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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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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.

March 24, 2020

While Crisis Assistance Ministry’s facilities are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the people served here are ever present in our minds.   

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 layoff sent her family into a tailspin. 

We checked in with her for an update in the midst of the current crisis. 

Q: What is your employment situation right now?   

I am still unemployed but will begin my new employment journey on March 30th.  This position is 100% remote so that helps me reduce some expenses like gas, childcare, car maintenance, etc.   

Q: Walk us through what a day in your home looks like currently.   How has it changed because of COVID-19?   

Right now, we are sleeping in just an hour later than our normal daily wake up time. My daughter has scheduled Skype meetings with her teachers that she attends with her CMS Chromebook. My son has been provided educational packets to keep his brain refreshed. He has also been provided with educational links to log into for more learning fun. 

As for me, I’m on fridge and pantry watch – trying to make sure my kids aren’t eating just because it’s here – as well as doing laundry, wiping everything down, doing some spring cleaning and mentally preparing myself to get back into the workforce. 

Q: Even though utility companies are not disconnecting services and evictions are temporarily halted, we know that bills will continue to pile up.  Once the crisis is over, we expect many families to be in even greater need of emergency financial assistance to keep their homes and utilities.  What are your thoughts on this? 

With my recent move, I’m blessed to not fall into this category, but my heart goes out to all that are. As if things weren’t complicated enough, amongst trying to find the necessities to survive, you have to worry about the inevitable when this all blows over. I understand that we can’t live for free, but I feel there shouldn’t be any fees incurred during this time. Rent should be pro-rated, light bills should be too. As well as all those other bills that others may be facing. 

Q: What do you think the community should be focused on right now? 

I think communities and the City of Charlotte should continue to come together and look out for each other and continue to offer all resources that they are aware of and/or may know of. 

Q: What advice do you have for other families who are suffering financially and emotionally right now? 

Although it’s easier said than done, I advise that everyone just does what they can. Don’t stress yourself out on something that may or may not take place in the future.  

Once this all blows over, start reaching out and making payment arrangements.  If your employer offers some type of employee assistance, take advantage of it.  

And while we’re all out trying to get back to our somewhat normal lives let’s remember to pack on some patience. We have all experienced the same issue and some of us don’t have the same resources to prepare as well as others. When you’re out seeking assistance, please be respectful of the representative that is helping you, as they are suffering as well. And instead of being able to handle their own business, they are there helping you with yours.  

We will all get through this together, but we have to work together! 

Q: Any other thoughts you’d like to share? 

Because Crisis Assistance was such a blessing to me, I would like to be a blessing as well.  Being a Crisis Assistance Ministry recipient and advocate, I would like to be a blessing to someone in need. I know first hand the challenges everyone is facing and would like to share my story, blessing, and hope with them.  

From past experiences, I have waited in the lobby with hopes of receiving rental assistance or help to keep the power on and not had any money to purchase a pack of chips from the vending machine. Or riding on prayer to and from Crisis Assistance with my gas light on, hoping to eliminate one stressful issue at a time.  

However and whoever I can help, I’m all for it! 

Filed Under: Advocacy, Customer Stories Tagged With: COVID-19, Customer, Customer Advocate, Financial Assistance, Kim, Update

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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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