Crisis Control Ministry
Last updated August 2026
If you live in Stokes County and cannot cover a utility bill, rent, or heating fuel this month, Crisis Control Ministry is the first call to make. They serve both Forsyth and Stokes counties from their Winston-Salem office, and unlike most bill-help programs, they work year-round. Call (336) 724-7453 to set up an interview by phone or in person.
Crisis Control is built for short-term emergencies, not ongoing monthly support. The idea is simple: something knocked you off track, and one payment gets you back on it. Along with bill help, they run a food pantry where you choose your own food instead of taking a pre-packed box, and a free licensed pharmacy that fills medications for people who cannot afford them.
One thing worth knowing before you call: their website lists rent or mortgage, utilities, and heating fuel as the bills they help pay. It does not spell out which utilities count, so if it is a water bill you are facing, ask that question directly when you call. When we checked in August 2026, they were the only agency we could verify that pays utility bills for Stokes County residents.
Phone (336) 724-7453
Hours Mon–Fri 9am–12pm and 1pm–4pm (200 East Tenth Street, Winston-Salem)
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Live in Stokes County or Forsyth County
- Facing a short-term crisis or emergency
- Complete an interview about your need and resources
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call (336) 724-7453 during office hours: Monday through Friday, 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm.
- 2
Ask to set up an interview. They offer both phone and in-person interviews at 200 East Tenth Street in Winston-Salem.
- 3
In the interview, expect questions about your need and your resources: what happened, what you owe, and what you have coming in. Answer plainly; the interview is how they decide what help fits.
- 4
If they approve help, payments typically go toward the bill itself. Ask them to confirm timing with your utility so a pending disconnection gets paused.
What to have ready
- The bill you need help with, and the shut-off or past-due notice if you have one
- Some proof of your income and household, since the interview covers your resources (confirm the exact list when you book the interview)
Common questions
Does Crisis Control Ministry serve Stokes County?
Yes. Their service area is Forsyth and Stokes counties, stated on their own site. You do not have to live in Winston-Salem; you can interview by phone if the drive is hard.
Can Crisis Control help with a water bill?
Their site says they help with rent or mortgage, utilities, and heating fuel, without listing specific utility types. Ask about your water bill directly when you call (336) 724-7453. There is no government water bill program in North Carolina right now, so this is one of the few real options.
How fast can they help?
Help starts with an interview, so the honest answer is: as fast as you can get one scheduled and completed. Call early in the day, and tell them if you have a disconnection date; ask what the current wait looks like.
What else do they offer besides bill help?
A client-choice food pantry and a free licensed pharmacy for people who cannot afford their medications, both at the Winston-Salem location.
What if Crisis Control cannot help me?
Try King Outreach Ministry at (336) 983-4357 if you are in western Stokes, or East Stokes Outreach Ministry at (336) 591-3237 near Walnut Cove. For a heating or cooling emergency, the Crisis Intervention Program at Stokes County DSS, (336) 593-2861, pays up to $600 year-round.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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