Homeless Assistance in Tennessee
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Tennessee residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for Tennessee residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across Tennessee. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Tennessee. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for Tennessee veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible Tennessee residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Tennessee. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Tennessee receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Tennessee Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Tennessee locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Tennessee community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income Tennessee residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedTennessee State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by Tennessee for residents experiencing homelessness.
Tennessee Emergency Homeless Programs
THDA administers state and federal funds for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rental assistance for homeless Tennesseans.
Get StartedTANF – Tennessee (FAMILIES FIRST)
Tennessee’s Families First program provides cash assistance and employment support to eligible families with dependent children. Apply at any DHS county office.
Get StartedTennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)
Tennessee’s Medicaid program covering eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities across all 95 counties.
Get StartedTennessee Housing Programs
Tennessee Housing Development Agency provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Tennessee residents.
Get StartedTennessee Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Tennessee’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income Tennessee households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major Tennessee cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
Nashville
Room in the Inn — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Nashville area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedMemphis
Memphis CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Memphis area.
Get StartedKnoxville
Volunteer Ministry Center — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Knoxville area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Tennessee.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- Tennessee Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Tennessee veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
