What We Offer

Widows Health Foundation, Inc. (WHF) is a community-based, charitable organization dedicated exclusively to serving low-income widows (defined as those who have lost a spouse through death).

Young widows dinner with friends and widows dinner with friends

Advocacy, Awareness, and Outreach Program

Geographic Service Area

Payment Information

• Assistance is limited and subject to funding availability

• Applying does not guarantee approval or payment

• Payments are made directly to the housing vendor

The Mary Franklin Fund

The Mary Franklin Fund -Eligibility Criteria

The Mary Franklin Fund is an unrestricted housing assistance fund available to eligible widows residing in any of the 41 Eastern North Carolina counties, subject to program eligibility and available funds ($300 max per applicant). EXCEPTION: For 2026, only serving Bertie County, NC (PILOT PROGRAM)

Service Area and Funding Eligibility
Widows Health Foundation serves eligible widows residing throughout its 41-county service area in Eastern North Carolina. Eligibility for assistance may vary depending upon the funding source and the specific requirements associated with individual grants or restricted funds. Certain funding opportunities are designated exclusively for eligible widows residing in particular counties.

Apply for funds for one (1) of the following expenses: (Vendor is paid directly)
• Rent/Mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or loss of housing
• Utility assistance (electric, water, propane gas, sewage) to prevent disconnection
• Home property tax to prevent seizure
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Eligibility Criteria for Assistance (must meet the following requirements and provide documentation):

(1.) Widowhood Status (Acceptable documentation: death certificate or Social Security documentation)

(2.) Residency (must reside within the designated service area):

-In 2026, Serving: Bertie County, NC
-Beginning 2027, Serving Eastern NC Counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones Lenoir, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Scotlandneck, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne, Wilson

How to apply

Ways to Obtain an Application:

• Download the form (here). OR

• Call the WHF office (252-706-1664) and request that the application be emailed, faxed, or mailed to you.

How to Submit Application

· Applicants or referring agencies must complete an application.

· The applicant is required to sign all designated signature fields, even if the application is completed by another individual.

· Must attach a copy of applicant’s picture ID, proof of widowhood, a current statement, invoice or bill issued by the company must be attached as supporting documentation that shows applicant’s name, address and bill amount.

· Applicant must read, sign and date Widow Health Foundation, Inc. (WHF) privacy policy.

Submit application and supporting documentation one (1) of the following ways:

1.) FAX: 252-424-5274

2.) EMAIL: KWilliams@widowshealthfoundation.org

3.) MAIL:

WHF, Inc.

P.O. Box 1044

Edenton, NC 27932

WIDOWS HEALTH FOUNDATION, INC.

Address

P.O. Box 1044, Edenton, NC 27932

Contact

Kimberly Williams, Executive Director

Phone: 252-706-1664. FAX: 252-424-5274