EASTERN CATAWBA COOPERATIVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY INC

The goal of ECCCM is to provide a safety net to those experiencing an economic crisis situation. Due to a number of variables, from unemployment and underemployment, disabilities, extreme poverty to catastrophic crisis situations resulting from accidents, injuries or other medical situations, many families will be unable to provide for themselves during a short-term period. To this end, through crisis services, ECCCM seeks to eliminate homeless by keeping the family unit intact in their home with the basic life needs of mortgage and rent assistance, utilities, fuel oil and kerosene if needed, life-necessary pharmaceuticals, emergency food and clothing. Moreover, through case management and the Crisis Assistance Coaching Program, families are helped with basic education in financial management, budgeting, shopping strategies, debt reduction and personal goal setting. By so doing, ECCCM's goal is realized through a holistic approach to emergency crisis assistance that addresses the systemic cause and effect, investing in the person that will in turn strengthen the community.

ECCCM's underlying strategy for crisis intervention is at the point of crisis with the family in need. As a crisis agency since 1969, ECCCM's reputation as a beacon of hope is well known throughout the community. Persons are invited to apply for services by providing proof of income and benefit awards along with copies of all bills and expenses. Through a personal interview we are able to determine if a crisis situation exists, and if so, what type of crisis services would be appropriate. All crisis services are provided immediately, with rent and mortgage assistance paid directly to landlords or lending institutions, utility payments to utility companies, fuel oil or kerosene payments to the vendors, and emergency food given through the food pantry at the conclusion of the interview. In so doing, families in need are assisted immediately, thereby alleviating the crisis situation.

As a crisis assistance agency since 1969, ECCCM is well experienced in efficiently providing crisis assistance services. As a Christian agency, we make a commitment to the community to remain as good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Through years of experience we have established best practices, revising procedures and methodology if changing situations suggest doing so. With a committed and experienced staff that keeps abreast of community affairs and the economic climate, trends are known and anticipated. With a volunteer base comprised of over 200 regular volunteers who provide over 10,000 volunteer hours annually, overhead costs are held down while the community shares in the ministry of ECCCM. Aided by strong relationships with area businesses, ECCCM is able to further reduce costs on necessary business costs and commodity expenses. Through effective grant writing, area foundations continue to provide a necessary revenue stream for crisis services. ECCCM, being born through supportive area churches, continues to receive annual funding from over 65 congregations. Finally, individuals and businesses contribute financially to the ongoing operations of ECCCM. To date, no family or individual in need has been turned away due to lack of ability or capacity to provide services.

ECCCM has accomplished providing crisis services to 100% of those who apply and qualify for crisis assistance services. As a result, in 2022 over $1.4 million was provided for crisis assistance services with an average of $798 per household served. Over 1.7 million pounds of food was distributed through the ECCCM Charlie Bunn Food Pantry - a total of 18,580 carts of food saving our clients an estimated $2.9 Million in food expenses. Our assistance alleviated crisis situations, eliminating homeless, providing basic life needs, and emergency food that eliminates food insecurity.