North Charlotte Today

A Charlotte-area nonprofit is lending a hand to people who can't afford air-conditioning as a heat wave grips the region.

Carol Hardison, CEO of Crisis Assistance Ministry, said her organization's goal is to assist those in financial crisis, WBTV reported. As people struggle to deal with inflation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Charlotteans are unable to afford cooling their homes.

"Come to Crisis Assistance, bring us your bill and your statement of income and we’ll work through the process on how to help," Hardison told WBTV.

Those looking for help can pick up and drop off applications at the Crisis Assistance Ministry office on 500-A Spratt St. in Charlotte, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the organization said on its site. Applicants can also call the nonprofit for consultation and assessment at 704-371-3001.

To be considered, applicants need to provide photo identification, Social Security documents for everyone in the household, proof of income the household has earned over the past month, recent utility bills and copies of their rental leases, WBTV reported. If approved for assistance, a check will be given directly to the utility company, landlord or the clerk of court as applicable.

"For people who are behind on their bills, they're faced with a cutoff — some people don't even have their electricity on right now," Hardison said.