Crisis Assistance Ministry is lifeline for many during pandemic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The pandemic is hurting so many in our community -- including those facing the possibility of eviction.

Channel 9′s Tony Sadiku talked to Tanisha Turner who got help when she needed it. She shared her story to help make sure others get the help to make it through the tough times like she did.

Turner knows what so many families are facing these days --paychecks on pause indefinitely. The fear and uncertainty are as real as it gets.

She said that back in 2014, a rocky period left her homeless for months.

“I was at a place where I had no where to go,” she said.

The last thing she expected was to soon find herself on the other side of the need.

“When I was staying in my car, I had a membership for planet fitness and I used to stay at a Walmart parking lot and I was OK with that. No one knew what was going on. I would go to work, smile, laugh,” Turner said.

Now, she still smiles and laughs and goes to work – but as a mentor for youth with a new perspective -- much of which she told Channel 9 she owes to Crisis Assistance Ministry.

“They taught me how to save, finances and that is why I am able to deal with the pandemic easier because I learned how to save, I learned how to budget, I learned how to put money to the side. This place is awesome,” she said.

The Charlotte nonprofit is a lifeline for many.

Liana Humphrey is the Chief Marketing Officer for Crisis Assistance Ministry. She said their goal right now is to protect as many people as possible from eviction.

“To try and avoid the trauma and the expense of a court eviction and try to help renters and landlords come to some kind of agreement that works for both parties and can both keep families housed and allow landlords to stay in business as well,” Humphrey said.

It’s often difficult work, but it’s the kind of work that makes a difference. It offers hope. It changes lives.

“It also made me empathize more with people when I see them on the streets. Like, that was me one day you know. That is why I say God is good. God is so so good,” Turner said.

The state’s moratorium on eviction remains in effect through June 20, while Mecklenburg County courts won’t hear cases until July.

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