August 14, 2025 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
- meckmin
- Aug 15
- 23 min read
Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings
These meetings are open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response, especially in partnership with the most vulnerable among us.
Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording
58 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
Mark Batterson: “If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep—you are richer than 75 percent of this world”
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
MECKMIN TALKS AND TRAININGS
INTERFAITH SPEAKERS BUREAU
MeckMIN maintains a list of speakers from our member traditions who enjoy sharing with others about their faith. Our member faiths are: Bahá'í, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Quaker, Science of Mind, Sikh, Hindu, and Unitarian Universalist. We’re also often able to make connections to other faith and cultural groups.
Become a speaker:
Request a speaker:
CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
Congregational leaders, please take our brief survey to let us know more about the work being done in your congregation.
We're working with some of our partner nonprofits in conducting this survey to better understand the strengths, interests, and outreach activities of houses of faith in our community. By sharing your information, you can help us foster new partnerships between like-minded groups and better align opportunities for collaboration across Mecklenburg County and beyond. Information provided may be shared directly with nonprofit organizations and other houses of faith seeking to build partnerships and support community-based initiatives.
OCTOBER INTERFAITH SERVICE PROJECT - FULL
Sabrina Johnson | SabrinaJohnson@JustServe.org | 704-634-7172
JustServe Specialist | Greater Charlotte and Piedmont Areas
The October 26th service session volunteer slots at The Salvation Army have been filled. Since this is early to be filled, I am taking any names and contact information for those interested in case we set up a secondary session for those who wish to try for another time. If they prefer to schedule independently, I will pass on the direct link to serve at the Salvation Army.
I hope that I can get a sense of how many and who might have been interested by gathering that information to one person. I'd like to facilitate any connections of putting interested volunteers together (if they wish).The easiest way is for me to gather these contacts via email to SabrinaJohnson@JustServe.org. This way, I can respond in a group email to those interested.
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE AND SHARE THE WORD ABOUT FRIENDSGIVING
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
The views and opinions expressed below are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
OTHER INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES
CHARLOTTE´S VOICES OF PRAISE GOSPEL CHOIR
Rev. Windy Allison | rev.windyallison@gmail.com
-Goal: create an Interfaith Choir and hopefully grow spiritually
-Hope to bridge community through music because music is a universal language
-If interested please complete the Google form and or email Windy
-Rehearsals start in Holy Covenant UCC in October
Music is one of the most powerful languages for bridging divides, healing wounds, and uniting communities. It crosses borders, languages, and beliefs, touching the heart before it reaches the mind. Music allows us to express our hurts, healings, and personal journeys in ways that others can connect with—no matter their background.
I want to take a few moments to share the vision and hope of Charlotte’s Voices of Praise Gospel Choir. We are an interfaith, community-based choir committed to sharing love and unity through the power of song. Our mission is to bring people together—regardless of personal journey, faith, or tradition—into one sound that celebrates and honors hope, justice, and God’s love for humanity. We welcome singers and musicians from all walks of life. We’re not looking for perfection—only willing to lend your talent and heart to the choir’s mission. Our music includes contemporary worship, traditional gospel, and original works about unity, healing, and community restoration. We want to perform in traditional church settings, community centers, outdoor festivals, and anywhere the message of hope is needed. Our focus is to create a safe, affirming space where relationships can grow across the lines that too often divide us.
We are in the formation stages and are seeking:
Singers who love to worship and inspire through music
Musicians to help bring our sound to life
Supporters who believe in the mission and want to help us reach more people
Faith communities to host worship events 8–10 times a year, with a faith leader sharing a message of hope, unity, and justice
We would love to connect with your congregation, organization, or community group if they would like to partner with us, host a concert, or join the choir.We genuinely believe that when we sing together, we live out the truth that we are stronger as one voice.
So, whether you can carry a tune—or you just help carry the vision—I invite you to be part of this movement. Let’s prove to the world, one message through song at a time, that we are greater than what seeks to divide us. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are better.
One of the songs I’ve written says it best:
“How good it is when we stand together, united in song, in praise, and faith—We may be different on the outside, but the same blood runs through.”
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing how we can lift our voices together.
