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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Partnership Rallies Community to Help Lake Arbor Families

When more than 170 families at Lake Arbor apartments received notice to move out before year's end, Crisis Assistance Ministry joined a partnership of agencies to help affected residents avoid homelessness. Initial estimates show the community will need an additional $350,000 to assist affected families.

August 22, 2019

When more than 170 families at Lake Arbor Apartments received notice to move out, Crisis Assistance Ministry joined a partnership of six local agencies aimed at helping affected residents avoid homelessness as a result of their displacement. Named Project SAFE (Stop Apartments From Evicting), the purpose was to assess individual households’ need for possible relocation or financial assistance and determine community impact.

On July 30, 2019, letters were placed on 177 apartment doors in the largely low-income complex, announcing the landlord’s intent to vacate all units between August 2019 and early 2020. Given the shortage of lower-priced rental units in Charlotte, affected families, some of whom were given just 30 days notice, faced a daunting challenge in locating a new place to live within their budget.

Over a two-week period, representatives from the participating agencies and Mecklenburg County Homeless Support Services met with 72 households, representing 169 residents, to conduct tenant assessments. No financial assistance was distributed during the assessment phase and apartment management was not involved in the assessment process. 

Key findings of Project SAFE reveal many families have multiple barriers to finding and relocating to affordable, alternative housing in the area’s tight rental market. The initial estimate of financial need for the 72 families that completed an assessment is close to $350,000, which would cover:

  • Hotel expenses for 2-4 weeks for families that need to vacate in August and September
  • Relocation expenses for all families such as moving and storage of belongings, security deposit, additional month’s rent, utility transfer, and reconnection fees, etc.
  • Short-term rental subsidies for the lowest-income families

“With the help of this unprecedented partnership between six agencies, we now have a better understanding of the residents’ situations, the hurdles they face in securing alternative housing, and what is needed to make sure this displacement doesn’t lead to more homeless families,” said Carol Hardison, CEO of Crisis Assistance Ministry. “Now comes the hardest work.  It will take the community coming together to determine who, how, when, and with what money these families will receive help in finding and moving to safe, affordable housing.”

A coalition of community agencies continues to work together in support of Lake Arbor residents, but the expected need exceeds the current resources of those agencies. Additional funding is being sought to ensure these families remain stably housed and avoid the threat of homelessness.

Follow local media coverage for updates on this developing situation:

  • The Charlotte Observer: Moving residents from west Charlotte complex to cost at least $350,000, nonprofits say
  • WFAE: Displaced Lake Arbor Tenants Need $350K For Relocation, Agencies Say
  • WSOC-TV: Residents Forced To Move So Apartment Complex Can Make Improvements
  • Spectrum News: CLT Law Firm Gives Free Advice to Dozens ‘Facing Homelessness’
  • Charlotte Observer:  Ousted Charlotte Renters Don’t Know What Will Happen Next
  • WFAE: Lake Arbor Closing Sends A Flood Of Tenants Into A Tight Rental Market
  • WJZY FOX 46: Lake Arbor Apartments Forcing Tenants To Vacate

Filed Under: Advocacy, Agency News Tagged With: Charlotte Family Housing, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Community Link, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Housing, Lake Arbor, Mecklenburg County Homeless Support Services, Partnerships, Project SAFE, Salvation Army, Urban Ministry Center

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

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  • (704) 371-3001
  • 500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
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    EIN 56-1416719
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🎓🎓🎓Look CLOSELY at this video. You'll see a group, but each extraordinary individual within it carries a story of resilience that knows no bounds. As we congratulate our newest customer advocate class, we're also honoring their unique experiences and eagerly anticipate their advocacy moving forward. Collectively, their stories powerfully illustrate the challenges many families navigate when seeking help during a crisis.

This year, as we mark our 50th Anniversary, our Customer Advocate's #LivedExperiences are only a few of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing— demonstrating stories of resilience and the support that helps individuals regain stability.

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Happy Independence Day as we celebrate freedom in all its forms— including the freedom to pursue housing and financial stability! We cheer on all those working hard to build a secure future for themselves and their families. #FinancialFreedom #IndependenceDay

Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed on July 4th. We will resume normal business hours on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

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Inspired! Last week, the Middle School Ministry from Thomas Road Baptist Church (Lynchburg, VA) @ThomasRoad traveled over 200 miles to serve our Mecklenburg County neighbors.

Despite the heat, these young people delivered 150 snack packs and cold water and meticulously stocked the Free Store with dignity. 

There's always a place for volunteer groups here. Head over to our link in bio to sign up.

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"It could have been way worse... I was on the emergence of a deployment and I couldn't get any help here from family and friends."

George, an active service member, courageously shares his #LivedExperience of facing a financial crisis while deployed. He found a lifeline at Crisis Assistance Ministry, securing vital rental and utility assistance. Since 1975, we have been here lifting up our neighbors so that no one has to face financial hardship alone.

For 50 years, neighbors like George have found what they needed at Crisis Assistance Ministry to achieve financial stability. His is just one of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing in recognition of #50yearsofhopeCLT.

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🚨ATTENTION: A new bill in Congress, H.R. 1, proposes significant cuts to vital safety-net programs for Mecklenburg County families. This could impact food security, healthcare, and energy assistance for our most vulnerable neighbors.

At Crisis Assistance Ministry, we believe everyone deserves basic dignity. Learn why these potential changes matter to our community and how it may affect you.

➡️ Tap the link in bio for full details.

crisisassistmin

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Full circle moments! ✨ In our 50th Anniversary year, we were so honored to welcome students from @queensuniv, carrying forward a legacy started by our founder, Queens alumna Caroline Love Myers!

This amazing group spent their afternoon meticulously stocking our Free Store and processing incoming donations – turning generous gifts into dignified essentials for families in crisis.

These students reminded us that these shelves stay full because of YOU, our incredible material goods donors! Your contributions directly empower families. Want to keep this legacy of compassion thriving? Learn how to donate goods: Link in Bio!

crisisassistmin

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🥵 We are feeling the Charlotte heat! For many neighbors, staying cool isn't just about comfort—it's critical. Extreme heat disproportionately impacts lower-income communities due to factors like urban heat islands and historical disinvestment.

Here at Crisis Assistance Ministry, the community comes together to help households pay their utilities, ensuring families can have air conditioning or running fans during these sweltering days. You can be the neighbor to help keep the electricity on! Link in bio to learn more and give.

crisisassistmin

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Twenty-five years of heart. 25 years of steadfast leadership. ✨ We're honoring our CEO, Carol Hardison, for a quarter-century of dedicated service to Crisis Assistance Ministry and our neighbors. It's remarkable, especially considering she's only the second CEO in our 50-year journey!

Want to help us celebrate this amazing milestone? Flood our comments with a "Happy Anniversary Carol!" 👇Don't forget to tag her @carolinthehouse
#HappyAnniversaryCarol #Leadership #CommunityHero #CrisisAssistanceMinistry #Charlotte

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Meck County and the City of Charlotte have opened cooling stations across the area, including:
•	Day Service Centers
•	Recreation & Senior Centers
•	Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries
•	Spraygrounds, Pools & Beaches!

PLUS, CATS (@ridecats) is offering FREE transportation to cooling stations.

This is critical for a variety of populations, including those experiencing homelessness, seniors, and families struggling with utility costs. Access to cool spaces and resources like fans (available from Mecklenburg County DSS for eligible residents!) can literally be life-saving.

KNOW THE SIGNS: Heat illness is preventable! Drink water, limit activity, and seek cool spaces. Spread the word! Visit @mecklenburgcounty for more details.

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