Menu

Community Support for Single Mothers in North Carolina

North Carolina Community Support Organizations, Churches & Charities for Single Mothers (2025 Guide)

Last updated: September 2025

This no‑fluff, scan‑friendly guide focuses on community organizations, churches, and charities in North Carolina that actually help single moms with rent and utilities, groceries, diapers and baby supplies, safety from abuse, car access, job readiness, and more. It does not cover government-run benefits like SNAP, WIC, TANF, or Section 8. Where exact dollar amounts or eligibility limits are publicly stated by the nonprofit, you’ll see them below—with links to confirm.


Emergency help (read this first)

Quick help box (what to do in the next 60–90 minutes)

  • Call NC 211 at 2‑1‑1 or 1‑888‑892‑1162 and ask: “Nearest nonprofit with same‑day walk‑in rent/utility help for a single mom in [your county]?” Then write down hours, documents, and whether they require a shutoff/eviction notice. NC 211. (nc211.org)
  • If you live in or near Charlotte and have a past‑due bill or late rent, check Crisis Assistance Ministry’s same‑day intake and required documents before you go. Bring your ID, SSN documentation for household members, 30 days of income, late notice/eviction, and lease. Doors open 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Mon–Fri at 500‑A Spratt St. Phone 704‑371‑3001. Crisis Assistance Ministry—how to apply & documents. (crisisassistance.org)
  • In Guilford County (Greensboro): if you’re within 5 days of a Duke Energy or Piedmont Natural Gas disconnect, you can walk in Mon–Thu, 9:00–10:30 a.m. for utilities help; decision typically 24–48 hours after all documents are submitted. Greensboro Urban Ministry guidelines & hotline. (greensborourbanministry.org)
  • For diapers or period products today, check the Diaper Bank of North Carolina’s branch page and partner pickup sites in your county; Triangle main line 919‑886‑8085; Charlotte branch 980‑900‑7364. DBNC branches and “Get Assistance”. (ncdiaperbank.org)
  • If you need a car to keep your job, see Wheels4Hope’s program: program cars cost $500 plus DMV fees and taxes; expect a 6–8 week wait after orientation; referral and 4 months of engagement with a partner agency required. Wheels4Hope—program requirements & cost. (wheels4hope.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need Best first call Who qualifies What you can get How fast it happens
Past‑due rent or utilities NC 211 (statewide); local ministries below Varies by county; proof of crisis and income typically required Payment sent to landlord/utility if approved Same day screening; decisions 24–48 hours common when docs complete (varies) (greensborourbanministry.org)
Groceries today Nearest food bank partner pantry Anyone in need; ID or proof of county may be asked A week’s worth of groceries at many sites Often same day; call pantry hours first (foodbankcenc.org, secondharvestnwnc.org)
Diapers & baby supplies Diaper Bank of NC partners Families with infants/toddlers; no WIC/SNAP diaper coverage Monthly diaper packs; some sites 30–50 diapers/30 days Same week at many sites (check county list) (ncdiaperbank.org, catholiccharitiesraleigh.org)
Safety from abuse Safe Alliance (Meck), InterAct (Wake), Helpmate (Buncombe) Survivors; services free & confidential 24/7 hotline, shelter, legal advocacy, counseling Immediate hotline; shelter as space allows (safealliance.org, interactofwake.org, helpmateonline.org)
Work & income boost StepUp, Goodwill, Dress for Success Job‑seeking parents; varies Free job training, coaching, work clothes Enrollment weekly/monthly; timelines vary (stepupministry.org, goodwillsp.org, charlotte.dressforsuccess.org)
Car access Wheels4Hope Working parents referred by partner agency; DL & insurance Reliable program car for $500 + fees Typical 6–8 weeks post‑orientation (wheels4hope.org)

How this guide is better than the usual top 10 results

  • It lists phone numbers, walk‑in hours, addresses, and required paperwork so you don’t waste time.
  • It includes real, current limits and timelines wherever the nonprofit publishes them (e.g., Greensboro Urban Ministry’s 5‑day utility cutoff window; Wheels4Hope’s $500 car fee and 6–8 week wait). (greensborourbanministry.org, wheels4hope.org)
  • It calls out changes for 2025 (e.g., Greensboro Urban Ministry discontinued rent help as of July 1, 2025; utilities only under strict conditions). (greensborourbanministry.org)

Rent & Utility Help from Community Organizations

Start here if you have a disconnection notice or eviction risk. Do not delay; many groups require a current shutoff/eviction notice and won’t pay old addresses or previous residences.

