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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Something Needs Doing And You Can Do It

Follow along as St. John's Episcopal volunteers Mary Ellen, Kay, Louise, and Georgia return to their monthly volunteer spots sorting, inspecting, and preparing donated goods.

May 18, 2022

It’s the men’s suits that get their attention.

Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased, and volunteers are able to be back in the warehouse full time, Mary Ellen, Kay, Louise, and Georgia, from St. John’s Episcopal, will again spend one Wednesday morning each month sorting, inspecting, and preparing donated clothing and household goods destined for the Crisis Assistance Ministry Free Store.

Shoes – 50 pairs just for nine-year volunteer Mary Ellen, and that was before she began matching sizes on a box of sparkly, fur-lined boots. Dresses. Jeans. Dog jackets and sweaters.

“You see cool stuff, and you know all this can make someone feel really good,” Louise says. “Sunday dresses for girls… little things that would brighten up somebody’s day.”

The out-of-season clothing goes into a special space because most important is what’s needed right now. Every day, Mecklenburg County families are visiting the Free Store looking for summer essentials, household goods, and more—all free of charge. It’s a fast-paced operation, with shifts available Tuesday-Saturday. There’s a lot of catching up to do in the city.

“Right now, Charlotte has a lot of need,” says volunteer Georgia, who has given her time at the warehouse for about nine years.

There’s no way to know, of course, which clothes come from a closet refresh or a move. Still, the men’s suits seem to be a giveaway of a change in a family’s status—the death of a husband, a grandfather, a brother—the St. John’s group speculates, and they take a moment to honor the donation. These suits are almost always impeccably cared for, and they arrive in batches.

The volunteers find the outreach in Charlotte and their personal camaraderie go hand in hand. They usually enjoy a lunchtime fellowship after a shift in the warehouse.

“I’m retired now,” says Louise, who has volunteered for about seven years. “When I was working, I was working my butt off. Now I have time, and I love it.”

Fellow retiree Kay, who has volunteered for five or six years, feels volunteering is as natural as putting one foot in front of the other.

“You volunteer to help because something needs doing,” Kay says, “and you can do it.”

It’s as simple as that for these friends making their first return to their volunteer roles since March 2020.

Group of older friends smiling inside the warehouse at Crisis Assistance Ministry

Opportunities to volunteer in person are available Tuesday through Saturday. Individuals and groups, ages 11 and up, can fill a variety of volunteer roles either on or off-site. Check out upcoming needs and claim your next volunteer opportunity with a visit to our volunteer portal.

Filed Under: Volunteer Stories Tagged With: #PreserveDignity, Donate Clothing, faith partners, Free Store, St. John's Episcopal, Volunteers

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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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