"Helping our neighbors in need help themselves"

(Note:  ALL services are based upon the availability of funding at the time of service applications.)
Phone +1-910-7544766
Brunswick Family Assistance Agency, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) Organization
 
BFA Phone:  910-754-4766  Fax:  910-755-3313
Family Thrift Store Phone:  910-754-7322

Important:  After entering your donation amount, click UPDATE AMOUNT.
Thank you for choosing BFA!
Office Hours:  Mon-Tues-Thurs 9 am-4:30 pm / Wed 1 pm-4:30 pm / Fri 9 am-3pm
BFA EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE depends on applicant eligibility AND the availability of funds the day of your application.

See ITEMS 1-7 below for application guidelines and also read guidelines for each type of assistance.

Emergency Food and Non-emergency USDA Commodities
Emergency Utility Assistance
Emergency Rent 
Emergency Prescription Assistance for Life-Sustaining Medications Only

BFA DOES NOT have funding for these or other requests not listed above:
To provide gasoline vouchers
Pay to rent equipment such as moving trucks or trailers
Pay utility or rent deposits
Pay heating fuel bills 
BRUNSWICK FAMILY ASSISTANCE  EMERGENCY SERVICES
EMERGENCY FOOD

FOOD PANTRY:  We provide emergency food to eligible individuals and families. [SEE ITEMS 1-7 ABOVE "TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE"].  
  • Eligible applicants may access the food pantry services 4 times per year with at least 30 days between visits. 
  • We try to provide enough emergency food to feed the family for 3 to 4 days.  
  • The types of food we can provide depends on what is donated to our food pantry.  
  • Meat is available  only when someone donates it to BFA.  We do not know when or how much meat may be donated.
  • Restrictions apply related to dates of applicants' access to other pantries, FNS benefits, and USDA Commodities

NON-EMERGENCY FOOD​

USDA COMMODITIES:  BFA distributes USDA donated Commodities four times a year to households with a total income within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.  Prior to each distribution FNS recipients receive a letter that lists items that may be available at the Brunswick County distribution site.  BFA staff and volunteers have NO CONTROL over what type of food is delivered.  That is decided at the state level.

Next Distribution:  February 15th at Democratic Headquarters in Supply, across from BCC.  The doors open at 9:00 AM.
EMERGENCY RENT, UTILITY, OR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

[SEE ITEMS 1-7 ABOVE "TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE"]

  • Bring  the utility final shut-off notice or the power-stat print-out dated the day of the application.
  • We do not pay past-due heating fuel bills.  If you use propane, call your supplier before you visit BFA and find out if they will deliver propane to you.
  • Applicants are asked to pay half of the amount they request for any financial assistance.  
  • BFA will try to match what the applicant pays up to an amount that will be determined based on available funds.
  • For rent assistance, bring an eviction notice.
  • For prescription assistance, bring a print-out from WAL-MART that shows the prices of the medications.  BFA helps only with life-sustaining medications.

Funding for emergency assistance comes from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, BEMC Warm Homes Warm Hearts Program, and through the collaboration with churches in Brunswick County.

When assistance is approved, payments are made directly to the providers.  

Emergency assistance is limited to one time a year, or once every other year depending on the funding source.
OTHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

We help eligible families who have suffered an emergency situation through a voucher program with clothing from the Family Thrift Store.  

BFA accepts donations of school supplies and baby care items to distribute to families in need.  Please call or use our contact form to arrange donations.
To apply for EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

​1.  Bring proof of your identity and current address.  BFA will accept one of the following:
  • a.  Current NC driver's license with your current address on it
  • b.  NC issued photo identification card with your current address on it
  • c.  Your legal immigrant documentation

2.  Bring your Social Security Card. This does not take the place of your photo ID, but you still must present this   
     at each visit to verify your client file.

3.  Bring Social Security cards for all members of your household

4.  If you have children under age 18, also bring their birth certificates

5.  Bring PROOF of ALL recent household income (bank statements, check stubs, copies of checks, award 
     letters, or denial of benefits letters.)

6.  Bring PROOF that you have applied for FNS (food stamps) -- bring the award letter or the denial letter.

7.  Bring PROOF of all household expenses (receipts, invoices, bills)