Winston-Salem has one of the most clearly organized faith-based emergency assistance networks in North Carolina, anchored by a single ministry that has been serving the community for more than 50 years.
Crisis Control Ministry is the primary entry point for emergency rent assistance in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Supported by local churches across the county, Crisis Control provides financial assistance for rent, utilities, and heating fuel through a structured interview process at two office locations — and now also conducts phone interviews. For most residents in Forsyth County, Crisis Control should be the first call.
Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org — North Carolina’s statewide helpline available 24/7 — to identify all programs currently funded in your zip code alongside the organizations listed here.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Winston-Salem
- Crisis Control conducts interviews — both phone and in-person; you will be interviewed to assess your need, available resources, and a plan toward self-sufficiency
- Payments go directly to landlords — organizations write checks to your landlord, not cash to you
- One-time or limited annual assistance — most programs help once per year or once per crisis
- Documentation required — proof of crisis, proof of income, bills, eviction or past-due notices
- Forsyth County focus — most programs serve Forsyth County specifically; verify your county qualifies before calling
1. Crisis Control Ministry — Winston-Salem & Kernersville
The primary faith-based rent assistance hub for Forsyth and Stokes Counties — 50+ years of service.
Crisis Control Ministry is a Christian-based nonprofit supported by local churches across the county, with a mission to assist people in crisis to meet essential life needs and become self-sufficient. It is the most established and comprehensive emergency assistance provider in Winston-Salem.
What Crisis Control provides:
- Financial assistance for rent and mortgage
- Financial assistance for utilities (electric, gas, water)
- Heating fuel assistance
- Rent and utility deposit assistance for those obtaining new housing
- Case management: interview process assesses needs and builds a plan toward independence
- Free medication assistance (emergency, one-time)
- Client choice food pantries
Interviews are available by phone and in person. You do not need to visit in person — call the Client Services number to begin your interview by phone.
Winston-Salem Office: Address: 200 East 10th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Client Services Phone: (336) 724-7453 Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00am–12:00pm and 1:00pm–4:00pm Closed between 12pm–1pm for lunch Tuesday extended evening hours: 4:30pm–7:00pm
Kernersville Satellite Office: Address: 431 West Bodenheimer Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 Phone: (336) 996-5401 Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00am–12:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday also 1:00pm–4:00pm
Website: crisiscontrol.org Coverage: Forsyth and Stokes Counties
What to bring or have ready for your interview:
- Proof of crisis (hospitalization documentation, doctor’s note, car repair bill, etc.)
- Proof of household income for last and current month
- As many bills and receipts from last and current month as possible
- Rent/mortgage statement with any late notice or eviction notice
- Utility bills with any cutoff notice
- If receiving disability benefits with a payee assigned, the payee must be present for in-person interviews
For seniors in Winston-Salem navigating both housing instability and government benefit enrollment, our North Carolina SNAP eligibility guide covers income limits and how to apply for food assistance that may free up budget for rent.
2. Salvation Army — Greater Winston-Salem
Emergency rent and utility help for Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties — when funds available.
The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem provides rent assistance and general utility help across Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties — depending on available resources. Call ahead to confirm current funding before visiting.
How to access: Contact the Salvation Army Winston-Salem directly or dial 2-1-1 for current availability Website: southernusa.salvationarmy.org/winston-salem Coverage: Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties
For a full overview of what Salvation Army emergency assistance programs typically provide and what documentation to bring, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
3. Sunnyside Ministry — Moravian Church, Southern Province
Basic needs assistance including emergency rent, fuel, and housing support.
Sunnyside Ministry is operated by the Moravian Church in America, Southern Province, and provides emergency assistance for basic needs including housing, fuel, and rental assistance on an emergency basis.
Address: 319 Haled Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27127 Phone: (336) 724-7558 Website: sunnysideministry.org
Contact Sunnyside directly for current eligibility requirements and intake procedures. Sunnyside is one of the longest-serving faith-based assistance programs in the Moravian community of Winston-Salem.
4. St. Peter’s Family Support Program
Monthly assistance for emergency rent, moving expenses, and utilities.
St. Peter’s offers monthly assistance programs and collaborates with the Winston-Salem Urban League to extend its reach. The program provides emergency assistance for rent, moving expenses, and utilities for families struggling financially — with a focus on stabilizing housing situations.
Address: 3683 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 Contact: Call the church office directly for current availability, monthly program dates, and eligibility requirements
5. Calvary Baptist Church — Benevolence Program
Well-organized benevolence fund covering dozens of families annually with rent and bill payments.
