Gastonia
Ask about Gastonia
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Gastonia and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Gastonia
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Housing help · City office
Housing and Community Engagement, Community Development
150 S. York Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Homebuyer assistanceEligible first-time homebuyers can seek help with down payments and homebuyer education.
- Housing rehabilitationEligible homeowners can seek grants to repair major systems in their homes.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastonianc.gov
Housing help · Regional office
Gastonia Housing Authority
340 W. Long Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Housing Choice Voucher assistanceAsk about rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program for eligible households in Gaston County.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ghanc.org
Utilities · City office
Utility Customer Service
150 S. York Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Utility billing and serviceGet help with city utility bills, payment arrangements, and starting, transferring, or ending service.
- Electric bill assistanceEligible residents can apply for monthly credits through the Gastonia Electric Assistance Resource program.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastonianc.gov
Local office · Nonprofit
NC 211
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall 211 to find local help with basic needs such as housing, food, utilities, and health care.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on nc211.org
Jobs and training · State office
NCWorks Career Center - Gaston
300 S. Firestone Street, Suite 100A, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Job search and career helpJob seekers can get help with job searches, resumes, career planning, training, and interviews.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastongovworks.com
State office
Gastonia Driver License Office
2560 W. Franklin Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Driver licenses and state ID cardsResidents can apply for or renew a North Carolina driver license or identification card at this office.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ncdot.gov
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks and Recreation
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Recreation programs and community centersResidents can find year-round recreation activities, classes, and community center programs for all ages.
- Senior activitiesOlder adults can find fellowship, recreation, and wellness activities through the city’s senior programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastonianc.gov
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Gastonia first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Free grocery market
Freedom Fridge & Pantry
QC Family Tree
17 miles from the center of Gastonia2916 Parkway Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208
Hours
- Mon12 AM to 11:59 PM. Open 24 hours
- Tue12 AM to 11:59 PM. Open 24 hours
- Wed12 AM to 11:59 PM. Open 24 hours
- Thu12 AM to 11:59 PM. Open 24 hours
- Fri12 AM to 11:59 PM. Open 24 hours
- Sat12 AM to 11:59 PM. Open 24 hours
- Sun12 AM to 11:59 PM. Open 24 hours
Who can come: Anyone in need
What to bring: No sign-up or other requirements.
Listed on qcfamilytree.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Hearts and Hands Food Pantry
Hearts and Hands Foundation Inc.
18 miles from the center of Gastonia4040 Chesapeake Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216
Hours
- Tue2 PM to 5:30 PM
- Wed11 AM to 1 PM. Spanish only
- Thu12 PM to 3 PM
Who can come: Anyone who needs emergency food assistance
Languages: Spanish
Listed on heartsandhandsfoodpantry.com, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Care Ring's Client Choice Food Pantry
Care Ring
20 miles from the center of Gastonia1514 N Graham Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Operates two to three times weekly
Who can come: Care Ring patients and clients, and other community members facing food insecurity
What to bring: Community members need a referral and appointment through Nourish Up. Care Ring patients and clients should ask their provider or coordinator for a referral.
Listed on careringnc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Mobile pantry
The Bulb at Care Ring
The Bulb
20 miles from the center of Gastonia1514 N Graham Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
Hours
- Thu11 AM to 12 PM
Who can come: Charlotte neighbors
What to bring: No referral or appointment needed.
Listed on careringnc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Roof Above Day Services Center
Roof Above
20 miles from the center of Gastonia945 North College Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
Hours
- Mon11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- Tue11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- Wed11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- Thu11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- Fri11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- Sat11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
- Sun11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
Who can come: Anyone, including people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing
Listed on roofabove.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
HUG Food Pantry
Hearts United for Good (HUGCLT)
21 miles from the center of Gastonia1124 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Hours
- Tue12 PM to 3 PM; 4 PM to 7 PM
- Wed12 PM to 3 PM
- Thu12 PM to 3 PM; 4 PM to 7 PM
Who can come: Anyone in need of food assistance
What to bring: Make an appointment, complete a short application, and get a pantry membership card. No ID or proof of income required.
Listed on hugclt.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Gastonia
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
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
500 B Spratt St., Charlotte, NC 28206
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
Gaston Community Action, Inc.
223 N Morris St, P.O. Box 1653, Gastonia, NC 28052-2244
Listed on ncdhhs.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Gaston County
Gastonia is in Gaston County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Gaston County Social Services Division
330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Benefits and social servicesAsk about food, cash, health coverage, and other help for people in need.
- Child supportGet help with child support services through the county Social Services Division.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastongov.com
Public health · County office
Gaston County WIC
991 W. Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- WIC nutrition supportApply for food benefits and nutrition and breastfeeding support if you are pregnant or caring for a young child.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastongov.com
Public health · County office
Gaston County Public Health Division
991 W. Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Public health servicesContact the health department about public health services and clinic care.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastongov.com
Courts and legal help · State office
Gaston County Courthouse
325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052
Help here
- Court information and legal process helpFind Gaston County court location and contact information and get help with court processes.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on nccourts.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Help here
- Aging and caregiver resourcesConnect with services and resources for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Gaston County.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on centralinaaging.org
Veterans · County office
Veterans Services of Gaston County
965 Roberts Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054
Help here
- Veterans benefits helpGet help understanding and applying for veterans, survivor, burial, and education benefits.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gastongov.com
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 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988