Here's the Google form for people who are interested in learning more about joining the choir
FAITHS 4 CLIMATE JUSTICE: Sun Day
Rev. Amy Brooks | amy@greenfaith.org
GreenFaith USA Organizing Coordinator
We’re thrilled to announce that Our Time to Rise: Religious Resources for Sun Day is now available to the public!
-Consider doing something in your Congregation about Climate Emergency and how we can still create hope in the current circumstances
-Please participate!
In a time of ecological crisis and democratic decline, faith communities across the U.S. are preparing to raise a moral cry for climate justice. If your Faiths 4 Climate Justice: Sun Day plan consists of preaching from the pulpit, leading a climate teach-in, or simply seeking spiritual grounding—this resource is for you.
Inside you’ll find:
Climate justice sermon tips and sacred texts
Stories of faith-rooted climate action from Texas to Pakistan
Hard-hitting facts about the climate crisis and fossil fuel injustice
Inspiration from prophetic voices across faiths
Preaching prompts and reflection questions to stir the soul
Use this resource in worship or study groups between September 19–21 as part of Faiths 4 Climate Justice: Sun Day. Let's make it clear that faith and religious communities are ready to lead for a livable future.
This is our time to rise. Let’s speak out. Let’s act boldly. Let’s move together for climate justice.
P.S. Want to get involved in organizing or speaking out during Sun Day? Stay connected with us here or reach out at info@greenfaith.org — we’re here to support you.
Also interesting article that 90% of Christian Pastors think Climate Change is a problem but very few address it with their congregations: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/bc-news/articles/2025/spring/study-tracks-christian-religious-leaders-on-climate-change.html
CITY OF CHARLOTTE
FAITH IN HOUSING – COHORT APPLICATION NOW OPEN!
Jessika McNeill | jessika.mcneill@charlottenc.gov
Housing Project Manager City of Charlotte
Is your faith-based organization exploring how to use its land or buildings to support your community for affordable housing?
Join us for a free informational webinar to learn more about Faith in Housing Charlotte: An Enterprise Faith-Based Development Initiative Cohort—a no-cost training and technical assistance opportunity for faith-based organizations interested in affordable housing or community-serving development.
This session will help you:
Understand the goals and structure of this educational cohort
Learn what your faith-based organization can gain from participating
Hear about the required application process
Ask questions and engage directly with staff from the city of Charlotte and Enterprise Community Partners
Participation in this webinar is highly encouraged for any organization interested in applying to the cohort. Completion of the cohort is required to be eligible for future technical assistance grants.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY UPDATES
HELPING OUT MECKLENBURG HOMEOWNERS WITH ECONOMIC SUPPORT (HOMES)
-Giving relief to home owners through grants for property taxes
-Property must be in Meck County
-Must own and must have lived there for at least 3 years
-NO age requirement
-Apply online mecknc.gov/4HOMES or you may contact - paper applications are also acceptable - takes less than 10 mins to complete
Helping Out Mecklenburg homeowners with Economic Support (HOMES) is a grant-funded program to assist eligible homeowners with their property tax bill. Applicants who meet the criteria listed below will be eligible for grant funds paid toward their tax bill. Mecklenburg County residents may receive a maximum of $650, with Town of Davidson residents eligible for an additional award of up to $534. Household income must not exceed 80% of the area's median income based on number of people in the family as set annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Applicants will be required to indicate the number of persons that live in the household and provide proof of income.
The table shows household income limits for households of 1 through 8 people.
# of Persons in Family | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Household income must not exceed: | $62,850 | $71,800 | $80,800 | $89,750 | $96,950 | 104,150 | $111,300 | $118,500 |
HOMES will accept applications through Nov. 21, 2025. If you have availability from them to present at some point (before November), that would be great.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS FOR MECKMIN MEMBERS: Talkspace for Teens
Talkspace is an online therapy services that connects individuals to a dedicated, licensed mental health therapist through private messaging from the privacy and convenience of their computer or smartphone. The Mecklenburg County Office of Violence Prevention and ReCAST II program are partnering to bring Talkspace to teens aged 13-17 in Mecklenburg County free of charge. Teens can choose between a self-guided option or a therapy option where they are matched with a licensed mental health therapist who they can interact with through messaging and one free live session a month. Talkspace is best suited for teens who are experiencing challenges related to sadness/depression, anxiety, body image, friend drama, identity, and other mild to moderate mental health challenges. It is not suited for teens who need immediate crisis support or who need more specialized treatment. The platform is HIPAA compliant, and parental or legal guardian consent is required if the youth is accessing therapy services.
