DSS BRINGS INTAKE SERVICES TO WEST CHARLOTTE CORRIDOR
CHARLOTTE , NC The economic downturn has brought a record number of people through the doors of Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services' (DSS) Kuralt Centre on
Billingsley Road
, creating long lines, crowded conditions and overburdened intake staff. In 2008, applications for Food Stamps increased by 37 percent over 2007, and applications for Medicaid and North Carolina Health Choice increased 13 percent over the same time period. On Jan. 5, 2009,
1,040 customers came to the Kuralt Centre, accompanied by 1,000 to 2,000 family and friends.
To meet this growing need, Mecklenburg County DSS is now providing eligibility services for Food Stamps and Medicaid at Chapin Hall, located at the Valerie C. Woodard Building at
3205 Freedom Drive
(formerly Freedom Center ). Easily accessible from Interstates 77 and 85 and uptown Charlotte, this additional location will greatly enhance DSS's ability to bring critical services closer to those in west Charlotte . According to a recent ZIP-code analysis, 45 percent of applicants for public assistance live closer to Chapin Hall than to the DSS facility on
Billingsley Road
.
"Providing services to our clients as efficiently and effectively as possible is our focus," said Mary E. Wilson, director of Mecklenburg County DSS. "We want to be in the community where our clients are and make it easier for them to access services with minimal travel time. We also want to have facilities that are accessible for all citizens of Mecklenburg, including our seniors. Chapin Hall is an open, inviting space that will provide a less congested opportunity for our seniors to access services."
The hours for both locations are 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers may also call our Customer Service line at (704) 336-3150 for additional information about DSS services. The Customer Service line is available 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.