Crisis Assistance Ministry (Mecklenburg/Charlotte)

  • What they do: Emergency rent and utility assistance to keep families housed; curbside and in‑person options.
  • Where: 500‑A Spratt St., Charlotte, NC 28206. Lobby hours 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Mon–Fri. Phone 704‑371‑3001. How to apply + required documents. (crisisassistance.org)
  • Required paperwork: Photo ID; SSN documentation for all household members; proof of all income over the past 30 days; past‑due bills/eviction letters; lease. (crisisassistance.org)
  • Reality check: They cannot assist with first month’s rent, deposits, hotel stays, bills from a prior residence, or mortgage; call 2‑1‑1 for those needs. (crisisassistance.org)
  • Timeline: You may apply online during business hours until capacity is reached; decisions happen after documents are verified. Arrive early—lines form. (crisisassistance.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask about referral to Legal Aid of North Carolina if a landlord has filed court papers. Helpline 866‑219‑5262, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Mon–Fri. How to apply by phone. (legalaidnc.org)

Greensboro Urban Ministry (Guilford County)

  • Current policy (as of July 1, 2025): Utility assistance for Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas customers only, if you are within 5 days of disconnection. Walk‑in Mon–Thu, 9:00–10:30 a.m. at 305 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27406. Decision can take 24–48 hours after full documentation. Hotline 336‑271‑5959 ext. 314. Program updates and requirements. (greensborourbanministry.org)
  • Bring: ID, proof of income for current and prior month for everyone in the household, receipts, proof of crisis, and disconnect notice. Applicants served once per year; lifetime limits apply. (greensborourbanministry.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Inter‑Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) — Chapel Hill–Carrboro

  • What they do: Emergency financial assistance (rent or utilities) by appointment; also monthly groceries/hygiene items.
  • How to apply: Call the Emergency Financial Assistance line on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. (919‑929‑6380 x2024) to request a rent/utilities appointment; assistance is typically available once per 12–18 months depending on program; confirm current interval when you call. IFC assistance details and IFC “Need Help” page. (ifcweb.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Orange County’s Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) serves households at or below 30% of Area Median Income (FY2024 30% limits: 22,250∗∗fora1‑personhousehold;∗∗22,250** for a 1‑person household; **31,750 for 4). Call the Housing Helpline 919‑245‑2655 (Mon–Fri 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). EHA program and income chart. (orangecountync.gov)

Dorcas Ministries (Cary & Morrisville)

  • What they do: Financial assistance for housing costs and necessary bills; case management; food assistance; plus Cary’s OASIS utility program (Town of Cary bills only). Cary residents, Morrisville residents, or families with a child in Cary/Morrisville public schools may qualify. Apply for assistance + eligibility. (dorcasnc.org)
  • Good to know (2025 update): Dorcas merged with Western Wake Crisis Ministry and “doubled the first‑time financial assistance limit” in parts of southwestern Wake County; exact amounts vary—ask the case manager what you may qualify for at intake. Merger update & increased first‑time limit. (dorcasnc.org)
  • For Town of Cary utilities help: OASIS is administered by Dorcas; assistance is for Town of Cary utility bills only. Town of Cary OASIS—how it works. (carync.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask Dorcas about Stable Homes Cary case management if you’re relocating or need housing stabilization (Cary is investing 500,000in2025∗∗and∗∗500,000 in 2025** and **600,000 in 2026 to scale Dorcas‑run programs). Stable Homes Cary announcement. (housing.carync.gov)

Food, Groceries, and Meals (non‑government)

  • Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (34 counties). Use the “Food Finder” to locate a nearby pantry or meal site by ZIP. Find a food pantry or meal site. Note: The Food Bank reports heavy demand—more than 600,000 people used services this year. Expect crowded sites; call ahead. (foodbankcenc.org, axios.com)
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC (18 counties in the Triad and NW). “Find Help” tool and phone support; their outreach can also help with SNAP screening if you want it. Find food now in NWNC. (secondharvestnwnc.org)
  • MANNA FoodBank (Western NC + Qualla Boundary/Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). Call the MANNA Food Helpline 828‑367‑9456 (call/text) to locate distributions. MANNA contact and helpline. (mannafoodbank.org)
  • Nourish Up (formerly Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays—Mecklenburg). Network of >40 pantries, grocery home delivery, and primary Meals on Wheels provider; served 164,608 people and delivered 138,690 meals in 2024. Find groceries or meals in Mecklenburg. (nourishup.org)
  • Urban Ministries of Durham (Durham Co.). Community Café serves three free meals daily; pantry is open Mon–Thu morning (arrive early; weekly food box while supplies last). Call 919‑746‑0088 for pantry info. UMD pantry and café hours and Community Café schedule. (urbanmin.org, umdurham.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Dial 2‑1‑1 and ask for “same‑day food distributions” in your county. They can also text you pop‑up mobile markets. (nc211.org)

Diapers, Baby Items, and Period Products

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Safety from Abuse, Shelter & Legal Help

  • Safe Alliance (Mecklenburg): 24/7 Greater Charlotte Hope Line 980‑771‑4673; 80‑bed Clyde & Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter; court advocacy (help with 50B/50C orders), counseling. Programs and 24/7 line. (safealliance.org)
  • InterAct (Wake): 24/7 crisis lines 919‑828‑7740 (DV) and 919‑828‑3005 (sexual assault). Walk‑in service locations and hospital accompaniment available. InterAct—contact & services. (interactofwake.org)
  • Helpmate (Buncombe/Asheville): 24/7 hotline 828‑254‑0516; free shelter and court advocacy; Family Justice Center walk‑ins Mon–Fri 8–5 at 35 Woodfin St. Helpmate services. (helpmateonline.org)
  • Legal Aid of North Carolina (statewide civil legal help): Helpline 866‑219‑5262, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Mon–Fri; free clinics and housing defense resources. Online intake is being upgraded—call during business hours. Apply by phone; clinics. (legalaidnc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask a hotline advocate to safety‑plan a backup option (e.g., short hotel stay via a faith partner) and to coordinate with a nearby shelter for a transfer when a bed opens. Document threats and texts; keep photos stored safely (cloud or a trusted friend).

Homelessness Prevention & Family Shelter (community‑run)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask NC 211 to search for “diversion” or “prevention” funds run by United Way partners in your county; also ask about churches offering limited motel vouchers during extreme weather. (nc211.org)

Work Clothes, Jobs & Income Boosters

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask DFS/StepUp/Goodwill to refer you to a partner who can help with childcare, transportation, or short‑term bill support so you can attend training. These orgs often know flexible local donors for work shoes, gas cards, or bus passes.

Transportation & Car Access

  • Wheels4Hope (Triangle & Triad): Program cars are $500 plus DMV fees/tax; you must be working, have a valid NC license, have no other household vehicle, and be actively engaged with a partner agency for ≥4 months. Typical wait is 6–8 weeks after orientation. Apply for a car. (wheels4hope.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask StepUp/Goodwill for job placements along bus lines, and check if they can help with bus passes while you stabilize your budget.

Immigrant & Refugee Support

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask for a warm referral (three‑way call) to a language‑accessible partner. Many agencies can conference in an interpreter at no cost.

Veteran Single Moms

  • Catholic Charities—Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) (Mecklenburg): short‑term financial assistance and case management for veteran families at risk of homelessness. Contact through Catholic Charities or NC 211. (nsoncharlotte.org)
  • ABCCM (Asheville/Buncombe): Crisis Ministry sites for rent/utility assistance and food; veterans programs include Veterans Restoration Quarters (men) and Transformation Village (women/moms intake 828‑398‑6920). Main line 828‑259‑5300; Crisis Ministry site at 24 Cumberland Ave., Asheville. ABCCM contacts and crisis ministries and Crisis Ministry overview. (abccm.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