Calvary Baptist has a structured benevolence program that evaluates emergency requests based on urgency and current availability of funds. The program helps dozens of Winston-Salem families each year with rent and household bill payments.
Peace Haven Campus Address: 134 S. Peace Haven Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 Contact: Call the church office to request benevolence assistance and ask about current availability
6. Centenary United Methodist Church
Missions team providing rapid emergency rent assistance and job placement support.
Centenary has a dedicated missions team that responds quickly to emergency requests for rent help. The church also provides job placement assistance and counseling services alongside financial assistance.
Location: Downtown Winston-Salem Contact: Call the church office for emergency rent assistance intake
7. First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem
Emergency rental assistance and additional support services.
First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem offers emergency rental assistance to individuals and families struggling to pay rent, along with food and utility assistance through its community support program.
Contact: Call the church office directly for current availability and intake requirements
8. Hope City Church
Rent assistance for low-income families during temporary financial crises.
Hope City Church assists low-income families in Winston-Salem with rental aid during temporary financial crises, alongside food, clothing, and job assistance to help families recover financially.
Contact: Call or visit the church’s website for current availability and eligibility
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Winston-Salem
- Valid photo ID for all adults in the household
- Proof of financial crisis (hospital documentation, termination letter, car repair bill, etc.)
- Proof of household income for the current and previous month
- Bills and receipts from the current and previous month showing household expenses
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Eviction notice, 3-day notice, late notice, or past-due rent statement from landlord
- Utility bills with any cutoff or disconnection notice
- Landlord’s full name, mailing address, and phone number
- Section 8 voucher inspection proof if applicable
- If receiving disability benefits with assigned payee: payee must be present for in-person interviews
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Winston-Salem
Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org: North Carolina’s statewide helpline — 24/7 — identifies currently funded programs in your zip code and makes direct referrals to rental assistance.
Coordinated Reception Center (Emergency Shelter): If you are homeless or will become homeless imminently, call (336) 721-9327 for emergency shelter services in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County.
Right to Counsel Program: Provides free legal assistance to low- and moderate-income tenants facing eviction proceedings in Winston-Salem. Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262 or legalaidnc.org for current availability of eviction legal representation in Forsyth County.
Forsyth County Department of Social Services: For government-administered assistance programs. For long-term housing stability through subsidized housing, our Section 8 housing vouchers guide explains how to apply through the Winston-Salem Housing Authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Winston-Salem, NC?
The primary organization is Crisis Control Ministry — a church-supported nonprofit serving Forsyth and Stokes Counties for more than 50 years. Call (336) 724-7453 (Winston-Salem) or (336) 996-5401 (Kernersville) to begin a phone or in-person interview. Other faith-based organizations providing emergency rent help include the Salvation Army Greater Winston-Salem, Sunnyside Ministry (336-724-7558), St. Peter’s Family Support Program (3683 Old Lexington Rd), Calvary Baptist Church benevolence program (134 S. Peace Haven Rd), and Centenary United Methodist Church.
How do I get emergency rent help in Winston-Salem fast?
Call Crisis Control Ministry at (336) 724-7453 — phone interviews are available so you can begin the process without visiting in person. Also dial 2-1-1 to identify other currently funded programs simultaneously. For imminent homelessness, call the Coordinated Reception Center at (336) 721-9327. Apply to Crisis Control, the Salvation Army, and Sunnyside Ministry simultaneously for the best chance of timely assistance.
What is Crisis Control Ministry in Winston-Salem?
Crisis Control Ministry is a Christian-based nonprofit supported by local churches across Forsyth County, serving the community for more than 50 years. It provides financial assistance for rent, utilities, heating fuel, and security deposits through a structured interview process at its Winston-Salem office (200 East 10th Street) and Kernersville satellite (431 West Bodenheimer Street). Both phone and in-person interviews are available. Call the Client Services line at (336) 724-7453 in Winston-Salem or (336) 996-5401 in Kernersville.
Does the Salvation Army in Winston-Salem help with rent?
Yes — depending on available resources. The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem may provide rent assistance and utility help for residents in Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties. Call ahead to confirm current availability before visiting.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. Crisis Control Ministry address, phone numbers, and hours confirmed from official crisiscontrol.org and findhelp.org (last updated 05/27/2026). Ashley Edwards named new executive director effective June 1, 2026. Salvation Army coverage area confirmed from official southernusa.salvationarmy.org/winston-salem. Program availability, funding, and contact information change frequently. Always call before visiting. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.