Crisis aid from Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry.
Serving most of Buncombe from multiple offices, Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) is an agency that is focused on solving basic needs. The non-profit organization will have a limited allocation of funds for the year, and this is part of the Crisis Ministry. While they will try to support all requests in some fashion, the fact is that aid is limited. Once resources have been used up then the programs will close, however referrals may still be given.
Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry works in partnership with job training and credit counseling agencies to provide workshops and training to clients as well. There are also arrangements with local community colleges for GED completion and local employers for continuing education. This will be a requirement to receiving any financial aid from their programs. When all is said and done, they will also provide ongoing support and advocacy even after the crisis has been resolved, if the person still needs that support.
Information on emergency programs
Most of the requests for people in a crisis include food as well as housing. With the increasing costs of rent as well as other daily living expenses in Asheville North Carolina, and the still challenging job market in Buncombe County, many families do find themselves starting to struggle from time to time. Any applicant's will need to present proof of address such as driver's license as well as income when seeking help. This can also include something as simple as a piece of mail with name matching photo ID or pay stubs.
Boxes of food may be passed out from the pantry. This may be used at most one time per month by a family or individual. Clients of ABCCM should bring their own shopping bag.
Energy bill assistance provides one time only help to low-income people with the high cost of heating. In some cases, money may be offered for an air conditioning bill or maybe a box fan will be given to the client. This too is dependent on funding and eligibility is based on income as well as conservation steps that the applicant has taken.
The rental assistance from Community Christian Ministry can help prevent homelessness. Any funds paid out will require the tenant to both have a source of income so they can make future payments on their own, and they will also need to participate in a case management process. Lastly, the landlord of the apartment or home also needs to agree to any terms put into place from this service.
One focus is also on military members, and they can receive grants for housing or rent as part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families – (SSVF). This is offered across several counties surrounding the city of Asheville.
Another potential solution for housing needs is the transitional housing program. This will provide stability for people facing imminent eviction or homeless families with children in Buncombe County. The solution from empowers families to overcome barriers they are facing to stability. The case management process will also help them gain the skills they need to secure a permanent home on their own.
There are different centers run by the ministry, such as Steadfast House for women or single moms as well as the Steadfast House. Each ABCCM unit is focused on certain clients.
Financial financial advice and debt help is offered in person, over the phone, or online. The Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry partners with national and local groups. The low income, families in poverty, minorities and others can learn how to manage their money, rebuild credit and pay down debts. The credit counseling from Christian groups is often free.
The local thrift store is where to turn to for clothing, furniture, or Christmas toys. While most of the items are sold at a low cost to clients, there are some instances in which families with a very low income are given a voucher. In these cases they can use this to pay for the item directly, which in effect means that the thrift store is free to them. The address is 217 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801, or dial (828) 259-5322.
Whether it is financial support or food referenced above, the resources from Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry rely on community involvement. So that means that additional donations of food or funds are always needed.
ABCCM services can also help senior citizens in the community too. This is for those that are at risk. Most of the support is intended to help them apply for services that enable them to remain independent.
All across the greater Buncombe County region are Senior Centers that offer clients a wide range of educational, recreational, social and health activities. Not only that, but workshops that are coordinated can help the elderly access services including housing information, medical transportation, medical/dental information, caregiver listings, and information on government health insurance benefits. There are also meal sites that are focused on specific needs of the elderly as well.
Health care is also provided by the Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry Medical Clinic. It supports families living in poverty, under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The clinic partners with hospitals and pharmacies to offer medications, medical and even low cost dental services. There are dentists, hygienists, doctors, pharmacists, and nurses that all volunteer.
There are also dental and healthcare clinics in Asheville North Carolina, including the western part of the state such as Hendersonville. The staff from ABCCM refer the poor, low income, as well as unisured to professionals as well as volunteers for flu shots, physicals, dental clinics for cleanings, and even information on free Medicaid health insurance.
Locations of ABCCM
There are several offices in Buncombe County. The main Crisis Ministry is at 24 Cumberland Ave., Asheville, North Carolina 28801. Call 828-259-5305.
Hominy Valley Ministry is for residents in that town. The address is 1914 Smoky Park Hwy, Candler, NC 28715. Telephone – 828-670-1221.
South area, including Arden, is at 10 Buck Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704, 828-684-3872.
North Samartian Crisis Ministry – Address is 403 Weaverville Hwy, Weaverville, North Carolina 28787, main phone 828-259-5303.
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