Resident Resources
Assistance & Utility Information
Help with rent, utilities, food, and legal questions — plus who to call to set up service in your new home.
Talk to Us Early
If money is tight this month, the worst thing you can do is go quiet. Call us at 336.413.6545 before the due date. Many of the programs below need a landlord's cooperation and paperwork to release funds, and several of them move faster when we're already involved. We can't promise a particular outcome, but we would much rather work with you than surprise you.
Not sure where to start?
NC 211
Free, confidential, 24/7. A trained specialist listens to your situation and connects you to the right local programs for rent, utilities, food, and more. Start here if you're not sure who to call.
24 hours a day, every day
Rent & Utility Assistance
These organizations serve the Winston-Salem area. Funding runs out and reopens throughout the year, so if one says no, try the next one — and call 211 to check what's currently funded.
Crisis Control Ministry
Emergency help with rent, mortgage, utilities, and heating fuel, plus rent and utility deposit assistance. Also operates a food and medication pantry.
200 E. Tenth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Mon–Fri, 9am–noon and 1–4pm
Sunnyside Ministry
Financial assistance, a food pantry, and a clothing center, plus the Gaining Control financial literacy class.
319 Haled St., Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Client interviews Mon–Fri 9–11am; Mon–Thu 1–3pm
The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem
Emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities to help prevent homelessness, plus shelter and food. Serves Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties.
Forsyth County Dept. of Social Services
Administers LIEAP (annual heating help) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for heating or cooling emergencies, along with other temporary economic assistance.
Coordinated Intake (United Way / Continuum of Care)
The front door for homelessness services in Forsyth County: rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, permanent supportive housing, and emergency shelter.
Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR)
Case management and programs that help families work toward long-term financial stability, including housing and employment support.
Financial Pathways of the Piedmont
Free and low-cost financial counseling, budgeting help, and housing counseling. Good for getting ahead of a problem before it becomes a crisis.
Help with heating and cooling bills
Two state programs run through Forsyth County DSS: LIEAP is a once-a-year payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)helps when you're facing a heating or cooling emergency, like a shut-off notice. Duke Energy's Share the Light Fund also distributes bill assistance through local agencies like the ones above. Apply through DSS at 336-703-3800, and ask the agency you're already working with whether they distribute Share the Light funds.
Food Assistance
Crisis Control Ministry and Sunnyside Ministry (above) both run food pantries in addition to financial help.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC
Connects you to grocery and meal programs near you. They don't run a pantry at their own building, so call or use their Find Help page first.
Food & Nutrition Services (SNAP)
Monthly grocery benefits through Forsyth County DSS. Apply online through ePASS or by phone.
Legal Help & Tenant Rights
If you've received a court summons, don't ignore it — free legal help is available, and showing up matters.
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Free legal help for low-income renters facing eviction, loss of a housing subsidy, illegal lockouts, or serious repair problems. Winston-Salem office serves Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, Surry, Iredell, and Yadkin counties.
Winston-Salem Eviction Diversion Resources
The city's own list of eviction-prevention programs, including the Right to Counsel partnership with Legal Aid and landlord/tenant mediation.
Jobs & Income Support
Goodwill of Northwest NC — Career Centers
Free help with resumes, interviewing, skills assessments, job placement, and computer access. Also the NCWorks operator for Forsyth and surrounding counties.
NCWorks Career Center
State job-search services, training funding, and unemployment help.
Utility Information
Who to call to start, stop, or transfer service. Set utilities up in your name before your move-in date — most providers need at least one business day, and some require a deposit.
Winston-Salem / Forsyth County
| Service | Provider | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Water, Sewer & Trash | City of Winston-Salem (CityLink) Requests received before 5pm on a weekday are usually turned on the same day. Utility billing: 336-727-2355. After-hours emergencies: 336-727-2345. | 336-727-8000 or 311 |
| Electric | Duke Energy A deposit may be required depending on your credit history. | 800-777-9898 |
| Natural Gas | Piedmont Natural Gas | 800-752-7504 |
Greensboro
| Service | Provider | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Water & Sewer | City of Greensboro Water Resources Water service applications and billing: 336-373-2344. Open Mon–Fri, 7:30am–5:15pm. | 336-373-2489 |
| Electric | Duke Energy | 800-777-9898 |
| Natural Gas | Piedmont Natural Gas | 800-752-7504 |
High Point
| Service | Provider | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Electric, Water & Sewer | City of High Point High Point runs its own electric utility, so one call covers electric, water, and sewer. 211 S. Hamilton St. Open Mon–Fri 7:30am–5pm; the same number is staffed 24 hours for emergencies. | 336-883-3111 |
| Natural Gas | Piedmont Natural Gas | 800-752-7504 |
Low-Cost Internet & Phone
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024, but these options are still available.
Lifeline
A permanent federal benefit of about $9.25/month off home internet or phone service. You qualify by income or by already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Discounted home internet for households that qualify through certain assistance programs.
AT&T Access
Low-cost home internet for qualifying households, where AT&T service is available.
We're Here to Work With You
A job loss, a medical emergency, a car that breaks down at the worst possible time—these things happen to good people, and plenty of them are completely outside your control. If something has knocked you off track, let us know what's going on. We'll talk through your options and work alongside whichever organization you're reaching out to. No lecture, no judgment.
Talk to UsThese organizations are independent of Dave's Property Solutions and we don't control their funding, eligibility rules, or hours. We verify this page periodically, but details change — please call ahead or dial 211 to confirm before you travel to an office. Nothing on this page is legal advice.