National Runaway Safeline, 1 800 RUNAWAY
Free, confidential crisis support by phone, chat, text or email, plus a youth resource database.
Official page: 1800runaway.org
Help for Youth and Young Adults in Tennessee: Crisis Support and Foster Care Transition
Free help for teens and young adults in Tennessee: the 1800RUNAWAY line, Oasis Center crisis services, help after foster care through DCS, and TennCare until age 26.
Need help tonight?
Start here
Hi friend. If you are young and don't have a safe place to stay, you are not alone, and you did not do anything wrong by asking for help. Here are free, confidential places to start.
Quick answers
Who can I talk to if I'm a teen without a safe place to stay?
1 800 RUNAWAY is a free, confidential line for youth, open 24 hours. You can call 800 786 2929, chat, text, or email. A crisis support specialist can listen, help you explore options, and support you in staying safe.
Official page: 1800runaway.org
Can I get a ride home if it's safe?
The Home Free program helps young people ages 12 to 21 return safely to a confirmed known adult or an available safe place, at no cost. Call 1 800 RUNAWAY to ask about it.
Official page: 1800runaway.org
Is there a crisis line for youth in Nashville?
Oasis Center in Nashville has 24 hour crisis services at 615 327 4455. Oasis helps young people in Middle Tennessee, and offers more than 20 youth programs and services.
Official page: oasiscenter.org
I'm leaving foster care. What help is there?
The Tennessee Department of Children's Services Youth in Transition page lists Independent Living services, a Youth Handbook, an Essential Documents Checklist, Bright Futures, the Independent Living Allowance, and help getting your driver's license. Talk to your DCS case manager.
Official page: tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/youth-in-transition.html
Can I get health insurance after aging out of foster care?
Youth who aged out of foster care in Tennessee can get TennCare until age 26, and if you still live in Tennessee you will be approved automatically. If you aged out in another state at 18 or older on or after January 1, 2023, apply at TennCareConnect.TN.gov or call 855 259 0701.
Official page: tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/youth-in-transition/youth-young-adults-resources/tenncare.html
Your next steps
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 4
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: write down one trusted adult's name and number, like a teacher, coach or counselor. It is good to have one person to call.
Who to call in Tennessee
Here are 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.
Oasis Center
24 hour crisis services and youth programs for young people in Middle Tennessee.
Official page: oasiscenter.org
Tennessee DCS, Youth in Transition
Independent Living services, documents checklist, Bright Futures and more for youth leaving foster care.
Official page: tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/youth-in-transition.html
TennCare for Youth Who Aged Out
TennCare coverage until age 26 for youth who aged out of foster care.
Official page: tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/youth-in-transition/youth-young-adults-resources/tenncare.html
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
Support for young people experiencing abuse or curious about healthy relationships.
Official page: thehotline.org
Job Corps
Free career training with housing, meals, basic medical care and a living allowance.
Official page: jobcorps.gov
More help in Tennessee
Housing help in Tennessee (rent, eviction, utilities)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 BenefitsGetting 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
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.