"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

When you find yourself behind on a rent payment; when you’re seeking caregiving assistance; when your home has been destroyed by a natural disaster -- Helps starts here with NC 211. 

On Feb. 11, NC 211 joins United Way organizations and 211 call centers across the country to celebrate National 211 Day to highlight this critical service and give thanks to the many NC 211 staff members who work tirelessly to provide excellent service to their callers.

Since 1999, NC 211 has been serving the state as an information referral center for health and human services. Operated by United Way of North Carolina and powered by 47 local United Ways across the state - including the Catawba County United Way - the valuable NC 211 service connects North Carolinians with resources that can help them get back on their feet in the most challenging of times. Offered in multiple languages, North Carolinians can have a free, confidential conversation with a Community Resource Specialist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162. 

In 2024, NC 211 took 208,641 calls, with 31,572 of those calls relating to Hurricane Helene, which hit Western North Carolina on Sept.27. The level of call volume skyrocketed that day, upon former Governor Roy Cooper activating the NC 211 number as the non-emergency number to call during the disaster. NC 211 not only took resource-related calls, but also assisted with processing 15,985 welfare checks through texts and phone calls from folks searching for their loved ones in western North Carolina after Helene hit. 

Despite disaster-related or everyday challenges, NC 211 remains strong in its mission to provide resources of relevance and quality to each person in need. 

Just last month, a single father with one child, called looking for help with his electric bill. He had an unexpected expense come up, making it difficult to make the payment. The NC 211 Community Resource Specialist he talked to quickly referred the father to three resources in his area.

In addition to finding information over the phone, North Carolinians can also search NC 211’s database of resources by visiting https://nc211.org/ and entering their need and location.

This updated search tool makes it easier for folks to find services quickly if they don’t have time to make a phone call. They can also peruse the eLibrary for program- and situation-specific articles that can address their related questions and needs. 

Last year, more than 1,300 calls were made to NC 211 for help with housing and shelter in Catawba County, which included: 424 for shelters, 285 for low-cost housing and 530 for rental assistance.

Every year the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) works to meet the needs of those individuals and families who are in crisis.

In 2025 that means supporting18 programs from 15 local agencies who answer the call for help to find shelter, healthcare, mentoring, crisis assistance and so many other resources.

The United Way looks forward to partnering with these agencies this year, helping to assure those in need are not alone,

The CCUW's 2025 RFP Partners

Addressing housing and emergency shelter needs

• Exodus Homes – Transitional Housing post recovery
• Sipe’s Orchard Home – Transitional Housing for Homeless Teens
• The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory – Shelter of Hope
• American Red Cross – Emergency Disaster Services
• Shelter Home of Caldwell Co. – Domestic Violence Shelter
• Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley – Home Repairs

Ensuring youth reach their potential

• The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory – Boys & Girls Club
• Catawba County Partnership for Children – Parents as Teachers
• Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center – Augustine Tutoring Program
• Council on Adolescents of Catawba County – Mentoring Program
• Council on Adolescents of Catawba County – Healthy Youth

Supporting access to all levels of healthcare

• Catawba County Public Health – Community Health Workers
• Catawba County Children's Advocacy & Protection Center – Child Medical Exam
• Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry – Pharmacy
• Adult Life Programs – Adult Daycare
• Catawba Valley Healthcare – Primary Care
• Shelter Home of Caldwell Co. – Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Services
• Catawba County DSS – Senior Nutritional Program

Catawba County Public Health's WIC Clinic is open:

There has been some confusing news out there, but Public Health wants to reassure you that our WIC Clinic remains open and the staff is ready to serve you.

WIC participants can

Continue using your benefits

Keep your appointments

Access services as usual

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

City of Hickory - Celebrating Black History Month:

Step back in time at this year's Living Wax Museum, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ridgeview Recreation Center. Interact with notable African Americans who helped shape our world, from Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks to members of the Six Triple Eight.

MORE HICKORY EVENTS

Catawba County Historical Museum - Living Wax Museum:

An interactive experience that brings the stories of influential African American figures to life at the County Museum in Newton.

This experience celebrates the achievements and legacies of Black individuals who have shaped history.

Feb. 22, 3 - 5 p.m.

We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.

Below are some upcoming non-profit events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month (10:30 a.m.) at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.