This is a reference for residents and communities looking for assistance and resources to help Charlotte neighborhoods thrive. This is not a complete directory of all resources that may be available. Please visit Housing and Neighborhood Services or contact your Service Area Liaison for additional neighborhood resources.
HOUSECHARLOTTE PROGRAM - This assistance program offers up to $30,000 for eligible low and moderate income homebuyers to purchase a home within the Charlotte city limits. Call 704-705-3999.
ACQUISITION, REHABILITATION AND RESELL PROGRAM is a city program where homes are purchased, rehabilitated, and then resold at affordable prices, below market rate, to homeowners in the House Charlotte program and/or those working with our nonprofit partners.
HOUSING EDUCATION & COUNSELING – Classes on financial empowerment, pre-homeownership counseling and foreclosure prevention are available for current and prospective homeowners. Contact Community Link at 800-977-1969, DreamKey Partners at 704-342-0933, the NC Housing Finance Agency at (888) 442-8188.*
HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAMS - The City provides several housing repair programs for low-income city residents. In addition, the City partners with nonprofit organizations offering home repair programs to the Charlotte community. Improvements may include repairs to meet Minimum Housing Standards, accessibility modifications and energy efficient retrofits. Contact 704-336-3311.
LEADSAFE CHARLOTTE - The City of Charlotte works to mitigate lead paint hazards for families living in homes and rental properties built before 1978. Contact 704-336-3311.
FAIR HOUSING PROTECTION - The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations accepts and investigates formal complaints from persons who feel they have been discriminated against and enforces fair housing laws locally. Contact 704-336-5160.
LANDLORD-TENANT MEDIATION - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relation’s Dispute Settlement Program offers opportunities for tenants and landlords to eliminate communication barriers and work together to solve problems involving damaged property, security deposits, living conditions, financial assistance for repairs or miscellaneous conflicts stemming from the landlord-tenant relationship. Contact 704-336-5160.
HOMELESSNESS ASSISTANCE/EMERGENCY HOUSING – The City participates in a network of nonprofits, governments, and organizations working to end and prevent homelessness. Assistance related to homelessness is provided through a coordinated entry process. Call the Coordinated Entry hotline at 704-284-9665 to begin the process.*
RENTAL ASSISTANCE - The City partners with various agencies to provide temporary rental assistance for families working to become self-sufficient. Call United Way NC 2-1-1 for available programs.
CRITICAL HOME REPAIR PROGRAM – This program provides major repairs at deeply discounted rates to keep homeowners safe and warm, and from being displaced from their homes. Contact 704-716-5639.*
WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - Blue Ridge Community Action provides free weatherization and energy efficiency programs to reduce energy costs by making homes more energy efficient. Contact 828-438-6225.*
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS – The Mecklenburg County Office of the Tax Collector offers several programs to provide grants or tax exclusions for qualified applicants including seniors, disabled veterans, persons meeting income thresholds, historic structures and certain land uses. Programs include Elderly, Disabled or Veteran Homestead Exemption, Circuit Breaker, and the HOMES Program. For eligibility requirements and information, contact 704-336-7600.*
WATER & SEWER LEAK BILL ADJUSTMENTS – Charlotte Water offers consideration for bill adjustments for residential, commercial, multi-family, and irrigation accounts for leaks that are private responsibility because they occur beyond the meter outlet. Contact 704-336-7600.
WATER EXTENSION CONNECTION ASSISTANCE – Residential customers lacking direct access to public water and/or sewer access may qualify for connection assistance through one of Charlotte Water’s line extension programs. Contact 704-432-2854 or email NewServiceRequests@charlottenc.gov.
LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIEAP) - This federal program administered by Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) provides a one-time payment of up to $500 for home heating needs for low-income households during winter months. Contact DSS at 704-336-3000.
HIGH ENERGY USAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM offers free energy improvements for eligible households, in partnership with Duke Energy, that can help lower energy use and monthly energy bills. Upgrades can include air sealing, HVAC, refrigerator or water heater replacement, free lightbulbs and more. For questions or to apply, call 877-403-0384.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STAFF LIAISONS – City staff can provide assistance with organizing and advocacy, problem-solving, and connections to City Departments and resources to support your neighborhood's success. To meet your liaison contact 704-336-3380.
CIVIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (CLA)– This free course is designed for residents who are ready to take the next step in community leadership. Participants will grow in their leadership, analyze issues using data, connect with decision makers and other Charlotte leaders, and make a difference in their communities. Contact 704-336-3380.
