Community
Resources
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Matthews Free Medical Clinic Provides free, quality health care to low-income, uninsured individuals in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. In order to become a patient at MFMC, applicants must be living in Mecklenburg or Union County, be at or below 250% of the FPL for their household size and be completely uninsured. They do not take walk-ins. Click here to access the new patient application.
Camino Clinic provides affordable, high-quality health care in a bilingual and multicultural manner. Their services include Primary Care, Pediatric Care, Chronic Disease Management, Ultrasounds, and Vaccinations. Find more information here or call (704)596-5606.Hope Community Clinic of East Charlotte is an integrated care clinic serving the uninsured and the underinsured. They offer primary care, behavioral and mental health, and specialty care services. To be seen at Hope Community Clinic, you must Live in Mecklenburg County, be uninsured or underinsured, have an income that is under the 250% of the federal poverty line, and provide copies of supporting documentation. For more information on Hope Community Clinic, click here.
Charlotte Community Health Clinicprovides affordable health care services such as preventative and primary care, chronic disease management, vaccinations, physicals, family planning, and more. They offer a sliding scale discount program based on income and insurance status. An appointment must be made to receive services. To learn more about how to become a patient, click here. For more information on their services, click here.
NC Med Assist provides free prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and health education to uninsured, low-income North Carolina residents. Services include a Free Pharmacy Program, a mobile OTC program for essentials like cold medicine and vitamins, and health support to manage conditions like diabetes and asthma. To learn more about enrolling in the program, click here.
Atrium Health Community Resource Hub connects people in Charlotte and surrounding areas with local services and resources to meet basic needs like food, housing, and transportation. Through the online platform, users can search for free or reduced-cost services such as healthcare, job training, childcare, and financial assistance. The Hub is available to all community members, regardless of income or insurance status, and helps link people to resources that support overall health and well-being. To access the hub, click here.NC Medicaid provides health care insurance to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. To receive support, you must live in North Carolina, have a Social Security number, and meet financial criteria. For more specific eligibility requirements, click here. You can apply online through Epass, or over the phone, through mail, or in person at your county’s social services agency.
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Camino Contigo provides services such as Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Social Navigation, and Peer Support, to further our mission of equipping people to live a truly healthy lifestyle. Find more information here or call (704)596-5606.
Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) provides family support services to parents of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs; peer support for adults living with chronic mental illnesses; free counseling for those who can’t afford it; and mental health education and preventative trainings to Cabarrus and Mecklenburg County community members. To access their free counseling services, click here. To learn more about the programs MHA offers, click here.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, with over 600 affiliates across the country. They envision a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. NAMI provides free advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. To learn more, visit www.namicharlotte.org/
Driving Safely While Aging is a web page dedicated to informing seniors and their loved ones about driving safety. It gives information on potential risks to driving while aging, how to know when it is time to stop driving, and how this may affect someone's mental health. To access this, click here.
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Charlotte Community Health Clinic provides a range of dental services aimed at improving oral health for the community. They focus on providing affordable care to underserved populations, ensuring access to essential dental treatments and promoting overall health. Charlotte Community Health Clinic offers a sliding scale discount program based on income and insurance status. An appointment must be made to receive services. To learn more about how to become a patient, click here. For more information on the dental clinic, click here.
Central Piedmont Community College offers teeth cleaning and other dental services for $35. Services are implemented by students and supervised by faculty. For more information on Central Piedmont Community College’s dental clinic, click here.Agape Dental Ministry in Charlotte offers free dental care to low-income, uninsured residents of Mecklenburg County 18 years and older. Their services focus on essential dental needs, such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions, aiming to improve health and well-being for individuals without access to traditional dental care. Certain treatments may require pre-approval or screening to confirm eligibility. For more information, check out their website here.
MeckDental provides affordable dental care specifically for low-income and uninsured children aged 1-17 in Mecklenburg County. Services include routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and emergency dental care, all tailored to support the unique dental health needs of children. Operating on a sliding fee scale based on family income, MeckDental for Kids ensures that essential dental services are accessible to children who might otherwise go without care. To qualify, families must live in Mecklenburg County and meet income requirements. For more information, click here.
