Churches That Help with Rent in Winston Salem, NC

Paying rent can become difficult following job loss, a medical emergency, or an unforeseen expense. Several churches and faith-based organizations in Winston-Salem, NC, offer emergency rental assistance to families facing eviction or financial hardship. Among these churches are First Baptist Church on Highland Avenue, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Christ Rescue Temple Apostolic Church, and the Winston-Salem Salvation Army. These programs prioritize vulnerable groups, such as single parents, seniors, and veterans.

Table of Contents

Churches That Help with Rent in Winston Salem, NC

Crisis Control Ministry

Crisis Control Ministry (CCM) offers short-term emergency assistance for rent and mortgage payments to residents of Forsyth and Stokes counties who are facing a temporary financial crisis.

How to get Assistance

Assistance is determined through a personal interview and assessment process.

Initial Contact: You must call the Client Services line at (336) 724-7453 to begin the pre-screening process.
Interviews: Interviews are conducted both by phone and in person at the Winston-Salem office (200 East Tenth Street).
Hours of Operation: Registration for financial assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration for interviews typically closes 45 minutes prior to closing time.

Eligibility and Requirements

Proof of Crisis: You must demonstrate the existence of a temporary and verifiable crisis (e.g., job loss, medical emergency, car repair) that prevents you from making your payment.

Sustainability: There must be indications that your household’s income and expenses will soon return to normal.

Zip Code Exception: If you reside in zip codes 27107 or 27127, you must first apply for assistance at Sunnyside Ministry before contacting CCM.

The Salvation Army of Winston-Salem

The Salvation Army of the greater Winston-Salem area offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utility payments to residents of Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties. Assistance is subject to the availability of funds and requires a pre-screening interview to determine eligibility and immediate need.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for rental assistance in Winston-Salem, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:

Residency: You must be a resident of Forsyth County (or of the surrounding counties within the service area).

Income Limit: Household income must generally be equal to or less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Crisis Verification: You must demonstrate a temporary financial crisis, such as job loss, a medical emergency, or unexpected household expenses.

Sustainability: Social workers look for a realistic plan demonstrating how the household will regain its independence after receiving this one-time assistance.

To apply, you must begin by contacting the office of the area’s main command:

Phone: (336) 723-6366
Address: 1255 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

You can also check for availability and start applications through the SAHelp portal.

First Baptist Church (Emergency Missions Ministry)

The Emergency Missions Ministry of First Baptist Church (located on Highland Avenue) offers financial assistance specifically to prevent homelessness and utility shut-offs. Due to high demand, they typically serve a limited number of people each week and require a preliminary interview.

How to Apply for Assistance

Call to Schedule an Appointment: You must call the church office at (336) 722-5605 to request assistance. It is recommended that you call at 10:00 a.m. on the Thursday prior to the Tuesday on which you wish to be seen.
Interview Schedule: The Emergency Missions Committee meets on the first three Tuesdays of each month at 12:30 p.m.
Limited Capacity: The committee serves only five people each week.

Requirements and Limits

Official Documentation: To receive rental assistance, you must present an eviction notice. To receive utility assistance, a service disconnection notice is required.
Financial Limits: Due to budgetary constraints, the church may only be able to cover a portion of the total amount requested. You will often be referred to other agencies to cover the remaining balance.
Frequency: Generally, families and individuals are eligible to receive assistance only once every six months.

If you reside in the downtown area, you may also contact First Baptist on Fifth, which administers the “John 3:16” Benevolence Fund.

Phone: (336) 722-2558
Location: 501 W. 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

White Rock Baptist Church

White Rock Baptist Church in Winston-Salem offers an Emergency Assistance Ministry that provides limited financial aid for rent or utility payments to residents facing eviction or utility disconnection.

Eligibility and Requirements

Verification of Need: You must present a written eviction notice or a utility shut-off notice printed on company letterhead. Handwritten notices or bills displayed on mobile phones are not accepted.
Bill/Lease Holder: The overdue bill or lease agreement must be in the applicant’s name; there are no exceptions to this rule.
Assistance Limit: Financial aid is generally limited to $150–$200 per household, once every 12 months.
Payment Method: If the application is approved, payments are made directly to the landlord or utility company, not to the individual.

Required Documentation

A current photo ID.
Proof of rent or overdue bill (printed copy only).
For families, some church programs may request Social Security cards for all household members or proof of disability, if applicable.

Location: The church is located at 1233 E 14th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte offers specialized housing support and emergency services for poor and vulnerable individuals across 46 counties, including the Winston-Salem area. For direct assistance with rent and utilities, they typically refer individuals to call NC 211 to access coordinated community resources. Their assistance programs include:

Transition Out of Poverty (TOP): This program offers individualized case management to help families develop a long-term plan to achieve self-sufficiency, addressing fundamental challenges such as safe and affordable housing, income, and education.

Direct Assistance: The local office provides immediate coverage of basic needs—such as food pantry items and baby clothing—through the Wee Care Shoppe.

Housing Referrals: They offer referrals to safe and stable housing options and can provide assistance with applications for public benefits.

Immigration Legal Services: The Winston-Salem office serves as a key hub for legal assistance regarding immigration and citizenship matters.

Eligibility Requirements

While specific rental assistance is often managed through referrals, their direct services generally require the following:

Documentation: Valid photo identification, proof of income, and Social Security cards for all household members.
Verification: For any financial assistance, they typically require a court-issued eviction notice or an official notice of late payment issued by the landlord.
Diocesan Guidelines: They prioritize households with children, seniors, or victims of domestic violence, and typically focus on individuals who can demonstrate that they will be able to sustain rent payments once the one-time assistance has ended.

Phone: (336) 727-0705
Address: 1612 East 14th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

How to Apply for Rent Assistance

Call 211: North Carolina’s statewide helpline connects you with local churches and non-profit organizations that offer rental assistance.

Prepare Your Documentation: Typically, proof of income, a lease agreement, and an eviction notice (if applicable) are required.

Eligibility: Most programs prioritize low-income families, seniors, single mothers, and veterans.

Timing: Assistance depends on available funds; apply early in the month, when churches often have new budgets available.

Things to Consider

Limited Funds: Churches often have limited budgets; assistance may cover only a portion of your rent.

One-Time Assistance: Many programs provide emergency aid on a one-time-per-year basis.

Scams: Contact only verified organizations (such as those mentioned above). Avoid anyone who asks for upfront payments.

Follow-Up Support: Some churches also offer financial counseling, job placement assistance, or help with utility bills to prevent future crises.

Conclusion

If you are in Winston-Salem and struggling to pay your rent, start by contacting First Baptist Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal, and the Winston-Salem Salvation Army; these are the most established providers. For immediate assistance, dial 211 to be connected with church-based programs that currently have funds available. These organizations not only help with rent but also provide long-term support to ensure that families are able to maintain their housing.