Columbus
Ask about Columbus
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Columbus and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Columbus
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Utilities · City office
Town of Columbus Utility Billing
95 Walker Street, Columbus, NC 28722
Help here
- Water and sewer billsPay your town water and sewer bill or call Town Hall for help with your account.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on columbusnc.com
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 Hall
95 Walker Street, Columbus, NC 28722
Help here
- Town services and questionsContact town staff with questions or concerns about local services.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on columbusnc.com
Library · County office
Columbus Library
1289 W. Mills St, Columbus, NC 28722
Help here
- Public library servicesVisit the library to use its public library services and resources.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on polklibrary.org
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Columbus
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
Community Action Opportunities
25 Gaston Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Listed on ncdhhs.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Polk County
Columbus is in Polk County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Polk County Department of Social Services
231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756
Help here
- Food and cash assistanceApply for food help, Medicaid, and Work First cash assistance.
- Child care assistanceAsk about help paying for child care.
- Child supportGet help with child support services and cases.
- Family and adult protectionGet help with child protective services or adult protective services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ncdhhs.gov
Public health · County office
Polk County Health and Human Services Agency WIC Clinic
2881 NC 108 Hwy East, Columbus, NC 28722
Help here
- WIC nutrition supportAsk about WIC food benefits and nutrition support for eligible families.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ncdhhs.gov
Community action · Nonprofit
Western Carolina Community Action, Inc.
220 King Creek Blvd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Help here
- Community action servicesContact the agency about community assistance programs serving Polk County.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on wcca.net
Public health · County office
Polk County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health
2881 NC 108 Hwy East, Columbus, NC 28722
Help here
- Public health servicesContact the health department about local public health services and programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on polknc.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging
339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806
Help here
- Aging and caregiver supportGet information and referrals for older adults and family caregivers in Polk County.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on landofsky.org
Veterans · County office
Polk County Veterans Service Office
75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722
Help here
- Veterans benefits helpGet help applying for veterans benefits and filing claims.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on milvets.nc.gov
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