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Someone is hurt, in danger, or a crime is happening now. Fire or medical emergency. Free from any phone — even a phone with no plan.
Food, shelter, help with bills, and services in your county. Free, private, open 24 hours a day, in many languages. If 2-1-1 will not dial from your phone, call 1-888-892-1162. Online: nc211.org.
Call or text 988, any time, day or night. For any emotional crisis — not only suicide. Free and private. Chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Report a crime that already happened, ask about city services, or reach the CMPD non-emergency line — 311 connects you. Calling from outside Mecklenburg County? Dial 704-336-7600.
Swallowed or breathed in something harmful? A bad reaction, a bite, an overdose? Poison experts answer free, 24 hours a day.
980-771-4673 — 24-hour crisis line for Mecklenburg County. National hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
1-877-424-3838 — National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. Free, 24 hours a day.
704-501-8260 — crisis help and shelter for young people, 24 hours a day.
1-866-219-5262 — Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Online: legalaidnc.org.
Every number on this page was checked on October 19, 2026. If a number ever fails you, call 2-1-1 and ask for the same thing — they keep the freshest list in North Carolina.