Most people know Crisis Assistance Ministry as the perpetually swamped agency that offers emergency relief to families facing financial crises — and during the Great Recession, it’s been at its swampiest. But it’s also actively involved in the community, advocating for the poor through education efforts, speaking to church and school groups, button-holing politicians, presenting “poverty simulations,” and giving ongoing support to state and national initiatives that focus on transportation, affordable housing, and the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This city probably owes more to “Crisis” than it can repay, but consider this award as Creative Loafing’s small down payment. www.crisisassistance.org