Mecklenburg County assistance programs. North Carolina.  Financial assistance is available to low-income residents in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.  There are agencies, non-profits, and government programs that can offer emergency help.
If you are unemployed, underemployed, elderly, or disabled, you can get help from your family if you qualify financially. Each program is facilitated by the state, community, and government programs in your city.
North Carolina programs help with utilities, rent, food, medical bills, childcare, and affordable housing. The resources below can help during times of financial difficulties. If you need help to pay rent, who do you turn to? Everyone can not approach a friend or family member for one or two months’ rent.
If you can, you are fortunate.  If you face eviction and cannot pay your most important bill, this statement is a cry for immediate help! This article can give you some suggestions about where you can go to get help.
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Finding Assistance in Charlotte
There are many organizations, both private and public, that is in place to help people who are suffering financial hardships in North Carolina. Â Charlotte assistance programs will help you rent and provide assistance with food, clothing, household goods, and furniture. You are not alone in this, and there are places you can go to to get the help you need.
It will not be easy, and you will be required to provide proper documentation such as:
- Proof of income
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
You may have to go to several places to get the money, but if you are fortunate, you will get real help in the end. Â Many people are in the same situation with layoffs, cutbacks, and so many companies not hiring. Â You will be glad to know that there are programs around to help you pay your rent or mortgage. Each organization may have slightly different rules and obligations you must fulfill to receive help.
Mecklenburg County Assistance Programs
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Assistance Ministry is one of Mecklenburg County’s most prominent agencies servicing the city’s poor communities. They are with a stand-alone agency working with other agencies to provide comprehensive assistance to those in need. They also provide a one-way bus ticket for those in Charlotte who have fallen on hard times and want to return to their city of origin. Â Website
Both private and public donations support the crisis Assistance Ministry. If you consider donating to this organization, more than 94% of donations go directly to the programs and not to salaries or other operational costs. The program is also supported by the hard work of more than 50,000 volunteers. All bill payments are paid directly to the service provider.  No cash is given out. Items provided are:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Rent Assistance
- Household Goods
- Utility Assistance
3235, 500a Spratt St
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 371-3001
A Child’s Place
Help residents of Mecklenburg County and throughout Charlotte. They help with school supplies, clothing, food, and personal hygiene.
601 East 5th Street, Suite 130,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202,Â
704-343-3790
Charlotte Area Fund
This organization is one of the main Mecklenburg County non-profits providing financial support to the community. They help prevent homelessness by providing help with rent, utility payments, and security deposits to help you get into that new home or help disabled and elderly make their home wheelchair accessible. Charlotte Area location and phone information:
901 N. Tryon StreetÂ
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
(704) 372-3010Â
Matthews HELP Center
They provide crisis assistance to struggling families in Matthews and the surrounding areas. You can find help with household bills, utilities, rent, food, and free clothing when you qualify. When applying for help, bring a photo ID, social security cards for all family members, proof of income, address, and proof you are receiving government assistance.
119 N. Ames Street
Matthews, NC 28105
Dial 704-847-8383
Many large and even smaller church assistance programs in Charlotte receive money from member donations and the government to assist the poor.   It doesn’t matter that you are not a member or even a believer. They will help you.  They will ask a lot of questions about your situation. Make sure to take with your social security card, picture identification, work pay stubs, unemployment verification, and a few bills that will verify what you are telling them.
Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran Social Services provides is a non-profit charity organization that helps low-income residents in the community. They partner with the government and other organizations as distribution center for services like food, bill assistance, and temporary housing. (more info.)
St. Vincent de PaulÂ
They support families dealing with sickness, family problems, and other financial difficulties.  They are committed to providing social services, resources, and financial assistance for the needy.  Staff and volunteers offer financial aid and counseling to low-income individuals and families.
Jewish Federation of North America
Jewish Federation of North America is a faith-based organization that coordinates with some national charities. As will all churches and religious agencies, helping the poor is the main thrust of their work. Â If you need help, contact the Federation of North America. (more)
Catholic Charities
If you are facing eviction or disconnection of utilities, they can help you. Other outreaches include  Education, Social Services, Healthcare, Pregnancy support, Foster care, Adoption services, disaster relief, Job development, and more. (more)
United Methodist Church
This organization brings aid to the poor in the United States and abroad. Their programs range from temporary housing, drug, and alcohol counseling, food, and bill assistance.  These church assistance programs have limited funding. (more)
The Salvation Army
 If you need rent or utility assistance, call your local Salvation Army to make and an appointment. They also offer thrift store vouchers.  You can also receive prescription vouchers if you are presently living in a shelter.
The Process of Getting Help
You may not be able to get all the help you need to pay your rent, or worse, you may not be able to get anything at all. Many people need help, and often the funds run out. In that case, they should have a list of other locations that can help you pay the rent.
It will be frustrating and embarrassing, but keep in mind you need a place to live. This is a temporary situation, and this too shall pass! You may also get help with a list of food banks and church pantries that can also provide you with groceries.
Seeking Government Assistance
If you think you may qualify for government aid, go online or call to get the phone number and address to a Department of Social Services in your area. You will save a lot of time if you do most of your searching online. If you do not have a computer, go to the local library. You don’t have to be on public assistance to receive help from the department of social services.
Often you can go to them for a one-time help assist with your rent if you are behind and emergency food stamps.  Once you sit down with a worker, let them know everything you need. If you qualify for emergency food stamps, this will help you put most of your bills into your bills. Keep in mind to bring with you all the documentation you will need to receive services. 1-800-333-4636
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