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 things are hard right now, I'm really glad you picked this up. You are not alone, and there are people all over North Carolina whose whole job is helping you get back on your feet.
Here is the easy first step in North Carolina: dial 211, any time, day or night. To apply for food, cash or health coverage, use ePASS or your county Department of Social Services (DSS). We'll walk through the rest together, one page at a time.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Start with the thing that matters most today. If you need a place to sleep tonight, that comes first.
If you have a roof but you're short on food, rent or a utility bill, start there.
NC 211 connects people to local help across the state, from shelter and food to rent and utility help. Dial 211 from most phones. If 211 doesn't connect, call 888.892.1162.
Sources: https://nc211.org/
Your first steps, in order
- If you're in danger, call 911. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
- If you need a bed tonight, read guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight. In Mecklenburg County, call Coordinated Entry at 704.284.9665.
- Dial 211 and say what you need, in your own words.
- Apply for food, cash help and health coverage on ePASS, or at your county DSS office.
- Write down every name, number and date. Keep it in one place.
What is 211, and how does it work?
NC 211 is a phone line and website that knows about local programs near you. You tell them your ZIP code and what you need.
They tell you which places may be able to help, and how to reach them.
You can call 211 for things like shelter, food pantries, rent or utility help, health care, legal help and more. You can also search the NC 211 website yourself.
Sources: https://nc211.org/
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in (town or county), ZIP code (ZIP)."
"I need help with (shelter, food, rent, a shutoff)."
"It's just me," or "I have (number) kids with me."
"Can you give me two or three places to call today?"
Here is an easy one
Ask 211 for more than one number. If the first place is full, you already know who to call next.
Which guide do I need?
There are 14 guides in this set. Each one goes deeper on one topic.
- Emergency Shelter Tonight, if you need a bed tonight.
- Housing Help, for rent, eviction, deposits and shutoffs.
- Food, for Food Assistance, pantries and meals.
- Clothing and Hygiene, for showers, laundry and clothes.
- Jobs and Job Training, for NCWorks and unemployment.
- Health and Mental Health, for coverage, crisis help and care.
- Domestic Violence Safety and Housing, if you're not safe at home.
- Veterans, for VA and North Carolina veteran help.
- Youth and Young Adults, if you're under 25.
- Getting ID and Documents Back, for birth certificates and state ID.
- Phones and Internet, for Lifeline and Wi-Fi.
- Legal and Tenant Help, for legal aid and your rights.
- How to Make Blessing Bags, if you want to help someone else.
How do I apply for food, cash help and Medicaid?
In North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) sets the rules for the big programs, and your county DSS office runs them. You can apply for several at once on ePASS, the state's online site.
You can also apply on paper or at your county DSS.
- Food and Nutrition Services (North Carolina's name for SNAP) puts money for groceries on an EBT card.
- The Family Independence Program gives temporary cash help to pregnant women and low income families with children.
- The Crisis Intervention Program helps with a heating or cooling emergency, like a shutoff notice. Apply through your county DSS.
- Medicaid covers health care for people who qualify.
Sources: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps and https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/work-first-family-assistance and https://epass.nc.gov/
To reach NCDHHS by phone, call the Customer Service Center at 800.662.7030. Many county DSS offices are listed at the end of this guide.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory
Say you just lost your job in Greensboro
You could apply for Food and Nutrition Services on ePASS today, so groceries are covered while you look for work. Then you could file for unemployment with the Division of Employment Security and visit an NCWorks Career Center for job leads. If a shutoff notice comes, ask your county DSS about the Crisis Intervention Program right away. Small steps, one at a time.
How do I get my ID and papers back?
Lost your ID? It happens to so many people.
Start with your birth certificate and Social Security number, then go to an NCDMV office for a state ID card. NCDMV says an ID card has no fee for people 17 and older. Guide 11 walks you through it.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/identification/Pages/default.aspx
Keep a simple folder or phone album
How do I stay connected?