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ReSpectacle is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that uses the power of the internet to facilitate redistribution of high-quality, donated eyeglasses to underserved individuals & communities worldwide. Click here to access their website and find eyeglasses that fit your prescribed needs. The glasses are free but shipping rates apply.
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Mecklenburg County Care Management for At-Risk Children (CMARC), provides care management to support families with children under the age of five, who need access to health care, community resources, and social support. Care managers assist families in promoting the health, development, and overall well being for the children. To be eligible for services, the child must be under the age of five and live in Mecklenburg County. For more information, visit the website here. To apply for services, email cmarc@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call (980)314-9340.
Cabarrus Health Alliance offers Care Management for High Risk Children (CMHRC). Services are available at no cost for children birth to age 5 with social, medical, or developmental needs. CMARC Care Managers work with the family to provide support, education, and referrals to promote healthy outcomes. For more information and to fill out a referral form, click here.
Mecklenburg County Care Management for High Risk Pregnancies (CMHRP), provides care management services for high risk pregnant women. Care managers assist pregnant women with connecting with medical homes and community resources to promote healthy outcomes for mom and baby for up to two months after delivery. To be eligible for services, the person must have or be eligible for Medicaid. For more information, visit the website here. To apply for services, email CMHRP.referrals@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call (980)314-9358.
Cabarrus Health Alliance offers Care Management for High Risk Pregnancy (CMHRP). Services are available at no cost to pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid, and to a limited number of uninsured pregnant women. A Care Manager will work closely with you and your prenatal care provider to meet your needs during your pregnancy. For more information and to fill out a referral form, click here. -
The Food Farmacy at Camino Health Center provides weekly groceries. For more information, click here, to request a referral to the food pantry, fill out this form.Feed NC is a nonprofit organization that offers free groceries, grocery delivery, a community dining space, and more. These food and nutrition programs are available to people who live in select areas within Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, and North Mecklenburg counties and who meet certain financial criteria. For a complete list of eligibility requirements and how to apply, click here. For more information on the programs offered click here.
Nourish Up is a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, NC, dedicated to combating food insecurity and promoting health and wellness in the community. Their outreach programs include a grocery service, meals on wheels, pop up food shares, and a local pantry finder. Eligibility requirements for each program varies. For more information, click here.
Lemontree Directory offers a searchable database of free and low-cost food resources, such as food pantries, meal programs, and grocery assistance, tailored to local communities. Individuals can easily find nearby food support, helping to meet immediate needs for themselves and their families. The service is open to everyone, providing accessible options to those experiencing food insecurity. To access the directory, click here.
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, also known as Food Stamps) is a program that helps eligible people with limited incomes supplement their budgets so they can purchase food. The benefits are given on an EBT card, which works like a debit card. You can use it to buy food at stores that accept EBT cards. Look for signs that say, “We accept SNAP benefits.” To qualify, your household must meet certain rules about how much money you make, how much money and property you have, and where you live. You can apply online through Epass, or over the phone, through mail, or in person at your county’s social services agency. For more information, click here.
A Giving Heart Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing financial hardships in the Charlotte area. The organization provides essential resources such as food, clothing, and household items to those in need. Additionally, A Giving Heart Project facilitates youth programs which offer school supplies, snacks, encouragement, and love. Through outreach programs and community partnerships, the organization aims to create a compassionate support network that addresses immediate needs while fostering long-term self-sufficiency. Services are available to anyone experiencing difficulty, regardless of background or circumstances. For more information, check out their website here.
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Mecklenburg County is the lead agency for Coordinated Entry for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care (CoC). If you are experiencing homelessness or think you will be homeless soon, Coordinated Entry is your first step to connect to homeless services and homelessness prevention resources in Mecklenburg County. Call 704-284-9665 and leave a message. A staff person will call you back Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.. For more information, click here.
Another Chance House of Refuge provides transitional housing, educational support, employment training, and self-sufficiency skills to those who are unhoused. To access their help, request a client intake form on their website here.
Mecklenburg County offers emergency and non-emergency Energy Assistance Programs to those who meet specific eligibility requirements based on their financial need and citizenship status of one member of the household. You can find the application here and submit it online through Epass, or mail it to 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.
