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. Thank you for your service. If you're a veteran and things are hard, I'm really glad you picked this up. North Carolina and the VA have help for housing, health care and benefits.
Here is the easy first step: if you're homeless or about to be, call the VA at 877.424.3838, any time. For North Carolina benefits, call NC DMVA at 844.624.8387. 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 a benefit or a spot in any program.
- You may qualify for help even if you didn't serve in combat or don't get VA health care now.
Call the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, any time, day or night. You'll talk to a trained VA counselor who can connect you with help near you.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://department.va.gov/homeless/
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm a veteran, and I'm homeless," or "I'm about to lose my housing."
"I'm in (town or county)."
"I served in the (branch), from (year) to (year)."
"What can you help me with tonight?"
What does NC DMVA do?
The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has benefits specialists in 12 Veterans Service Centers around the state. They help veterans and families with benefits and claims, and work with county veterans service officers.
Call 844.624.8387, or find your center at milvets.nc.gov.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.milvets.nc.gov/
How to get started, step by step
- If you need a bed, call the VA homeless line first.
- Find your DD 214 or any discharge paper. If you don't have it, a Veteran Service Officer can help.
- Call NC DMVA at 844.624.8387 to ask about North Carolina benefits.
- Meet with a Veteran Service Officer to file for VA benefits.
- Write down every name, date and claim number.
Ask for a Veteran Service Officer
A Veteran Service Officer can help you file claims and find your papers. Ask for one by name.
What if I'm in crisis?
Call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255. It's there 24 hours a day, and you don't have to be enrolled in VA care.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Where can I get VA health care?
The VA runs medical centers and clinics across North Carolina. You can find the nearest one with the VA's location finder at va.gov.
Ask about mental health care and help for veterans who are homeless.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
Papers that help veterans get services
Can I get other help too?
Yes. Veterans can also apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Work First and Medicaid on ePASS.
NCWorks Career Centers have special programs for veterans.
Say you're a veteran sleeping in your truck in Mecklenburg County
You could call the VA homeless line tonight. Tomorrow, you could call Mecklenburg County Veterans Services at 704.336.2102 and NC DMVA at 844.624.8387 to ask about benefits. A veterans service officer could help you file a claim.
Questions people ask a lot
Can I get help if I wasn't honorably discharged?
You may still qualify for some help. Ask the VA or a Veteran Service Officer.
Does it cost to get help from a Veteran Service Officer?
Ask your county office. Many help at no cost.
Can my family get help too?
Some programs serve family members. Ask when you call.
What if I lost my DD 214?
A Veteran Service Officer can help you get a copy.
You served, and you matter
Reaching out for help is a strong thing to do. There are people who want to help you.
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.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
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.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across North Carolina, then veteran 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.
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
Veterans Crisis Line
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for Veterans in crisis and the people who care about them. Many responders are Veterans themselves.
How to reach Dial 988, then press 1. Text 838255. TTY: dial 711, then 988. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Source https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA homeless programs
What it offers VA programs include HUD VASH (permanent supportive housing), Supportive Services for Veteran Families (homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing), Grant and Per Diem (transitional housing), Health Care for Homeless Veterans, employment help and legal services for Veterans who are homeless or at risk.
How to reach Start with the National Call Center at 877.424.3838. Online: https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
North Carolina
Here are some places to start.
NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
What it offers Benefits specialists in 12 Veterans Service Centers around the state help Veterans and families with benefits and claims, and work with county Veterans service officers.
How to reach Call 844.624.8387. 413 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Find your Veterans Service Center at https://www.milvets.nc.gov/veterans-service-centers
Source https://www.milvets.nc.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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
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 Veterans Services
What it offers Counseling and help building benefit claims for Veterans and their families, plus help for Veterans at risk of becoming homeless.
How to reach New clients call 704.336.2102. Walk in Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Entrance A, Charlotte, NC 28208, or the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213. Also Huntersville Town Hall, 14704 North Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Source https://css.mecknc.gov/veterans-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy: Veterans Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for Veterans who qualify.
How to reach Call 980.353.3648.
Source https://charlottelegaladvocacy.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Wake County (Raleigh)
Here are some places to start.
Wake County Veterans Services
What it offers Help for Wake County Veterans and their families with VA and state benefit claims. Appointments are required for claims. Walk in help is limited to DMV tags, hunting and fishing licenses and property tax exemption. Virtual and phone appointments are available.
How to reach 4401 Bland Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:15 pm (walk in services 9 am to 4 pm). Call 919.212.8387 or email veterans@wake.gov. Bring your DD 214 if you have it.
Source https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/veterans-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wake County Veterans housing help
What it offers Help with emergency shelter, transitional housing and long term housing for Wake County Veterans. The county lists the South Wilmington Street Center, 1420 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh (male Veterans), Women Veterans Supportive Services (https://wvssnc.org/) for women Veterans, and Oak City Cares, 1430 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, as a resource hub.
How to reach Call 919.857.3899 or email veterans@wake.gov.
Source https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/veterans-services/veterans-housing-information
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 veterans get services
My veteran plan
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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