2040 PLANNING ACADEMY – This five-week course covers community planning, transportation, zoning, and the development process, historic preservation and urban design. The goal of the program is to equip residents with a better understanding of community planning so they can effectively engage in planning efforts both in their neighborhood and the city. Contact 704-336-2205 or email PDDinfo@charlottenc.gov.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION TRAINING – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations offers free conflict resolution training for youth, adults, groups and organizations. Participants will learn the five conflict resolution styles, benefits of active listening, and tools to de-escalate difficult situations. Contact 704-336-7600.
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD RETREAT – This twice-annual event offers neighborhood and merchant groups the opportunity to work with a trained facilitator to identify and prioritize goals and create community action plans. Contact 704-336-3380.
NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY TRAINING – Workshops are available for residents and neighborhood leaders to strengthen leadership capacity, learn technical skills and enhance neighborhood quality of life. Live and on-demand opportunities can be found by visiting link above or contacting 704-336-3380.
NEIGHBORHOOD MATCHING GRANTS – Eligible neighborhood-based organizations can receive up to $25,000 for different projects – including art, safety, signage, gardens, festivals, and more – to incentivize relationship and capacity building within the community. Contact 704-336-3380.
CHARLOTTE PLACEMAKING HUB – This one-stop-shop showcases how neighborhoods can accomplish community gardens, murals, signal cabinet wraps, temporary events, parklets, and other enhancements within city-maintained properties and right-of-way. Contact 704- 336-3380.
NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION CONTACT LIST (NOCL) – This contact list allows neighbors & others to register and receive important information, including grant opportunities, rezoning notification, trainings, and special event information that may impact or benefit neighborhoods. Neighborhoods may designate a primary contact on NOCL for neighborhood leadership identification. Register at https://community.charlottenc.gov/pages/nocl or contact 704-336-3380.
CHARMECK 311 – CharMeck311 serves as the customer contact center, providing information and services for customers in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In addition to reporting code violations, storm water problems and other issues, customers can schedule bulky item pickups, make park shelter reservations, get directory assistance to City and County offices, learn the schedules for City and County government meetings, and more. Call 311.
NEED A SPEAKER PROGRAM – This program provides City of Charlotte or Mecklenburg County experts to talk on various neighborhood topics, including community safety, environment, transportation, zoning, and more. Contact 704-336-3380 or email NeedASpeaker@charlottenc.gov.
QUALITY OF LIFE EXPLORER – This online tool helps users explore neighborhoods throughout Mecklenburg County to review data including housing, education, economics, demographics, environment, health, transportation, safety and more. Get the facts at www.mcmap.org/qol or call 704-336-3380.
CHARLOTTE COMMUNITY TOOLBANK – This nonprofit tool lending program provides neighborhood and non-profit organizations with year-round access to an inventory of power and hand tools and special event supplies tools for use in volunteer projects, facility and grounds maintenance, community meetings, festivals and more. Contact 704-469-5800.*
MAYOR’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (MYEP) – This program partners with local employers to provide paid work experiences to help high-school aged teens to develop career goals, stay in school, achieve academically, and develop social skills needed to succeed in work and life. Contact 704-336-3380.
JOB AND CAREER READINESS TRAINING (JCRT) – This training provides local high school students with essential skills training and a certification that prepares and strengthens them for the workforce. Contact 704-336-3380.
CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG YOUTH COUNCIL (CMYC) – This organization helps local teens take an active and ongoing role in learning how to solve challenges impacting Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Contact 704-343-6999.*
CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG POLICE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT DIVISION – CMPD’s youth engagement division offers a continuum of services for youth and young adults who are at risk of or involved in delinquent or criminal activity. These opportunities are designed to increase program opportunities for youth and reduce the number of youth referred to the criminal justice system. Activities include summer camps, programs to help students to graduate high school with a plan, gang prevention programming for middle schoolers, employment opportunities, and much more.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS PEER MEDIATION - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations offers both the Peer Club Program and Peer Mediation Program. These programs offer young people the platform to learn and express themselves in safe and open conversational-style sessions. Both programs provide youth with conflict resolution skills to navigate challenging situations and focus on building their communication skills, leadership skills and overall civic engagement.
CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY – The library system provides access to resources and services including workshops and classes, digital resources, book club kits, resume and job search assistance, history and genealogy resources, guidance on applying for food and financial assistance, online tutoring sessions, grant seeking and other resources for nonprofits, meeting space, and much more. Contact 704-461-0100.
