Asset Building Resources
Are you in crisis?
If so, 211.org is the best way to connect with someone how can help.
Financial Assistance
Who supports residents who are struggling to make ends meet? Who is advocating for higher wages?
Local Resources
Crisis Control Ministry offers emergency assistance for financial crises, providing rent/mortgage payments, utility bill assistance, food, and medications to residents of Forsyth and Stokes Counties in North Carolina, with compassionate and respectful service.
Family Service of the Piedmont Consumer Credit Counseling
Family Service of the Piedmont’s Consumer Credit Counseling Service offers budget and credit counseling, debt management, mortgage assistance, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, and financial workshops to help individuals and families achieve financial stability.
Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County offers affordable homeownership opportunities for families earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). They provide affordable 30-year mortgages for new homes and preserve existing affordable housing through home repair programs. These initiatives help ensure families have safe, energy-efficient homes and support aging in place. Additionally, Habitat Forsyth advocates for policy changes to increase housing access and collaborates with various community partners to address housing needs.
Positive Wellness Alliance offers compassionate and confidential services for individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, including medical case management, emergency financial relief, and housing assistance to ensure a good quality of life.
The Salvation Army of Winston-Salem
The Salvation Army of Winston-Salem’s Emergency Assistance Department provides financial aid for rent, mortgage, utility bills, and more to residents of Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin Counties, with pre-screening via telephone required for service eligibility.
Senior Services provides information on resources for older adults to recieve assistance and directions on how to file their income taxes.
The Shalom Project offers a range of services to residents in need of financial assistance, including a Medical Clinic and Pharmacy staffed by licensed professionals, a Food Pantry providing nutritious food, and a Clothing Closet with free clothing and household items. These programs are designed to support and uplift the community with a focus on compassion, inclusion, and justice.
Sunnyside Ministry Assistance Resources
Sunnyside Ministry provides essential food, clothing, and financial assistance to qualifying residents of Forsyth and Davidson Counties in North Carolina.
Winston-Salem Tax Aide provides free personal income tax return preparation for residents in need of financial assistance. Although they are currently closed for the 2023 tax season, they will resume services to help with 2024 tax returns. Residents can use the IRS and North Carolina Department of Revenue tools to track their refunds in the meantime.
North Carolina Resources
EnergyUnited offers financial assistance to residents through the EnergyUnited Foundation, which provides grants to individuals, households, and nonprofits facing financial hardships. These grants can cover essential needs such as shelter, utilities, and emergency situations. The funding comes from the generosity of EnergyUnited members who participate in the Operation Round-Up program, rounding up their monthly bills to support community members in need. The application process is streamlined and fully online, ensuring quick and efficient support for those who qualify.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) provides financial assistance through programs such as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). LIEAP offers one-time vendor payments to help eligible households cover their heating bills. Households with a person aged 60 or older or receiving disability services can apply from December 1-31, while others can apply from January 1-March 31, or until funds are exhausted. Eligibility criteria include income limits, citizenship status, and responsibility for heating costs.
North Carolina Housing Coalition
The North Carolina Housing Coalition offers a range of services to residents in need of financial assistance, focusing on ensuring every North Carolinian has a dignified and secure home. They provide advocacy, resources, and support for affordable housing solutions, assist with navigating housing challenges, and promote policies that increase housing opportunities. Through research, data, and community engagement, they strive to address the state’s housing needs and support residents in finding and maintaining affordable housing.
Orange County Living Wage is a nonprofit organization that certifies, recognizes, and promotes businesses in Orange County that pay a living wage. They assist workers in finding living wage jobs and engage the community in living wage advocacy through consumer campaigns and promotional events. The organization also publicizes certified employers, supporting fair compensation practices that benefit employees and the local economy.
United Way Grocery Worker’s Appreciation Fund
The United Way’s Grocery Worker’s Appreciation Fund, launched in partnership with Kendall-Jackson, provides financial support to grocery workers in the United States. Eligible workers can receive up to $250 in cash cards to help with urgent needs such as health care expenses or automotive repairs. This fund aims to show appreciation for the essential role grocery workers play in our communities and is supported by a $2 million pledge from Kendall-Jackson through August 2030.