A phone makes everything easier. The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of phone or internet service for people who get benefits like SNAP or Medicaid.
Libraries have computers and Wi-Fi you can use. Guide 12 has more.
Write it down
Phones get lost and batteries die. Keep your most important numbers on paper too.
Where can I get help right away?
If you're in danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988, any time, day or night.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/crisis-services/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an address to get help?
No. Many programs serve people with no address. You can often use a shelter or a trusted friend's address for mail.
Can I apply for more than one program?
Yes. ePASS lets you apply for several programs at once.
What if I don't have a phone?
Libraries, shelters and day centers often let you use a phone or computer.
What if I don't speak English well?
Ask for an interpreter. Many programs offer one.
What if I was turned down?
Ask why, in writing if you can. You may be able to appeal or try another program.
I'm really glad you're here
You picked up this guide, and that's a real step. Be kind to yourself today.
Here is help that works across North Carolina, then local 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.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love. Spanish text and chat are available.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter. The Hotline does not give cash or hotel vouchers, but it can connect you to local groups that may.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/ TTY 800.787.3224.
Source https://www.thehotline.org/ and https://nccadv.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Live chat is linked from https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
HUD approved housing counselors
What it offers HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 (TTY 202.708.1455). Search online at https://answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling/
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
North Carolina
Here are some places to start.
NC 211 (United Way of North Carolina)
What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, bills, health care and more. Open 24/7, in most languages.
How to reach Dial 211 or call 888.892.1162. Search or chat at https://nc211.org/
Source https://nc211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NC ePASS: apply for benefits online
What it offers North Carolina's online application for Food and Nutrition Services (North Carolina's name for SNAP), Medicaid and energy help. On the form, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance. You'll need an NCID account to start.
How to reach Apply at https://epass.nc.gov/ You can also apply through your county Department of Social Services (see the county sections below).
Source https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply and https://dcr.mecknc.gov/Apply-for-Benefits
Last checked October 22, 2026
NC Medicaid Contact Center
What it offers Questions about NC Medicaid and help finding your local Department of Social Services. You can apply online, in person, by phone, by mail or through HealthCare.gov.
How to reach Call 888.245.0179, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed state holidays). TTY: dial 711. Online: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply
Source https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid of North Carolina Helpline
What it offers No cost help with civil (not criminal) legal problems for people who qualify, including housing, domestic violence, public benefits and consumer issues.
How to reach Call 866.219.5262, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. Apply online at https://legalaidnc.org/justicehub/
Source https://www.legalaidnc.org/apply and https://legalaidnc.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NCDHHS Customer Service Center and county social services
What it offers Each of North Carolina's 100 counties has a local Department of Social Services (DSS). That is where Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First, energy help and Medicaid are handled. You can also apply online at ePASS.
How to reach Call the NCDHHS Customer Service Center at 800.662.7030, or use the Local DSS Directory to find your county office. Apply online at https://epass.nc.gov/
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
Here are some places to start.
Mecklenburg County Coordinated Entry
What it offers The first step to connect with homeless services and homelessness prevention in Mecklenburg County. It's for people who are homeless now or expect to be soon. For other needs, the county says to call 211.
How to reach Call 704.284.9665 and leave a message. Staff call back Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The county lists the Valerie C. Woodard Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208, and the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213. Call before you go.
Source https://css.mecknc.gov/Housing-Stabilization/coordinated-entry
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mecklenburg County: apply for benefits
What it offers Apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, Work First and energy help.
How to reach Online at https://epass.nc.gov/ or https://allaccess.mecknc.gov/ By phone (or to get a paper form mailed to you): 704.336.3000. Pick up and return paper forms at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213, or the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208. Each location has a 24 hour drop box. Fax: 704.353.1325.
Source https://dcr.mecknc.gov/Apply-for-Benefits
Last checked October 22, 2026
MeckHope support lines
What it offers Mecklenburg County lines for urgent and preventive mental health and drug or alcohol help.
