The interior of any residence is incomplete without furniture. A home’s furniture adds comfort and warmth while giving its occupants a sense of belonging. However, several low-income households must be financially capable of purchasing new furniture. With U.S. inflation rates ranging from 6.04% to 8.20%, buying furniture for their homes is the least of their concerns.
Fortunately, several organizations, such as the Crisis Assistance Ministry, provide free, used furniture to low-income families. In this article, we’ll go over the various financial assistance programs offered by the organization and the types of household items they provide. Read the article below to learn more.
Definition Of Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Assistance Ministry is a non-profit organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, whose mission is to provide financial, civil, and furniture assistance to financially struggling families and individuals. They help and support households with extreme financial needs, disabled individuals, single parents, and senior citizens.
As of June 2022, the Crisis Assistance Ministry and its local partner agencies have served more than 40,000 people and provided at least $687 for each beneficiary in rent and utility assistance. Furthermore, more than 40% of children under 18 residing in Charlotte receive assistance from non-profit organizations.
Overview Of The Furniture Bank Program
Similar to a Food Bank, the Furniture Bank Program of the Crisis Assistance Ministry provides gently used furniture and other commonly used household items to those in need. Such items are acquired through generous donations from residents, partner agencies, other charitable organizations, and furniture stores.
Through the same program, beneficiaries may also qualify for furniture vouchers, which they may use to purchase discounted furniture at the organization’s partner furniture shops and their Free Store.
Types Of Household Items Available Through The Furniture Bank
The furniture and household items given away by the Crisis Assistance Ministry Program may vary depending on the availability of donated items. Commonly available items through the Furniture Bank include:
- Kitchen Tables
- Dining Room Tables
- Box Springs
- Household Furniture (sofa, bookcases, TV stands, couches)
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Pet Hair Accessories And Supplies
- Mattresses
- Cabinets and drawers
- Dressers
Financial Assistance Programs At Crisis Assistance Ministry
In addition to their Furniture Bank, the Crisis Assistance Ministry also offers a variety of financial assistance programs and welfare benefit programs. Check them out below.
Utility Assistance Program
Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Utility Assistance Program provides one-time financial aid to low-income households struggling to pay their utility bills, including electricity, water, heating, and rent.
Additionally, the organization offers crisis support to families at risk of eviction, disconnected utility services, or experiencing potentially life-threatening energy-related crises. In addition, the Crisis Assistance Ministry provides zero-cost energy upgrades to help financially challenged households access affordable energy options. Such upgrades also lower their energy consumption and have cheaper monthly bills.
Emergency Financial Assistance Program
The Emergency Financial Assistance Program offers short-term monetary support and emergency cash to families with critical needs. If you are also experiencing financial hardships caused by unemployment, you may apply for this program through the Crisis Assistance Ministry.
However, remember that the families or individuals with the most time-sensitive needs are catered to first. For instance, people who received eviction notices today due to delinquent monthly payments are served before households with an eviction notice at a later date.
Holiday Assistance Program
The Holiday Assistance Program of the Crisis Assistance Ministry is specifically designed to bring joy and comfort to children belonging to low-income families and single-parent households. Eligible beneficiaries for this program are children aged 0 to 14 from families whose median household income does not exceed the federal poverty level.
Qualified children receive holiday gifts, toys, Thanksgiving meals and presents, Christmas baskets, and donations from anonymous donors.
School Supplies and Uniforms Program
During school season, beneficiaries of the Crisis Assistance Ministry are provided free access to the organization’s Free Store. Low-income families can receive free school supplies from the Store, including uniforms, books, notebooks, and coloring materials.
Economic Mobility Program
The Economic Mobility Program of the Crisis Assistance Ministry helps families achieve financial stability by providing life-changing career opportunities. Helping low-income households address the underlying social factors affecting the quality of life improves outcomes for families at risk of unemployment and unemployment.
Beneficiaries of this program are entitled to three months of one-on-one financial counseling with a licensed caseworker to identify and tackle barriers to financial stability and security.
Partner Agencies Working With Crisis Assistance Ministry
The Crisis Assistance Ministry partner agencies network provides Mecklenburg County residents with humanitarian services and assistance programs. These are often 501(c)(3) charities, non-profit organizations, or governmental institutions that serve low-income families by providing necessities like furniture, appliances, cash aid, or counseling.
Permanent Housing Opportunities for People Experiencing Homelessness
The Crisis Assistance Ministry also operates various shelters for people experiencing homelessness and offers stable housing options for low-income families without a proper home. Most of the housing arrangements available are single-family residences and apartments in high-rise buildings.
These shelters also provide free hot meals, clothing, and other household items that are considered essential by financially struggling families.
Donations Accepted by Crisis Assistance Ministry
Donations from the public go a long way with Crisis Assistance Ministry. To expand its humanitarian efforts and assistance programs, the organization accepts a wide variety of donations, including:
- Financial donations
- Clothing and household goods
- Gently used furniture and appliances
- Secondhand cars or automobiles
- Gifts of Stock
You can also donate via Amazon Wish Lists or local donation drives administered by the Crisis Assistance Ministry.
Crisis Assistance Ministry remains a one-stop shop for financially struggling families and residents of Mecklenburg County. The non-profit organization upholds the dignity of its beneficiaries while preventing eviction, financial hardships, and homelessness, whether by offering emergency cash support, utility assistance, free furniture, or stable housing options.
If you need affordable computers or laptops for low-income families, read this article from Help Choices.