DIGITAL NAVIGATORS help community members navigate to and through signing up for affordable home broadband internet service, purchasing affordable technology, basic device and connectivity issues, and learning new digital skills. Residents should call 311 to get connected.*
CITY OF CHARLOTTE CODE ENFORCEMENT – Code Enforcement works to improve the appearance of communities and maintain safe standards of living, helping to reduce the risk of declining property values and failing community pride. Contact 704-336-3380.
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT – CMPD takes a problem-solving approach to policing to prevent the next crime and increase community safety. The focus includes outreach through a variety of services and programs for youth and adults including but not limited to Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, Ride-Along Program, COPS & Barbers, COPS & Kids, Juvenile Diversion Program, Right Moves for Youth, and more. Contact 704-336-2310 for more information.
CHARLOTTE FIRE DEPARTMENT – In addition to fire prevention and emergency services, CFD connects with the community through its fire safety and education programs, fire career awareness for youth, and participation in community service events. Contact 704-336-4174.
CHARLOTTE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - CDOT is committed to enhancing the driving, bicycling, and walking experiences for residents and visitors. Programs include Neighborhood Traffic Calming, Street Lighting, Pedestrian & Sidewalk Safety and more. Requests may be submitted by calling 311 or by using the Charlotte+ app.
SAFE CHARLOTTE – This program offers up to $1 million for Charlotte-based, grassroots organizations working to reduce violence. This grant is administered by the United Way of Greater Charlotte.*
MECKLENBURG COUNTY COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES – The County provides services for military veterans, people experiencing homelessness, people seeking substance abuse treatment, and people needing prevention and intervention for community or domestic violence. Contact 704-432-7233.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES – The County provides programs and services for families and adults, including Food and Nutrition, Healthcare Assistance (Medicaid), Community Social Work, Child and Adult Protective Services, Transportation Assistance, and Financial Stabilization Assistance. Contact 704-336-3000.
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY WORKFORCE (RENEW) TRAINING PROGRAM – This program provides paid training in the HVAC and electrical trades. These 13-week classes will teach basic skills for the industry and work to place graduates in successful full-time employment opportunities. Contact 704-432-1397.
CHARLOTTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Charlotte Economic Development is a one-stop shop website that helps foster business success in Charlotte, from helping entrepreneurs get started to relocating multinational corporations.
CHARLOTTE BUSINESS INCLUSION – This program assists certified Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) with growing, enhancing, and developing their business. CBI offers development programs that support small businesses in organizational training, strategic development, and networking opportunities.
BUSINESS MATCHING GRANTS – Small businesses, property owners and developers located in the City of Charlotte's Business Corridor Revitalization Geography can apply for Business Matching Grants, which assist owners with the cost of improving their properties.
AMP UP CHARLOTTE – a seven-month program aimed at taking businesses to the next level by helping business owners create a customized, three-year strategic growth plan. It helps small business owners increase their revenues, create jobs, and prepares them for growth and expansion through business development services, mentoring, targeted training, and access to large corporations for contract and procurement opportunities.
HIRE CHARLOTTE – an accessible, streamlined process for job seekers looking for career opportunities and training and to develop a highly skilled and sustainable talent pipeline for Charlotte’s employers. Employers will post job opportunities on the community website. The site also shares training opportunities, seminars, recruitment events, etc. Job seekers will be able to find available positions and resources that will assist them in moving upward in their career journeys. Job seekers have access to resources, and employers have access to talent.
KEEP CHARLOTTE BEAUTIFUL - Provides safety vests, litter pickers, and trash & recycle bags for cleanup events citywide. Individuals and groups may also adopt streets for free. A minimum of one mile cleaned at least three times per year is required. An annual beautification grant is offered. Contact (704) 336-3380.
TREE CARE MATCHING GRANTS – Grants of up to $3,000 are available to neighborhoods citywide for tree care initiatives including canopy assessment, ivy removal, small tree/sapling pruning, and tree focused education and community events. Contact 704-336-3380.
WASTE WIZARD – Solid Waste Services has developed a game for Charlotte residents to learn how to dispose or recycle common household items.
GREEN CROWN PROGRAM – This voluntary and free program recognizes those in the restaurant industry that actively minimize waste and maximize sustainability. Establishments earn points for one, two, or three crowns by practicing environmentally sustainable business efforts.
POWER DOWN THE CROWN – this voluntary building energy performance benchmarking program encourages building owners reduce their energy use and help Charlotte become a low-carbon city by 2050. The goal is to reduce energy use per square foot by 10% by 2030. In return, the city will celebrate partner successes, offer opportunities to share and learn energy efficiency best practices, and provide benchmarking technical assistance.