Community Resources
Health is bigger than us
Living a healthy life requires so much more than quality health care. For many people, health also means having a safe place to stay, nutritious food, and a stable source of income. We can’t do it all ourselves, but we can point you and your family towards other organizations who can fill in the gaps.
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Food
Loaves and Fishes
What: One week of emergency food for families.
When/Where: See schedule of mobile food pantries (referral is necessary).
How: Call Madeline Ortiz at (704) 316-6561 ex. 18526 for a referral.
Urban Ministry Center
What: A nutritious lunch every day, plus other basic services like showers, telephones, and laundry.
When: Lunch is served 11:15 am – 12:15 pm, all other services available 8:30 am – 1 pm every day.
Where: 945 N College Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
How: Come as you are – you do not need registration or referral.
Food Stamps
Certification periods have been extended by six to twelve months. Even if your certification period has been extended, you should contact DSS if you experience a change in household size or income, because you may be eligible for an increase in food stamp benefits. Additionally, the work requirement and 3-month time limit for non-disabled adults without dependents have been suspended during this time.
What if I have a problem with my benefits?
You can call our partners at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy at (704) 376-1600 if you think you have received an incorrect notice or termination, have questions about your benefits, or have been denied benefits.
Find more information on the NCDHHS website.
How to Apply
Need Help Applying?
What: A mobile market that provides pre-bagged fresh produce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all produce is available for pay-what-you-can or donations.
When/Where: See schedule of mobile markets (call ahead for quick assessment).
How: Call (980) 224-3972 for a quick assessment before going to a mobile market.
WIC
The WIC program is continuing to serve families with children during the time of emergency. The requirement to interview in person has been waived during the COVID-19 crisis. There are two locations with some evening hours available (Monday-Thursday 7:45 am to 7:00 pm; Friday 7:45 am to 5:00 pm).
- 2845 Beatties Ford Rd 5624 Charlotte, NC 28216
- Executive Center Dr. Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28212
Text "FOODNC" to 877877
What: Find free, healthy meals for kids age 18 and under.
When/Where: Various food distribution sites throughout North Carolina (see map of distribution sites).
How: Text FOODNC to 877877 to receive a list of the three distribution sites closest to you, or see map of all distribution sites.
Rent, Utilities, and Financial Assistance
Governor Cooper issued an executive order on March 31st that makes it illegal for utility companies to shut off people’s electricity, natural gas, and water service because they don’t pay their bill. This order applies until the end of May, or until the governor lifts the State of Emergency in North Carolina.
You still have to pay your utility bills. However, if you can’t pay your bills right now, your utility company cannot shut off your water, power, or gas. The company also can’t charge you any fees, penalties, or interest for late payment. You have at least six months to pay your bills before they can charge you interest or fees.
Who: Mecklenburg County residents
What: Emergency financial assistance with rent and utilities
How: Fill out a short form with some basic information about your situation, and someone will contact you within 48 hours. Read more about Crisis Assistance Ministry services.
To receive a CARES Act’s Economic Impact Payments (stimulus check), you must have a social security number.
- If you make less than $75,000 for individuals or less than $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns, you will receive $1,200 per adult and $500 per dependent under 17 years old.
- For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds.
- Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.
For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their tax return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment.
Most people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the payment to those eligible.
The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on your tax return filed.
Find more answers to common questions about stimulus checks in this guide published by Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.
Common Wealth Charlotte has created a guide to managing your finances during COVID-19. If you have questions that this guide doesn’t answer, text “FINANCES” to 474747 and a financial advisor will contact you.
Work First Family Assistance
If you are already receiving Work First, you should keep getting your benefits during the pandemic.
You are exempt from work requirements during the Public Health emergency and will not be punished for non-cooperation with child support. In addition, each eligible child per household will qualify for a one-time payment of $265 during the coronavirus pandemic.
What if I have a problem with my benefits?
You can call our partners at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy at 704-376-1600 if you think you have not received your benefits for March or April, you are having trouble applying, or your application has been denied.
Who: Students (pre-K through college) and teachers who don’t have internet access.
What: Spectrum is offering 60 days of free internet access to eligible households.
How: Call (855) 243-8892 or see more information about this offer.
Housing/SHELTER
Changes to Eviction Regulations
Following an order from the North Carolina Supreme Court, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office has announced that they are postponing the enforcement of all court-ordered evictions until at least June 1, 2020. This order includes people staying in hotels or motels.
You should still try to work with your landlord if you’re having trouble paying rent. However, you have some legal protection if you can’t pay rent on time right now. Look through this information from Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, or call the Consumer Protection Program at 704-376-1600 if you have concerns or questions about your specific situation.
Assisted living resources
Who: Senior citizens and older adults with physical impairments
What: This guide is to help people learn more about the assistive technologies designed to protect seniors in case of emergency. Considering the situation today, most people are isolated due to the pandemic. Having a medical alert system is highly beneficial for seniors and their loved ones as they can be assured that relevant people will be notified in case something happens. You can CLICK HERE to read more information about the best medical device companies that could save your life.
