Beyond Breastfeeding – Community Support and Resources

This page collects general community resources for Durham families beyond breastfeeding support: food, housing, health coverage, mental health and more.

One of the best lists in the community is the Nurturing Durham Resource Guide website. 
Now ‘live’ in English and Spanish. 

Child care

Community Empowerment Fund

The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) and a collective of community advocacy groups maintain a shared community resource list.

Domestic Violence Hotlines (National)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: 1 (800) 799-7233
phone: 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
message on Facebook

ePASS PORTAL

To determine if you are eligible for public assistance like SNAP, Medicaid, or CHIP, create an account on the NCDHHS ePASS website.

Food assistance

HEALTH INSURANCE

If you do not have health insurance, you can call your nearest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). FQHCs are community-based health care providers that receive federal funds to provided needed health services in communities.

  • Find a community health center near you by searching here.
  • Or enroll in health insurance through ACA. If you have lost your health insurance due to a change in job, you may qualify to enroll in health care coverage during a special open enrollment period. Learn more here: healthcare.gov.

MEDICAID

North Carolinians can apply for Medicaid on the NCDHHS Medicaid Website or by phone at 888-2450179 Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Medicaid recipients in North Carolina will also have expanded access to remote and virtual health services. Medicare recipients may be eligible for telehealth services such as virtual visits from the comfort of their own home. For more information, contact your medical provider or visit your Medicare account.

Mental Wellness

  • Hope4NC: Hope4NC is a disaster behavioral health program in North Carolina that provides support and resources to individuals and communities impacted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers crisis counseling, outreach, and education to promote resilience and recovery. Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsas/ho​pe4nc
  • 24/7 Maternal Mental Health Hotline – HRSA: The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free and confidential resource for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families who are experiencing mental health or substance use disorders. The hotline provides support, referrals, and resources to help individuals access the care they need. Website: https://www.hrsa.gov/maternal-child-health/maternal-mental-health/hotline
  • SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government agency that leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health in the United States. SAMHSA provides funding, research, and resources to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for individuals with mental and substance use disorders. Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/
  • Get Help Now (6 categories of help hotlines): Get Help Now is a directory of crisis hotlines for individuals who are seeking immediate help for a variety of issues, including mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide prevention. The directory includes hotlines for adults, teens, veterans, and individuals with specific needs, such as LGBTQ+ or Spanish-speaking individuals. Website: https://www.gethelpnow.org/

NC 2-1-1

NC 2-1-1 refers callers to community resources for food, shelter, parenting and more. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162, available 24/7.

SNAP food assistance

Individuals and households that need food assistance may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with more information at NCDHHS SNAP.

  • Durham: Durham County SNAP resources are available online or by phone at 919-560-0300 between 7:30AM-5PM.
  • Orange: Orange County SNAP resources are available on the Orange County Services website or contact Food and Nutrition Services Program Supervisor: Terri Totherow via email at totherow@orangecountync.gov or by phone at 919-245-2844.
  • Wake: Wake County SNAP resources are available on the Wake County Services website or contact Food and Nutrition Services Review Program Manager: Luv Sinclair via email at Luv.ArtisSinclair@wakegov.com or by phone at 919-848-5391.

TANF CASH ASSISTANCE

Families may receive cash assistance with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) also called Work First.

TAPS

Register for a TAPS “Conversations of Courage” Support Group: “Join us for this FREE 4 week online facilitated group support series as we help you focus on building resilience through: 1)  Virtual community connections; 2) Creating new patterns of thinking and growth mindsets; and 3) Teaching mindfulness practices and grounding techniques for daily anxiety reduction.” Groups run for 4 weeks and are available for pregnant people as well as parents of newborns, older babies, and toddlers.

TRIBAL RESOURCES

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has compiled a list of federal resources from the Indian Health Service, FEMA, and the Bureau of Indian Education to aid Tribes in their response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

VOTING

The North Carolina State Board of Elections provides updates on potential changes to voting operations and elections due to COVID-19 on their website.

Worker resources

  • FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT: If you are unable to work, have been laid-off, or had your hours reduced due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply for Unemployment Insurance HERE

This page began in March 2020 as Breastfeed Durham’s COVID-19 community resource list and was rebuilt in September 2026. The 2020 list is summarized on the COVID-19 Response record.