Diverse Communities: finding the right door

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: The LGBT Center of Raleigh can connect you to affirming counseling, support groups, and resources; admin/library (919) 832‑4484. Visit the Center—location & hours. (lgbtcenterofraleigh.com)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: When calling NC 211 or a local ministry, state your accommodation needs (e.g., mobility issues, ASL, sensory‑friendly services). Most hotlines can conference an interpreter on demand. (nc211.org)
  • Veteran single mothers: Ask for SSVF in your county; in Mecklenburg, Safe Alliance also coordinates with hospital‑based advocates if domestic violence intersects with your case. Safe Alliance programs; Atrium Health DV resources and Atrium DV services & hotlines. (safealliance.org, atriumhealth.org)
  • Immigrant/refugee moms: See Catholic Charities, CWS Durham, and Refugee Support Services above for bilingual case management, legal help, and community navigation. (catholiccharitiesraleigh.org, cwsdurham.org, refugeesupportservices.org)
  • Tribal citizens (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians): MANNA FoodBank serves the Qualla Boundary and can route you to culturally appropriate food partners. Call the MANNA Food Helpline at 828‑367‑9456 (call/text). MANNA helpline. (mannafoodbank.org)
  • Rural single moms with limited access: Start with NC 211 by phone (24/7). Ask for “mobile pantry schedule,” “church assistance funds,” and “nearest diaper distribution partner.” (nc211.org)
  • Single fathers raising kids: All of the above charities serve any caregiver with children unless a program specifically focuses on women (e.g., some shelters). Call first to confirm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until the utility is already shut off. Many ministries require a “disconnect within X days” notice (e.g., 5 days at Greensboro Urban Ministry). Bring that paper to your appointment. (greensborourbanministry.org)
  • Bringing incomplete documents. Most places require ID, SSN cards for everyone in the home, 30 days of all income, the lease, and the past‑due bill/eviction court papers. (crisisassistance.org)
  • Going to the wrong agency for first month’s rent or deposits. Some agencies don’t fund these (Crisis Assistance Ministry is one). Ask NC 211 to route you to an agency that does. (crisisassistance.org)
  • Assuming charities can replace lost SNAP benefits with equal groceries. Food banks report increased demand and finite supplies—go early and bring ID/boxes if required. (axios.com)

Application Checklist (print or save to your phone)

  • Government‑issued photo ID (you).
  • SSN documentation for all household members (card, SSA letter, W‑2, or paystub with full SSN).
  • Proof of all income for the last 30 days (paystubs, child support, SSI/SSDI, unemployment, VA, etc.).
  • Your lease with your name listed; landlord contact.
  • Past‑due bill or disconnect notice (utilities) or late notice/eviction paperwork (rent).
  • Proof of crisis (e.g., job loss letter, hospital paperwork).
  • Bank statements or receipts for the “crisis month” if requested.
  • Childcare/work schedule, if relevant (some programs ask).
  • A charged phone and a folder for copies.

Realistic timelines

  • Walk‑in utilities help (Greensboro Urban Ministry): arrive by 9–10:30 a.m.; if seen and documents complete, decisions in 24–48 hours. (greensborourbanministry.org)
  • Crisis Assistance Ministry (Charlotte): same‑day intake if capacity allows; online requests open during business hours; expect follow‑up for missing docs. (crisisassistance.org)
  • Wheels4Hope car placement: typical 6–8 weeks after orientation, if you’ve met program milestones. (wheels4hope.org)

Tables you can scan fast

A. Rent & Utility Charities (by area)

Area Organization What they fund How to access
Mecklenburg (Charlotte) Crisis Assistance Ministry Past‑due rent and utilities; no deposits/1st month Walk‑in/online; 704‑371‑3001; 500‑A Spratt St. (crisisassistance.org)
Guilford (Greensboro) Greensboro Urban Ministry—Utilities Duke Energy/PNG disconnect within 5 days Walk‑in Mon–Thu 9–10:30 a.m.; hotline 336‑271‑5959 ext. 314. (greensborourbanministry.org)
Orange (Chapel Hill/Carrboro) Inter‑Faith Council (IFC) Rent or utilities; interval limits Call Tue 9 a.m., 919‑929‑6380 x2024. (ifcweb.org)
Wake (Cary/Morrisville) Dorcas Ministries Housing/necessity bills; OASIS utilities (Cary) Online/phone intake; see OASIS info: Town of Cary. (dorcasnc.org, carync.gov)

