Yes — churches in Tyler, TX help with rent, and you don’t have to be a member or religious to qualify. Tyler has a strong and active faith-based assistance network — fitting for the “Rose Capital of America” — with churches, nonprofits, and interfaith coalitions that provide emergency rental assistance every day across Smith County and East Texas.
This guide lists every major church and faith-based organization in Tyler that helps with rent in 2026 — with phone numbers, addresses, and exactly what each one provides.
Churches That Help With Rent in Tyler Texas — Quick Answer
The fastest way to get church rent help in Tyler is to call 211 (free, 24/7) or contact one of these organizations directly:
- Salvation Army — Tyler TX: 903-593-8438
- Catholic Charities — East Texas (Tyler): 903-534-1343
- St. Vincent de Paul — Tyler TX: 903-593-3061
- East Texas Human Needs Network: 903-595-3190
- Good Shepherd Ministries — Tyler: 903-595-5969
- Bethesda Health Clinic / Tyler Care Center: 903-526-9821
- Smith County HHSC: 903-535-6300
- Texas 211: Dial 211
Most programs can process emergency rent requests within 24 to 72 hours. Have your lease, a past-due notice, and your ID ready when you call.
Churches and Faith-Based Organizations That Help With Rent in Tyler Texas
1. Salvation Army — Tyler Texas
The Salvation Army in Tyler is one of the most active and consistent sources of emergency rent assistance in East Texas. They serve Smith County and surrounding communities, providing direct financial assistance for rent and utilities along with a full range of social services.
Address: 3331 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: 903-593-8438 Website: salvationarmytexas.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (call ahead to confirm intake hours) What they provide: Emergency rent and utility payments, food assistance, clothing, disaster relief, and referrals to other Tyler programs Do you need to be a member? No. Open to all Smith County residents in need. Typical assistance: $200–$500 for emergency rent, paid directly to your landlord
2. Catholic Charities — Diocese of Tyler (East Texas)
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tyler serves Smith County and the broader East Texas region, providing emergency financial assistance including rent and utility payments to anyone regardless of faith. Their caseworkers navigate both private and government rental assistance programs and can help coordinate larger amounts through case management.
Address: 1015 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: 903-534-1343 Website: catholiccharitiestyler.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility payments, eviction prevention, case management, immigration legal services, food assistance, and referrals to Texas government programs including Texas Works Do you need to be Catholic? No. Catholic Charities serves everyone regardless of religion. Typical assistance: $300–$1,000+ depending on need and available funding
3. St. Vincent de Paul Society — Tyler TX
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates a conference in Tyler through local Catholic parishes and provides direct financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and other emergency needs. SVdP volunteers respond personally to housing crises across Smith County.
Phone: 903-593-3061 Website: svdpusa.org (search Tyler TX conferences) What they provide: Direct landlord payment for overdue rent, utility assistance, food, furniture, and clothing Do you need to be Catholic? No. SVdP helps anyone in need regardless of faith. Typical assistance: $100–$400 paid directly to your landlord or utility company
4. East Texas Human Needs Network (ETHNN)
The East Texas Human Needs Network is one of Tyler’s most important interfaith emergency assistance organizations. ETHNN coordinates resources from dozens of East Texas churches and nonprofits to provide emergency rent, utility, food, and clothing assistance to Smith County residents. Their collaborative model means that even when one organization’s funds are exhausted, ETHNN can often connect you to another member organization with available resources.
Address: 3101 McDonald Rd, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: 903-595-3190 Website: ethnn.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance coordinated across member churches and nonprofits, food pantry, clothing closet, case management, and connections to Tyler social services Do you need to be religious? No. ETHNN serves all Smith County residents regardless of faith or background. Typical assistance: Varies — pooled resources from multiple Tyler-area organizations
5. Good Shepherd Ministries — Tyler
Good Shepherd Ministries is a Tyler-based faith-rooted organization providing emergency financial assistance, food, and social services for East Texas residents in need. Their team works closely with Tyler-area churches to pool resources and respond to housing emergencies across Smith County.