A limited number of spots will be available for teens to access Talkspace in Mecklenburg County through certain partners, including MeckMIN. To access Talkspace for free, teens can visit talkspace.com/mecklenburgcounty and enter the keyword MeckCo. We hope you will share this with the teens you interact with.
NONPROFIT UPDATES
POVERTY SIMULATION
• Date: 10/4/2025
• Time: 10 am - 1 pm (Registration starts at 9 am)
• Location: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3400 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
• RSVP Link: • https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1567694920709?aff=oddtdtcreator • RSVP Deadline: 10/30/2025
The NC Poor People’s Campaign invites you to join us in Raleigh and/or Boone this Moral Monday in A Southern Call To Conscience
TRANSPORTATION TAX
Note: LeDayne shared that city officials have communicated to the MeckMIN network in support of the tax – in the interest of fairness and transparency, we’re also hearing from those who oppose it
Robert Dawkins | robert@actionnc.org | (704) 957-3105
Political Director Action NC
Coalition Organizer
SAFE Coalition NC
1817 Central Avenue, Suite 209 Charlotte, NC, 28205
-This transportation tax is going to be regressive
I wanted to give you the 10 Reasons We oppose the Transportation Tax document. Since we first made this document, there have been a couple of updates.
1. We had our lawyers from Southern Coalition for Social Justice address our concern about people that ride the bus out of necessity not being able to serve on the board. There is a base qualification in the law that defines who can serve on the "Authority" and they have to have expertise in a list of career fields like economic development, law, finance or transportation but that excludes regular people who ride the bus because they don't have any other choice and most of them would not have these white collar jobs.
In response the Mecklenburg Transit Committee added a Memorandum of Understanding that at least 1 appointee from the city and one from the county will be actual bus riders. That is good but does not get to the heart of the problem. A bus rider out of convenience and a bus rider out of necessity are not the same. I understand that's the best that the Transit Committee can do because the law is so restrictive and NOTHING can be changed in it without an amendment. That is the problem with the law. Everyone admits it has problems but are not being honest on the possibility of making changes to it. You can't and that's the biggest issue.
2. The Charlotte Regional Business Journal had a PR firm try to call my 10 reasons for opposing the tax fiction and list out reasons why my points were not valid. Fortunately WFAE Fact checked them and Dr. Barber reiterated the points that I sent him in his sermon last Sunday at First Baptist West.
FAMILIES FORWARD CHARLOTTE
Emma Privitera | emma@familiesforwardclt.org
Families Forward Charlotte is a local nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside families living in poverty on their path to long term stability. At Families Forward Charlotte, we believe that every parent deserves the opportunity to provide stability, security, and hope for their children. We work directly with families to address the root causes of poverty through a holistic approach that includes:
Individualized mentorship and guidance
Educational workshops on topics like financial literacy, housing, and mental health
Access to critical resources, such as housing assistance, employment, and transportation
Financial and essential support to help families overcome immediate barriers
At the heart of our work is the Family Success Program, a 1-2 year long mentorship program that pairs each participating family with a trained volunteer mentor, or Family Liaison. This is where we see the biggest impact - and the biggest opportunity for community involvement.
-These mentors don´t fix but listen and map out attainable goals that lead stability
-CONNECTION - DIGNITY - OPPORTUNITY
-If you are compassionate and believe in community, join us
As a Family Liaison, you would be matched with a family and serve as a consistent, encouraging presence in their lives. This role involves relationship building, advocacy, and practical support as families work toward their personal and financial goals. You don't need to be an expert, you just need to be a caring adult with a willingness to walk alongside someone as they navigate a challenging season of life.
Whether you are part of a local house of faith or organization, or are simply an engaged community member, we would love to talk with you about how you can get involved, individually or as part of a group.
To learn more or to get involved, visit our website: https://www.familiesforwardcharlotte.org/.
CHARLOTTE ANGELS
Camille Maara | camille@charlotteangels.org
Nicole Hanks | nicole@charlotteangels.org
-Programs that wrap around support care for the foster care community
-accompany foster parents through the whole process, not just the beginning and/or end
-Offer a Mentorship program that matches teens w/volunteers that are about to age out of the foster care system
Biggest needs: Businesses and Volunteers
My name is Camille, and I serve as Co-Executive Director of Charlotte Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to walking alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community. We provide consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship because we know that relationships heal trauma and create the stability needed for children and families to thrive.
