McDowell County
Ask about McDowell County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for McDowell County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in McDowell County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · County office
McDowell County Department of Social Services
145 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752
Help here
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mcdowellnc.gov
Community action · Regional office
Foothills Regional Commission
P.O. Box 841, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Help here
- Community action resourcesAsk the regional commission about community assistance resources serving McDowell County.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on foothillsregion.org
Public health · Regional office
Foothills Health District, McDowell County
408 Spaulding Road, Marion, NC 28752
Help here
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on foothillshd.org
Mental health and recovery · Regional office
Vaya Health, McDowell County Office
408 Spaulding Road, Suite B, Marion, NC 28752
Help here
- Behavioral health and disability servicesContact Vaya for help finding behavioral health, disability, or related services.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on vayahealth.com
Courts and legal help · State office
McDowell County Courthouse
21 S. Main St., Marion, NC 28752
Help here
- Court informationGet courthouse information and guidance on court dates and online court services.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on nccourts.gov
Older adults · County office
McDowell Senior Center
100 Spaulding Road, Marion, NC 28752
Help here
- Older adult servicesAsk about meals, in-home aide services, Medicare counseling, and other help for older adults.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mcdowellnc.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Foothills Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging
P.O. Box 841, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Help here
- Aging services and referralsContact the regional agency for information and support related to aging services.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on foothillsregion.org
Veterans · County office
McDowell County Veteran Services Office
100 Spaulding Road, Marion, NC 28752
Help here
- Veterans benefits assistanceGet help understanding and applying for veterans benefits.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mcdowellcountyseniorcenter.org
Emergency help · County office
McDowell County Emergency Management
129 Barnes Road, Marion, NC 28752
Help here
- Emergency preparedness and recoveryGet information about preparing for emergencies and county disaster response.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mcdowellnc.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
NCWorks Career Center / Ford Miller Employment and Training Center
316 Baldwin Avenue, Marion, NC 28752
Help here
- Job search and training helpGet help finding jobs, preparing a resume, and exploring career training.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mcdowelltech.edu
Library · County office
McDowell County Public Library
90 W. Court St., Marion, NC 28752
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card, borrow materials, use public computers, or access printing and copying.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mcdowellnc.gov
McDowell County Government website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve McDowell 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
MANNA FoodBank
99 Broadpointe Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
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
Community Action Opportunities
25 Gaston Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Listed on ncdhhs.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in McDowell 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.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- 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.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
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