B. Food & Meals

Region Where to start Notes
Triangle & East Food Bank of CENC—Food Finder Confirm hours; demand is high in 2025. (foodbankcenc.org, axios.com)
Triad & NW Second Harvest NWNC—Find Help 500+ partner programs across 18 counties. (secondharvestnwnc.org)
Mecklenburg Nourish Up—Find Groceries/Meals Served 164,608 neighbors in 2024; Meals on Wheels. (nourishup.org)
Western NC MANNA FoodBank—Helpline 828‑367‑9456 Covers 16 western counties incl. Qualla Boundary. (mannafoodbank.org)
Durham Urban Ministries of Durham—Café & Pantry Breakfast/lunch/dinner daily; weekly pantry. (umdurham.org)

C. Baby Supplies & Diapers

Area Organization What you get Frequency
Statewide Diaper Bank of NC—Branches Diapers, period products, adult incontinence via partners Varies by site; often monthly. (ncdiaperbank.org)
Lower Cape Fear Catholic Charities (Wilmington) 30–50 diapers per child Once every 30 days. (catholiccharitiesraleigh.org)
Wake (Raleigh) Women’s Center of Wake County Basic needs and hygiene; day shelter Intake Mon–Fri AM. (wcwc.org)

D. Jobs, Clothes & Cars

Need Organization Key details
Interview clothes & coaching Dress for Success Charlotte; DFS Triangle Free suiting and career programs; call ahead for referral slots. (charlotte.dressforsuccess.org, dfstrianglenc.org)
Job readiness StepUp Ministry (Raleigh); StepUp Greensboro Free boot camps, coaching, and life skills classes. (stepupministry.org, stepupgreensboro.org)
Training hub Goodwill Opportunity Campus (Charlotte) Tuition‑free training; co‑located financial & health partners. (goodwillsp.org)
Reliable car Wheels4Hope Program cars $500, wait 6–8 weeks post‑orientation, partner referral required. (wheels4hope.org)

E. Safety & Legal—at a glance

County/Area 24/7 line Services
Mecklenburg 980‑771‑4673 (Safe Alliance) Shelter, court advocacy, counseling. (safealliance.org)
Wake 919‑828‑7740 (InterAct) Crisis response, advocacy, hospital accompaniment. (interactofwake.org)
Buncombe 828‑254‑0516 (Helpmate) Shelter, walk‑in at Family Justice Center. (helpmateonline.org)
Statewide legal 866‑219‑5262 (Legal Aid of NC) Civil legal help; housing/benefits/family law clinics. (legalaidnc.org)

Real‑world examples (what this looks like in practice)

  • A single mom in Charlotte with a Duke Energy disconnect for tomorrow morning arrives at Crisis Assistance Ministry at 10:00 a.m. with ID, lease, income, and the disconnect notice. She’s screened, uploads a missing paystub that afternoon, and receives a decision the next day in time to stop disconnection. (crisisassistance.org)
  • A Wake County mom juggling part‑time work and preschool applies for DFS Triangle suiting and joins StepUp’s Employment Academy. After boot camp, she schedules interviews and uses Goodwill’s computer lab to apply for better‑paying roles. (dfstrianglenc.org, stepupministry.org, goodwillsp.org)
  • A Durham mother gets weekly groceries at Urban Ministries of Durham’s pantry and grabs a bagged lunch from the Community Café so she can make a court hearing without skipping a meal. (urbanmin.org, umdurham.org)

What to do when you’re told “funds ran out”

  • Ask when the fund refreshes (some reload at the start of the month).
  • Request a written referral to a partner (church benevolence funds, United Way‑funded prevention dollars, Family Promise prevention). (familypromise.org)
  • Call NC 211 back and ask them to search by “keyword” (e.g., “rent assistance,” “utility assistance,” “motel voucher,” “food today”) and filter by your ZIP plus “faith‑based.” (nc211.org)

FAQs (North Carolina‑specific)

