CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, June 13, 2020 – Five major gifts totaling $250,000 are going to five Charlotte-area charities serving on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, from the largest Roman Catholic parish in the United States.

St. Matthew Catholic Church is giving $50,000 each to Crisis Assistance Ministry of Charlotte, Loaves & Fishes, Roof Above (formerly known as Urban Ministry and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte), Union County Crisis Assistance and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Charities that provide relief to individuals and families in need in our community have seen a decline in donations due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, while at the same time facing a dramatic increase in people coming to them for help.

That makes charitable giving even more critically needed at this moment, said the Rev. John Allen, parochial administrator of St. Matthew Catholic Church, “when the need for God and for the virtues of charity, humility and civility have never been greater.”

“Such a gift is only possible because of the faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving of our parish family,” Allen said of his south Charlotte parish, which has a membership of nearly 12,000 families.

The gift will enable Catholic Charities to continue serving people “living on the peripheries,” providing food aid, mental health counseling and other vital social services, said Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO.

“This funding is especially indispensable at this point in time as we actively provide direct services to those impacted by COVID-19,” Carter said. “As we unofficially say, ‘the world may have been on pause’ but the work of Catholic Charities has continued every single day since the arrival of coronavirus in our state.”

“What a wonderful gift St. Matthew has provided at a time when we are seeing unprecedented needs across this city, not only for shelter but for food, health care and emergency financial assistance to help people stay in their homes,” said Roof Above CEO Liz Clasen-Kelly. “At Roof Above we remain committed to ending homelessness in our community, and generosity like that of St. Matthew will put us one step closer to realizing that aspiration.”

Dear UCCAM Supporters,

We share the concerns that are associated with the novel Cornonavirus (COVID-19). Our hearts and prayers go out to all the people who have been and are being affected by this unprecedented epidemic.

Our mission is to serve our most vulnerable neighbors is stronger than ever.  We are not allowing a virus to stop us from helping our neighbor in need. 

We have just changed the way we accomplish our mission, as we are now working remotely to keep clients, volunteers, and staff safe during this health crisis. 

We are grateful to the healthcare workers, first responders and governments (local, state, federal and around the world), working to contain and resolve the pandemic. 

We thank our local community organizations, leaders, essential businesses and sponsors that keep food and necessities available to those in need. 

We are forever thankful to God for His grace to see us all through this pandemic.


Gloria Barrino 

Executive Director 

Jessica reached out  to UCCAM seeking assistance with her rent. Jessica is a massage therapist and due to COVID-19, she was out of work. Her boyfriend who is an electrician was also unable to go into clients' homes due to COVID-19.

Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry was able to assist them with their rent. Now, both Jessica and her boyfriend have been able to return to work. UCCAM was able to give them a hand up in their time of need and help them maintain stable housing. 

The Clark family came to UCCAM for assistance with their water bill. While Mrs. Clark was still employed the family was experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19. Mr. Clark worked two jobs, one of which was being a full-time real estate agent.

The family experienced a loss of income when home sales halted and Mr. Clark was unable to work in real estate. With help from UCCAM, the Clark family was able to keep their utilities on and get through their financial crisis. 

What is UC CARES?

Union County Community Assistance & Resources Emergency Support or UC CARES is a web resource that Union County residents can turn to. There they can find a variety of resources quickly!


Residents can find help with a variety of topics ranging from crisis/emergency assistance to food, employment and housing assistance. 


Residents can also give help by learning about volunteer opportunities, how to give blood and where to donate food and other goods. Check out the website for other ways to help the community! 

Resources listed on the website include local, state, and federal agencies along with private and non-profit organizations that serve Union County. 

Source: http://www.unioncountync.gov/departments/community-support-outreach/emergency-assistance/uc-cares

Dear Community:

In response to the COVID-19/Coronavirus public health emergency, until further notice, all case management, emergency financial appointments, and education will take place virtually.

The helpline will continue to operate at 704-225-0440. Please call United Way at 211 for an updated list for food and clothing assistance.

How can you help UCCAM help our clients? We are requesting significant financial assistance so that we will be prepared for the coming months when out-of-work wage earners will be at most risk for evictions and homelessness.

This is a time when we need to come together to support those most at risk.

Thank you,

Gloria Barrino, Executive Director

• Facial Tissue 
• Toilet Tissue
• Hand Sanitizer
  
• Isopropyl Alcohol (60% or greater)
  
• Paper products (plates, cups, paper towels)
• Household Cleaners
• Food: canned food, canned meats
• Fresh meat (freezers are available)
• Other non-perishable food items
  
  
  

Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry (UCCAM) is a private non-profit 501(c) (3) organization in 2020 we will be entering our 35th year of operation.

Since 1985, Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry has responded to our neighbors experiencing a short-term crisis by providing basic needs – rent, mortgage, utilities, food, and personal care products.

Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry’s (UCCAM) vision is one of a caring community where basic needs are provided so that all residents can achieve and enjoy economic self-sufficiency.

Your simple acts of kindness makes difficult times brighter for families in crisis.

Through your generous support of Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry you can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need on a daily basis.

The mission of Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Crisis Intervention Program is to provide a bridge from crisis to stability for individuals in our community who are at risk of losing their most basic needs of shelter and food during personal or family crisis.

1333 West Roosevelt Blvd.
Monroe, NC 28110
GBarrino@unioncrisis.org
704-225-0440

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