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.
With 40+ public schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg requiring school uniforms, thousands of families face extra expenses each fall. Your generosity, together with critical community partnerships, helped struggling families return to learning this month.
39% of Latino adults report having difficulty paying basic household expenses compared to 23% of white adults. A partnership with the Latin American Coalition allows families to overcome barriers of language, transportation, childcare, and cultural understanding while seeking assistance with urgent needs.
On a cold February afternoon, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) staff from 29 schools are streaming into the McCrorey YMCA armed with lists of student names and sizes—looking for just the right coats and shoes for students attending schools where they serve.
Patricia has seen hard times, she says, but she’s also seen blessings. This year, she counts Crisis Assistance Ministry as one of those blessings.
“In a crisis, we look to the community to show up when we need them the most,” JB says. “And Crisis Assistance Ministry does just that. It is so critical because it allows individuals who are struggling to do so with dignity by providing financial support so they can get through it and heal.”
Working mother Lakisha is grateful to the community partnerships and volunteer labor who helped restore and furnish her family home after a devastating roof collapse.
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.
