By Samantha Husted 

As the U.S. Border Patrol has descended upon Charlotte in an operation dubbed “Charlotte’s Web,” Charlotteans are left wondering how they can help their neighbors. 

While many Latino-owned restaurants have closed across the city, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty, here are ways to support Charlotte’s immigrant community. 

Nonprofits to support

By Immigrant Hands 

Founded by Manuel “Manolo” Betancur, owner of the beloved Latin-American bakery Manolo’s Bakery, Immigrant Hands is a nonprofit that prepares and delivers birthday cakes and bread to those in need. You can donate directly at www.byimmigranthands.com or support the organization by purchasing a t-shirt, hoodie, or tote bag.

Carolina Migrant Network

The Carolina Migrant Network is a nonprofit organization that provides legal services and legal education on the U.S. Immigration system to Charlotte’s immigrant community. The nonprofit offers free services for people in detention centers and in removal proceedings. 

Alongside Carolina Migrant Network’s legal work, the organization has a community defense hotline for reporting ICE sightings in Charlotte. You can reach that number at 704-740-7737. When reporting a sighting, the nonprofit asks that you include the time, date, intersection and photos and videos if you have them. 

Currently, Carolina Migrant Network is fundraising. You can donate here. Check out Carolina Migrant Network’s Instagram for updates.

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy 

The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy assists people who cannot afford legal services but desperately need them. The organization provides comprehensive legal services for Charlotte’s low-income residents. 

International House

Since 1981, International House is a nonprofit that’s been dedicated to helping immigrants and international culture thrive in the Charlotte community. International House offers educational programs, legal services, community resources, and even cultural sensitivity training for members of the community who work with immigrants and refugees. 

Donate here.

ourBRIDGE for Kids:

ourBRIDGE for Kids is a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed service for immigrant and refugee children and their families in Charlotte. The organization is teaming up with Nourish Up, a nonprofit fighting hunger in Mecklenburg County, for a food drive. ourBRIDGE for Kids is asking for donations of culturally relevant, nonperishable food items only (no produce or meat). Examples include sugar, maseca, Harina P.A.N., potatoes, pasta, flour, rice, beans, lentils water, bread, canned tomato/sauce, canned tuna/spam, ramen/mac and cheese, non-refrigerated fruits/vegetables, and pet food. They are also accepting non-food items such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, and baby wipes.

If you’d like to donate perishable food, the organization asks that you donate directly to ourBRIDGE for Kids here. Their team will purchase perishable items for families in need.

When dropping off your donation, you must specify that it is for ourBRIDGE for Kids.

Dropoff Location: 901 Carrier Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m – 4.pm.

ourBRIDGE for Kids is also providing “Know Your Rights” yard signs (available in English and Spanish). The organization needs volunteers to place the signs in high-foot traffic areas such as bus stops, shopping centers and schools. Signs and whistles will be available while supplies last. 

Pickup Location: 3400 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

Refugee Support Services

Refugee Support Services provides support for refugees, asylees, and other displaced people in Charlotte. Each week the organization hosts a free food market that feeds families in need. 

Donate here.

Project 658

Project 658 is an East Charlotte nonprofit that provides English classes for Charlotte’s international community alongside childcare, medical services, after school programs, and job development opportunities. Shop Project 658’s wishlist here.

Siembra NC

Siembra NC aims to fight abusive policies that impact the Latinx community in North Carolina. The organization works to defend its community from ICE, abusive landlords and employers, and provides resources to empower the Latinx community. 

Siembra NC’s defense hotline to report ICE sightings: 336-543-0353.

Follow Siembra NC’s Instagram for updates. Donate here.

Access to food

Compare Foods 

In an effort to protect Charlotte’s immigrant community, Compare Foods, a family-owned grocery store chain, announced that it will be offering free delivery for online orders through Dec. 31. All delivery and pick up fees will be eliminated when you order online at compareclt.com using the code NOFEE2025.

NC Local Food Resource Map

NC Local provides a directory of where to find free food across North Carolina. The website has access to food banks and other organizations that provide food access to North Carolina residents. 

Sam Diminich

Sam Diminich, the owner and chef of Restaurant Constance, is offering his own personalized version of community support. Diminich announced on social media that he is available to deliver meals, groceries, medicine or even a ride to work or school. You can reach out to Diminich directly by emailing him at chefsam@yfytgroup.com 

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