CHARLOTTE — As temperatures dropped this winter, many families are now feeling the impact with higher utility bills. For some, that cost is becoming too much to handle.
Crisis Assistance Ministry said it’s seen a 55% increase in requests for utility assistance compared to the second half of last year.
“Right now, these high energy bills are sending people in the door by the dozens,” Carol Hardison, the CEO of Crisis Assistance Ministry, said.
Then, families needed an average of $464. Now, they’re asking for around $720.
For many, high bills are hitting households already struggling to keep up.
According to the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness report, eviction filings have increased 25% in the region. This means more families are forced to make difficult choices between paying for housing, food or medicine.
The organization says their goal is simple — to connect people to the resources they need and to ensure they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
“Anybody in need of help can come,” Hardison said.
With more cold weather sticking around early this week, Crisis Assistance Ministry wants Mecklenburg County residents to know that help is available.
The application process begins with a meeting with a customer service navigator who ensures all supporting documents are received. Once the application is accepted, a caseworker reviews and prioritizes the case. When financial assistance is approved, the ministry makes payments for rent or utilities directly to the landlord or utility provider.
For detailed information about available assistance visit the nonprofit’s website here.
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