Our neighbors who come to Crisis Assistance Ministry for help are hard workers. They know how to stretch a dollar beyond the breaking point. But the odds are often stacked against them. Any small thing can send the budget spiraling out of control. That’s when you come in. Just a few minutes and a few dollars from you now can change their lives in that moment of crisis.
With four kids at home, Mariagrazia has always worked hard. A first-generation American, she took care to save for emergencies and plan for her family’s future. That’s how she managed to stretch things through the worst of the COVID impacts last year. But when an injury put her out of work again she needed help to avoid eviction.
“You gave me hope when I had none. And when you’re struggling like I am, hope means everything.” That’s how William describes his visit to Crisis Assistance Ministry while trying to get through the devastating impacts of renal disease, job loss, and a neglectful landlord.
Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Homeless Prevention Project volunteers call it a labor of love. Since the project began in 2014, volunteers have faithfully taught more than 3,000 residents during one-hour classes at Crisis Assistance Ministry.
Discussions of poverty and its impact in Charlotte-Mecklenburg often uncover a few myths and misconceptions about who is affected, how they are affected, and how the needs of struggling neighbors are (or are not) met equitably.
Darneal is a hard-working musician helping to support his girlfriend and her school-age children. When summer brought a drop in income for her teaching assistance job, he swallowed his pride and sought help to avoid eviction and restore disconnected utilities for their family.
Robert is a boisterous soul who loves people and tries to leave everyone he meets better than he found them. He’s always been a helper. Until he was the one who needed help.
When more than 170 families at Lake Arbor apartments received notice to move out before year’s end, Crisis Assistance Ministry joined a partnership of agencies to help affected residents avoid homelessness. Initial estimates show the community will need an additional $350,000 to assist affected families.
