Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from Tennessee
Tennessee programs that fit what happened. 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
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
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
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Families First
In Tennessee, TANF is called Families First.
Families First provides temporary cash assistance and work supports to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
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.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Tennessee 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988