Blueprint North Carolina & MyFriendBen Increasing Access to Public Benefits
Deepening Community Roots by Advancing Public Benefit Outreach in North Carolina
In August 2025, Blueprint North Carolina (BPNC), a 501(c)(3) state-based civic engagement table, launched a collaboration with MyFriendBen (MFB) to increase access to essential public benefits for communities across the state. Building on BPNC’s 2024 Medicaid expansion efforts, this initiative reflects a growing commitment to leveraging relationships, tools, and technology to break down barriers to essential resources.
At the center of this initiative is MyFriendBen, an easy-to-use digital tool that screens users for eligibility across 17 public benefit programs, including SNAP, ACA subsidies, SSDI, and WIC. By streamlining the process with a few basic questions, MFB simplifies what is often an overwhelming and confusing experience, making it easier for individuals and families to access the support they need.
Many North Carolinians are eligible for benefits they’ve never accessed, which can be due to lack of awareness, administrative hurdles, or mistrust of institutions. At the same time, many of these programs are increasingly at risk. This initiative aims to address these barriers by:
Raising awareness about available public benefits
Helping individuals navigate access with dignity and ease
Engaging communities in protecting and expanding essential programs
Building political power through civic education and participation
In collaboration with six grassroots partner organizations, BPNC and MFB have teamed up with Empower to create customized scripts and messaging. These tools equip organizers and community leaders to have relational conversations that connect people to benefits while also activating long-term civic engagement and advocacy.
With the support of Empower, partner organizations will not only reach more residents, but also lay the groundwork for sustainable, data-informed organizing. Partners will be using the platform to refine their strategies for engagement, such as civic education workshops, phone banking and text campaigns, accountability town halls, community forums and other local events.
These activities not only drive immediate outcomes like benefit enrollment and voter engagement, but also strengthen relationships and infrastructure for long-term community power. As this work continues, we’re excited to witness the deep and lasting roots it will grow in communities across North Carolina, and beyond!
