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.
August Volunteers Embody the Spirit of International Day of Charity
This International Day of Charity is the perfect time to highlight the incredible power of giving back and the positive impact volunteers make on our community. So many volunteers came together this summer to make essentials available to families struggling with housing instability.
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Teen Volunteers Find Purpose + Fun
It’s a recurrent question: where can my high school student volunteer and meet school community service requirements? How can my teen get involved? Where can I volunteer with my whole family?
At Crisis Assistance Ministry, teens are encouraged to bring their energy and enthusiasm to help stabilize their neighbors. Teens aged 16+ can volunteer in select roles independently, and children aged 10 to 16 can serve with a supervising adult.
Possibilities for Families Like Sierra’s
Imagine what it feels like for a mom to wonder if her children will have a place to call home tomorrow.
Picture a father’s unimaginably difficult choices when the rent is due, the power bill is lagging, and children need clothes to start school.
For too many in our community, these scenarios are all too real.
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Bridging the Gap: Addressing Poverty’s Role in Shaping Education
Education and poverty are intertwined, much like the “chicken and egg” dilemma. Investigating how the quality and accessibility of education can either reinforce or break the ongoing cycles of poverty underscores the critical role that education plays in either trapping individuals in poverty or providing them with the tools to escape it. This perspective is crucial in understanding the real-world implications of these cycles and the potential power of education as a transformative force.
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How Can A School Uniform Improve Housing Stability?
Families across Charlotte are scrambling to prepare their children for school as summer winds down. Over 40 schools in Charlotte require uniforms, largely those with high concentrations of poverty, which leaves many families struggling to find and afford quality uniforms for their children. You can help by contributing new and gently used items right now.
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The Best Party You’ll Never Attend
Imagine the best party of the year is one you don’t even have to attend! Instead you get to go for a hike, read a book, or just hang with the family while helping a struggling neighbor stay in their home, keep their utilities flowing, and create a plan to rebuild their financial stability. IMAGINE the possibilities you can create this summer.
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Community Impact Report
Our Community Impact Report details the difference made for families experiencing the financial gap in Charlotte-Mecklenburg in the most recent fiscal year.
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More Than a Job
Meet Chelsey Fisher, the dedicated Financial Stability Caseworker recently honored as Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Employee of the Year. Her story isn’t just about professional achievement, it’s a testament to the transformative power of this organization.
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March into a Good Cause
Forget the basketball kind of Madness, this March was all about a different kind of frenzy at Crisis Assistance Ministry – a frenzy of helping hands!
A diverse crew of volunteers from all walks of life converged on Crisis Assistance Ministry’s doors, united by a single mission: lending a helping hand to their neighbors in need. It wasn’t about competition; it was about collaboration – a beautiful display of community spirit in action.
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Employee of the Year Looks Beyond the Window
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming. But it can also be exciting with endless opportunities to explore and learn about your new surroundings. That’s where Crisis Assistance Ministry met Sheniqua McGinnis a native of Harlem, New York while relocating to Charlotte, NC. Her experience with Crisis Assistance Ministry showed her the positive impact the agency has in the lives of Charlotte’s families, and she knew she wanted to help give back to her neighbors with similar needs.
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The Magic of Matching Gifts
Ever wonder why it feels like hitting the jackpot when an organization you support has a matching gift campaign? It’s all about the joy of seeing your impact amplified. When you know your donation will be matched, it’s not just about the money—it’s about being part of something bigger, a collective effort that says, “We’re in this together!”
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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.
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