Street Reach of Johnston County

08/28/2026

Online Mental Health Support for Johnston County residents

Johnston County residents now have access to virtual behavioral health urgent care through a partnership between Johnston County, Willow Health, Alliance Health and Osier Health.

The service is for Johnston County residents 18 and older who need immediate mental health support. No referral is required, and residents do not need health insurance. County funding makes the service available to Johnstonians without insurance. Same-day appointments are often available.

Willow Health provides urgent support for a range of behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, psychosis, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Treatment may include individual therapy, medication management and group therapy. Intensive programs are also available for people who need ongoing support. The care team includes psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, care managers and certified peer support specialists, all focused on helping individuals feel safe, supported and stable and get on the path to recovery.

Services are provided entirely online through secure video sessions, allowing residents to receive help from home. The virtual clinic operates from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To get connected, visit willowbehavioralhealth.com/johnston-county or call 919-504-6520.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

08/28/2026

Johnston County is launching a new community engagement series designed to give residents an opportunity to learn more about County services and connect directly with County staff.

The new County Close-Up series will bring County departments together with residents for public forums focused on topics of community interest. Each event will feature a presentation from County staff, followed by a question-and-answer session, and an opportunity for residents to speak one-on-one with staff members.

The series begins with a Social Services County Close-Up at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23 at the Johnston County Social Services campus, Building A, located in Smithfield. The first event will focus on recent changes to federal law that impact both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

“Our Social Services team works with residents every day on programs and services that can have a significant impact on families,” said Christine Dowdell, Director of Johnston County Social Services. “Being part of the County Close-Up meeting series gives us an opportunity to step outside of our day-to-day work and have a conversation with the community. We will be available to answer questions and help residents better understand the resources available to them.”

The Social Services team will provide an overview of the changes to SNAP and Medicaid, which include expanded work requirements for certain adults and changes to eligibility based on immigration status. Next, staff will host a question-and-answer session, and they'll be available to meet individually with residents and answer questions about their specific circumstances.

Can't make it to the first County Close-Up? No worries, the full presentation and question-and-answer session will be available on our YouTube channel, youtube.com/jocogovnc, following the event.

The first County Close-Up will also help the County determine what residents want from future events and how the format can be improved. Additional Close-Ups may be held on topics including economic development, public safety, and planning and zoning. More information about this series and future events can be found at Johnstonnc.gov/publicinformation.

08/15/2026

08/14/2026

Right now, a man sleeping outside doesn't need much. A tent that keeps the rain off. Shoes that don't have holes in them. Pants that actually fit.

That's what we're low on this week:
⛺ 3- or 4-person tents
👟 Men's sneakers — all sizes
👖 Men's pants & shorts — all sizes

It doesn't feel like much from a closet shelf. It's everything from where he's standing.

New or gently used, we'll take it. Drop off 9 am - 1 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Other days and times can be arranged. Drop off at:
📍 Street Reach of Johnston County — 125 S. Fourth St., Smithfield
(Enter through the parking lot on Fifth St.)
📞 919-912-9854 | streetreachjc.org

If you can't give, you can still help — share this post. 🧡

08/13/2026

Street Reach of Johnston County is growing! We’re looking for an organized, big-hearted person to help keep our day-to-day work running smoothly—from coordinating donations and volunteers to supporting events and more—so we can continue showing up for our neighbors experiencing homelessness in Selma, Smithfield and across Johnston County.

📍 Smithfield, NC

If you love people, enjoy getting things done and want your work to matter, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Learn more about our mission, view the full position details and learn how to apply:
https://www.streetreachjc.org/employment

08/04/2026

POSTPONED - National Night Out moved to Saturday, August 15th

🚨 National Night Out Postponed Due to Weather 🚨

The safety of our community, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. Due to the weather, National Night Out has been postponed until Saturday, August 15th,, from 5-8pm.

08/01/2026

Today, join us at 9:30 am for breakfast and 10 am for the Conversation. You don’t have to register to attend, we have a seat saved! See you soon

An Open Conversation About Homelessness in Johnston County

Homelessness is one of the most visible and complex challenges facing communities across our nation—including Johnston County. Yet many aspects of homelessness, its causes, and the pathways toward stability and recovery are often misunderstood.

We believe that understanding begins with conversation.

We invite you to join us for Street Reach Community Conversations—an open forum where neighbors can come together to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn more about one of our community's most challenging issues.

Whether you're a resident, business owner, community leader, church member, educator, healthcare professional, first responder, elected official, or simply someone who wants to better understand homelessness in Johnston County, you are welcome here.

Whether you come with questions, concerns, ideas, or simply a desire to learn, we hope you'll pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Each session will begin with a brief introduction to Street Reach of Johnston County—who we are, why we exist, and how we walk alongside individuals as they move from crisis toward stability, recovery, and renewed hope. From there, the conversation belongs to the community.

Together, we'll explore topics such as:
-The causes and realities of homelessness
-Mental health, addiction, and recovery
-Common myths and misconceptions
-The impact of homelessness on individuals, businesses, and our community
-Practical, community-based solutions
-The role each of us can play in building a stronger Johnston County

Questions will not be screened in advance, and no topic is off limits. We welcome thoughtful questions, respectful discussion, and a diversity of viewpoints. Our goal is not to win an argument or debate, but to provide accurate information, listen to one another, and encourage a better understanding of one of our community's most challenging issues.

Every question is welcome. Every voice is valued.

A complimentary light meal will be served beginning 30 minutes before each session—subs, chips, and fruit on Thursday evening, and danishes, biscuits, and coffee on Saturday morning—providing an opportunity to meet neighbors and connect before the conversation begins.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated to help us prepare seating and refreshments.

We hope you'll join us as we listen, learn, and explore how our community can work together to create lasting solutions that strengthen Johnston County for everyone.

Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/street-reach-community-conversations

07/31/2026

We were not meant to do life alone, we all need COMMUNITY! Street Reach is honored to partner with Validated For Purpose Women's Ministry to care for those who we serve❤️