Where to get help paying rent in North Carolina.
Rent help in North Carolina comes from a wide range of places — local charities, faith-based organizations, community action agencies, and government programs all play a role. County-level organizations handle most emergency assistance and are often the fastest path when rent is immediately overdue. Statewide organizations cover programs that reach all 100 counties, including free tenant legal aid, housing vouchers, and subsidized housing in rural areas. This page has information on all of it, whether statewide or local, with links to county pages below.
No single source has all the funds. Charities and churches sometimes move faster than government programs and don't always require the same documentation. Community action agencies often know about local options that aren't widely known. If one place does not have funds or you do not qualify, try another — most people who get help have contacted more than one place.
If you've already received an eviction notice, North Carolina's eviction process — called summary ejectment — moves quickly. Contacting Legal Aid of North Carolina as soon as that notice arrives can make a real difference, whether or not you qualify for financial help with back rent. Their statewide helpline is free and connects callers to the nearest office.
Calling 211 is a reasonable first step for a quick list of local options. This page and the county pages linked below include programs that 211 doesn't always carry, so use both.
Statewide programs
NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)
The state housing finance agency runs NCHousingSearch.org, a free tool to find income-restricted rental units across all 100 counties. NCHFA also administers Key Rental Assistance — which helps people with disabilities access affordable apartments — and the Transitions to Community Living Voucher program, designed for people with behavioral health disabilities who are transitioning out of adult care homes or other settings into independent housing. Contact 3508 Bush Street, Raleigh, NC 27609. Phone: (919) 877-5700 | Toll-free: (800) 393-0988. Website: https://nchfa.com/
- Note: NCHFA does not directly distribute Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). For Section 8, contact your local public housing authority. The NCHFA can help you locate your nearest housing authority and find available units.
- For a broader overview of NCHFA and other NC housing programs, see the NHPB guide to Section 8 housing in North Carolina.
Legal Aid of North Carolina
A statewide nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal help to low-income residents across all 100 counties. For tenants, this means eviction defense in small claims and district court, help challenging wrongful evictions, habitability complaints, security deposit disputes, and representation in public and subsidized housing cases. Legal Aid also runs a Tenant Rights Clinic in many counties. Income limits apply for representation; most services require household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Contact Call their statewide helpline to apply: (866) 219-5262. Website: legalaidnc.org
Community action agencies
North Carolina's network of community action agencies — spread across the state's regions — is one of the main sources of emergency rental assistance outside of county DSS. These agencies receive federal Community Services Block Grant funding and often also manage LIEAP energy assistance and other programs.
- Availability varies by county and funding cycle; calling early in the month or quarter tends to improve your chances before funds run out. For a full list of NC community action agencies and what each covers, see the NHPB guide to community action in North Carolina.
Eviction prevention and rehousing programs
North Carolina receives Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding administered through county governments and nonprofits. These funds can pay back rent, cover moving costs, and support rapid rehousing for people who have already lost housing. Continuum of Care programs in the state's metro areas also fund short-term rental assistance tied to case management. See the full NHPB North Carolina eviction prevention page for details on ESG-funded programs, Continuum of Care options, and what to expect if you're already in housing court.
Salvation Army in North Carolina
The Salvation Army operates locations across the state and provides one-time or short-term emergency help with rent and utility bills, typically to people facing a documented crisis. Availability and amounts vary by location.
Find your nearest NC location and learn what each center offers through the NHPB Salvation Army North Carolina page.
USDA Rural Development – North Carolina
For renters in small towns and rural areas, USDA operates subsidized rental properties that aren't always listed in HUD's standard search tools. These properties serve low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities at income-based rents. If you're in a rural county, contacting the state office is worth a call before concluding there are no affordable housing options near you. Contact 4405 Bland Road, Suite 260, Raleigh, NC 27609. Phone: (919) 873-2000. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/nc
Emergency help and DHHS-funded assistance
North Carolina DHHS funds emergency assistance programs administered through county social services. These can cover back rent, security deposits, and mobile home lot rent for income-qualified households. Amounts are limited and typically not recurring. The main DHHS page for emergency, low-income help is at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services
Community Discussion
The moderated NHPB forum has a dedicated topic dealing with North Carolina rental assistance programs. People from all across the state share resources, use the forum to post their experiences and can be another option to learn about rent and housing programs in your area. View the North Carolina rent assistance forum page.
Local pages — find help in your county
Select your area for local organizations, contact information, and program details.
Asheboro and Randolph County
Asheville region as well as the greater Buncombe County
Cabarrus County
Davidson County
Durham - City and County
Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson County
Fayetteville and Cumberland County
Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren County
Gaston County
Greenville North Carolina and Pitt County
Greensboro and Guilford County
Henderson County
Hickory and Catawba County
Iredell, Rowan, and Davie County
Raleigh region as well as Wake County
Wilmington and New Hanover County
Winston Salem rent help and Forsyth County
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