Emergency Assistance

Emergency crisis assistance is available to Lenoir residents. Yokefellow defines crisis as “a sudden unplanned event which causes major disturbances in the household”. This is where Yokefellow can provide support. Yokefellow’s assistance, as outlined in Step 4 below, is in place to provide assurances that Yokefellow’s resources are used to reach the greatest number of Lenoir residents in need.

Yokefellow encourages and reinforces good use of household resources. Emergency Assistance applications are evaluated based on the budget completed by the client. Decisions are made with the budget in mind, household good faith efforts, the management of funds, and sustainability of the household budget. We want every client to be successful in leading their household towards good maintainable choices.

Step 1.
Make an Emergency Application with the Caldwell County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Emergency Assistance office. DSS will forward the referral directly to Yokefellow. DSS has access to a wide range of services and opportunities for your household.

Step 2.
Clients must come to the Yokefellow office in person. Requests are not discussed or taken over the phone or by electronic means to protect client privacy. The individuals requesting assistance must have the account in their name and reside in that household.

Step 3.
Emergency Assistance required documents:

1. original paper bill or late notice showing client as account holder or renter
2. photo ID

Step 4.
Financial assistance may be available for rent, mortgage payments, electricity, fuel/K1, natural gas and water, as well as medicines and other medical needs.

1. Rental/Rent Deposit assistance – one time assistance not to exceed $300, 10-day notice required and lease/rental agreement required
2. Mortgage Assistance – one time assistance not to exceed $300, past due notice required
3. Duke Energy – the amount of last month’s bill and one time per year
4. Blue Ridge Electric – the amount of last month's bill and one time per year
5. City and County Water – the amount of last month’s bill and one time per year
   Tampering with Utility Connections is an automatic disqualification for assistance.
6. Utility deposit - new service application must have lease/rental agreement attached
7. Medical – Must have referral from a licensed Health Care practitioner
8. Heating Fuels – must access CIP and LIEAP funds at DSS, one time per year. Assistance value will depend on market rates annually and will be posted
9. Clothing Vouchers – based on income, single adults every 6 months, parents with children every 90 days
10. Household vouchers – one time assistance for move-ins, must bring new rental agreement/lease.

The Yokefellow headquarters is located at 202 Harper Avenue in Lenoir. Hours for applying for emergency assistance are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am until noon and 1 pm until 4 pm.