Debt & Lending Assistance
Organizations that advocate for or support people with high debt.
Local Resources
The Center for Responsible Lending
The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) offers assistance with debt relief and support by advocating for financial fairness and economic opportunity. As a nonprofit organization, CRL conducts in-depth research and policy advocacy to combat predatory lending practices and promote responsible lending. They work to protect consumers from abusive financial practices and aim to close the racial wealth gap through their efforts in consumer finance, debt collection, mortgage lending, and small-dollar loans.
The CARes Project, Inc. offers low-interest vehicle loans to low and moderate-income, credit-challenged working adults in Forsyth, Davie, and Davidson counties. Alongside the car loans, they provide financial coaching, money management skills, personalized household budgeting, and credit counseling to help individuals achieve financial independence and stability. This comprehensive support helps participants improve their credit scores and gain reliable transportation for work or school.
Financial Pathways of the Piedmont
Financial Pathways of the Piedmont provides comprehensive debt relief and support services to residents in need. Their offerings include credit counseling, debt management plans, budgeting assistance, and personal expense management. They also have specialized programs like Senior Financial Care® to help seniors manage their finances and ensure they receive all eligible benefits. Their certified counselors provide personalized support, including medical insurance counseling, bill payment assistance, and financial fraud awareness workshops.
Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County offers assistance to residents through affordable homeownership programs, providing homes with affordable 30-year mortgages. They help families who might struggle to qualify for traditional mortgages by offering financial education, homeownership orientation, and personalized support. These services aim to make homeownership accessible and sustainable, thereby providing a pathway to financial stability and debt relief for low-income families.
Other Resources
InCharge Debt Solutions offers a range of services to assist residents with debt relief and support. As a nonprofit organization, they provide free credit counseling, debt management programs, debt consolidation, and credit card debt forgiveness. Their certified counselors work with creditors to lower interest rates, waive fees, and reduce monthly payments, helping individuals manage and eliminate their debt. Additionally, they offer housing counseling, including foreclosure and eviction prevention, as well as bankruptcy counseling and homebuyer education.
The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) provides assistance with debt relief and support by advocating for policy changes, educating borrowers, and offering resources on various repayment plans and programs. They help individuals understand and enroll in plans such as SAVE, PSLF, and Fresh Start. SDCC also engages in outreach through webinars, custom content, and direct support, aiming to alleviate the burden of student debt and promote financial independence for borrowers.
Health Care
Organizations that are working to advocate for and connect people to affordable and accessible health care.
Local Resources
Cancer Services provides comprehensive support to residents in need of affordable and accessible health care. They offer financial assistance for cancer treatment medications and supportive medications, transportation to treatment, and access to medical supplies and equipment. Their Patient Advocate Team helps individuals navigate financial challenges by connecting them with local, state, and national resources. Additionally, Cancer Services provides emotional and social support through wellness groups, peer support programs, and educational seminars to enhance the health and survivorship of cancer patients and their families.
Community Low Vision Center offers personalized support and adaptive devices for residents with low vision to help them maintain their independence and quality of life. Their services include hands-on product demonstrations, personalized guidance, and access to online communities for various eye conditions. Staffed by individuals who also have low vision, the center provides first-hand experience and empathy in addressing the needs and challenges of those with vision impairments. They focus on practical solutions, such as adaptive tools and technologies, to improve daily activities like reading and watching TV.
Crisis Control Ministry offers a free pharmacy service, providing medication assistance to residents of Forsyth and Stokes Counties who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford their prescription medications. Established in 1987, it is the largest free pharmacy in Forsyth County. The pharmacy operates from the Winston-Salem office and requires patients to provide necessary documentation to receive assistance. The ministry ensures that those in need have access to essential medications, enhancing health care accessibility and affordability for the community.
