DSS Vision:  To Be The Best

Community Resources Office, Beverly Hinson Administrator

The Community Resources Office serves as a connecting link between generous community donors, human service agencies, and the residents of Mecklenburg County. Community support is indeed the backbone of our success. Group and individual contributions make it possible for us to assist many persons who would otherwise fall between the cracks. 

What We Do:

• Administer GOOD FRIENDS funds. During 2005, non-profit agencies in Mecklenburg County worked with DSS to assist 1,347 families (3,403 individuals) with necessities such as rent, utilities, medications, etc., (totaling $139,778in goods and services.) The average expenditure per family was $99.10.
• Emergency Food Assistance (Loaves & Fishes Mini-Pantry). Our office maintains a 2-day emergency supply of food for Mecklenburg County families. Due to the economy, we are currently feeding between 600-700 individuals each month. Donations to our food pantry are always needed. YOU, YOUR ORGANIZATION or NEIGHBORHOOD can help by having a FOOD DRIVE.  Please clean out those cabinets - even the smallest drives add up!  Donated food goes directly to the our "Loaves & Fishes" emergency food pantry. Call 704-336-4809 to find how easy it is to organize a food drive!
• Easter Basket program. In 2006, local businesses, individuals, families, clubs and schools provided 2,846 Easter baskets for children who are homeless, living in public housing or who are in a difficult situation.
• Summer Camp program. Businesses and individuals made it possible for us to send 199 children to summer camp in 2006 with their donations.  
• Back-To-School program assisted 1,403 children in August 2006. School supplies are donated by Mecklenburg County citizens and businesses. We work along with Communities In Schools to provide school supplies for children in need.
• Holiday programs provided an array of results in 2005:
  • Christmas Bureau assisted over 5,900 families served by 2,000+ volunteers from the community. 2,005 bicycles were distributed. 
  • Empty Stocking Fund allotted $29,550 to DSS in 2005.
  • DSS Giving Trees provided 1,900 children with 5,565 gifts and 548 adults received over 2,508 gifts. Gifts were donated by individuals, families and businesses. 
  • Thanksgiving Meal Sponsorship: 532 families were furnished a Thanksgiving dinner by 293 community sponsors in November 2005.
  • Holiday Meal Sponsorship: Sponsors provide ingredients for a holiday meal (and gifts) to families referred by human service workers. 1,059 families were provided food and gifts that were delivered directly by 688 community sponsors in 2005. 

To learn more about the Community Resources Office or to find out how you or your organization can help, please visit our "About Us" or our Volunteer Today page.