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History

CAM was established in 1976 as Cooperative Christian Ministry with seed money from the following congregations: Covenant United Methodist, Holy Trinity Lutheran, First United Methodist, First Presbyterian, and St. Mark’s Episcopal. The number of involved congregations grew to 20 the first year. The name changed in 1982 to the Crisis Assistance Ministry of Christians and Jews when Temple Emanuel became a supporting congregation. Today, CAM is supported by over 40 congregations and is the largest private emergency assistance agency in Gaston County. The office opened in one room at 508 W Main Street in November of 1976 and moved to 315 E. Third Street in January of 1982. The minimal rent required by the owner at this address helped CAM to grow and prosper. In 1993, after outgrowing the “yellow house”, we moved to our current home of 805 W Airline Avenue. In March of 1997, CAM became property owners for the first time. Thanks to the generosity of the Joe Grooms, Sr. family, 805 W Airline became the property of CAM. A successful capital campaign enabled CAM to quickly alleviate the mortgage. This allows CAM to direct more resources to provide assistance to those in need.

Faith Partners

All Saints Episcopal, Beech Avenue Baptist, Bethesda United Methodist, Bradley Memorial United Methodist, Christ United Methodist, Covenant Baptist, Covenant United Methodist, Crowder’s Creek ARP, Davis Memorial Baptist, East Baptist, Eastside Church of the Nazarene, Elevation, Firestone Wesleyan, First Assembly of God, First ARP, First Baptist, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, First Wesleyan, Friendship Christian, Gaston Community Church, Gastonia First Assembly of God, Grace Anglican, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Landmark Baptist, Linden ARP, Love Memorial Baptist, Lutheran Chapel, Maylo United Methodist, Myers Memorial United Methodist, Myrtle United Methodist, New Hope Presbyterian, Olney Presbyterian, Pisgah ARP, Providence Presbyterian, Redeemer Lutheran, Robinson Memorial Presbyterian, Southminster Presbyterian, St. Mark’s Episcopal, St. Michael’s Catholic, Temple Emanuel, Third Street Presbyterian, Trinity United Methodist, Union Presbyterian, Zion Baptist

What We Do:

Utility Assistance – We can help with electric, water or natural gas bills that are past due. Utility deposits are also considered in some situations.

Rent/Mortgage Assistance– Payments must be past due with a written late notice from the landlord, however, court eviction is not required. First month’s rent assistance is available; CAM does not pay rent deposits.

Food Assistance – This can be received from our on-site food pantry. The frequency ranges from once per 30-90 days depending on the client’s situation and our current food supply.

CAM provides assistance to households living in greater Gastonia who have had a recent change resulting in a financial crisis. We will consider the household income, expenses, other agency help received, as well as self-help effort. Assistance is also available for those who must rely solely on a fixed income to meet their needs. CAM is not a source for on-going or regular help. We may make referrals to other community resources that may help improve your situation.

Mission

Crisis Assistance Ministry is a cooperative ministry of the greater Gastonia faith community. By providing direct emergency assistance through collaboration with other community resources, CAM assists those facing financial crisis or struggling with the burden of poverty.

Established in 1976, CAM provides emergency assistance with food, necessary utilities, and rent/mortgage to low-income households in the greater Gastonia community. CAM serves about one-half of Gaston County, including those residing inside Gastonia city limits and rural areas surrounding the city limits. At this time, CAM does not provide assistance to residents in other cities/towns in Gaston County.

Where to find us

805 W. Airline Avenue
Gastonia, NC 28052
(At the intersection of Airline & Highland Streets)
704.867.8901