More immigrant families are turning to a Charlotte nonprofit for help

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte nonprofit says the number of refugee and immigrant families seeking help has tripled in the past year as many struggle with housing costs and food insecurity.

From Spanish to Russian and Arabic, you’ll find books from all backgrounds at the ourBRIDGE for Kids Home Center in east Charlotte.

“We really focus on cultural pride. We want them to keep that with them, even though they’re in a new country and experience moments of happiness through things that they’re still going through,” said Perla Castro, family support manager at ourBRIDGE for Kids.

The group connects them with local resources when refugees and immigrant families move to Charlotte.

“I would say like financial with like the price of rent and housing is a big current need right now, along with like food insecurity,” Castro said.

OurBRIDGE for Kids says the number of families requesting help has tripled in the last year, ever since U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched “Operation Charlotte’s Web” in November 2025.

“We’ve seen like a drastic increase in needs because families are still honestly recovering from the ripple effects that that had, specifically with financial hardships and the food insecurity,” Castro said.

Volunteers, including Omnia Taha, help connect families to resources like clothes, food, diapers and school supplies.

“What inspired me most is how the community is helping each other during tough times or just being very engaged with other organizations around Charlotte,” Taha said.

Some items are from ourBRIDGE’s community closets, while others come from partnering agencies.

“I really love how everyone is just very compassionate and welcoming, regardless of where everyone is coming from,” Taha said.

Castro says it’s been a difficult year for many immigrant families, but she hopes these resources can help.

“A lot of families are dealing with very hard things still, and again, only because it’s not as visible right now doesn’t mean it’s still not happening, and the effects aren’t lingering,” Castro said.

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