About Rowan Helping Ministries
Rowan Helping Ministries operates with a budget of $2.8 million, with only 5.2 percent of funds going to administrative costs. Typically, nonprofits spend from 15 to 40 percent of revenue on administrative costs. The 50 volunteers who serve each day, 365 days per year, make this possible.
The Long street campus consists of the Ralph W. Ketner Center Crisis Assistance Center, the Robertson-Stanback Center and Jeannie’s Kitchen; three remodeled permanent supportive houses for families, two Eagle’s Nest apartment buildings, for guests to be able move out of the shelter into transitional housing. In addition, there are two satellite Food Pantries in Rowan County: Rowan Helping Ministries West and Rowan Helping Ministries East.
Programs include Shelter Services, Jeannie’s Kitchen, the Clothing Center, Food Pantry, Crisis Assistance Network, Transitional Housing Programs, Rowan Helping Ministries-West, Rowan Helping Ministries-East, New Tomorrows, Food For Thought.
Rowan Helping Ministries, now celebrating its 35th year, works to move people out of crisis, poverty, hunger, and homelessness in Rowan County. The organization was built, and continues to thrive on the generosity of volunteers, who give their time, talents and treasures.
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.
Rowan Helping Ministries is a continuation of Rowan Cooperative Christian Ministry, a ministry begun in 1967 by several of Salisbury’s downtown churches. Rowan Helping Ministries was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on Sept. 18, 1986. At that time, the Shelter rotated among several of the downtown churches and only operated during the winter months. The Soup Kitchen was provided by First Presbyterian Church, and The Crisis Assistance Network worked out of John Calvin Presbyterian Church. The Clothing Center was at the former Price High School building. Dial Help, incorporated in 1970, was in the basement of Tri-County Mental Health.
In December 1989, all of these programs moved to 226 N. Long St. and became part of Rowan Helping Ministries.
History Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rowan Helping Ministries?
Rowan Helping Ministries is celebrating its 35th 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?
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, 8 a.m-3:30 p.m. for those needing financial assistance.
How many people are helped each day?
Our Crisis Assistance Network helps 25-40 people each weekday. We serve 75 to 100 noon meals. A total of 90 to 100 guests are sheltered each night. A total of 1,000 school children receive weekend food bags during the school year.
What Are the Business Hours?
- Jeannie’s (Soup) Kitchen is open every day from 12pm – 1pm for anyone who needs a noon meal.
- The Shelter is open 24/7.
- Crisis Assistance Network is open Monday – Friday 8am – 3:30 pm 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 87.1 percent of the money donated goes to Program Services. Our current budget is $3, 090,309
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, 8 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 on Wednesdays only from 8 a.m.-3:00 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.