Address: 316 E 5th St, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: 903-595-5969 Website: goodshepherdtyler.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; walk-ins welcome What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, food pantry, clothing closet, case management, and referrals to Smith County social services Do you need to be a member? No. Serves all Tyler and Smith County residents regardless of faith. Typical assistance: Varies — case managers work to connect you with every available resource
6. Bethesda Health Clinic / Tyler Care Center
While primarily a healthcare organization, Bethesda Health Clinic and Tyler Care Center maintain connections to emergency financial assistance programs throughout Tyler and East Texas and can connect residents facing housing crises with rent assistance resources and case management support.
Address: 212 N Bois D’Arc Ave, Tyler, TX 75702 Phone: 903-526-9821 Website: bethesdahealthclinic.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Healthcare, emergency financial assistance referrals, case management connections, and community resource navigation for Tyler residents
7. Green Acres Baptist Church — Tyler (Community Care Ministry)
Green Acres Baptist Church is one of Tyler’s largest and most active Baptist congregations, with one of the most robust community care ministries in East Texas. Their GRACE (Green Acres Community Engagement) ministry provides emergency financial assistance including rent and utility help, food, clothing, and connections to Smith County social services.
Address: 1607 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: 903-581-2222 Website: greenacres.org Hours: Contact the church office for GRACE ministry assistance intake hours What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from community care fund, food pantry, clothing closet, and referrals to Tyler area resources Do you need to be Baptist? No. Community members of all backgrounds are welcome to request assistance.
8. First Baptist Church of Tyler — Community Outreach
First Baptist Church of Tyler is one of the city’s oldest and most established congregations with an active community outreach ministry and benevolence fund that helps Tyler residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and other financial crises.
Address: 209 N College Ave, Tyler, TX 75702 Phone: 903-597-4400 Website: fbctyler.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and connections to Tyler community resources Do you need to be Baptist? No. Open to all Tyler community members in need.
9. Marvin United Methodist Church — Tyler
Marvin United Methodist Church is one of Tyler’s most historic and active United Methodist congregations with a long tradition of community service. Their outreach ministry and benevolence fund help Tyler residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and other financial needs.
Address: 300 W Erwin St, Tyler, TX 75702 Phone: 903-597-7574 Website: marvinumc.org What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and connections to Smith County social services Do you need to be Methodist? No. Open to all Tyler community members.
10. Bethel Bible Church — Tyler
Bethel Bible Church is an active Tyler congregation with a community care ministry that helps residents with emergency rent, utilities, and other financial needs through their benevolence fund.
Address: 4515 Old Bullard Rd, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: 903-561-3460 Website: bethelbible.com What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and community resource connections
11. Pollard United Methodist Church — Tyler
Pollard UMC is an active Tyler congregation with an outreach ministry that provides emergency financial assistance including rent and utility help for Smith County residents in need.
Address: 3401 Kinsey Dr, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: 903-592-8543 Website: pollardumc.com What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund and referrals to Tyler community resources
12. Volunteers of America — East Texas
Volunteers of America serves East Texas including Tyler with emergency assistance, housing stability services, and case management for individuals and families facing homelessness and housing instability in Smith County and surrounding counties.
Phone: 903-595-3190 Website: voa.org What they provide: Emergency rent assistance, transitional housing connections, case management, veterans services, and referrals to Tyler area resources
13. St. Louis Catholic Church — Tyler (SVdP Conference)
St. Louis Catholic Church in Tyler operates an active St. Vincent de Paul conference providing emergency financial assistance — including rent and utility help — for Tyler and Smith County residents.
Address: 1106 N Forest Ave, Tyler, TX 75702 Phone: 903-593-3061 Website: stlouistyler.com What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance through SVdP conference, food pantry, and community referrals
14. Congregational Outreach Through Hope (CLOTH) — Tyler Area Churches
CLOTH is a Tyler-area church network that coordinates emergency assistance including rent and utility help across member congregations throughout Smith County. Contact ETHNN (903-595-3190) or dial 211 to connect with CLOTH member churches that currently have active funds in your part of Tyler.
