What To Do If You Become Homeless In Alamance County NC

You Are Not Out of Options

Finding yourself without a place to live can be overwhelming. You may not know where you are going to sleep, where your next meal will come from, or who you can call for help.

If you are experiencing homelessness in Alamance County, North Carolina, there are organizations and community resources that can help you take the next step.

The most important thing is to reach out as soon as possible. You do not have to figure everything out by yourself.

1. If You Need a Safe Place to Stay Tonight

One of the first places to contact is Allied Churches of Alamance County (ACAC).

ACAC - Allied Churches of Alamance County

Phone: (336) 229-0881
Address: 206 N. Fisher Street, Burlington, NC 27217

Allied Churches provides services for people experiencing homelessness, including emergency shelter, meals, resource navigation, and connections to other housing and supportive services.

Shelter access can involve the Alamance County Coordinated Assessment process, so contacting Allied Churches and asking about the current intake process is an important first step. Requirements and availability can change, so call before traveling to the location.

What to say when you call:

“I am currently homeless and need emergency shelter. I am in Alamance County and need help getting connected to housing resources and the coordinated assessment process.”

Be honest about your situation and explain whether you have children, medical needs, disabilities, transportation problems, or other circumstances that may affect your housing needs.

2. Contact Alamance County Department of Social Services

Another important contact is Alamance County Department of Social Services (DSS).

Alamance County Human Services Center

Phone: (336) 570-6532
Address: 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

DSS can connect eligible residents with public assistance and other services. Depending on your circumstances, this may include food assistance, Medicaid, energy assistance programs, and other supportive services.

You can also ask DSS about what assistance may be available to help you stabilize your situation.

If you are applying for benefits:

Alamance County DSS provides access to NC ePASS, which allows individuals and families to screen for and apply for certain benefits and services.

3. Call 211 for Additional Community Resources

If you don't know which agency to contact, dial 2-1-1.

United Way of Alamance County identifies 211 as a resource for information about financial assistance and community resources.

When you call, explain:

You are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.
You are located in Alamance County.
Whether you need shelter tonight.
Whether you have children.
Whether you need food.
Whether you need transportation.
Whether you need help paying for housing or utilities.
Whether you are a veteran.
Whether you are fleeing domestic violence.

Ask specifically for local housing, shelter, food, transportation, and emergency assistance resources.

4. If You Are a Veteran

If you are a veteran experiencing homelessness, make sure you tell every housing provider or resource agency that you are a veteran.

Veterans may have access to specialized housing and supportive services that are not available to the general population.

Ask about veteran-specific resources, including programs that can assist with:

Emergency shelter
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Rental assistance
Supportive services
Transportation
Employment
VA-connected services

You can also contact Serenity Path Network to learn about our upcoming Veterans Path to Independence transitional housing program.

Our Veterans Path to Independence is specifically designed to help homeless veterans get off the streets and move toward stable, independent living.

Serenity Path Network LLC
Phone: (336) 649-4300
Email: contact@serenitypathnetwork.com
Website: SerenityPathNetwork.com

The program is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.

5. If You Have Children

If you are experiencing homelessness with children who attend Alamance-Burlington School System schools, contact your child's school social worker.

United Way of Alamance County specifically recommends that families experiencing homelessness contact their student's school social worker for assistance and connections to resources.

Do not wait until your housing situation becomes an emergency. Let the school know what is happening so appropriate resources can be explored.

6. If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence

If you became homeless because you are fleeing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or another unsafe situation, your needs may be different from those of someone experiencing homelessness for other reasons.

Contact Family Abuse Services of Alamance County.

Family Abuse Services of Alamance County Inc

24-hour Crisis Line: (336) 226-5985
Family Justice Center: 1950 Martin Street, Burlington, NC 27217

They can help survivors understand their options and connect with safety planning, advocacy, housing-related resources, and other support.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

7. Don't Forget Food

If you do not have enough food, ask your housing provider, DSS, 211, or local food programs about available meals and food assistance.

For example, The Salvation Army of Alamance County provides food assistance and other community support.

The Salvation Army-Alamance - Food Distribution Center

Phone: (336) 227-5529
Address: 812 N. Anthony Street, Burlington, NC 27217

You can also ask Allied Churches about its meal services and other food resources.

8. If You Need Help During the Night or Weekend

Alamance County Social Services normally operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For certain urgent situations outside normal DSS hours, Alamance County Central Communications can be contacted at:

(336) 570-6777

The county identifies this number for non-emergency situations during nights, weekends, and holidays when an on-call social worker may need to be contacted.

For an immediate emergency or if someone is in danger, call:

911

9. Keep Important Information With You

When contacting agencies, having documentation can make the process easier.

If you have them, keep copies of:

Photo ID
Social Security card
Birth certificate
Veteran ID or DD-214
Medicaid information
Social Security information
Proof of income
Benefit paperwork
Medical information
School information for children
Important phone numbers

But don't let missing documents stop you from asking for help.

Tell the agency what documents you do and do not have. They can explain what is required and how you may obtain replacements.

10. Ask for More Than a Bed

When you contact a shelter or agency, don't only ask:

“Do you have a bed?”

Also ask:

“What happens after I enter the shelter?”

You may need help with more than emergency shelter.

Ask about:

Coordinated Entry/Coordinated Assessment
Permanent housing
Rapid rehousing
Rental assistance
Employment
Transportation
Food assistance
Healthcare
Mental health services
Benefits
Identification documents
Life-skills support
Transitional housing

The goal should be to move from emergency shelter → stability → permanent housing whenever possible.

A Simple Action Plan

If you are homeless today, start here:

TODAY

1. Call Allied Churches:
(336) 229-0881

Ask about emergency shelter and the current coordinated assessment/intake process.

2. Call 211:
Ask for Alamance County housing, shelter, food, transportation, and financial-assistance resources.

3. Contact DSS:
(336) 570-6532

Ask what benefits and emergency assistance you may qualify for.

4. Tell agencies about your circumstances.

Let them know if you are:

A veteran
A parent with children
Disabled
Elderly
Fleeing domestic violence
Without transportation
Without identification
Currently sleeping outside or in a vehicle

5. Follow up.

Write down the name of every person you speak with, the agency, the phone number, and what they tell you to do next.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Homelessness can make you feel like you have run out of choices.

You haven't.

There are organizations throughout Alamance County whose purpose is to connect people with shelter, food, benefits, housing resources, and supportive services.

The first step is making the call.

The second step is following through.

And the goal is more than surviving another night.

The goal is getting you back into stable housing and moving toward a better future.

Important Alamance County Numbers

Resource & Phone

Emergency...911
Allied Churches of Alamance County...(336) 229-0881
Alamance County DSS...(336) 570-6532
Alamance County Central Communications...(336) 570-6777211
Community Resources211
Family Abuse Services Crisis Line...(336) 226-5985
Salvation Army of Alamance County...(336) 227-5529
Serenity Path Network...(336) 649-4300

Important: Shelter availability, intake procedures, eligibility requirements, and program hours can change. Call the organization before traveling to confirm current availability.