Forsyth County Department of Health and Human Services
The Forsyth County Department of Health and Human Services offers a range of affordable and accessible health care services to residents. These include preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment services for physical and mental health. They also provide specialized programs such as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), behavioral health resources, and public health initiatives. Additionally, they support Medicaid expansion, ensuring broader health care coverage for eligible residents. Their comprehensive approach aims to enhance the overall well-being and health of the community.
Forsyth County Health Services
Forsyth County Health Services provides comprehensive and affordable health care to residents, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and services for physical and mental impairments. They offer programs such as Adult and Family Medicaid, breast and cervical cancer screenings, dental care, immunizations, and STI testing and treatment. They also provide specialized services like behavioral health support, family planning, and refugee health programs, ensuring accessible health care for all community members.
HealthCare Access connects uninsured residents with the medical community, coordinating care with volunteer doctors, clinics, and hospitals to provide affordable health care services. Patients pay a low copay of $10-$20 for primary and specialty care, while laboratory and diagnostic work is free of charge. The program removes financial and logistical barriers, ensuring that residents of Forsyth, Stokes, Davie, Davidson, and Yadkin counties who meet income and residency requirements can access necessary health care services. The service operates on a referral basis and includes a thorough financial screening process for eligibility.
Insight Human Services offers a comprehensive range of affordable and accessible health care services focused on substance abuse treatment and mental health support. Their services include evidence-based treatment, medication-assisted treatment, residential and outpatient programs, ambulatory detoxification, and clinical assessments. They provide group, family, and individual counseling, as well as recovery education. Specialized programs cater to adolescents and women, addressing their unique needs and offering safe environments for recovery. Insight’s outpatient programs emphasize reducing harmful substance use, stabilizing mental health, and supporting overall wellness and recovery.
The Shalom Project: Medical Benefits Assistance
The Shalom Project offers affordable and accessible health care services through its Medical Clinic and Pharmacy. They provide medical benefits assistance, including help with Medicare, Medicaid, and Obamacare needs. Their services include application assistance for government and state health care programs, ensuring residents receive the necessary medical care and medications. The Shalom Project is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the community with compassionate and inclusive care.
The Shalom Project’s Medical Clinic
The Shalom Project’s Medical Clinic offers free primary medical care and prescription medications to residents in need. Operated largely by volunteers, the clinic is open every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm on a first-come, first-served basis, typically seeing 25-30 patients each night. There are no fees or qualifications for service, and patients are encouraged to bring medical records to aid in their care. The clinic aims to provide accessible and quality health care to the community.
United Health Centers offers affordable and accessible health care services to residents, including comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health care. As a certified Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), they provide coordinated and patient-focused care. Additionally, they assist patients in finding affordable health insurance options to ensure everyone receives the necessary care. Their goal is to deliver high-quality health care while making it financially accessible for all community members.
The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission offers affordable and accessible health care through its onsite medical and dental clinics. These services are part of a broader mission to help residents in need, providing addiction recovery programs, meal programs, and essential clothing. By offering free health care support, the Rescue Mission addresses the critical medical needs of individuals who might otherwise lack access to such care, promoting overall health and well-being in the community.
Other Resources
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Assistance Programs
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) offers a variety of assistance programs to provide affordable and accessible health care to residents. Key services include the Medical Eye Care Program, which offers preventative and corrective treatments to prevent blindness and restore vision for eligible individuals. NCDHHS also supports Medicaid expansion, providing broader health care coverage. Additionally, they offer various assistance programs, mental and behavioral health resources, and support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring comprehensive care for all residents in need.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Independent Living for People with Disabilities Program offers a range of services to help individuals live more independently. Services include guidance and counseling, rehabilitation engineering, home and vehicle modifications, independent living skills training, and certain equipment purchases. The program provides an alternative to nursing home care, focusing on person-centered services that enhance the ability to live independently. Eligibility is based on having a significant disability that limits independent living, and services are tailored to improve the individual’s quality of life.
Education
Organizations that are working to provide various educational supports and trainings.
