About Rowan Helping Ministries
Rowan Helping Ministries exists to walk alongside neighbors in Rowan County who are experiencing crisis. Through food, shelter, clothing, and financial assistance, we help meet immediate needs while empowering individuals and families to move toward stability and independence. Our work is made possible by the generosity of volunteers who give their time, talents, and resources every day.
Our Long Street campus is home to our Shelter, Crisis Assistance Center, transitional and permanent supportive housing, Jeannie’s Kitchen, and Clothing Center. We also operate a satellite food pantry to extend our reach across the county.
Programs include Shelter Services, Food Pantry, Clothing Center, Crisis Assistance Network, Jeannie’s Kitchen, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, New Tomorrows, and more — all designed to provide support and long-term opportunities for neighbors in need.
Rooted in a tradition of cooperative community action, Rowan Helping Ministries grew out of Rowan Cooperative Christian Ministry, a ministry founded in 1967 by several downtown Salisbury churches. Since incorporating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 1986, we have expanded our reach and services, continually guided by a mission to provide essential life needs while educating and empowering people to break the cycle of crisis.
Our Mission: Our Mission is to serve, through cooperative community action, our neighbors in Rowan County who are in crisis, by providing essential life needs and educating and empowering them to break the cycle of crisis.
History Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rowan Helping Ministries?
Rowan Helping Ministries is celebrating its 40th year of helping to move Rowan County residents out of crisis and into a better life. The work is done through donations and volunteers, supported by staff. Here is a list of services:
What if I need help?
All requests for financial assistance are handled by using the Rowan Helping Ministries online only application. Follow-up questions or needed communications are handled by email or phone. Inquiries will be handled in the order that they are received. Status inquiries can be left at 704-637-6838, ext. 226.
For shelter information, please call 704.637.6838, ext. 121.
If you, or anyone that you know, is sleeping outdoors, in a car, or anywhere people do not normally live, please contact Cathy Wood-Romero, Crisis Assistance/Housing Manager, at cwood@rowanhelpingministries.org, or call her at 704-637-6838, Ext. 107. Please leave a detailed location. We will conduct an outreach effort to encourage safe sheltering and participation in the programs and services of Rowan Helping Ministries.
What are your current needs?
We appreciate and rely upon the generous support of in-kind donations of items on our Wish List.
Other much needed items are on our Amazon Wish List. Check it out!
What are the client services hours at the Salisbury location?
- Jeannie’s Kitchen is open every day from noon-1 p.m. for anyone who needs a noon meal.
- The Shelter is open 24/7.
- Crisis Assistance Network is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-3:30 p.m. for those needing financial assistance.
What are the business hours?
- Jeannie’s (Soup) Kitchen is open every day from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. for anyone who needs a noon meal.
- The Shelter is open 24/7.
- Crisis Assistance Network is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for those needing financial assistance, food, or clothing.
Who gives to Rowan Helping Ministries?
Individuals, churches, civic groups, and businesses. Rowan Helping Ministries also receives funding from foundations and government entities.
How much of the money goes to Program Services?
A total of 91.4 percent of the money donated goes to Program Services.
Are you a United Way Agency?
United Way has partnered with Rowan Helping Ministries to support our Miracles on the Horizon Capital Campaign.
How can I help?
There are many ways to help:
Financial Contributions
- Checks can be made out to Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 N. Long St., Salisbury, NC 28144.
- Cash contributions.
- Automatic drafts can be set up to contribute on a regular basis.
- Donate Here.
Food Donations
- Food donations are received at Rowan Helping Ministries Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For more information on current needs, please go to our Wish List page.
Clothing Donations
- Clothing donations are received every weekday only from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Due to limited space, we can only accept seasonal clothing in good, clean condition.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Check our Volunteer page for more information. Get started by signing up to attend one of our volunteer orientations.
Partners in Service
Rowan Helping Ministries is a partner agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM). SHFBM partners and distributes food and essential grocery items to approximately 800 hunger feeding agencies in 24 counties in North and South Carolina. Agencies served include emergency pantries, soup kitchens, senior programs, shelters, and low-income daycares.
Want to become a partner? E-mail us to find out more information on becoming a Rowan Helping Ministries Partner.
