Rental, Mortgage & Utility Assistance
Western Piedmont Council of Governments: Section 8 Housing Program
Section 8 housing offers vouchers for rental assistance. Counseling on rentals and relocation is provided. The recipient may be allowed to pay 40% of their monthly expenses on rent and utilities.
(828) 322-9191
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Morganton Housing Authority
The Public Housing Program provides subsidized, decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
828-437-9101
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*Burke United Christian Ministries
Crisis assistance to low income persons in the form of clothing, food or financial help with delinquent electric bills, water, propane, or rent. Soup Kitchen provides a free hot meal at lunch (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) 365 days a year. Tuesdays and Thursdays for evening meals from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
828-433-8075
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Burke County Department of Social Services
Provides utility assistance with heating and cooling costs. Only provides assistance for emergency situations; must have final notice.
828-764-9600
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*Cooperative Christian Ministry
Food pantry and financial assistance available for rent (when faced with eviction), fuel/electricity (must have cut-off notice), life-saving medications, household items, information and referral.
704-786-4709
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Blue Ridge Community Action
Local residents who are having a difficult time paying their bills and making ends meet could get some help from the county community action agency.
828-438-6255
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Mission Ministries
Mission Ministries Alliance, through volunteers and church and community support, provides a wide range of services for giving emergency assistance in McDowell and Burke Counties.
828-659-6490
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Womanade Financial Assistance
Provides financial assistance through one-time grants of up to $500. Womenade works to help individuals who are otherwise self-sufficient and are experiencing a temporary set-back or financial hardship.
828-322-6333
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Homeless, Transitional & Day Shelters
House of Refuge
Provides crisis intervention and short-term stabilization for homeless men and those at risk for homelessness in Burke County, includes a one-on-one life coach who helps the homeless individual develop life goals and an action plan.
828-433-8921
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Exodus Home
Exodus Homes is a faith-based United Way agency, offering transitional and long term supportive housing for homeless recovering people returning to our community from substance abuse treatment programs and prison. Exodus Homes currently has 63 beds across 8 different locations.
828-324-4870 Main Line 1
828-324-7226 Main Line 2
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*The Meeting Place Mission
Provides transitional housing for eligible families by means of shelter, food and case management services. Has additional shelters just for men as well as a shelter for just women and children.
828-439-9921
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Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens and Delivered Meals
Second Harvest Food Bank
The mobile pantry program distributes food directly to families in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
(704) 376-1785
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The Outreach Center
The Outreach Center distributes a full round of groceries to individuals and families.
828-439-8300
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Meals On Wheels, Burke County Senior Services
Senior Services provides meals Monday - Friday to homebound seniors. Congregate meals are served in a group setting to eligible seniors at our Valdese Cottage.
828-430-4147
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Eligibility screening is conducted to determine access to Emergency Pantry Services, which provides personal hygiene and household cleaning products that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits (food stamps).
828-322-6333
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Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Burke Co.
A federally funded program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating bills during cold-weather months.
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The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory & High Country
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Wright’s Food Pantry
A local food bank mission that provides food to Burke County families in need. This service is held by Abernethy Memorial UMC.
828-879-8894
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