Johnston County
Ask about Johnston County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Johnston County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Johnston County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · County office
Johnston County Department of Social Services
714 North Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Food, health, and cash benefitsApply for food assistance, Medicaid, and cash assistance, or get help with a benefits case.
- Child care assistanceAsk about help paying for child care if your family meets the program rules.
- Child and adult protectionReport abuse or neglect and ask for help protecting a child or vulnerable adult.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Public health · County office
Johnston County WIC Clinic
517 N. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- WIC nutrition supportAsk about food benefits, nutrition help, and breastfeeding support for eligible women, infants, and children.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Child support · County office
Johnston County Child Support Enforcement Office
Law Enforcement Center, 3rd Floor, 120 S. Third Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Child support servicesGet help establishing, collecting, or enforcing child support and establishing paternity.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Housing help · County office
Johnston County Housing Assistance Payments Program
107 Johnston Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Housing assistanceAsk about rental assistance vouchers and the program's application process.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Public health · County office
Johnston County Public Health Department
517 N. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Public health clinics and servicesGet public health information and ask about clinic services, including family planning and child health.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Mental health and recovery · County office
Johnston County Public Health Behavioral Health Division
521 N. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Behavioral health and substance use servicesCall or visit to ask about mental health and substance use services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.com
Courts and legal help · State office
Johnston County Courthouse
207 E. Johnston St., Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Court servicesVisit the courthouse for Johnston County court services and ask court staff where to find help with your matter.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on nccourts.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Triangle J Area Agency on Aging
4307 Emperor Blvd., Suite 110, Durham, NC 27703
Help here
- Aging services information and referralsContact the regional agency for information and referrals to aging services for Johnston County residents.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on tjaaa.org
Older adults · Nonprofit
Community and Senior Services of Johnston County
1363 W. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Senior and caregiver supportAsk about services for older adults and caregivers, including meals, transportation, and in-home support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cssjohnston.org
Veterans · County office
Johnston County Veterans Services
309 E. Market St., Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Veterans benefits helpGet help applying for veterans benefits and services for veterans, dependents, and survivors.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Emergency help · County office
Johnston County Emergency Management Division
Help here
- Emergency preparedness and recoveryFind emergency alerts, preparedness guidance, and information about recovery after a disaster.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
NCWorks Career Center, Johnston County
8998 US Hwy 70 West, Suite 100, Clayton, NC 27520
Help here
- Job search and career supportGet help searching for work, preparing a résumé, exploring training, and planning your career.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ncworksforyou.org
Library · County office
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield
305 E. Market St., Smithfield, NC 27577
Help here
- Public library servicesVisit the county library system for books, learning resources, and public library services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on johnstonnc.gov
Johnston County Government website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals in Johnston County, closest to the center of Clayton first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Food pantry
Emmanuel Hispanic Pentecostal
9.6 miles from the center of Clayton4119 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh, NC 27610
Hours
- Fri9 AM to 12 PM (3rd of the month)
Listed on foodfinder.foodbankcenc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Mobile pantry
Abundant Life Cathedral COGIC
9.9 miles from the center of Clayton4400 Old Poole Rd., Raleigh, NC 27610
Hours
- Sat8 AM to 9 AM (4th of the month). Drive-through
Who can come: Anyone
What to bring: Drive-through distribution
Listed on foodshuttle.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Abundant Life Cathedral COGIC, Building B
Abundant Life Cathedral COGIC
9.9 miles from the center of Clayton4400 Old Poole Rd., Raleigh, NC 27610
Hours
- Mon11 AM to 12 PM
- Wed11 AM to 12 PM
Who can come: Anyone
What to bring: Indoor service
Listed on foodshuttle.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church
12 miles from the center of Clayton1515 Cross Link Road, Raleigh, NC 27610
Hours
- Tue1 PM to 4 PM (2nd and 3rd and 4th of the month)
Listed on foodfinder.foodbankcenc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
With Love From Jesus
13 miles from the center of Clayton421 Chapanoke Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
Hours
- Tue9:30 AM to 10 AM. Food only; 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- Wed9:30 AM to 10 AM. Food only; 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- Fri9:30 AM to 10 AM. Food only; 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- Sat9:30 AM to 10 AM. Food only; 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Who can come: Anyone
What to bring: No ID, referral, proof of income, or proof of residence required.
Listed on withlovefromjesus.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Oak City Cares Weekend Meals
Oak City Cares, Inc.
13 miles from the center of Clayton1430 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Hours
- Sat9 AM to 6 PM. Meals at 09:00, 12:30, and 15:00
- Sun9 AM to 6 PM. Meals at 09:00, 12:30, and 15:00
Listed on oakcitycares.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Johnston County
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
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
1924 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Nonprofit
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
1001 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
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
Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, Inc.
P.O. Drawer 711, Smithfield, NC 27577
Listed on ncdhhs.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Johnston County
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 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988