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All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in North Carolina and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • North Carolina Department of Commerce

    Emergency Solutions Grant and homelessness services

    The state supports local organizations that provide emergency shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness.

  • North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

    Affordable Housing and Rental Assistance

    The agency funds housing programs and rental assistance administered with local partners.

  • North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

    Housing Finance Programs

    The agency offers financing programs that support affordable housing for North Carolina residents.

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

    Low Income Energy Assistance Program

    In North Carolina, LIHEAP is called LIEAP.

    LIEAP helps eligible households pay heating costs through a one-time payment to their utility provider.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

  • North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

    Weatherization Assistance Program

    The program helps eligible households reduce energy use and improve home energy efficiency.

    Ways to apply:In person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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