Rental Assistance in Hickory and Catawba County North Carolina.
Catawba County has a well-organized network of faith-based ministries that anchor local emergency rent assistance — most notably GHCCM in downtown Hickory and Ashure Ministry in Newton. These two organizations are the primary first contacts for residents facing a housing crisis anywhere in the county. The Salvation Army adds shelter and emergency financial assistance, and free legal representation is available for tenants facing eviction through Legal Aid of North Carolina. This page lists organizations that may offer rental assistance and focus on addressing housing needs.
Need help finding the right program? Dial 2-1-1. United Way 211 is free, available 24/7, and connects Catawba County residents to local housing, utility, food, and other resources. Call or text: Dial 2-1-1 (free, confidential, multilingual). Website: https://nc211.org/.
EMERGENCY RENT ASSISTANCE
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) — The county's primary hub for crisis services since 1969, GHCCM offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities along with other support. Residents from anywhere in Catawba County may apply. Income must generally be within 200% of the federal poverty level. An appointment is required. Hours are usually Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri 8:30–11:30 a.m. Contact is 31 1st Ave. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 327-0979. Website: https://ccmhickory.org/.
Ashure Ministry (formerly Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry) — Provides crisis financial assistance with rent, mortgage, utility bills, and fuel oil to residents across all of Catawba County. Active participation in case management is required — your case manager will set goals and action steps with you. Rent payments are made directly to the landlord (landlord must be on the Ashure vendor list). Arrive early as late applicants may be asked to return the next day. Hours are usually Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Closed Friday. Contact: 245 East N St., Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 465-1702. Website: https://ashureministry.org/.
Salvation Army of Greater Hickory — Offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities through its Crisis Help Center, which serves Catawba and several surrounding counties. Also operates the Shelter of Hope, a 365-day-a-year emergency shelter for single men, women, and families — the only shelter in Catawba County housing all three groups. Call the Crisis Help Center to see if you qualify before visiting. Contact Corps / Crisis Help Center: 750 3rd Ave. Pl. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 322-8061 as well as Shelter of Hope: 760 3rd Ave. Pl. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 322-8061. Website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/hickory.
Christian Community Outreach Ministries (CCOM) — Faith-based ministry offering counseling, prayer, and limited emergency assistance primarily for utility bills (electricity and water). Hours are usually Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and 1–4 p.m.. Contact 870 8th St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601 | (828) 328-1803. Sometimes programs focus on utility bills. Verify rent assistance availability before visiting.
Catawba County Department of Social Services (DSS) — The county government's social services agency. Offers TANF emergency cash assistance (which can be used for housing), and referrals to other housing resources. Also administers programs for seniors and the disabled. Contact is 3030 11th Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 695-5600. Website: https://catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/.
Family Care Center of Catawba Valley — Provides transitional housing and shelter for families with children, including single parents. Also offers food, case management, employment programs, and referrals to security deposit assistance. Contact 2875 Highland Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601 | (828) 324-9917
AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance (ALFA) — Administers the HOPWA housing program (Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS), providing rent, mortgage, and utility assistance exclusively for low-income residents living with HIV or AIDS. Contact: 1120 Fairgrove Church Rd., Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 322-1447
SECTION 8 AND PUBLIC HOUSING
WPCOG Regional Housing Authority — The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) Regional Housing Authority now administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for Catawba County (taking over 556 vouchers formerly managed by the Hickory Housing Authority). The WPCOG RHA covers Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties with approximately 1,900+ total vouchers. Contact WPCOG directly for current waiting list status:
1880 2nd Ave. NW, Hickory, NC 28601 | (828) 322-9191. Website: https://www.wpcog.org/regional-housing-authority.
City of Hickory Public Housing Authority — Manages public housing units within the city. The Section 8 voucher program has been transferred to WPCOG (see above). Contact for public housing availability. 841 S. Center St., Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 328-5373
FREE LEGAL AID FOR TENANTS FACING EVICTION
Legal Aid of North Carolina — Morganton Office — Free civil legal services for low-income Catawba County residents facing eviction, landlord disputes, unsafe housing, subsidized housing terminations, and housing discrimination. Also handles domestic violence, public benefits, and family law. Apply by phone or online. Contact: 211 E. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 (serves Catawba County). Helpline: (866) 219-5262 | Local: (828) 437-8280
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