Housing Help

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. If you're behind on rent, worried about an eviction, or looking at a shutoff notice, take a breath. I'm really glad you picked this up. There is help in North Carolina, and the sooner you reach out, the more choices you usually have.

Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and ask about rent and utility help near you. For a heating or cooling shutoff, ask your county DSS about the Crisis Intervention Program. We'll walk through the rest together.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each program decides who it can serve. We can't promise money or a spot in any program.
• Never ignore court papers. Going to your hearing protects your choices.

What is the Crisis Intervention Program?

The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a North Carolina program for individuals and families who are in, or in danger of, a heating or cooling crisis. NCDHHS lists other energy help too:

• The Low Income Energy Assistance Program, a yearly payment toward heating bills
• The Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps make homes more energy efficient
• Utility programs like the Duke Energy Progress Share the Light Fund and the Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth Program, for customers in the counties they serve

Apply through your county DSS. To reach NCDHHS by phone, call 800.662.7030. For rent help, dial 211, and in Mecklenburg County, call Crisis Assistance Ministry at 704.371.3001.

Sources: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance and https://www.crisisassistance.org/programs/get-help/

How does eviction work in North Carolina?

North Carolina has rules about how evictions work. The court process is called summary ejectment.

Check the official state page and legal aid for the details, and decide what fits your situation. If you get court papers, write down your hearing date and go, and call legal aid right away.

Legal Aid of North Carolina helps people who qualify with housing problems. Call its helpline at 866.219.5262, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. Guide 13 has more.

Sources: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-3.html and https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7A/GS_7A-228.html and https://legalaidnc.org/

BUNKLY TIP

Never skip your court date

Even if you can't pay, go to your hearing. Bring every paper you have. You've got this!

How much can a landlord ask for a security deposit?

North Carolina has rules about security deposits, including how much they can be and how they come back after you move out. Check the official state page and legal aid for the details, and decide what fits your situation.

Take photos of the home when you move in and when you move out.

Sources: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-51.html and https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-52.html

What about longer term help with rent?

The Housing Choice Voucher program, which used to be called Section 8, helps very low income families, older adults and people with disabilities pay rent in the private market. In North Carolina, vouchers are run by local public housing agencies.

HUD lists the agency for your area. Waiting lists can be long, so it helps to apply early. NCHousingSearch.org lists rentals across the state.

Sources: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts and https://www.nchousingsearch.org/

Can someone help me make a plan?

Yes. HUD approved housing counselors can help you with a budget, renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and finding a place.

Call 800.569.4287 to find one near you.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling

What if I'm being treated unfairly?

There are fair housing rules about being treated differently because of things like your race, religion, disability, sex or having children. You can report housing discrimination to HUD or the NC Human Relations Commission at 984.236.1914.

Guide 13 has more.

Questions people ask a lot

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You're not behind on being brave

Asking for help with rent is hard. You're doing it anyway, and that matters.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
• Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across North Carolina, then local housing help in the biggest counties, then a county DSS list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

North Carolina

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Wake County (Raleigh)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your county DSS)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My housing plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 22, 2026