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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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What To Do If You’re Out Of Work Or Have Lost Income

COVID-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.

January 30, 2021

COVID-19 has drastically changed the economic landscape for many of us. If you have been laid off or lost income due to circumstances related to the novel coronavirus, this is a scary time. 

Here are some helpful resources if your livelihood continues to be affected by the pandemic. 

Unemployment

According to the North Carolina Justice Center, over 1.4 million North Carolinians have filed for unemployment since March of last year. Here in Mecklenburg County, about 6% of all jobs have been lost since the pandemic began. 

Guidelines, waiting periods, and benefit amounts for unemployment have been modified, including allowing some aid to individuals who would otherwise not normally be eligible. This expanded assistance is due to expire on March 13, 2021, unless additional federal assistance is issued. 

Because the pandemic and everything related to it is constantly changing, the best way to find unemployment information relevant to your specific situation is through the North Carolina Division of Employment Security at des.nc.gov. 

Unemployment applications are processed entirely online and can be completed without any in-person contact. Keep in mind that claims must be filed weekly to keep your application active. 

Unemployment applications are entirely online and can be completed without any in-person contact.

Small Business Assistance

Small businesses and entrepreneurs continue to feel the pandemic impact. If you are one of these hard-working North Carolinians, you know that smaller operating budgets mean you are less able to weather the business interruptions we have been experiencing over the past year. 

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has created an online resource guide to answer questions and provide guidance for navigating these challenging times. This is a great starting place, no matter what support you and your business need, from funding to counseling. 

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offers information about available funding options for business owners. You can access the most up-to-date information via the SBA website. You can also call the SBA’s North Carolina District Office at 704-344-6563. 

Taxes

It may be hard to believe, but tax time has rolled around again. Unlike last year, when deadlines were extended, your 2020 tax return is due on the traditional date of April 15. For many North Carolinians, filing is free via the IRS website and the NC Department of Revenue. 

Filing online is not only faster and safer than mailing a paper return, but it also makes it easier for any potential new federal stimulus checks to reach you quickly if they are approved by Congress. 

Check out the AARP’s helpful summary for taxpayers, “Ten Things You Need to Know About Your 2020 Tax Return.”

Image of IRS paperwork including Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax worksheets

Rent/Mortgage or Utility Payments

President Biden recently issued an executive order extending the eviction moratorium until March 31, which is good news for the millions of Americans who are struggling to pay rent and mortgage each month.  

  • For renters: To qualify for protection under the moratorium, you must complete a CDC Eviction Declaration Form and give it to your landlord.  

Legal Aid of North Carolina has a wealth of information about the moratorium and tenants’ rights. You can also call them toll-free at 866-219-5262. 

  • For homeowners: Federally backed mortgages are covered under the eviction moratorium. If you’re uncertain whether your loan is federally backed or not, call your mortgage servicer and ask.  

If your mortgage is through a private company, check with the lender to see if assistance is available. 

Remember that the eviction moratorium is a temporary protection. It may or may not be extended again, but when it does eventually expire, you will be responsible for any unpaid rent or mortgage payments. Be proactive and contact your landlord or mortgage holder as soon as possible to talk about options. 

If you need to negotiate with your landlord or mortgage holder, our Economic Mobility Specialists offer the following tips: 

  • Do not assume your landlord or lender knows your situation.  
  • Be proactive and contact your landlord or lender before payment is due. 
  • Determine what you realistically can pay and when. 
  • Be direct about your situation and work with your landlord or lender on a specific plan with dates, amounts, and clear expectations for communication. 

If you live in Mecklenburg County and need emergency financial assistance with rent or utilities, learn about how the application process works at Crisis Assistance Ministry. 

Elsewhere in North Carolina, contact the United Way by calling 211 or searching their online database at nc211.org. 

Seek Accurate Information

The NC Department of Health and Human Services is maintaining comprehensive resources about many COVID-19 related needs. You’ll find the most recent updates, advisories and links there to everything from tax relief to health protocols. 

Manage Your Mental Health

That same site offers a variety of resources for managing emotional health, reducing anxiety, and staying healthy despite these new stressors.

Note: This information is as accurate as possible as of January 30, 2021. If updates become available, they will be added to this blog entry.

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: COVID-19, Lost Income, Mortgage Assistance, NCDES, NCDHHS, Rent Assistance, Unemployment

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Preventing homelessness.
Preserving dignity.
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  • (704) 371-3001
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  • Main Office:
    500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
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    EIN 56-1416719

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crisisassistmin

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As we take time out this Memorial Day weekend to remember those who sacrificed on our behalf, Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed to all customers, staff, donors, and volunteers on Monday, May 29, 2023. Typical business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30.

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This family of five signed up to provide snacks for families who seek assistance here because "everyone could contribute." 17 year old Lydia wrote messages, 13 year old Spencer washed apples, Mom packed crackers, Dad packed cookies, and 6-month-old Isaiah cheered everyone on.
With summer ahead, there will be even more need for snack packs to share with the families served here. You can find this and other volunteer opportunities on our website.

#volunteers

crisisassistmin

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Should North Carolina Implement Child Tax Credits?
Expanded federal child tax credits were a lifeline for many families during the pandemic. But those expansions have expired and aren't likely to be renewed at the federal level. North Carolina could implement its own credit to help families struggling to make ends meet. 
You can learn more about the benefits and decide what you think at the link in bio. #NCChildTaxCredit #FightPoverty #PreserveDignity

crisisassistmin

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Thank you for a fabulous National Volunteer Week! You inspire us every day with your commitment to help all of our neighbors achieve financial stability.

crisisassistmin

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As expanded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits end, hunger-fighting groups expect a surge in demand at food banks and warn that SNAP recipients may fall back into poverty. Some studies estimated that the Emergency Allotments during the pandemic reduced child poverty by 14% in 2021. This week we ask who will suffer now that these benefits have expired in North Carolina and all remaining states? (Read more through link in bio)

crisisassistmin

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Meet Ed Holland, a grandfather who gives back consistently and finds hope in helping others who are experiencing a financial crisis. In less than two minutes, hear his hopeful outlook, what fuels his community involvement, and his invitation to join the Challenge going on right now to help more families who visit Crisis Assistance Ministry for help. #DoGoodCLT #DoubleYourImpact

crisisassistmin

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Yesterday was a great day to celebrate #volunteers with so many great groups "in the house!" First up:  two sets of high schoolers from opposite sides of the Atlantic. 
📷 1 & 2:  Teens from West Charlotte HS who serve consistently, always getting stuff done in our warehouse.
📷 3:  High school students from all the way in France via Charlotte Latin School who also spent time preparing donated goods for Free Store shoppers.
We ♥️ our teen volunteers who bring so much energy to their visits here.

crisisassistmin

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Shout out to every neighbor who showed up and shared their time to help other neighbors get through a financial crisis and rebuild stability.
#volunteers #thankyou #DoGoodCLT #fightpoverty #NationalVolunteerWeek

crisisassistmin

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Crisis Assistance Ministry is excited to announce that local Charlotte leaders are coming together to help YOU double your impact this Spring.  Thanks to the generosity of Howard and Julie Levine - Howard R. Levine Foundation; Anna & Ed McMahan; and Kasey & Stuart Proffitt every contribution (up to $500K) will be matched now through May 31.
Will YOU rise to the challenge with a gift to help provide more individuals and families meet their basic needs, develop the tools to overcome financial adversity, and chart a path beyond the crisis toward financial security?

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