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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Volunteers Follow Their Hearts

Volunteering is more than slipping a shirt onto a hanger and sliding it onto a rack. Volunteering is giving back to your community, even though you may never see the results first-hand. But volunteers at Crisis Assistance Ministry go where their hearts lead them.

August 25, 2022

Volunteering is more than slipping a shirt onto a hanger and sliding it onto a rack.

Volunteering is camaraderie, and it’s about going where you’re called to go. Colleagues and church members who volunteer together often make lunch plans, or post-lunch plans.  Volunteering is giving back to your community. You might never see its results first-hand because it’s likely you won’t know which child in all of Charlotte receives that uniform, or how the uniform helps her overcome first-day-of-school-getting-dressed jitters so she can raise her hand to answer a question with authority.

“You need to follow your own heart and do what’s right for others.” Murray, who volunteered with colleagues from Dominion Energy.

“Whenever I see the opportunity to do something like this, I’m all in,” says Murray, who was on-site with a large, enthusiastic group from Dominion Energy. “You need to follow your own heart and do what’s right for others,” he says.

He has volunteered as his kids’ church basketball team coach, but he has always felt the urge to go where he’s needed. He currently lives on the Virginia-North Carolina coast, but he was in Charlotte with others from different parts of Dominion’s regional operations. He says volunteering with his community’s version of Room in the Inn left him wondering what happens along the path to economic stability.

He likes knowing Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Economic Mobility Program is available for individuals who are ready to take the next step toward financial independence and security.

Crisis Assistance Ministry wouldn’t be able to support our neighbors in Charlotte-Mecklenburg without the support of the community of volunteers. Each year, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds support our Free Store, our clothing and furniture warehouse, and projects and programs that meet families’ basic needs, help our neighbors pursue economic mobility, and engage the community in understanding the impact of poverty in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Volunteers from Dominion Energy prepared clothing and household items for the Free Store the week before the start of the CMS school year. Items there, including school uniforms, jeans, and shoes are in particularly high demand due to a summer of extra expenses brought on by energy costs.

Specific volunteer roles can vary based on needs, but there are spaces for children as young as 11 years old, for individuals, and for groups of all sizes. On this day, Dominion brought about 30 colleagues, while a regular group of six from Pritchard Methodist Church also pitched in. Visit the Volunteer Portal on the Crisis Assistance Ministry website to see the most up-to-date information about volunteer needs.

As quickly as volunteers from Dominion are sorting through a large gift of brand-new shoes, the group from Pritchard is breaking down boxes and taking them to the recycling bins.

Bins, with an “s,” says Galen. There are two, not only the one that he remembers from pre-pandemic days, and the group is making its third trip outside.  

We used to do the one, Galen says, and he wipes his forehead and takes a breath. It’s a warm day outside.

But he’s not complaining. With two bins, you can get more done.

Want to get involved?

Volunteer opportunities give you the chance to follow your heart! Visit the Volunteer Page for specifics.

Filed Under: Agency News, Volunteer Stories Tagged With: #PreserveDignity, #PreventHomelessness, Dominion Energy, Pritchard Memorial

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

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  • (704) 371-3001
  • 500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
  • Tax ID:
    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.

crisisassistmin

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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.

crisisassistmin

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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!

crisisassistmin

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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.

crisisassistmin

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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

crisisassistmin

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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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