Pocket Guide
NC · Adults 18+

Guides for peer support work in North Carolina

Every topic a peer support specialist needs in their back pocket — benefits, housing, food, crisis, treatment, and recovery — written in plain language from official government sources, with local next steps for Orange, Durham, and Wake counties.

County next steps

Orange · Durham · Wake · North Carolina · Adults 18+

Orange County

Orange County DSS

113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough; or 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill

919-245-2800
  1. Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
  2. Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
  3. Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.

Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.

Durham County

Durham County DSS

414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701

919-560-8000
  1. Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
  2. Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
  3. Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.

Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.

Wake County

Wake Health & Human Services — Swinburne

220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh, NC 27610

919-212-7000
  1. Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
  2. Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
  3. Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.

Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.

Orange County

Orange County Housing Helpline & Housing Department

300 West Tryon Street, third floor, Hillsborough; alternate office: 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill

919-245-2655
  1. Ask about housing-crisis screening, coordinated entry, or eviction diversion.
  2. Confirm which office handles the requested service and whether an appointment is needed.
  3. Ask about documentation and the next assessment; shelter, funding, and placement are not guaranteed.

Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.

Durham County

Entry Point Durham

414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701; confirm the current intake desk

984-287-8313
  1. Call or visit and ask for Entry Point housing-crisis assessment.
  2. Confirm the current intake desk before traveling; published floor information differs.
  3. Ask about shelter and housing referrals; assessment does not guarantee a bed or placement.

Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.

Wake County

Oak City Cares — coordinated entry

1430 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

984-344-9599
  1. Call only to clarify current access arrangements; coordinated-entry referrals are made in person.
  2. Attend and sign in for care coordination; confirm current hours before traveling.
  3. Ask about shelter, street outreach, or prevention referrals. Oak City Cares is not a shelter or a direct rent-payment program.

Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.

Local community resources · Orange, Durham & Wake counties
Disability & income benefits
Health coverage
Food, money & utilities
Housing
Crisis & safety
Mental health care
Substance use & recovery
Legal, ID & documents
Work, school & daily life
Peer support role & skills
Physical health & wellness
Special groups
Disasters & emergencies
Money & everyday help
Death, loss & guardianship