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Sponsored by the Brightspeed - Community Care Partnership
United Way Tar River Region
Serving Nash & Edgecombe Counties
Summary
The Barrier Breakers Program, sponsored by Brightspeed Fiber – Community Care Partnership, is a flexible, rapid‑response community assistance fund designed to help residents of Nash and Edgecombe Counties overcome short‑term financial barriers that threaten their stability and self-sufficiency. The fund supports individuals and families by covering unmet basic needs such as utilities, transportation, car repairs, temporary housing support, and other essential expenses that traditional assistance programs often cannot address. The program provides up to$300 per individual or family within a calendar year.
The goal is simple: remove small but critical barriers so people can maintain employment, stay housed, care for their families, and move toward long‑term stability.
Purpose of the Fund
The Barrier Breakers Program exists to:
- Provide immediate financial relief for urgent needs that jeopardize a household’s stability.
- Support individuals who are working toward self‑sufficiency but face a short‑term obstacle.
- Fill gaps where no other community resource, nonprofit, or government program can respond quickly enough.
- Strengthen the overall well‑being of Nash and Edgecombe County residents by preventing crises before they escalate.
About Brightspeed
Brightspeed is proud to support United Way Tar River Region—a partnership rooted in a shared belief that strong communities are built on strong connections. Brightspeed is committed to building a future where more people in North Carolina have access to the internet experience they deserve: fast, reliable 100% fiber internet for homes and businesses backed by support that puts customers first. Through relationships with local organizations, schools, nonprofits, and community programs in Nash and Edgecombe Counties, Brightspeed helps keep people connected to the everyday moments that matter most. Learn more at: https://www.brightspeed.com/local/nc/rocky-mount
Eligible Expenses
Funds may be used for documented unmet needs, including but not limited to:
- Utilities: electric, water, gas, heating fuel, past‑due bills, reconnection fees
- Transportation: bus passes, rideshare credits, emergency travel, gas cards
- Car Repairs: tires, batteries, essential mechanical repairs needed for work, school, or medical care
- Housing Stability: temporary lodging, eviction diversion, rental assistance when other programs are unavailable
- Medical/Health Needs: prescriptions, medical supplies, copays
- Employment Support: uniforms, tools, certifications, background checks, specific education supports/classes when tuition assistance or scholarships are not available
- Other Basic Needs: food, hygiene items, childcare gaps, emergency household needs
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Reside in Nash or Edgecombe County
- Demonstrate a specific unmet need that threatens stability
- Show that no other funding source is available or accessible in time
- Provide documentation (bill, estimate, invoice, etc.) when applicable
- Agree to follow‑up communication from United Way Tar River Region
- Agree to provide testimonials (to United Way and/or Brightspeed) regarding how the financial assistance has positively impacted the recipient’s life
Priority may be given to individuals who are employed, seeking employment, caregiving, or experiencing a temporary crisis.
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NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community. To search for resources online, CLICK HERE.
Our United Way administers the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), a federal initiative through FEMA and the National Food and Shelter Program. For more details, CLICK HERE.
The ALICE Report is the most comprehensive depiction of financial need in the state to date, using the latest data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census. The Report unveils new measures, based on 2022 income levels and expenses, that quantify how many NC households are struggling financially, and why. CLICK HERE for more details.