ESR operates long-term, structured programs to assist low-income
working citizens of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County in becoming socially
and economically self-sufficient. Most of our programs are structured
for up to two years of participation, rather than emergency assistance.
We offer Information and Referral services to help clients and non-clients
alike find the best agency to meet their particular needs. For information
on the individual programs, choose Programs from the column at left.
ESR does intakes for new enrollments on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
and Friday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Our office hours are
8:00 AM until 5:00 PM each day. Thursdays are staffing days,
and clients are seen only by appointment.
ESR is a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status. The agency
is primarily funded by federal, state, county, and city dollars,
as well as by grants from charitable organizations and foundations,
and by donations from individuals and businesses.
No. ESR works with numerous programs and landlords in Winston-Salem/Forsyth
County that are willing to work with those who have been incarcerated
and are newly released. ESR has no specific program in place for
helping formerly incarcerated persons return to the mainstream
of the community, however in many cases, such individuals qualify
for one or more of the programs we do operate.
ESR is no longer structured as an emergency assistance agency.
Our programs are geared to prevent utilities disconnections,
however for clients already in one of our programs assistance
in such emergencies is sometimes available. In most cases, ESR
can provide a referral for assistance of this type, depending
on the particular circumstances.
ESR has a food pantry in place for ESR clients. Clothing is rarely
available; when we receive a large donation of clothing, families
who are already clients in an ESR program are often eligible
to receive clothing.
ESR's Self-Sufficiency Program assists clients who want to attend
Forsyth Technical Community College, or who are in their Junior
or Senior years at Winston-Salem State University. The program
of study must be approved. Each client's case is evaluated individually
for assistance with tuition and/or books. Assistance with uniforms
is also available in some cases.
Homelessness is defined as having no stable dwelling, and includes
those who are staying with relatives or friends, living in shelters,
on the street, in automobiles, or hotel rooms. Those whose names
are not on the lease for a rental property where they are staying
are also considered homeless.
ESR programs are long-term, structured programs to help clients
avoid becoming homeless or falling into emergency situations.
Because every client's situation is different and dynamic, there
is no set number of times per year a client may be assisted.
Each client must discuss the individual situation with his or
her caseworker to determine if ESR will be able to assist.
ESR's services are primarily geared toward the working homeless
and working poor, and can include financial assistance, assistance
with childcare, transportation, housing, food, budget counseling,
personal counseling, education, information, referrals, first-time
homeownership training, economic literacy training for adults
and children, and more.
For your first visit to ESR, please bring a valid photo ID (driver's
license, or state ID preferred), your social security card and
those of your children (if any), and your most recent pay stubs.
Additional documentation may be requested after intake and enrollment,
however these items are sufficient for your orientation visit.
You do not need to make an appointment for your first visit, however
please be sure to arrive before 3:00 PM on the appointed days to
be sure you will get to talk with a caseworker.
ESR can sometimes help in cases where the client has been turned
down by other agencies. Each case is evaluated individually to
determine whether ESR is the best agency to provide services. If
ESR is not the best agency for the individual's needs, ESR can
often provide referrals to a more appropriate agency, including
the local faith community.
Yes. ESR receives donations of gifts and food especially for our
clients at certain holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter
baskets are often available to clients on a limited basis, usually
pre-registered. Please contact ESR well in advance of these holidays
for information and registration.
Our programs are geared for assisting those who are employed at
least 20 hours per week. You may come in for orientation at any
time, however you are less likely to be enrolled in a program
at ESR if you are not employed. ESR will attempt to refer you
to an agency to help with your immediate needs, and will advise
you on finding employment and refer you to agencies that can
help you locate employment. ESR has staff located at the satellite
offices of the JobLink Career Center at Forsyth Technical Community
College's West Campus on Bolton Street, and at the Employment
Security Commission.
ESR's programs are designed to assist the working poor and working
homeless. If you are receiving disability and are unable to work
at least 20 hours per week, you will probably need to seek assistance
through another agency. ESR wprobably need to seek assistance
through another agency. ESR will gladly assist you in finding
such an agency, and write referrals where possible.gladly assist
you in finding such an agency, and write referrals where possible.
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