Coordinated Entry
Who: Anyone who is homeless (staying in an emergency shelter or in an unsheltered location or thinks will be in the next couple of days
What:A centralized hotline for entry into homeless services
When: M-F 8am-5pm; callers will need to leave a message when they first call and will receive a call back. There is also a text function
How:Call 704-284-9665. Assessments can be conducted over the phone and assessors will connect callers to available resources.
SafeAlliance
Who: Anyone living in an abusive situation
What: A 24/7 hotline for anyone anyone seeking help with parenting support, domestic violence and sexual assault, and emergency shelter for people in immediate danger of physical violence
When: 24/7
How: Call (980) 771-4673 to speak with an trained advocate about your situation.
Who: Teenagers and children who don’t have a stable place to live
What: Emergency housing and other assistance for teenagers and children in crisis
When: 24/7
Where: 1100 E. Boulevard, Charlotte NC 28203
How: Call (704) 377-0602 to talk to a crisis counselor about next steps.
Who: Anyone looking for affordable housing
What: Online search tool and call center to find affordable housing, including properties that accept Section 8 housing vouchers
How: Go to www.socialserve.com or call 1 (877) 428-8844
Employment and Legal Services
Unemployment benefits
The new CARES Act provides additional unemployment benefits and may increase recipients’ weekly benefit amount. It also increases the length of time you are eligible for the benefits and expands eligibility for unemployment benefits to individuals who would not normally qualify, such as those who:
- are self-employed
- are independent contractors or freelancers
- are seeking part time work,
- have little to no work history
- are taking care of children who are out of school
Applicants may qualify even if they have already exhausted their benefits. You do not need to be actively looking for work during the COVID-19 crisis to qualify.
When will I get my benefits?
If you set your benefits up using direct deposit, it typically takes about 2 weeks to receive your first payment. It make take longer if you chose not to use direct deposit.
How to Apply
Many people are experiencing long wait times when trying to call in. If possible, it’s much faster to enroll online.
Who: Families, individuals, seniors, and people living with disabilities who are residents of Mecklenburg County and make less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
What: Legal assistance with issues like healthcare access, domestic violence protection, immigration, taxes, and other legal issues
How: Call 704 376 1600 to find out how to access services
NC Works posts jobs available in your area, including a list of employers with immediate needs related to COVID-19.
The Charlotte Observer also published this list of companies that are hiring right now.
Goodwill University is offering free virtual training to learn skills like Microsoft Office, IT, construction, and more. They’re also offering virtual workshops to help with job searching and interviewing.
While in-person services are suspended, you can still apply for virtual Employment Services. Fill out the application online or call (704) 372-3434.
Health Insurance and Medications
Medicaid and NC Health Choice
Medicaid coverage scheduled to end during COVID-19 crisis will be extended for 6 to 12 months depending on your specific certification period.
If you have been denied Medicaid, you have 60 days to appeal the decision, or 90 days if there is a good cause for appealing late. Coronavirus counts as a good cause for a late appeal.
What if I have a problem with my benefits?
You can call our partners at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy at 704-376-1600 if you think you have received an incorrect notice or termination, have questions about your benefits, or have been denied benefits.
How to Apply
Need Help Applying?
Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Marketplace
If you’re enrolled in a Marketplace plan and your income changes, you should update the income on your application as soon as possible.
- If your income goes down, you could qualify for more savings than you’re getting now and lower your monthly premiums.
- You or a family member may also now be eligible for coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
If you lose your insurance coverage from a job during this time, you are eligible to apply for a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace within 60 days after your loss of coverage.
It is also still possible to qualify for other Special Enrollment Periods related to changes in household size, immigration status, a permanent move, hardship, etc.
What if I have a problem with my benefits?
You can call the Health Insurance Navigator line for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy at 980-256-3782 if you think you have received an incorrect notice, have questions about your coverage, or are experiencing an issue related to the program.
Who: Uninsured North Carolina residents under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($52,400 for a family of 4).
What: Free prescription and over-the-counter medications.
How: You can order over-the-counter (OTC) medications like aspirin, cold medicine, and vitamins to pick up from the pharmacy, or apply for financial assistance with prescription medications.
Who: Anyone
What: Discounts on prescription medications
How: Search the medication on www.goodrx.com or the GoodRx app to find free coupons that are accepted at most pharmacies.
More Resources
Who: Anyone
What: Search for help with food, housing, health, childcare, education, and hundreds more categories.
How: Go to www.auntbertha.com and search your ZIP code to find resources near you
Who: Anyone
What: Talk to someone to find local help with food, housing, health, childcare, education, and other needs.
When: 24/7
How: Call 2-1-1 or go to www.nc211.org to find resources.
Who: Anyone
What: Talk to someone in Spanish to find local help with food, housing, health, childcare, education, and other needs.
When: 9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday
How: Call (980) 320-3743
Financial Assistance for ChildCare
Who: Parents or primary caregivers who are essential workers with children age 0-12. You must have no other safe childcare option and make under 300% of the federal poverty level ($77,250 for a family of four).
What: Financial assistance for childcare.
When: 8 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday
How: Call 1 (888) 600-1685 to get connected with a childcare facility that has agreed to meet the guidelines. You must then complete enrollment forms and an application for financial assistance.
FOR PARENTS