We deeply admire the work that MeckMin does to build bridges across faith, culture, and community in Mecklenburg County. I believe there may be meaningful ways for our organizations to connect and collaborate in service of our shared commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate community.
I’d love the opportunity to introduce Charlotte Angels more fully and explore potential partnership opportunities whether through shared initiatives, awareness campaigns, or other ways we can walk alongside each other’s missions.
Please visit www.charlotteangels.org to volunteer, learn more about partnerships or more info on our upcoming events like on 9/4/25 when we have our state of foster care symposium. Tix are free and we look forward to deepening our connections with each of you!
HEAR THE WORD
Mary Barnett | Office: 980-339-7855
Hearing Instrument Specialist Euro Hearing Solutions
8133 Ardrey Kell Road, Suite 203 Charlotte, NC
My name is Mary Barnett, and I represent Hear the Word Ministries. Our mission is to provide free hearing evaluations, appropriate hearing aids, and a Bible to elderly or low-income individuals in the Charlotte area who are unable to obtain hearing aids on their own.
To qualify for our services, individuals can complete an application available on our website. Approved applicants receive a free hearing test at our headquarters in Ballantyne at Euro Hearing Solutions. We are also exploring the use of a mobile audiometer to assist those with transportation challenges.
Our beliefs are rooted in the importance of all five senses, especially hearing, as a gift from God. The Bible frequently mentions "hear," and instructs us to honor the elderly (Lev 19:32) and help those in need (Prov 10:31).
Beyond these spiritual aspects, hearing aids offer significant practical benefits. Studies show that individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss who wear hearing aids experience 78% less memory loss, while those with mild hearing loss experience 88% less memory loss. We've also observed that improved hearing helps individuals avoid social isolation, encouraging participation in activities like worship, club events, and family gatherings. For younger individuals, hearing aids can remove barriers to employment caused by hearing loss.
By collaborating with local churches and community organizations, Hear the Word Ministries aims to identify and serve those in need within the Charlotte community.
Please visit our website or contact me if you have any questions.
HEART MATH TUTORING
Rachel Allman | Rachel.allman@heartmathtutoring.org | 540-422-9948 (cell)
Outreach Coordinator, Heart Math Tutoring
Office address: 4601 Charlotte Park Drive, Suite 145, Charlotte, NC 28217
Mailing address: PO Box 30623, Charlotte, NC 28230
NEED FOR Math volunteer tutors to commit 30 minutes or 1 hour per week during the 2025/26 school year. Tutors are paired with a CMS elementary student who they will support with building academic confidence and foundational math skills. Volunteers can see schools/tutoring times and sign up here: https://heartmathtutoring.org/charlotte/#volunteer
-In need of volunteers
-Offer elementary students a positive math experience at no cost
-HMT will tutor about 1200 students in the CMS system this year
-Volunteering time is approx 30 mins - work with the same student throughout the year – you can also choose to committee one hour and then you’d work with two students back to back
-Please support a student through Oct to April
SPEAKING TO A MODERN WORLD
A Conference on Open and Relational Theology
September 5–7, 2025
Park Road Baptist Church 3900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
Russ Dean | russ@parkroadbaptist.org
Open and Relational Theology (ORT) offers a fresh and compelling vision of God—one that moves beyond the rigid frameworks of classical theism. This conference invites participants to explore ORT from diverse perspectives, including parenting, politics, worship, and personal spirituality. Through both practical insights and theological reflection, attendees will discover new ways to engage faith in a world that is ever-changing. Together, we’ll pursue a vision of spirituality that speaks meaningfully and courageously to the modern world.
More info and registration here: https://www.parkroadbaptist.org/ort-conference
-20 speakers / 5 sessions
-Free conference that includes two meals
-Please register, especially if you want the meals
-Dropping in on certain sessions is okay if you don’t want a meal
50 YEARS EASTLAND
Greg Asciutto | greg@charlotteeast.com
-Initiative to support small business community
-Shop, Eat, and Play
-Visit location, take a pic & upload it - that enters you into the contest
At 10:00 a.m. on July 30th, 1975, Eastland Mall opened its doors. For generations of Charlotteans, Eastland wasn't just ice skating, the food court, or the best retail destination in the Piedmont—it was where they first felt the magic of Christmas, had their first jobs, and met their spouses. To commemorate what would have been the mall's 50th anniversary, we're throwing a 50-day celebration of all things East Side: 50 activities, 50 winners of $50 gift cards to support our small business community.