  • Q1: Will Salvation Army help with my past‑due bill?
    A: Many local Salvation Army corps in NC offer short‑term rent/utility help, but it varies by county and funding. Use the Carolinas locations page to find your county’s unit and call. Find your local Salvation Army in NC. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)
  • Q2: Can charities pay my security deposit or first month’s rent?
    A: Some can, many cannot (Crisis Assistance Ministry does not). Ask NC 211 to identify deposit‑friendly funds near you. (crisisassistance.org)
  • Q3: How many diapers do partner sites usually give?
    A: It varies. For example, Catholic Charities in the Cape Fear region distributes 30–50 diapers per child once every 30 days. Check your county’s partner site. (catholiccharitiesraleigh.org)
  • Q4: Is there help in Orange County if IFC can’t fund me this month?
    A: Call the County Housing Helpline 919‑245‑2655 to ask about Emergency Housing Assistance (for households at or below 30% AMI) and legal eviction diversion. (orangecountync.gov, orangecountync.gov)
  • Q5: How fast can I get a program car?
    A: With Wheels4Hope: after orientation, typical wait is 6–8 weeks if you meet criteria, pay $500 plus DMV fees/tax, and secure insurance. (wheels4hope.org)
  • Q6: My church wants to help—who should they coordinate with?
    A: In Mecklenburg, coordinate with Crisis Assistance Ministry to avoid duplication; in other counties, United Way’s NC 211 can advise on gaps. (nc211.org)
  • Q7: Can I get counseling I can afford?
    A: Catholic Charities (Raleigh Diocese) lists counseling at $35 per session for uninsured/low‑income clients; other sliding‑scale options exist. (catholiccharitiesraleigh.org)
  • Q8: Are there food deliveries for homebound parents?
    A: In Mecklenburg, Nourish Up offers grocery home delivery for eligible neighbors; ask for a referral at their intake. (nourishup.org)
  • Q9: Where can I go if I aged out of foster care and now have a toddler?
    A: In Wake County, The Hope Center at Pullen supports former foster youth (parenting up to age 27) with housing navigation and basic needs. Hope Center programs. (hopecenteratpullen.org)
  • Q10: Is there a one‑stop number for veterans in WNC?
    A: Veterans Services of the Carolinas: 855‑962‑8387 (part of ABCCM). (abccm.org)

Resources by Region (selected)

Region Organizations (links are descriptive)
Charlotte/Mecklenburg Crisis Assistance Ministry—rent & utilities; Nourish Up—groceries/meals delivery; Safe Alliance—DV 24/7 line; Goodwill Opportunity Campus—job training; Wheels4Hope (partner agencies). (crisisassistance.org, nourishup.org, safealliance.org, goodwillsp.org, wheels4hope.org)
Triangle (Wake/Durham/Orange) Family Promise of the Triangle—prevention/shelter; Urban Ministries of Durham—meals & pantry; IFC—rent/utility assistance; Dorcas Ministries—financial help & OASIS utilities; DFS Triangle—clothing/coaching. (familypromisetriangle.org, umdurham.org, ifcweb.org, dorcasnc.org, dfstrianglenc.org)
Triad (Greensboro/High Point/Winston‑Salem) Greensboro Urban Ministry—utilities; Second Harvest NWNC—find food; StepUp Greensboro—jobs. (greensborourbanministry.org, secondharvestnwnc.org, stepupgreensboro.org)
Western NC & Qualla Boundary MANNA FoodBank—helpline; Helpmate—DV services; ABCCM Crisis Ministries—rent/utility help. (mannafoodbank.org, helpmateonline.org, abccm.org)
Coastal (Wilmington & surrounding) Catholic Charities Cape Fear—utility help & diapers; Diaper Bank—Lower Cape Fear branch site list. (catholiccharitiesraleigh.org, ncdiaperbank.org)

Plan B options (if doors are closed or you don’t meet criteria)

  • Ask for a “letter of commitment” if the agency can pay next week—some utilities will delay shutoff if a charity promises payment.
  • Try a different intake window: many ministries open early morning only; show up 15–30 minutes before posted time.
  • Reach out to a second agency with a copy of your documents. United Way NC 211 can name two or three alternates in your ZIP. (nc211.org)

Resource list (name • descriptive link • phone • address)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from North Carolina nonprofits and established networks (NC 211, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army divisions, food banks, DV agencies). It is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

  • Details change fast (funds run out, hours shift, policies update). Always confirm amounts, eligibility, and hours directly with the organization before traveling.
  • Health and safety: If you are at risk of harm, use a safe device and clear your browser history; call a 24/7 hotline listed above.
  • Website security: We link to official organizations. Avoid entering sensitive information on public Wi‑Fi; verify you see “https” and the organization’s official domain before sharing personal data.

Tips for beating the rush: arrive early, bring complete documents, and ask for a referral if funding is out for the month. Use NC 211 as your navigator—it’s available 24/7 and can save you hours. (nc211.org)

🏛️More North Carolina Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in North Carolina

Related Posts