Mission
The mission of Crisis Assistance Ministry is to provide assistance and advocacy for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency.
Vision
Our vision is to inspire our community to justice and generosity as we provide help, hope, and understanding to people struggling with limited financial resources.
Values
Crisis Assistance Ministry's shared values are reflected in everything we do—as we interact with customers, volunteers, donors, coworkers, and the community.
- Dignity - We believe each person has inherent value. We will treat all people as they would want to be treated.
- Integrity - We believe we must uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and fairness. We will hold ourselves and each other accountable to be good stewards of community resources.
- Respect - We believe that each individual is important and worthy of politeness and honor. We will recognize everyone’s unique and intrinsic worth.
- Empathy - We believe empathy is at the core of each and every interaction. We will strive to put ourselves “in others’ shoes” to understand their perspectives and situations.
- Compassion - We believe in the value of listening with kindness. We will show genuine care for each individual and their situation.
- Trust - We believe in the reliability and strength of all individuals. We will be open and honest in all interactions.
Stabilizing Housing for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Families
Our Story
Founded by local faith leaders in 1975, Crisis Assistance Ministry has grown into Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s trusted safety net for families facing financial hardship—especially those who are not yet homeless but struggling to stay housed and stable.
What We Offer
We provide both immediate support and long-term solutions to help families meet their basic needs:
- Emergency rent and utility assistance
- Free clothing, appliances, and household items
- Financial assessments and long-term financial coaching
By filling critical service gaps and reducing duplication, we bring hope and stability to thousands of families each year.
We’re also committed to long-term change by:
- Raising awareness about poverty, systemic racism, and housing challenges
- Fostering empathy and understanding throughout our community
- Empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and others through lived-experience leadership
Our Journey
Our work is rooted in collaboration and innovation:
- 2008: Launched Poverty Education & Awareness activities to educate and engage community members as advocates for those affected by poverty
- 2010: Faith communities funded pilot focused on financial empowerment
- 2013: Launched formal financial coaching to support long-term stability
- During the Great Recession: Led a multi-agency coalition supporting thousands in crisis
- 2018: Convened Financial Security CLT coalition to address systemic issues like housing, childcare, and wages
Today
Crisis Assistance Ministry serves as a one-stop resource for Mecklenburg County residents in financial crisis. Whether it’s providing a coat to someone experiencing homelessness, covering a utility bill for a single parent, or helping a veteran avoid eviction, we preserve dignity while stabilizing housing for those facing tough times with limited resources.