Local Resources
Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR)
Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR) offers comprehensive support to residents in need of educational assistance through its self-reliance programs. These programs include case management, financial literacy training, and counseling that address various life circumstances, helping clients achieve social and economic self-sufficiency. ESR’s services encompass education options, employment preparation, budgeting, stable housing, and personal/emotional support, with a holistic approach that involves the entire household. Specific initiatives like the New Century IDA program and Forsyth Free Tax service further aid clients in becoming financially stable and independent.
Forsyth County Association of Educators
The Forsyth County Association of Educators (FCAE) provides vital support to residents in need of educational advocacy and resources. FCAE unites and empowers educators, parents, and students to advocate for equitable and high-quality public education for every child. They focus on addressing fair pay for educators, improving student behavior through smaller class sizes, and ensuring that teachers have sufficient time for planning and development. FCAE organizes events, rallies, and petitions to influence education policies and secure better support and compensation for the educational community.
Forsyth County Department of Health and Human Services
The Forsyth County Department of Health and Human Services offers a variety of educational support programs aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviors, preventing diseases, and providing employment training opportunities. Their services include nutritional education, training sessions for youth transitioning from foster care, and a range of adolescent health programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall well-being and future success of residents through educational resources and skill development.
Forsyth Tech Finish Line Grant
Forsyth Tech offers a variety of educational support services to residents, including the Finish Line Grant, which provides up to $1,000 in emergency assistance to help students graduate on time. This grant can cover expenses such as transportation, auto repairs, child care, housing, utilities, health care, books, and tuition. By addressing these financial barriers, Forsyth Tech ensures that students can focus on completing their educational programs successfully.
Goodwill of Northwest North Carolina
Goodwill of Northwest North Carolina offers a range of educational support services to residents through its Career Services. These include individualized career planning, skill-building opportunities, and job search assistance. Goodwill’s Career Navigator works with clients to assess their needs, develop career interests, build resumes, and provide access to educational, transportation, and child care assistance. Additionally, Goodwill partners with community colleges and other organizations to offer free training programs and career advancement support, ensuring residents have the resources needed to succeed in their educational and employment goals.
Imprints Cares Before and After School Care
Imprints Cares offers extensive educational support through its Expanded Learning program, providing before and after school care for children in pre-K through middle school. This program ensures a safe and nurturing environment, including homework help and enrichment activities, available at numerous elementary and middle schools in Forsyth County. The program operates from early morning at 6:30 am until the evening at 6:00 pm, with flexible drop-in packages available to accommodate different family schedules.
Latino Community Services (LCS) offers a range of educational support services to Latino families, helping them achieve their educational and economic potential. Their programs include family literacy activities to foster a love of reading, bilingual preschool classes to prepare children for kindergarten, mentorship for students to support their path to graduation, and after school tutoring to enhance academic success through critical thinking and independent learning. LCS is dedicated to providing hope for a positive future and building bridges between the Latino community and the broader community.
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN) provides essential educational support to residents through various initiatives. Their Digital Equity Program offers free computer classes to help participants become tech-savvy, boosting career opportunities and providing a free laptop upon completion. Additionally, NBN provides training and technical assistance to community members, helping them lead development initiatives, understand grantmaking processes, and use these skills for future projects. By fostering grassroots organizing and resident-led initiatives, NBN empowers communities to overcome barriers and enhance their neighborhoods.
The Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s NextGen Youth Program
The Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s NextGen Youth Program provides training and employment services to youth ages 16-24 in several counties, including Alamance, Forsyth, and Davidson. The program supports both in-school and out-of-school youth who face barriers such as homelessness, disabilities, or being an English language learner. Services include educational support to complete secondary education, post-secondary counseling, and career preparation guidance. The goal is to help youth achieve educational success and secure employment, fostering a sense of accomplishment and structure in their lives.
Smart Start of Forsyth County offers comprehensive support for early childhood education, focusing on children from pre-natal care through preschool. They provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where families have access to quality early education programs. Services include literacy activities, bilingual pre-school classes, mentorship, and after school tutoring to promote academic success. Smart Start aims to create a culture of learning and play that lays the foundation for lifelong growth, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to embark on a joyful and impactful educational journey.
