NCCARE360, the first statewide coordinated care network, connects North Carolinians with essential social support, including help with housing, food access, transportation, and more. FHLI is proud to administer NCCARE360, and we’re excited to introduce a new self-serve resource navigation tool.
By allowing people to search for community resources anonymously, this tool makes it easier for individuals and families to access local support at any time and from anywhere. Launched in partnership with Unite Us, this new tool broadens access to essential services and supports our mission to ensure every North Carolinian can connect to the help they need when it matters most. Read more below.
Use Case Stories
The self-serve navigation tool is created to help more North Carolinians find the local support and community resources they need. No login or account is necessary. People can simply enter their city or ZIP code, along with the type of help they’re seeking, to get a list of available resources that fit their needs.
This promotes greater accessibility and independence, enabling people to search confidentially on their own schedule and broadening reach by supporting individuals facing barriers to accessing providers.
Here are some examples of how the tool helps individuals and families access essential resources.
Transportation Assistance
Tanya, a single mother from Greensboro, is balancing two jobs while caring for her young daughter. When her car unexpectedly broke down, she worried about how she would get to work or take her daughter to daycare.
Instead of waiting for a referral or searching through dozens of websites, Tanya visited nccare360.org/get-help on her phone. She entered her ZIP code and the word “transportation.” Within seconds, she found several local programs offering ride assistance and car repair support.
From there, she clicked on a nearby organization, checked their contact details and hours, and then called directly. Within a few days, Tanya connected with a community partner who helped her get her car repaired and back on the road, allowing her to avoid missing work or losing income.
Housing Support
Similarly, when James lost his job, he fell behind on rent and worried about keeping a roof over his family’s head. Unsure where to start, he used the NCCARE360 self-serve navigation tool to look for help in his county. Within minutes, he found several local housing organizations offering emergency rental assistance and transitional housing options.
From there, he clicked on a nearby organization to view contact details and hours, then called directly to learn more. He was able to connect with a case manager, who helped him apply for support and avoid eviction. The tool helped James move from uncertainty to action, quickly linking him to real, local help.
Food Access
Maria, a single mother working full-time, noticed her grocery budget wasn’t stretching as far as it used to. She used the NCCARE360 self-serve navigation tool on her phone to search for “food assistance” near her ZIP code. The tool provided a list of nearby food pantries and community meal programs, complete with hours, contact information, and details on eligibility.
Maria found a neighborhood food pantry just three blocks from her house and discovered a community garden program that provides fresh produce every week. A quick search became a reliable source of food support for her family.
How It Works
As demonstrated by these use-case stories, the NCCARE360 self-serve navigation tool allows people to:
- Search confidentially for services by keyword or category (e.g., food, housing, childcare, employment).
- Filter results by location, eligibility, or other needs.
- View contact details, hours of operation, and directions instantly.
- Reach out directly to community organizations that can help.
The tool is also part of a larger system, as it supports NCCARE360’s coordinated care network, enabling partners and clients to connect more effectively. People also have the option to submit an assistance request form to get personalized support from an NCCARE360 Resource Navigator, who will make a referral on their behalf.
Share the NCCARE360 Self-Serve Navigation Tool with Your Community
If you work in health and human services, consider sharing with your patients or clients about the helpful resources available through the NCCARE360 self-serve navigation tool. Take a moment to check out the tool for yourself at nccare360.org/get-help/#resources. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to fostering a healthier North Carolina!
Stay tuned for more updates on other NCCARE360 program improvements designed to make health and human services more connected and accessible.