Phone: Contact via ETHNN at 903-595-3190 | Dial 211 What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance pooled from Tyler-area CLOTH member congregations
15. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Tyler
The LDS Church in Tyler has an organized welfare assistance system with ward bishops empowered to provide direct financial assistance including rent help for members and, in some cases, community members facing genuine housing crises.
Website: churchofjesuschrist.org (find Tyler TX ward) What they provide: Emergency rent payments, utility assistance, food from Bishop’s Storehouse, and counseling
UT Tyler Students: University of Texas at Tyler Emergency Resources
Tyler is home to UT Tyler, and students facing housing crises have dedicated resources:
UT Tyler Dean of Students — Emergency Fund Phone: 903-565-5906 Website: uttyler.edu/student-affairs/dean-of-students What they provide: One-time emergency financial assistance for enrolled UT Tyler students facing rent crises and housing emergencies
UT Tyler Food Pantry — Patriots’ Pantry Phone: 903-565-5906 Website: uttyler.edu/student-affairs What they provide: Food assistance and emergency resource referrals for UT Tyler students in need
Government Programs for Rent Help in Tyler Texas
Church assistance works best when combined with Smith County and Texas state government programs. Apply for these at the same time:
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Smith County
Texas HHSC administers the Texas Works program (Texas’s TANF) and can provide emergency assistance for qualifying families with children. Apply at the Smith County HHSC office or online.
Address: 3800 Paluxy Dr, Tyler, TX 75703 Phone: 903-535-6300 Website: hhs.texas.gov | yourtexasbenefits.com Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Smith County Emergency Rental Assistance
Smith County has administered federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds for residents facing eviction. Contact Smith County or dial 211 for current program availability.
Phone: 903-590-4600 (Smith County government) Website: smith-county.com
City of Tyler Community Development
The City of Tyler administers Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for emergency assistance for low-income Tyler residents, including rental assistance.
Phone: 903-531-1280 Website: cityoftyler.org/government/departments/community-development Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Texas 211
Dialing 211 in Texas connects you with a local specialist who can identify every current rent assistance program available in Tyler and Smith County right now.
Phone: Dial 211 (free, 24/7) Website: tx.211.org
Legal Aid of East Texas — Tyler
If you’ve received an eviction notice in Tyler, Legal Aid of East Texas provides free legal representation to help you stay in your home while rental assistance is arranged.
Address: 4734 Kinsey Dr, Suite 100, Tyler, TX 75703 Phone: 903-595-3291 Website: etlas.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
How to Get Church Rent Help in Tyler Texas (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211 right now. Texas 211 operators are available 24/7 and can tell you exactly which Tyler and Smith County organizations currently have active funds — saving you from calling programs that are temporarily out of money.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Have these ready before your first call:
- Photo ID (Texas driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of Tyler or Smith County address (lease, utility bill, or official mail)
- Your lease or rental agreement
- Past-due rent notice or eviction notice (if you have one)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, Texas Works award letter, Social Security statement, or bank statements)
- Your landlord’s name, address, and phone number
Step 3: Call multiple organizations at once. Contact the Salvation Army, ETHNN, Good Shepherd Ministries, and Catholic Charities simultaneously. Tyler is a mid-sized city — funds can run out quickly, especially at the end of the month.
Step 4: Use the stacking approach. If no single organization can cover your full rent balance, ask each for a partial payment. Getting $200 from the Salvation Army, $150 from St. Vincent de Paul, and $200 from Good Shepherd Ministries can add up to real help fast.
Step 5: Apply for Texas Works and Smith County ERA at the same time. Contact Smith County HHSC at 903-535-6300 and the City of Tyler at 903-531-1280. Government programs can cover larger amounts and longer periods than church funds alone.
Step 6: Call Legal Aid of East Texas if you’ve received eviction papers. Legal Aid of East Texas (903-595-3291) can sometimes delay your eviction hearing in Smith County Justice Court while rental assistance is being arranged.
