Matthews HELP Center

Matthews HELP Center is a nonprofit that provides short-term crisis assistance to neighbors in the Greater Matthews area facing a sudden job loss, reduced hours or a medical crisis. Its services include help with rent and utility payments, childcare costs, a three-day supply of groceries and household items, clothing vouchers, and transportation assistance for work or appointments. Clients can meet one-on-one with a social worker to review their household budget and other community resources.

To apply, a household must live in one of the center's service area zip codes (28079, 28104, 28105, 28226, 28211 or 28270) and complete a client inquiry form on the center's website. Applicants outside those zip codes can call 704-847-8383 for referrals. The center is at 119 N. Ames St. in Matthews, and it also runs Backporch Treasures, a thrift boutique that funds its work and is open Monday through Saturday.