The need is everywhere. That’s why we’re here.
Now more than ever, our community needs a champion to ensure equal access to justice for ALL during these challenging times. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is here to help anyone facing issues of safety, financial security and family stability during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
The Advocacy Center is still providing services in the areas of consumer protection, domestic violence, ex-offender re-entry, healthcare access, home preservation, immigration, income security and tax disputes, while working to ensure vulnerable populations, such as children, immigrants, people living with disabilities, seniors and veterans have the assistance they need during this critical time.
As needs continue to evolve, the Advocacy Center has been adapting its services to effectively serve the community, launching three new COVID-19 specific initiatives to help those in need:
Unemployment Insurance Assistance
Thousands of North Carolinians have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and are seeking financial assistance through the state’s Unemployment Insurance Program.
The overwhelming volume of applications paired with implementing new assistance programs under the federal CARES Act has caused significant delays, making the process more confusing for applicants trying to apply.
The Unemployment Insurance Project helps people who have lost work due to COVID-19 understand their eligibility and navigate the application process to receive unemployment benefits.
While Advocacy Center staff cannot help applicants fill out the necessary paperwork, they can answer questions about the process.
How to apply for unemployment benefits:
- online at des.nc.gov
- by phone at 1-888-737-0259
Anyone needing assistance can call the Unemployment Insurance COVID-19 Response Project hotline, 980-256-3979 and leave a message to receive assistance in English or Spanish.
Help Understanding the Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks) from the CARES Act
Many people anticipate receiving the CARES Act’s Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks) as additional financial support. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy wants to make sure they have the necessary information to know what to expect and how to get a payment.
Anyone with questions about how to get their payment or any other tax issues can contact our N.C. Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic by calling 980-202-7329 or filling out an online assistance request.
Check out our list of FAQs regarding the payments.
Watch our latest Facebook Live discussion on what people can expect as the government issues payments.
CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program Support for Local Non-Profits
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy recognizes the important role that our community nonprofits are playing in Coronavirus response while at the same time being heavily impacted by the pandemic. That’s why the Advocacy Center, along with its pro bono partners, is providing free assistance to help Charlotte-area 501(c)(3) organizations understand the process and apply to get federal aid.
The Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act made $350 billion available in small business loans. While most of this money has already been distributed, Congress will likely pass additional funding for small business loans as soon as this week.
Many 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible for these loans, and a significant portion of the loans to nonprofits can be forgiven if certain criteria are met. If you think your nonprofit organization may qualify for a loan and want help understanding the rules governing eligibility, repayment and forgiveness for the loan, we may be able to provide free legal advice for you.
Call Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy at 980-256-3791 for assistance.