Enter the competition HERE
AUGUST IS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH
Julie E Alexander | Julie.E.Alexander@advocatehealth.org
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!
Vaccines protect more than just individuals—they protect communities.
As students prepare to head back to school, it’s a great time to remember: immunizations aren’t just for kids. Adults need vaccines too, to stay healthy and help protect those who can’t be vaccinated.
Whether you're updating your own shots or helping a loved one get theirs, you're contributing to a healthier Mecklenburg County.
Learn more from trusted sources like http://immunize.org/ and https://www.vaccineinformation.org/
Join the #ivax2protect movement and help spread facts—not fear.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer community.
Finding and Sharing Recommended Resources In Findhelp
Date: August 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Online
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/XiQxfCJkfj
Want to help your neighbors find the support they need?
Join us for a free, 30-minute virtual training hosted by our partners at Atrium Health!
This session is open to all community members—especially those who see themselves as health advocates and champions. You’ll learn how to:
Create a FindHelp account
Search for local services
Build and share custom folders of recommended resources
Use links and QR codes to connect your community
Whether you're just getting started or already supporting others, this training will help you make a bigger impact.
Please share this opportunity with your networks—friends, neighbors, and fellow champions. Let’s spread the word and strengthen our community together!
Using Findhelp to Strengthen our Networks of Care
Date: August 21, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Audience: Community-based organizations listed in FindHelp
Registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/NpbVhmdGjE
Is your organization listed in FindHelp? Let’s make it work even better for you—and your community.
Join us for a free, 30-minute virtual training hosted by our partners at Atrium Health!
This session will introduce Atrium Health’s Trusted Network initiative—a powerful way to strengthen connections between health and social care.
You’ll learn:
What the Trusted Network is and why it matters
How referrals benefit community members
How partners benefit from being part of the network
What’s involved in becoming a Trusted Network partner
Using Findhelp to Strengthen our Networks of Care
Date: August 21, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Audience: Community-based organizations listed in FindHelp
Registration link : https://forms.office.com/r/NpbVhmdGjE
As we prepare for students to return to school, we are likely to hear a lot about the importance of childhood immunizations. But immunizations aren't just for kids!
According to the Immunologists, getting recommended vaccines throughout our lives is the best way to protect against serious, vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is also important for the well-being of our community. Since some people aren't able to be vaccinated, it is especially important for others to do their part. You might see their #ivax2protect campaign promoting this idea.
The topic of vaccination has been in the news a lot, and unfortunately, misinformation about it spreads easily on social media. Immunize.org is a national coalition that is working to provide educational resources to professionals and remove vaccine barriers to the public. Their public education site, Vaccineinformation.org provides accurate, factual information to help promote public awareness about this important public health topic. |
If you're curious about how North Carolina is doing on childhood immunizations, check out this interactive map from the American Academy of Pediatricians.
You can learn more about immunization opportunities in Mecklenburg County through the Mecklenburg County Health Department website.
Please check out some upcoming child immunization events below from our partners at Novant Health!
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS
GOOD360 CLOSES THE GAP BETWEEN SURPLUS and NEED
Description: Good360 partners with socially responsible companies to source and distribute urgently needed goods to a network of over 100,000 nonprofits and charities. By quickly delivering products where they are most needed, Good360 helps nonprofits serve individuals and families while reducing waste. Registered nonprofit organizations can access donated goods to expand their reach and focus more resources on their core missions. Through these strong donor partnerships, Good360 uplifts communities and ensures essential items reach those who need them most.
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATES
GrantStation is closely monitoring recent federal actions and their impact on the nonprofit sector. This article tracks ongoing developments, providing links to source materials. We will update the article at least once a week, and in cases of significant developments, we will provide updates as quickly as possible.
