UPDATE: All facilities closed as of March 17, 2020. Read More>>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 14, 2020:
Beginning Monday, March 16, and until further notice, Crisis Assistance Ministry will adapt its service delivery model to help contain the spread of COVID‐19 and minimize the risk to employees, customers, and volunteers.
“As Mecklenburg County’s Lead Agency providing for the basic needs of residents through emergency rent and utility assistance, we are taking important steps to ensure services are available throughout the coronavirus outbreak,” says Carol Hardison, CEO of the independent nonprofit agency. “Now more than ever, people in financial crisis should know that help is available and not be afraid to seek assistance.”
New processes will be in place across the agency to create enhanced social distancing and limit the number of people gathered in any one space. These protocols will apply to both those seeking help and those providing help.
For those in need
Operational hours will remain the same for all services. Individuals seeking financial assistance will still need to show up in person to complete an application and have documents verified. However, social distancing protocols will be in place and aspects of the process will occur remotely. Similarly, limits will be placed on the number of customers shopping in the agency’s Free Store at one time.
Details on what to bring when seeking assistance are available online at crisisassistance.org/gethelp.
For those who can help
Donations of clothing and small household goods will continue to be received at our convenient donation drive thru. Donors are asked to observe best practices for limiting transmission and to refrain from donating while members of their household are sick.
Furniture donations can still be dropped off at the Furniture Bank. Pickup of large items will continue from curbside or porches, but staff and volunteers will not enter homes to retrieve donations.
Individuals and small groups of less than 20 are still welcomed as volunteers to help meet basic needs. Volunteers are reminded to follow best practices to minimize transmission risk.
Financial donations can be made anytime via the agency’s website at crisisassistance.org.
About Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Assistance Ministry helps Mecklenburg County families experiencing poverty with life’s most basic needs: emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing, household goods, furniture, beds, and appliances. Beyond the crisis, the independent non-profit organization introduces pathways to economic opportunity, empowers families to improve their financial security, and engages the community to create understanding of the complex issues facing neighbors living in poverty. In the most recent fiscal year, more than 20,000 families received some form of assistance from the agency. Visit them online at crisisassistance.org to learn more about preventing homelessness and preserving dignity.
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NOTE: As conditions and expert advice changes, further adjustments may be made to maximize safety. Updates will be shared here and via social media.
Contact: Liana Humphrey, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, [email protected], 704.227.2791.