Winston-Salem State University’s Job Corps Scholars Program
Winston-Salem State University’s Job Corps Scholars Program offers comprehensive support to young residents aged 16-24 from Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Guilford, or Wake counties who face barriers to education and employment. The free two-year program provides access to college courses for certification in fields such as cybersecurity, health care, and law enforcement. Participants receive financial, academic, emotional, and career support, including tuition assistance, transportation help, and child care support. The program aims to prepare students for successful careers through hands-on training, job placement, apprenticeships, or further education, with continued support to maintain employment or further career development.
Youth Worx through the Winston-Salem Urban League
Youth Worx, offered by the Winston-Salem Urban League, provides educational support, soft skills training, and post-secondary education preparation for teens during their 10th and 11th grade years. Participants receive a monthly stipend for their involvement in the program, which aims to enhance their academic success and readiness for higher education.
Other Resources
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) offers a variety of educational support services through its Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD). This division assists individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment and independence goals by providing access to resources, services, and training. Programs include benefits counseling, disability awareness training, assistive technology, and community rehabilitation services, all designed to help individuals overcome barriers and succeed in their educational and career aspirations.
Businesses & Jobs
Organizations that are supporting business owners to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Local Resources
Forsyth County Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Forsyth County Entrepreneurship and Small Business provides robust support to local entrepreneurs and small businesses through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, including the Microenterprise Individual Development Account (IDA) program. This program assists small business owners by offering financial literacy classes, monthly meetings with success coaches, and opportunities to earn funds for business growth. By navigating the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and improving financial literacy, residents can access resources to help their businesses thrive. The program is available to those whose income is less than 120% of the Area Median Income in Forsyth County.
Forsyth Tech Small Business Center
The Forsyth Tech Small Business Center supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in North Carolina by offering a variety of free resources and services. These include educational programs, networking events, business counseling, and mentoring from experienced local business leaders. The center also provides access to office space and a computer lab at its central location in the Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem. By connecting small business owners with the necessary tools, knowledge, and community support, the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center helps foster growth and success for local businesses.
The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grant Program
The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grant Program provides financial support to Black and Latinx-owned small businesses in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for special projects and general operating expenses, such as salaries, rent, and capital expenditures. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, located in Forsyth County, operational since January 1, 2023, and have annual sales under $1 million with 1-25 full-time employees. The program aims to improve business success, job retention, and creation, and includes access to mentorship and educational resources through local partners.
S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation
S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation (SGACDC), initiated by Winston-Salem State University, provides extensive support for entrepreneurship and small businesses in the East Winston neighborhoods. The organization offers affordable, well-maintained office spaces at The Enterprise Center, a fully licensed Shared-Use Kitchen for food entrepreneurs, and various business development services, including one-on-one counseling, business planning, marketing, and management guidance. Additionally, SGACDC supports real estate development to revitalize housing and build generational wealth through homeownership. Their efforts aim to foster community collaboration and create economic opportunities.
Small Grants through the Winston-Salem Foundation
The Small Grants program through the Winston-Salem Foundation offers financial support to charitable organizations and groups serving Forsyth County, North Carolina, with annual incomes of $150,000 or less. Grants of up to $2,000 are available to support various program areas and purposes, with a maximum of $500 for youth athletic teams. The program aims to foster asset-based approaches, build social capital, ensure feasibility, promote inclusivity, articulate impact, and ensure sustainability. Applications are accepted in three cycles throughout the year: spring, summer, and fall, with funding decisions made one month after each closing date.
North Carolina Resources
NCWorks offers comprehensive educational support services to residents, including access to training providers, educational programs, and career development tools. Users can locate specific training providers and educational programs, utilize the Career Explorer and Career Informer tools to find suitable career paths, and access resources for résumé building, job searches, and virtual recruitment. NCWorks also provides personalized assistance through career navigators who guide individuals through job market navigation and skills assessments, ensuring residents receive the support they need to achieve their educational and employment goals.
Suggest a Resource
Asset Building Coalition is dedicated to providing value resources to contribute to financial stability and asset building for all members of Forsyth county. We invite you to contribute to these resources; if we missed anything, please let us know