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All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Tennessee and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need, in your own words. You get the programs that fit and people to call.

Community action agencies in Tennessee

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Tennessee Housing Development Agency

    Housing Choice Voucher Program

    The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps eligible households pay rent in privately owned housing.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-228-8432

  • Tennessee Housing Development Agency

    Housing Finance Programs

    THDA offers housing programs for home buyers, homeowners, and renters.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-228-8432

  • Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

    Homeless Services

    The department provides housing and homelessness resources for people with behavioral health needs.

    Ways to apply:Phone

    Agency pageCall 800-560-5767

  • Tennessee Housing Development Agency

    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    LIHEAP helps eligible households with home energy costs through local agencies.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-228-8432

  • Tennessee Housing Development Agency

    Weatherization Assistance Program

    Weatherization helps eligible households reduce energy use by improving home efficiency.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-228-8432

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

    Find your housing authority Official page

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    Apply on DisasterAssistance.gov Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026

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