Cabarrus County Assistance Programs.

There is an organization, the Cabarrus County Community Foundation, that wants to know that you can always count on them, and your community for support and help. Since January, five nonprofits in Cabarrus County, North Carolina have paid out over $250,000 in grants and aid that were received from the Cabarrus Critical Need Response Fund. The grants have assisted Cabarrus residents that have been hit hard by the economic crisis.

The primary goal of the funds provided is to act as a short-term emergency relief program. The charities and organizations paying out the grants and disbursing the funds are the Baptist Sharing House, Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County, the Cooperative Christian Ministry, Salvation Army Concord Corps, and the Mount Pleasant Food Ministry. These groups are using the funds specifically to help Cabarrus residents.

Some of the used for the money to date has been to provide shelter, mortgage and rent help, warmth, utility bill assistance, and free clothing to Cabarrus County residents.

Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus has received almost $30,000 over the past four months and the funds have been paid out to assist residents who are unemployed and can no longer afford their mortgage payments or pay for their rent. The money provided by habitat has given families a few more months of mortgage or rent support while they try to find jobs or financial security. Phone 704.973.4500.

 

 

 

Get heating bill assistance

Families and individuals who need assistance with paying for their home’s heating costs can apply for the federal government funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program. There are several places people can go to to learn more about the program, or to apply. The Cabarrus County Department of Social Services will take applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. In addition, applications will be accepted at the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services which is located at 1303 S. Cannon Blvd. in Kannapolis. Last, but not least, applications will also be taken at the Cabarrus County Senior Center which is located in Mount Pleasant, located at 8615 Park Drive, and at the Midland Fire Department at 12805 Hwy. 601.

When you apply, you need to bring verification of October 2009 income for all household members. Also please be sure to bring the social security numbers and dates of birth for all household members, as that information is also required. If you apply and are accepted, the first Low Income Energy Assistance checks will be mailed to qualifying households in February of each year.

There are other options people have though for help. The Crisis Intervention Program is another program that is also available on a limited basis when the weather creates a crisis situation for those who need help with paying for heating bills. The Crisis Intervention Program is targeted for those people with heating emergencies only and it also sets a limit on the amount of assistance a household may receive. In addition, there also are other guidelines to determine eligibility for this program, including household composition, income levels, and outside temperatures.

For more information on LIHEAP or the Crisis Intervention Program, call the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services at 704-920-1400

 

 

Emergency assistance programs

The Salisbury-Rowan Community Service Council, Inc., phone number (704) 633-6633, offers several programs including self-sufficiency. This provide counseling as well as financial assistance to people in need. Receive rent help, money for utility bills, and other financial aid as funding allows. They also adminster the weatherization program, which can help people lower their home heating and energy bills.

Another non-profit charity organization is the Salvation Army. While they are located in Concord, they serve the entire county. You can call them at 704-782-7822. Receive shelter and transitional housing, cash for paying rent and bills (as funding allows), holiday programs, youth and senior assistance, and much more.

Low cost or free medical clinic

If you do not know how you will pay for your next doctor bill or health care service, The Community Free Clinic, which is located in Concord, assists low income, uninsured, and people with limited health insurance who live in Cabarrus County. The facility provides comprehensive pharmacy services and healthcare to those who individuals lack the resources to obtain them or pay for their own medical bills. (704)782-0650

Food assistance programs

If you or your family are struggling to provide for your next meal, or if you are faced with a crisis situation, there are several food pantries in Cabarrus County and Concord North Carolina. Unfortunately the amount of people who can receive help is limited to funding and local donations. But the food banks will try to help everyone they can. The charities and non-profits to call include Operation Bread Basket which is housed at First Baptist Church (call (704) 788-3812), The Cooperative Christian Ministry (704) 933-2188) as well as the Baptist Association (dial (704) 788-6507). Or click here for additional locations.