Banner Elk
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Local offices in Banner Elk
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Utilities · City office
Town of Banner Elk Utilities
200 Park Avenue, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Help here
- Water and sewer serviceContact the town to start water or sewer service and ask about utility charges.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on townofbannerelk.org
Local office · Nonprofit
NC 211
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall 211 to find local help with basic needs such as housing, food, utilities, and health care.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on nc211.org
Local office · City office
Town of Banner Elk Town Hall
200 Park Avenue, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Help here
- Town services and resident helpContact Town Hall for help with town services and questions about living in Banner Elk.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on townofbannerelk.org
Local office · Nonprofit
Foscoe-Grandfather Community Center
233 Park Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Help here
- Community center programsContact the center for information about its community programs and activities.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on foscoecommunitycenter.com
Parks and recreation · City office
Town of Banner Elk Recreation
Help here
- Town parks and recreationFind information about town parks and recreation facilities.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on townofbannerelk.org
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Banner Elk
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
MANNA FoodBank
99 Broadpointe Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
WAMY Community Action, Inc.
225 Birch Street, Suite 2, Boone, NC 28607
Listed on ncdhhs.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Job help near Banner Elk
American Job Centers are free. They help you look for work, write a resume, find training and apply for unemployment benefits. You can ask for an interpreter.
CareerOneStop lists no American Job Center in Banner Elk. These are the closest.
American Job Center · Affiliate center
NCWorks Access Point-Avery County
5.6 miles away
785 Cranberry Street, Mayland Community College, Newland, NC 28657
Hours: Mon 9:00am-4:00pm; Closed 12:00pm-1:00pm
Updated by CareerOneStop on May 30, 2026
American Job Center
NCWorks Career Center- Watauga County
Also helps people leaving jail or prison
11 miles away
130 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC 28607
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:00am-5pm Closed 12pm-1pm ; Fri 8am-12pm
Updated by CareerOneStop on September 4, 2026
American Job Center · Affiliate center
NCWorks Access Point - Mitchell County
Also helps young people
21 miles away
200 Mayland Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Hours: Tues-Thur 9:00am-4pm, Closed 12pm-1pm;
Updated by CareerOneStop on May 30, 2026
Unemployment benefits in North Carolina
If you lost your job or your hours were cut, you may be able to get unemployment insurance. You apply with the state, and the state decides who qualifies.
Workforce board for this area
The workforce board plans the job and training programs here and funds the job centers. Go to a job center for help; call the board with questions about its programs.
Workforce board
High Country Workforce Development Board
468 New Market Blvd, Boone, NC 28607-1820
Workforce board
NCWorks Commission
4348 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4348
Job center and program listings from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Checked on October 10, 2026.
Offices for all of Avery County
Banner Elk is in Avery County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Avery County Department of Social Services
358 Beech St., Newland, NC 28657
Help here
- Food and Nutrition ServicesApply for food assistance and get help with your benefits.
- Child supportGet help with child support services and cases.
- Work First and energy assistanceAsk about cash help, work support, and energy assistance.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ncdhhs.gov
Public health · State office
Avery County WIC Clinic
545 Schultz Circle, Newland, NC 28657
Help here
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)Apply for food and nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and children.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on toeriverhealth.org
Public health · Regional office
Toe River Health District, Avery County Campus
545 Schultz Circle, Newland, NC 28657
Help here
- Public health servicesGet public health and clinic services for people in Avery County.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on toeriverhealth.org
Courts and legal help · State office
Avery County Courthouse
200 Montezuma Street, Newland, NC 28657
Help here
- Court information and assistanceFind court contact information and help with court services in Avery County.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on nccourts.gov
Older adults · County office
Avery Senior Services
1655 Schultz St., Newland, NC 28657
Help here
- Senior servicesGet meals, in-home help, transportation, and health promotion services for older adults.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on highcountryaging.org
Older adults · Regional office
High Country Area Agency on Aging
468 New Market Blvd, Boone, NC 28607
Help here
- Aging and caregiver supportContact the agency for support and resources for older adults, family caregivers, and people with disabilities.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on highcountryaging.org
North Carolina programs by kind of help
These are run by North Carolina and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- NC 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988