Roof Above is a nonprofit organization uniting the community to end homelessness. They provide a spectrum of services ranging from street outreach, day services, emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing. As one of the community’s hubs for basic needs and connections to resources, Roof Above’s Day Services Center, located at 945 N. College Street, is open to anyone, specifically those who are experiencing homelessness, as well as those who are unstably housed. The Day Services Center serves lunch every day and provides basic hygiene services, medical support, and connections to community resources. For more information on the Day Services Center, click here.
Crisis Assistance Ministry is an independent nonprofit organization in Charlotte that provides essential services to Mecklenburg County individuals and families facing financial emergencies. They offer assistance with basic needs, such as clothing, appliances, and short-term emergency rent and utility assistance. The organization helps families navigate resources including case management and referrals to additional community services, to overcome financial crisis and achieve longer-term housing stability. For more information on Crisis Assistance Ministry, check out their website at crisisassistance.org.
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Child Care Resources Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to quality childcare and early education in the Charlotte area. They provide a range of services, including child care referrals, resources for parents, and training for childcare providers to enhance the quality of care. The organization also offers financial assistance programs to help low-income families afford childcare services. By fostering partnerships within the community, Child Care Resources Inc. aims to support children’s development and ensure that families have the resources they need for healthy growth and learning. Services are available to families in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Rowan, and Stanly counties. For more information, check out their website here.
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Bonita Rising is Despierta's Latina youth program for teens who live in Mecklenburg county and are in grades 7th to 12th. It focuses on themes of mental health, self-care, healthy relationships and more. It is currently at six schools which are: Martin Luther King Middle School, Garinger High School, Thomasboro Academy, Harding University High School, West Charlotte High School, South Mecklenburg High School. To register, email Bonita Rising Program Director heidya@despiertaclt.com. For more information on this program and other programs offered by Despierta, click here.
Mujer Despierta is a women's program for Latina women who are 18+ and live in Mecklenburg county. Most women in this program are newly arrived in the country, or to Mecklenburg. They tackle topics of Mental Health, Grief, Self-Care,Self love, resilience, and empowerment. During a 12 week program the women participate in interactive activities and conversations to get to know each other and form a bond. To register, contact info@despiertaclt.com. For more information on this program and other programs offered by Despierta, click here.Embrace all Latino Voices’ services focus on empowering the Latino community through social navigation, health equity, educational support, and cultural recognition. Their services are designed to be accessible to all Latino community members, regardless of their background or circumstances. They offer social navigation, healthcare referrals, educational support, legal assistance, employment support, community entrepreneurship, financial guidance, and cultural events. To access their services, make an appointment here.
Carolina Migrant Network’s (CMN) mission is to build and sustain services for people targeted by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration (DHS). They provide compassionate and competent pro-bono legal representation for those who are detained by DHS and those not detained. They also organize with communities to disrupt the deportation pipeline/ system and host asylum clinics where individuals can meet with an attorney who assists in preparing and filing their asylum application, and conduct informational Know-Your-Rights sessions for communities across the state. Services are available to all migrant families, regardless of their background or immigration status. Check out their website here for more information.
Church World Services Charlotte, located at 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte NC 28204, is offering free English language classes for newcomer youth (ages 12-17). These virtual classes will be held twice a week starting in March and are open to youth in the Charlotte community. Participants are required to commit to the full duration of the course. Their goal is to support youth who may have limited access to English language programs. Sign-up here.
Voto Latino's Undocu Neighbor Fund assists DACA recipients by covering the $555 online renewal filing fee ($605 for paper submissions). In partnership with pro bono legal counsel from King & Spalding LLP, the initiative evaluates applicants' DACA status to determine eligibility for fee coverage. To apply, individuals need to provide their information through Voto Latino's platform, after which the legal team will assess their qualifications. Find more information here.
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Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families in the Charlotte area. They focus on critical legal issues such as housing, public benefits, healthcare access, and immigration. The center offers direct legal representation, education, and advocacy to help clients navigate complex legal systems and secure their rights. Services are available to those who meet income eligibility requirements, ensuring that vulnerable community members have access to necessary legal support and resources. For more information, click here.
