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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Electrolux (and you) Help Neighbors Beat The Heat

Volunteers from Electrolux’s North American headquarters in Charlotte unloaded 750 Frigidaire air conditioners recently at Crisis Assistance Ministry's warehouse. For thousands of families in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, there is no central air or a suitable window unit to fight the heat in their homes or apartments, and extreme heat can cause adverse health effects. It's a situation that's more likely to affect families who are served by the agency.

July 19, 2022

If you’re a math and spatial-type person, ponder this: 750 Frigidaire air conditioners just about fill an 18-wheeler, stacked-top-to-bottom. 

If you’re a speedster who aims for record-setting, then picture this:  on a warm summer morning last week 25 volunteers from Electrolux’s North American headquarters in Charlotte unloaded all of those 750 Frigidaire air conditioners at a record pace at Crisis Assistance Ministry’s warehouse.

These brand-new units will be distributed to customers who have been referred by our partner agencies: families who are without central air, or even a window unit, as the summer continues to heat up.  

women unload air conditioners from truck
More than 20 volunteers from Electrolux unloaded 750 Frigidaire air conditioners for families who are trying to beat the heat.

Heat-related illnesses pose the highest risk to those who are elderly, anyone who has a pre-existing heart condition, and to pregnant women. Pre-mature births and stillbirths have been associated with extreme heat, according to NewScientist.com.  

A 95-degree day might be an inconvenience if you’re just dashing from an air-conditioned car to an air-conditioned house or apartment. But for thousands of families in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, there is no central air or a suitable window unit to fight the heat in their homes or apartments. For those who rent, landlords sometimes ignore requests for heat relief. 

It’s a situation that’s more likely to affect families served by Crisis Assistance Ministry. In fact, NPR found that in many major cities, “low-income neighborhoods are more likely to be hotter than their wealthier counterparts.” NPR’s analysis of 97 of the country’s largest cities showed that in 75% of those towns, the poorest areas were also the hottest. The urban heat island phenomenon, attributed to more asphalt, fewer trees, warmth from buildings and car exhaust, and less green cover, increases heat. A brick high-rise that’s surrounded by concrete can become an oven. 

“It can get to the high 80s, low 90s, in the house,” says George, who received one of the air conditioners. He lives with his son, 8, and their current landlord has not yet added central air.

Heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke pose the greatest health risks as temperatures rise.  

Pre-mature births and stillbirths have been associated with extreme heat, according to NewScientist.com, and violent crimes even rise during hotter months. Living in extreme, inescapable heat is not only miserable, but it can also be life-threatening.  

“We are committed to supporting local families dealing with the summer heat because of our dedication to shape living for the better,” said Nolan Pike, Electrolux North America CEO. “It is easy to take air conditioning for granted, and these high temperatures remind us how much others need this appliance.”  

With only a few AC units remaining, Electrolux volunteers take a well-deserved break.
After a short time and a lot of work,
the truck was halfway unloaded.

This month’s donation comes almost exactly 10 years after Electrolux’s inaugural donation of air conditioners to families served by Crisis Assistance Ministry. That summer, a then-unprecedented heat wave smothered much of the country as the Queen City hit a record-setting 104 degrees on July 1, 2012.   

With this summer’s thermometers inching higher and higher, many Charlotteans will be a little bit cooler thanks to that 18-wheeler full of air conditioner units and the ongoing support of Electrolux. The Frigidaire units, worth about $200,000 total, all are now neatly stacked and shrink-wrapped, waiting for customers to be referred, waiting to be placed into a window and plugged up, waiting to send icy blasts of relief.  

The Furniture & Appliance Store always welcomes donations of new or gently used furniture and appliances on our list of accepted items. 

Filed Under: Agency News, Donor Stories, Volunteer Stories Tagged With: #PreserveDignity, Customer, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Furniture & Appliance Store, Nolan Pike, Partnerships, Volunteers

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Preventing homelessness.
Preserving dignity.
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  • Main Office:
    500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
  • Tax ID
    EIN 56-1416719

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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.

crisisassistmin

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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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