In Durham, there is great concern about crime among the Hispanic community. Lack of language proficiency and paperwork to use the banking system often cause people to hide money in their homes or on their persons. Often not living in the best or safest neighborhoods, these people are potential targets for thieves. The Hispanic Center is doing much to help organize communities to protect themselves. The police department has hired more bilingual police officers and has a Spanish 911 number in operation.
Churches continue to be major outreach providers.
In Wilmington, Winter Park Baptist Church sponsors new immigrants coming to the area. They have a Wednesday morning program including child care. In Buncombe County there are several active churches serving immigrants including one which serves solely the Ukrainian population. There are many ministries to the Hispanic population as well. St. Michael's in Gastonia offers a mass in Spanish once a month so many folks drive to Hickory where weekly mass is offered in Spanish.