We are currently out of funds for this month. The application will reopen on Monday, November 2nd, 2026, at 8:00 AM. In the meantime, dial 2-1-1 on any phone to be connected with other resources available in our community.
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The U-CAN (United Community Assistance Network) Program supports resources and referrals for individuals and families facing personal and/or economic challenges. An interview process is required to determine eligibility, if a connection to all available resources has been made, or if an identified gap in services is needed.
NOTE: Assistance is limited to one time per year per individual/household.
How to Apply for UCAN Assistance
We understand that asking for assistance can be difficult, and we are committed to connecting individuals and families with resources that can help them move toward greater stability.
Online assessments open on the first business day of each month at 8:00 am. Due to the high demand for assistance and limited resources available, the assessment process may close before noon. We encourage you to complete your assessment as early as possible.
Each assessment is reviewed with care as we work to assist as many individuals and families as our resources allow. While requests are generally considered in the order received, we also review the urgency of each situation and the resources available to determine how we can best respond.
NOTE: Submitting an assessment does not guarantee financial assistance.
If you are unable to complete the online assessment, you have other options:
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By phone: Call 919-735-3591 and follow the instructions to leave a message for the Community Case Worker.
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In person: Visit our office to complete an assessment. Your arrival time will be documented so that your request can be considered in the order received.
To help us serve as many people as possible, please submit your assessment through one method only. Completing the assessment multiple times or through multiple methods is not necessary.
If you need additional resources or immediate assistance, please contact NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting NC 211 to explore other available community resources.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to connect our neighbors with the resources they need!
Areas of Support
Personal & Medical
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Assists eligible people with personal and family needs including but not limited to baby diapers, hygiene/toiletry items, or filling prescriptions.
Utility
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Assists eligible people with utility payments including but not limited to the disconnection of power or water or overdue bills.
Housing
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Assists eligible people with rent/mortgage payments due to eviction, transition into permanent housing (from a temporary shelter), or displacement due to emergency or personal crisis.
Transportation
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Assists eligible people with transportation needs for 30 days or the duration of a treatment period. We will contact and schedule transportation.
Food
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Assists eligible people with obtaining food who have been displaced due to emergency or personal crisis or who are transitioning into permanent housing (from a temporary shelter).
NOTE: We cannot assist with finding an apartment or place to rent.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is determined through an assessment administered by United Way of Wayne County and is based on personal and/or economic crisis.
For information and eligibility criteria.
Wayne County residents experiencing a crisis (natural or personal) or in a recovery or transition process. Examples may be:
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Fire
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Flood
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Eviction
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Pests
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Loss of employment
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Domestic Violence
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Transition from homelessness
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Re-entry (Post Incarceration or transitioning from rehabilitation)
NOTE: Recipients must be able to provide photo identification and transition documents.
Referrals
Recipients will undergo an intake process to determine their eligibility.
Each recipient must be able to provide proof of income and transition.
Referrals can come from a United Way of Wayne County Community Partner or other Verified Partner (for example, UNC Healthcare or Wayne County Public Schools).
Agencies making referrals may submit the referral through NCCARES360 or by contacting United Way of Wayne County by phone or email.
NOTE: If the referring agency is involved in the client’s transition process, they would be asked to provide a referral letter.
Working with the Best Partners
Key organizational collaborators whose contributions, sponsorships, and referral connections help power the U-CAN program—enabling emergency assistance and resource connections for local residents facing personal or economic crises.