EXTREME WEATHER RECOVERY UPDATES
Amplifying Timely Weather Info
A common theme from Matthew to Florence to Dorian to Fred to Helene has been that communities felt unprepared, that they didn't get quality information that they needed. We know that reliable sources and trusted messengers matter. Please consider your role amplifying information with the communities where you live, work, and play from sources like Ready NC (https://www.readync.gov/) and the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/).
Deadline approaching for Tropical Storm Chantal Assistance
People who were affected by Tropical Storm Chantal can get assistance from state and federal programs, including grants to individuals and families. The Disaster Assistance Centers will close on Sunday, 8/31. I'm told that application numbers for Alamance and Durham Counties are low. Click here for a flyer you can forward or print, also inserted below.
[add flyer]
Funding coming soon for up to 50% reimbursement on previously completed projects.
On August 1st, the North Carolina Emergency Management announced that Western North Carolina residents in Helene disaster-declared counties have until August 31 to submit project interest forms through the North Carolina Emergency Management Private Road and Bridge Program.
If you need assistance with the form or have general questions about the NC Private Roads and Bridges Program, please contact ncemprb@ncdps.gov or call at 1-844-746-2326.
Low interest disaster loans now available
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for North Carolina small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by Tropical Depression flooding and tornadoes occurring July 6-13, 2025.
Beginning, Tuesday, July 29, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in the counties of Orange and Alamance to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application.
Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
Access the Toolkit with more information:
The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is a centralized housing rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement program that will prioritize low-to-moderate income families with seniors aged 62 and older, children, and/or disabled household members impacted by Hurricane Helene in the following 29 counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (28214), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey.
Have questions? View the Resources Page here or reach out to: Maggie Battaglin, Single-Family Housing Director, Division of Community Revitalization maggie.battaglin@commerce.nc.gov
Know Your Rights: Know your rights as an immigrant before, during, and after disasters.
“This guide offers up-to-date information on some of those resources, as well as examples of community organizing and policy work that have made it easier for immigrants to find help. It also includes best practices for navigating disaster relief and recovery at a time when there is a heightened risk of deportation for certain immigrants. This information is fact-checked and will be updated periodically as laws, practices, and resources change.”
This information comes from Grist, “a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to reporting on climate change.”
FREE WATER TESTING:
Was your home’s water source damaged or affected
during Hurricane Helene? Wine To Water can help by providing free water testing at your home.
Global Empowerment Mission: Hurricane Heline Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) providesup to three months of rent support to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Helene. Assistance can help cover move-incosts for a new lease or support those behind on rent to avoid eviction.
From Grist (click here to learn about them)
The guide covers all types of disasters: hurricanes, winter storms, flash floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and heat waves. We offer comprehensive information on disaster preparation, response, and recovery, as well as specific guides on housing, food access, and public health, guides for undocumented immigrants, and more. We designed it to be adaptable and useful no matter where you are and what stage of the disaster process you may be going through.
A few headlines in this toolkit include but are not limited to:
You can localize the toolkit by adding specific instructions, contact information, and updates for your town, state, or tribal nation, or to use whatever is relevant for your geographic region or audience.
Please share this information widely. Click here to download the media kit, which has suggested social posts for sharing.
Note: We gathered need-to-know information from government websites, trusted nonprofits and community organizations, and news media. It’s all fact-checked and will be updated periodically. Have something to add? Reach out: community@grist.org.
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local/Regional
G.A.I.N. Technology Grants
Applications for our next cycle are NOW OPEN through noon on Thursday, September 4th. Register for the August 14th Information Session here. See detailed application instructions here.
G.A.I.N. provides nonprofit participants with the tools, training and other support they need to implement and sustain their technology and process improvements:
Receive new Windows laptops for up to 5 staff members
Evaluate current technology use, stability, and opportunities for growth
Assess security posture and identify ways to minimize risk
Learn strategies to optimize AI usage for saving time and boosting productivity
Enhance digital marketing strategies for greater outreach and engagement
Develop a technology plan and create a roadmap for implementing improvements
Utilize a $5,000 grant to implement identified technology improvements
Partner with a program mentor for a full year of guided support
Engage with a community of peers through cohort gatherings and shared learnings
National
Funding for Education, Religion, Historic Preservation, and Research
Application deadline: Letter of intent November 30, 2025
Geographic scope: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont
Description: The FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust funds nonprofit organizations across the northeastern and southeastern United States. Its giving priorities include education (particularly programs aiding those in need or with disabilities) through support for schools and colleges. The Trust also invests in religion-based programs and local church capital projects, historic preservation initiatives, and historical societies. Additionally, it supports medical and scientific research programs and their affiliated institutions.
