Avery County Dept of Social Services

01/27/2026

⚠️NOTICE⚠️
Please note Tuesdays closures!
We will hope to return to normal hours on Wednesday. 🤞

01/25/2026

Avery County DSS will be closed Monday, January 26th due to the weather conditions.

⚠️NOTICE⚠️
See details below

01/23/2026

Hello Avery County! You’ve had days to prepare for the winter storm coming our way. We hope you are as ready as you can be and that we get nothing but rain! However, models are showing ice, snow, rain and at the end frigid temperatures. If this happens Avery County Emergency Management is ready. In the event of large scale power outages we have 3 warming shelters on standby. The Rock Gym in Newland, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk and Riverside Elementary school in the lower end of the county. The Rock Gym in Newland will have the animal trailer as well, if you go to the other shelters with animals they must be crated, no exceptions. If/ when these shelters are opened we will announce it here and in hyper-reach for the areas it affects. If you need to utilize a warming shelter please bring your blankets, pillows, snacks & your medications. EOC will be on standby and open if needed, the non-emergent number once opened is 828-733-8273. Do NOT call 911 for General Information, it is for emergencies only. We are from the mountains and winter weather is not new to us, don’t panic, just be prepared.

01/06/2026

Come join our team!!

NC State Government Paper Application for Employment (PD-107) and PD-107 Continuation Sheet

11/10/2025

❄️ Warming Shelter Information ❄️
With the upcoming cold weather and potential snow, Avery County wants to make sure everyone stays safe and warm.
In the event of a power outage, a Warming Shelter will be available for residents at:
📍 Avery County Parks & Recreation Rock Gym
185 Shady Street, Newland, NC

Please check Avery County’s official pages for updates on opening times and additional information as the weather develops.
Stay safe and take care of your neighbors! 💙

10/28/2025

Due to recent cuts in SNAP benefits, Feeding Avery Families Food Pantry will hold an additional distribution day on Friday, October 31st, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. We will be open for drive-thru only distribution during this time to help meet increased community needs.

We remain committed to ensuring that every neighbor has access to healthy, nutritious food during this challenging time.

Upcoming Distributions

Friday, October 31st
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Drive-thru distribution only

Friday, November 7th

Regular distribution AND Holiday Box distribution
9:30–11:30 am, 12:30–2:30 pm

Friday, November 14th

Regular distribution AND Holiday Box distribution
9:30–11:30 am, 12:30–2:30 pm, 4:00–6:00 pm

Friday, November 21st
9:30–11:30 am, 12:30–2:30 pm

Friday, November 28th
Feeding Avery Families will be CLOSED

For more information about getting food or how to support us, visit our website www.feedingaveryfamilies.org

10/28/2025

In light of the government shutdown, Avery County would like to ensure residents are aware of the local food resources available throughout our community. If you or someone you know could use a little extra support this month, please take a look at the options below. These community partners are here to help, and we encourage you to share this information so all families stay informed and supported.

10/21/2025

NCDHHS received a letter from the federal government that November FNS benefits may be disrupted if the federal shutdown continues. We are working to get a better understanding of exactly what that disruption will mean for North Carolina. It may mean that November FNS benefits may not be issued on your normal schedule for your usual benefit amount.

We understand how important these benefits are. We will share updates as soon as federal guidance is issued. For more information on FNS benefits and impacts from the federal
shutdown you may also visit NCDHHS’s website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns.

You can check your balance in the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.

08/21/2025

NC State Government Paper Application for Employment (PD-107) and PD-107 Continuation Sheet

08/04/2025

PRESS RELEASE!
Please see the joint statement below.