Carolina Migrant Network’s (CMN) mission is to build and sustain services for people targeted by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration (DHS). They provide compassionate and competent pro-bono legal representation for those who are detained by DHS and those not detained. They also organize with communities to disrupt the deportation pipeline/ system and host asylum clinics where individuals can meet with an attorney who assists in preparing and filing their asylum application, and conduct informational Know-Your-Rights sessions for communities across the state. Services are available to all migrant families, regardless of their background or immigration status. Check out their website here for more information.
Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals in North Carolina. Their top service areas included issues such as domestic abuse, eviction, immigration/naturalization, federally subsidized housing, and criminal record expungement. For more information, click here.
Voto Latino's Undocu Neighbor Fund assists DACA recipients by covering the $555 online renewal filing fee ($605 for paper submissions). In partnership with pro bono legal counsel from King & Spalding LLP, the initiative evaluates applicants' DACA status to determine eligibility for fee coverage. To apply, individuals need to provide their information through Voto Latino's platform, after which the legal team will assess their qualifications. Find more information here.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations promotes Charlotte’s Nondiscrimination Ordinance by providing a complaint form, information, conciliation and free Nondiscrimination Ordinance training sessions for groups, businesses, and other organizations. If you have been discriminated against by an employer or place of public accommodation, contact Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations at 704-336-5160 or visit their website here.
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OurBRIDGE for KIDS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and support services to immigrant, refugee, and first-generation American children and their families. Through culturally relevant meals, homework assistance, social-emotional learning, and cultural enrichment activities, they help children and families navigate the transition to life in the U.S. They also offer resources to parents, helping them access community services and fostering a sense of belonging and self-advocacy.
OurBRIDGE for KIDS serves students in grades K-8, primarily from Winterfield Elementary, Windsor Park Elementary, Devonshire Elementary, and Eastway Middle School.
To learn more about their after-school program, click here.
Hope for Harvest Youth Center is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering young people in the Charlotte area through education, mentorship, and personal development programs. The center offers a variety of services, including after-school tutoring, a clothing pantry, and recreational activities such as yoga and a volleyball clinic, aimed at fostering a supportive environment for youth to thrive. By providing access to resources and opportunities, Hope for Harvest Youth Center helps students develop essential life skills, build confidence, and prepare for future success. Services are open to all youth in the community, particularly those facing challenges in their academic and personal lives. For more information on their services, visit the website hereand check out their Instagram @hopeforhharvest.
TheDream.US National Scholarship provides up to $33,000 for undocumented students with significant financial need to pursue a bachelor's degree at a Partner College, with an additional stipend of up to $6,000 for books and supplies. Eligible applicants must have arrived in the U.S. before November 1, 2019, and before age 16, have continuously resided in the U.S., have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and be eligible for in-state tuition at a Partner College. The application opens on November 1, 2024, and closes on February 28, 2025. Check out the website here.
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Gender Education Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting transgender children under 12 by providing vital information, resources, and education. They emphasize authentic representation and offer guidance for families, creating a safe and supportive space for young transgender individuals. For more details, visit their website here.
Time Out Youth’s mission is to empower LGBTQ+ youth in the Charlotte area to thrive with confidence and resilience. They offer a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals ages 13-24 to grow, learn, and connect. Whether you’re seeking housing support, therapy, community connections, or simply a place where you can be yourself, Time Out Youth is here to help. Visit their website here to learn more about their services and programs tailored for LGBTQ+ youth.
PFLAG is a national organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. The Charlotte chapter offers resources, support groups, and community events for parents, allies, and LGBTQ+ individuals seeking connection and understanding. PFLAG aims to foster acceptance and promote equality through education and outreach, helping to create a supportive environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Services are open to anyone looking for support, regardless of their background or identity. For more information, check out their website here.
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Goodwill University is an educational initiative offered by Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont that provides free job training and skill development programs to individuals in the Charlotte area. The university focuses on equipping participants with the skills needed for in-demand careers through courses in areas like technology, healthcare, and business. In addition to training, Goodwill University offers career services, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. The programs are designed for individuals facing barriers to employment, ensuring accessible pathways to gainful employment and economic stability. To browse available programs, check out their website here.