Foundation Fights Hunger and Reduces Waste
Application deadline: December 5, 2025
Description: The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, an initiative of The Kroger Company, funds programs that eliminate hunger and waste in communities. They support nonprofits, innovators, and local organizations that improve food access through mobile pantries, transportation for food banks, and expanded SNAP enrollment. The Foundation also backs initiatives providing school breakfasts, helping homeless individuals gain skills and housing, and promoting nutrition education with healthier food options. Their goal is to create sustainable, hunger-free communities while minimizing food waste.
Strengthening Immigrant Justice Through Rapid Action
Application deadline: None for initial inquiries
Description: The Four Freedoms Fund (FFF), a project of NEO Philanthropy, builds the capacity of the immigrant justice movement to ensure dignity, power, and self-determination for all immigrants. It invests in strengthening local advocacy, increasing immigrant civic participation, and reducing enforcement and criminalization. Its Immigration Frontlines Fund rapidly channels large-scale resources to protect immigrant communities through organizing, mobilization, and defense efforts. By scaling rapid response hubs and funding urgent actions, FFF counters anti-immigrant politics and supports leaders and organizations nationwide.
Building Resilient Communities Through Holistic Support
Application deadline: Letter of Intent September 5, 2025
Grant range: $10,000 to $250,000
Description: The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation is dedicated to meeting basic human needs while fostering resilience in individuals and communities. Its funding focuses on five key areas: arts and culture, education, health, community building, and democracy and civic participation. Through these initiatives, the Foundation supports programs that enrich cultural life, expand educational opportunities, improve healthcare access, strengthen community networks, and promote civic engagement.
RRF Foundation Advances Aging Support Nationwide
Application deadline: Letter of Inquiry November 1, 2025
Grant range: $5,000 - $200,000
Description: The RRF Foundation for Aging focuses on enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the U.S. through four priority areas: caregiving, economic security, housing, and social and intergenerational connectedness. Its grantmaking supports advocacy, direct service, professional training, and research to strengthen policy and practice for older adults. Key initiatives include supporting caregivers, expanding affordable housing, securing economic stability, and reducing isolation among seniors. While emphasizing these areas, the Foundation remains open to promising projects that improve well-being for older adults.
EDA will be working to support locally driven economic recovery and disaster resilience efforts in communities affected by FEMA-declared disasters in 2023 and 2024. These grants are made possible under the American Relief Act of 2025 and reflect EDA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every region has the tools it needs to recover and thrive after major disaster declarations. Readiness and Implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing (rolling) basis until funds are exhausted or the Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.
Three main pathways to funding include:
projects to build local capacity
standalone construction and non-construction projects that help communities recover
coalition-led, multi-project portfolios that transform regional economies through industry development
Click here to view the Fact Sheet (PDF link)
GENERAL INFORMATION
CHAMELEON´S JOURNEY - CHILDREN´S GRIEF CAMP
This camp is free, and there are multiple options. Please contact them directly with any questions.
GOOD DADS
Saturday, August 23, 2025 |10 AM -2 PM
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
From Charlotte writer Tommy Tomlinson who recently was cut from WFAE due to federal funding cuts (thanks to Joe Hamby for making me aware of this great quote.)
But before I go radio silent, I want to remind you that life can’t just be conflict — even when you’re fighting the good fights. You have to make room for joy. You have to tend to the ones you love, you have to give others grace, and you have to extend those same kindnesses to yourself. Enjoy good music. Socialize with friends. Go watch a ball game — or play in one if you’re able. Take a moment now and then to remind yourself of all the ways you’re blessed.
If those blessings weren’t there, the fight wouldn’t be worth it.
We face an uncertain future. The only comfort is knowing that the future has always been uncertain, and all we can do is our best. One of my favorite quotes is from the novelist E.L. Doctorow, who said that writing is like driving a car at night — you can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
That applies to a lot more than writing, I think. I leave you with this: Keep driving, no matter how dark the night. Keep the headlights burning. But pull over once in a while to breathe in this precious world — and savor every moment of this time we have together.
NEXT MEETING: TWO weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m.
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