Tennessee 211 (TN211)
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Tennessee.
Official page: tn211.org
Find Help Near You in Tennessee
Free, private help lines for Tennessee, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Tennessee who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local TDHS office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Nashville, Metro Social Services at 615 862 6400 can tell you about help with rent and bills.
Official page: tn211.org, nashville.gov/departments/social-services
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. HelpTN connects residents to legal aid offices across Tennessee, such as Legal Aid Society at 800 238 1443 or Memphis Area Legal Services at 901 523 8822.
Official page: helptn.org, las.org, malsi.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP helps qualified households pay heating bills. Call the THDA LIHEAP line at 800 228 8432 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: thda.org/help-for-homeowners/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Civil Rights Enforcement Division of the Tennessee Attorney General takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: tn.gov/humanrights.html
How do I find my local TDHS office?
Dial 211, or use the finder at tn.gov/humanservices.html. The Tennessee Department of Human Services has offices serving all 95 counties.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can help your visit or call go smoothly. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Tennessee
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your local TDHS office (Tennessee Department of Human Services)
The Tennessee Department of Human Services has offices serving all 95 counties for SNAP, Families First cash help and other support.
Official page: tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Help paying home heating and cooling bills for qualified households, run by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency through local agencies in every county.
Official page: thda.org/help-for-homeowners/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
HelpTN (Tennessee legal help)
Statewide legal information and referrals to civil legal aid offices across Tennessee.
Official page: helptn.org
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Civil legal help for qualified low income residents in Middle Tennessee, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: las.org
Memphis Area Legal Services
Civil legal help for qualified low income residents in Memphis and nearby counties, including housing advocacy.
Official page: malsi.org
Legal Aid of East Tennessee
Civil legal help for qualified low income residents in East Tennessee, including Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Official page: laet.org/contact-us
Civil Rights Enforcement Division (Tennessee Attorney General)
State office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints. Visit the website to learn how to file.
Official page: tn.gov/humanrights.html
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
Information for renters and homeowners in Tennessee, including affordable housing search and energy help.
Official page: thda.org/help-for-homeowners/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
Tennessee community action agencies
Local community action agencies serve every Tennessee county. They help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start. Ask for your local agency when you dial 211.
Official page: thda.org/help-for-homeowners/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA)
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Nashville and Davidson County.
Official page: nashville-mdha.org
Metro Nashville Social Services
Help for Davidson County residents, including food, rent and utility support and referrals.
Official page: nashville.gov/departments/social-services
City of Memphis
City programs, community services and referrals for Memphis residents. Visit the website to find the right office.
Official page: memphistn.gov
Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC)
Emergency help and community referrals for people in Knox County.
Official page: knoxcac.org/contact
City of Chattanooga Community Development
Emergency help and community referrals for people in Chattanooga.
Official page: chattanooga.gov/government/community-development
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say you're behind on rent in Clarksville
You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call the One DHS Contact Center at 833 772 8347 or visit your local office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact a legal aid office if you received court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign a new lease, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 26, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
More help in Tennessee
Find Help in Tennessee: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, TennCare and IDEmergency Shelter in Tennessee: How to Find a Safe Place TonightNo cost Food Help in Tennessee: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing and Hygiene Help in Tennessee: Showers, Clothes and SuppliesNo cost Job Help and Job Training in Tennessee: American Job Centers and MoreNo cost Health and Mental Health Help in Tennessee: TennCare, Clinics and 988Domestic Violence Help in Tennessee: Hotlines, Safety and Housing SupportHelp for Veterans in Tennessee: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Tennessee: Crisis Support and Foster Care TransitionGetting ID and Documents Back in Tennessee: State ID, Birth Certificate and MoreFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Tennessee: Lifeline and Where to Get OnlineFree Legal and Tenant Help in Tennessee: Eviction, Housing and Civil RightsHow to Make Blessing Bags in Tennessee: Safe Food, Water and Weather Tips
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.