MoreYour 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.
Read MoreIf 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.
Read More