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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Ashley Does Not Give Up Easily

When Ashley and her five children arrived in Charlotte two years ago, she was determined to do everything possible to keep her family safe. When faced with the threat of homelessness, the community’s generosity and Ashley’s resilience kept her and her children stably housed. Help others in Ashley’s situation by making a gift today.

July 28, 2021

When Ashley and her five children arrived in Charlotte two years ago, she was determined to do everything possible to keep her family safe. Having escaped an abusive marriage after several failed attempts to leave, Ashley was excited to begin the next chapter of her life in the Queen City. It was close enough to her tiny hometown in rural South Carolina that she could reach out to family if necessary but far enough away from her ex-husband that she didn’t need to live in fear anymore. 

“I’ve always been one to do what I have to do for my kids. I don’t care what sacrifices I have to make. I’m not one to give up easy.” 

One of the biggest challenges Ashley has faced is keeping her family housed. Twice during her previous attempts to flee domestic violence, she and the children were forced to live in homeless shelters, and that’s an experience she never wants to go through again. So, when the pandemic hit last year and Ashley lost her job as a substitute teacher for Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, panic understandably set in. 

MAKE A GIFT

At first, Ashley made ends meet by working for a staffing company, taking on flexible daily jobs that allowed her to work around the children’s schedules. But finding reliable childcare for her children, whose ages range from 5 to 13, was challenging and expensive. All the while, she was falling farther and farther behind on car payments, ultimately losing the vehicle to repossession.  

Meanwhile, the eviction moratorium ensured that the family could remain in their home, but Ashley worried about the inevitable lifting of that protection. She made partial rental payments to the landlord as she could, but her balance was getting larger every month. After a year of juggling and struggling, and with the moratorium about to end, Ashley realized she needed help to pay the amount owed. Otherwise, she and the children faced the prospect of homelessness. 

Anxious and uncertain about what to expect, Ashley turned to Crisis Assistance Ministry. Fortunately, her anxiety soon turned to relief. After a phone interview with an empathetic caseworker, Ashley learned that the agency would cover a large portion of her balance by sending a check directly to her landlord. Ashley was able to negotiate a reduction in the amount owed and then pay the remaining balance herself. Although accustomed to being self-sufficient and caring for her family alone, Ashley is glad she decided to reach out in her time of need.

“I’m not one to let my pride get in the way of getting my life where it needs to be. I’m not shy on any resources that the community has to offer because if I can’t do it on my own and I don’t have the support from family, then I know there’s someplace I can reach out to for help.” 

To the generous donors whose financial gifts made that assistance possible, Ashley says:  

“Thank you. Without you, I would more than likely have been on the street or even back home, back in the situation I worked so hard to get out of. You helping gave me hope and took a lot of stress out of my life.” 

MAKE A GIFT


For over 20 years, Crisis Assistance Ministry has been encouraging donors and supporters to forgo the cost of attending a gala, stay home, and make a gift to make a difference.

With your help, we can positively impact the families in our community seeking a hand up with their basic needs.

MAKE A GIFT

Filed Under: Agency News, Campaign, Customer Stories Tagged With: #CLTStaysHome, #GiveHope&HousingStability, #NonEvent2021, #PreserveDignity, #PreventHomelessness, Customer, Financial Assistance

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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
  • Tax ID
    EIN 56-1416719

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🎉Today is Giving Tuesday, a global celebration of generosity and kindness. Join us in making a difference by donating items that directly help those in need. 

👕🧣🎒From clothing to household goods, your contributions will have a tangible impact on many lives. 

Let's make this Giving Tuesday a day of extraordinary kindness and giving. Share, participate, and be a part of this global movement of generosity!

Check out our Wish Lists!

https://crisisassistance.org/donate/donate-clothing-household-goods/ 
https://crisisassistance.org/donate/donate-via-amazon-wishlist/

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Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed Thanksgiving weekend beginning Thursday, November 23. All areas will be closed to customers, donors, staff, and community members on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Typical business hours resume on Monday, November 27.
ONE MORE THING: We are so grateful for you and the role you play in creating a community that lifts up struggling neighbors. Here's to a holiday filled with as much hope, warmth, and light as you have provided others! 
https://crisisassistance.org/2023/11/22/thanksgiving-and-the-spirit-of-community/

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It turned out to be an IDEAL morning for hot beverages and pastries. @oakstreethealth  sponsored this visit from @jesskakesllc's Sweet Truck, providing hot coffee, hot chocolate, and assorted pastries (free of charge) to families seeking assistance here @CrisisAssistMin today.  #Volunteers from Oak Street and the @MecklenburgCounty Attorney's office helped out in sometimes pouring rain to be sure everyone was warm and well-nourished. SO #THANKFUL every day for the support of our business community as we work together to stabilize Charlotte-Mecklenburg families.

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We are ALWAYS #thankful for corporate #volunteers like this team from @ally! They helped stock the store with clothing, shoes, warm weather gear, and other household items offered at no cost to shoppers from Mecklenburg County homes. With the help of folks like this, an average of 80 families daily find the essentials they need to meet their basic needs and rebuild financial stability for the future. THANK YOU!

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Heading into this week of #thankfulness, what would it be like at your house without warmth, without light,  without the joy that comes from celebrating gratitude and hopefulness in a safe home?
What do we really mean when we ask you to Give Hope, Warmth, & Light to area families? 
It means lifting up neighbors like this mom of three, who is SO grateful to be in stable housing, to be rebuilding her family's stability, and to regain hope for a brighter future for her little ones. It means coming together as a community to share resources and encouragement with hardworking neighbors who need a little help to get through a financial crisis and move back toward self-sufficiency.
Learn more about their story, and how you can help this season, on our website or the bio link.

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Great day at Calvary Cares with @wearecalvaryclt!  By coming together as a community, we helped stabilize families and provide them with the support they need to be self-sufficient.

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Stop by Community Impact Day at @wearecalvaryclt on Kilborne Dr between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get connected! We will be there with partners with clothing, information, and resources to stabilize families who are struggling to make ends meet and maintain housing.

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We had an amazing weekend with Covenant Impacts! These dedicated #volunteers from @covenantpresbyclt worked so hard tidying up the store, inspecting and hanging donated clothing, unpacking and preparing a large shipment of retail donations, and efficiently completing so many tasks. As a result, 80 families per day will now have access to the essential resources they need to stabilize their families, keep their children warm, and meet their basic needs throughout the week. #CovenantImpacts 
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 #stabilizefamilies #preventhomelessness #preservedignity #crisisassistanceministry #freestore

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As the winter holidays approach, let's not forget our neighbors for whom this season brings financial stress. ✨ Your generous support can bring hope, warmth, & light to struggling neighbors AND help you celebrate your loved ones this season.
💌 Each card extends a hand to those in need while spreading warmth and igniting hope. #HopeWarmthLight
{Pathway to order in the usual place 😎 }

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