What to Bring When You Visit a Tyler Church for Rent Help
Most Tyler churches and faith-based organizations will ask for:
- Photo ID — Texas driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- Proof of Tyler or Smith County residency — lease, utility bill, or official mail with your address
- Lease or rental agreement — showing your monthly rent amount
- Past-due rent notice or eviction notice — if applicable (speeds up the process significantly)
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Texas Works award letter, Social Security statement, or bank statements
- Landlord contact information — name, address, and phone number (most organizations pay landlords directly, not the tenant)
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Tyler TX?
Several churches and faith-based organizations help with rent in Tyler, including the Salvation Army Tyler (903-593-8438), Catholic Charities East Texas (903-534-1343), St. Vincent de Paul Tyler (903-593-3061), East Texas Human Needs Network (903-595-3190), Good Shepherd Ministries (903-595-5969), and Green Acres Baptist Church (903-581-2222). Call 211 first to find out which programs currently have available funds.
How fast can a church help with rent in Tyler TX?
Many Tyler organizations can process emergency rent requests within 24 to 72 hours. The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul can sometimes help same-day. Good Shepherd Ministries (903-595-5969) welcomes walk-ins Monday through Friday. Call multiple organizations simultaneously and have your documents ready for the fastest results.
Do I have to be religious or a church member to get help in Tyler?
No. Every organization in this guide helps Tyler residents regardless of religious belief, church membership, or background. You will not be asked to attend a service, pray, or join any congregation.
What is the East Texas Human Needs Network (ETHNN)?
ETHNN (903-595-3190) at 3101 McDonald Rd is Tyler’s most important interfaith emergency assistance coordinator. Instead of one church acting alone, ETHNN pools resources from dozens of Tyler-area churches and nonprofits — meaning they often have more combined funding available than any single organization. They are one of the best first calls for Tyler residents facing a rent crisis because even if their own funds are exhausted, they can connect you to a member organization that has available money.
What is Good Shepherd Ministries in Tyler?
Good Shepherd Ministries (903-595-5969) at 316 E 5th St is a faith-rooted Tyler organization that welcomes walk-ins and provides emergency rent assistance, food, clothing, and case management for East Texas residents. Their staff is known for a personal, community-centered approach to helping Smith County residents in crisis.
Can Tyler churches help if I’ve already received an eviction notice?
Yes — an eviction notice makes your case more urgent and can help you qualify for emergency assistance faster. Bring the notice when you call or visit. Also contact Legal Aid of East Texas immediately at 903-595-3291 — they provide free legal representation for eviction cases in Smith County Justice Court and may be able to delay your hearing while rental assistance is being arranged.
What is Texas Works — Texas’s rental assistance program?
Texas Works is Texas’s TANF program that provides emergency cash assistance for qualifying families with children. Texas Works funds can sometimes be used for rent. Apply at Smith County HHSC (903-535-6300) or online at yourtexasbenefits.com.
Can UT Tyler students get rent help from Tyler churches?
Yes. UT Tyler students facing housing crises can contact any organization in this guide — most do not restrict assistance to non-students. UT Tyler also has its own emergency fund through the Dean of Students Office (903-565-5906). Ask about Patriots’ Pantry for food assistance as well.
What if all Tyler church funds are exhausted?
Ask each organization when their next funding cycle begins. Contact Smith County HHSC (903-535-6300) for Texas Works emergency funds. Call the City of Tyler Community Development at 903-531-1280 for CDBG assistance. And call 211 again — new funding is added to the 211 database regularly as programs receive donations and government allocations.
Final Thoughts
If you need rent help in Tyler today, start with 211 and then call the East Texas Human Needs Network (903-595-3190), the Salvation Army (903-593-8438), and Good Shepherd Ministries (903-595-5969). Tyler’s faith community is one of the strongest in East Texas — and none of these organizations require you to be religious.
You’re already doing the right thing by looking for help. Now make the call.
← Back to: Churches That Help With Rent — National Guide
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Texas HHSC, TX 211, Catholic Charities Diocese of Tyler, Salvation Army Texas, Legal Aid of East Texas
Funding availability changes frequently. Always verify current availability by calling the organization directly or dialing 211.