North Carolina
25 listings in North Carolina, plus 5 national lines that work everywhere.
North Carolina Refugee Assistance Program
Administers cash and medical assistance for the first 12 months after arrival plus employment services, case management, English classes, and immigration help for refugees, asylees, trafficking victims, and SIV and parolee populations. Applications are taken at county DSS offices rather than the state office.
Roof Above
Charlotte's largest homeless services provider, with a Day Services Center offering showers, laundry, mail, lunch, a nurse, and help getting ID, plus emergency shelters that do not require photo ID. Call the help line for a phone assessment or walk into a Coordinated Entry site to get on the list for shelter and housing.
Oak City Cares
Wake County's multi-service hub for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, with care coordinators, weekday showers and laundry, weekend meals, on-site medical and behavioral health, and rides to other providers. It is a Coordinated Entry access site, so this is where to walk in for shelter and homelessness-prevention referrals.
Urban Ministries of Durham
Durham's primary public shelter for single men and women, with nine family rooms, a cafe serving three free meals every day of the year, and a food pantry and clothing closet. Shelter placement goes through Entry Point Durham, which currently does intakes by phone only.
Greensboro Urban Ministry
Runs Weaver House shelter for single adults, Pathways family shelter, a food pantry, Potter's House daily lunch, and walk-in utility disconnect help for Guilford County. Shelter beds fill fast, so the ministry asks people to call the Weaver House desk repeatedly during morning hours.
AHOPE Day Center
Asheville's low-barrier day center where showers, breakfast, mail, lockers, phone, and Wi-Fi are available each weekday morning, followed by case management for IDs, housing applications, and job documents. It is the starting point for Homeward Bound's permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and veteran programs.
Legal Aid of North Carolina Helpline
Free civil legal help for low-income North Carolinians with housing, benefits, family law, domestic violence protective orders, employment, and criminal record expunction. Apply by phone during weekday hours or online through JusticeHub at any time.
North Carolina Vital Records
Issues certified North Carolina birth certificates by mail, through VitalChek online or by phone, or in person at the Raleigh office by appointment only. The state search fee is $24 for the first copy; county Registers of Deeds can also issue birth certificates for births in their county.
North Carolina State ID Card
A North Carolina ID card is free for anyone 17 or older and is issued at any driver license office on a walk-in basis, with the card mailed within 20 business days. Bring proof of identity and age, a Social Security card or proof of your number, and one proof of NC residency (two for a REAL ID).
Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP)
North Carolina's SNAP program, called FNS, pays monthly food benefits on an EBT card based on income and household size, and people experiencing homelessness are specifically listed as likely to qualify. Benefits are counted from the date the application is received, even if it is incomplete, so apply right away through ePASS or a county DSS.
NC Medicaid Application
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, so most adults with low income can get coverage. Apply online through ePASS (listed as Medical Assistance), by phone or walk-in at your county DSS, or by mailing a signed application; decisions take up to 45 days, 90 for disability.
NC 211
Free, confidential information line that connects North Carolinians to verified help with housing, utilities, food, health care, and transportation. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in the state and choose your language when prompted.
National lines that work in North Carolina
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.