Columbus County
Ask about Columbus County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Columbus County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Columbus County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · County office
Columbus County Department of Social Services
40 Government Complex Rd, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Food and Nutrition ServicesApply for food assistance and get help with an existing case.Apply online
- MedicaidApply for Medicaid and get help with eligibility or case questions.Apply online
- Child supportGet help establishing parentage, setting up support, or collecting payments.
- Child and adult protectionReport concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or adult.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Community action · Nonprofit
Southeastern Community & Family Services, Inc., Whiteville Center
425 S. Lee St, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Family and community assistanceGet information about family support and community assistance programs available through the agency.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on scfsnc.org
Public health · County office
Columbus County WIC
304 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC
Help here
- WIC food and nutrition supportEligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children can get food benefits and nutrition support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Housing help · County office
Columbus County Public Housing Authority
612 N. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Housing Choice VouchersGet information about applying for a voucher to help pay rent in a private home.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Public health · County office
Columbus County Health Department
810 Pinckney St, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Public health clinicsGet vaccinations, screening, family planning, and other public health services.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Local office · Nonprofit
NC 211
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall or search online to find free, confidential referrals to health and human services in your community.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on nc211.org
Older adults · County office
Columbus County Department of Aging
827 W Washington St, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Aging servicesOlder adults can get information, referrals, meals, in-home support, and help with home safety needs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Older adults · Regional office
Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging
Help here
- Aging and caregiver informationOlder adults and caregivers can get information, referrals, advocacy, and help finding regional services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on capefearcog.gov
Veterans · County office
Columbus County Veterans Services
805 Pinckney Street, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Veterans benefits helpGet help applying for veterans benefits and finding related services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Emergency help · County office
Columbus County Emergency Services
131 W. Webster Street, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Emergency preparedness informationGet local emergency preparedness information and sign up for emergency alerts.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Jobs and training · State office
NCWorks Career Center, Columbus County
4564 Chadbourn Highway, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Job search and career helpGet help searching for jobs, preparing a resume, practicing interviews, and finding training.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on capefearcog.gov
State office
NCDMV Whiteville Driver License Office (temporary location)
76 Legion Dr, Whiteville, NC
Help here
- Driver license servicesVisit the temporary office for driver license services while the permanent office is closed for renovation.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ncdot.gov
Library · County office
Columbus County Public Library
407 N JK Powell Blvd, Whiteville, NC 28472
Help here
- Public library servicesUse library materials and services through the county library system.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on columbusco.org
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Columbus County
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
1924 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Southeastern Community & Family Services, Inc.
PO Box 1025, Lumberton, NC 28359-1025
Listed on ncdhhs.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Columbus County
North Carolina programs by kind of help
These are run by North Carolina and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 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.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- NC 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 1-888-892-1162 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988