Need Help With Food, Housing, Utilities or Other Basic Needs?

Written By CRYSTALE KING

At Rest and Renew, LLC, we believe supporting individuals and families goes beyond care in the home. Connecting our community with reliable resources is another way we can help individuals maintain stability, independence, and quality of life.

If you or someone you care for needs assistance with food, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, or other essential needs, the following North Carolina resources may help.

NC 211 – Start Here

Dial 2-1-1

Toll-Free: 1-888-892-1162

NC 211 is a free and confidential information and referral service available to North Carolina residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

NC 211 can help connect individuals and families with local resources for:

  • Food pantries and meal assistance

  • Emergency shelters and housing resources

  • Rent and utility assistance

  • Transportation assistance

  • Healthcare and mental health resources

  • Caregiver and senior resources

  • Disability-related services

  • Employment and financial assistance

  • Domestic violence and crisis resources

  • Disaster assistance

  • Other health and human services

Residents can search for assistance based on their location and individual needs.

Food & Nutrition Assistance

North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), commonly known as SNAP or food stamps, helps eligible households purchase food.

Individuals can apply through North Carolina’s benefits system or contact their local Department of Social Services for assistance.

NC Food and Nutrition Services / EBT Assistance:

1-866-719-0141

Additional food assistance may be available through local food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, senior meal programs, and community organizations.

Housing & Shelter Assistance

Individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, eviction, or another housing emergency may be able to access:

  • Emergency homeless shelters

  • Transitional housing

  • Emergency rental assistance resources

  • Domestic violence crisis shelters

  • Extreme-weather shelters

  • Housing stabilization programs

Because availability and eligibility can vary by county, contacting NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 is a good starting point for locating current programs in your area.

Utility & Emergency Financial Assistance

North Carolina residents experiencing financial hardship may also qualify for programs such as:

  • Low Income Energy Assistance

  • Crisis Intervention Program assistance

  • Emergency assistance for families

  • Heating and cooling assistance

  • Other local utility assistance programs

Your local Department of Social Services or NC 211 can help identify programs that may currently be accepting applications.

We’re Here to Connect Our Community

At Rest and Renew, LLC, our goal is to help individuals and families feel supported, informed, and connected to resources that promote safety, dignity, independence, and well-being.

Please note: Rest and Renew, LLC does not determine eligibility for the programs listed above and is not affiliated with NC 211 or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services unless otherwise stated. Program availability, eligibility requirements, and contact information may change. Please contact the applicable organization directly for the most current information.

Resource information updated August 2026.

CRYSTALE KING