How to reach Emergency access (24/7): 800.510.9132. General resource and peer warm line (24/7): 833.390.7728. Alcohol and drugs: 704.445.6900.
Source https://cfas.mecknc.gov/MeckHope
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Wake County (Raleigh)
Here are some places to start.
Oak City Cares service center (Raleigh)
What it offers A hub for individuals and families that connects people to housing help, meals and other support. It also offers showers and laundry, computers and phones.
How to reach 1430 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Walk in, or call 984.344.9599 and select option 4. Showers and laundry: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Source https://raleighnc.gov/housing/resources-housing-crises-and-homelessness and https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/veterans-services/veterans-housing-information
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wake County Coordinated Entry access sites
What it offers Where people in Wake County who are homeless can start a Coordinated Entry assessment. Eligibility varies by provider and funding.
How to reach Oak City Cares (adults and families): 1430 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 am to 3:30 pm; Wednesday 9 am to 12:30 pm; Friday 9 am to 2:30 pm. Women's Center (single women without children): 2200 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27610. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Haven House Services (ages 18 to 24): 1008 Bullard Court, Raleigh, NC 27615. Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Call 919.980.2015. Haven House staff also meet young adults at Oak City Cares on Wednesdays, 9 am to 1 pm.
Source https://www.wakenc507.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wake County Health and Human Services: Medicaid by phone
What it offers Apply for Medicaid over the phone, online through ePASS, or with a paper form.
How to reach Call 919.212.7000, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. Online at https://epass.nc.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wake County regional centers
What it offers County service centers outside downtown Raleigh where you can ask about help, from a place to stay to food.
How to reach Northern Regional Center: 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest, NC 27587, 919.562.6300. Southern Regional Center: 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, 919.557.2501. Eastern Regional Center: 1001 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon, NC 27597, 919.404.3900.
Source https://raleighnc.gov/housing/resources-housing-crises-and-homelessness
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county DSS)
Here are some places to start.
Alamance County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Alamance County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217. Call 336.570.6532. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/alamance-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Brunswick County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Brunswick County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 60 Government Center Drive NE, Building B, Bolivia, NC 28422. Call 910.253.2077. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/brunswick-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Buncombe County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Buncombe County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28802. Call 828.250.5500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/buncombe-county-health-human-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cabarrus County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cabarrus County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083. Call 704.920.1400. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cabarrus-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Catawba County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Catawba County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 3030 11th Ave. Drive, S.E., Hickory, NC 28602. Call 828.695.5600. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/catawba-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cumberland County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301. Call 910.323.1540. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cumberland-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Davidson County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Davidson County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 913 Greensboro St., Lexington, NC 27292. Call 336.242.2500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/davidson-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Durham County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Durham County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 414 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27702. Call 919.560.8000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/durham-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Forsyth County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Forsyth County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 741 North Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Call 336.703.3800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/forsyth-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gaston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Gaston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052. Call 704.862.7500. Call ahead for hours.
Last checked October 22, 2026
Guilford County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Guilford County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1203 Maple St., Greensboro, NC 27405. Call 336.641.3000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/guilford-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Iredell County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Iredell County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 549 Eastside Drive, Statesville, NC 28625. Call 704.873.5631. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/iredell-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Johnston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Johnston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 714 North St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Call 919.989.5300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/johnston-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for New Hanover County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1650 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Call 910.798.3500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/new-hanover-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Onslow County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Onslow County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 612 College St., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Call 910.455.4145. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/onslow-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Orange County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Orange County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 113 Mayo St., Hillsborough, NC 27278. Call 919.245.2800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/orange-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Pitt County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Pitt County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1717 W. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27834. Call 252.902.1110. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/pitt-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Rowan County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Rowan County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1813 E. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28146. Call 704.216.8330. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/rowan-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Union County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Union County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110. Call 704.296.4300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/union-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wayne County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Wayne County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1560 Clingman St., Goldsboro, NC 27534. Call 919.580.4034. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/wayne-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Papers that help with almost everything
My plan for this week
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
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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