Nashville’s housing affordability crisis is real and severe. One-bedroom apartments in Nashville now average approximately $1,800/month — one of the steepest increases of any major Southern city. For residents facing job loss, medical emergencies, unexpected expenses, or fixed incomes that haven’t kept pace with rising rents, the gap between what they earn and what housing costs has become impossible to bridge alone.
Churches and faith-based organizations in Nashville are among the most active providers of emergency rental assistance in Davidson County — both directly through their own benevolence programs and through coordinated networks like Rooftop that pool resources from dozens of congregations.
Before calling any individual church: dial 2-1-1 first. Tennessee’s 211 service connects you to a live specialist who can identify every current rental assistance program in your zip code, confirm which organizations currently have funds available, and sometimes make a direct referral on your behalf. Many church programs operate on limited and fluctuating funding — 2-1-1 knows which ones have current availability.
This guide lists every major church and faith-based organization providing rent assistance in Nashville and Davidson County, with direct contact information, service details, and eligibility requirements.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Nashville
Most church-based rent assistance in Nashville follows the same pattern:
- One-time or limited assistance — most programs help once per year or once per crisis, not as an ongoing subsidy
- Funds paid directly to landlords — most organizations pay your landlord directly rather than giving you cash
- Documentation required — you typically need a photo ID, proof of address, eviction notice or past-due rent notice, proof of income, and utility bills
- Funding is limited and fluctuates — availability depends on donations and grants; always call before visiting
- Davidson County residency — most programs require you to live in Davidson County
1. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville
One of the largest faith-based assistance networks in Nashville.
Catholic Charities operates Family Resource Centers across Davidson County, with the primary location at Casa Azafran in South Nashville. They provide emergency assistance regardless of religious affiliation.
Services provided:
- Emergency rental assistance (past-due rent and eviction prevention)
- Past-due utility payments
- Transportation assistance
- Help finding temporary and stable housing
- Food assistance
- Financial literacy
- Individual and family therapy
- Job training and career advancement
Eligibility: Based on zip code of residence — funding is limited and service areas are assigned. Call to confirm whether your zip code is currently served.
Current assistance details (confirmed from findhelp.org):
- Serves select Nashville zip codes including 37207, 37218, 37208, 37209, 37205, 37221, 37143, 37189, 37228
- Once per year per client
- Limited to $130 per client for utility/rental assistance
Phone: 615-352-3087 Website: cctenn.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Apply: Call or complete form online at cctenn.org/get-help-now
2. Salvation Army — Nashville Area Command
Faith-based emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities.
The Salvation Army operates four service centers in the Nashville area and provides short-term financial assistance to qualifying individuals and families. As a faith-based nonprofit, they serve clients regardless of religious affiliation.
Services provided:
- Short-term financial assistance with rent
- Utility bill assistance
- Food assistance
- Clothing
- Shelter programs
- Angel Tree seasonal program
Phone: 615-242-0411 Address: Nashville, TN 37207 Website: southernusa.salvationarmy.org/Nashville Hours: Call to confirm current hours and appointment availability
What to bring: Photo ID, proof of address, past-due notice or eviction notice, proof of income, and any relevant utility bills.
See our Salvation Army rental assistance guide for information on Salvation Army programs nationally.
3. Rooftop — Church Network for Emergency Rent Assistance
The most extensive church-based rental assistance network in Davidson County.
Rooftop is a nonprofit organization that partners with dozens of churches and congregations across Davidson County to pool emergency rental assistance resources. Rooftop partners with congregations to provide emergency rental assistance to residents of Davidson County to prevent homelessness and provide hope. Rooftop not only serves these Nashvillians in need, but also provides the churches with a program to help those who come to their doors.
How Rooftop works: Individual churches join the Rooftop network and contribute to a pooled fund. When a resident faces eviction, they contact a Rooftop member church — a case manager reviews the application, and if approved, assistance is paid directly to the landlord.
Who qualifies: Davidson County residents with an eviction notice who meet income eligibility requirements.
Rooftop member churches by zip code (partial list — contact Rooftop for complete current list):
| Zip Code | Church | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 37013 | Antioch United Methodist Church | 615-832-6248 |
| 37217 | Arlington United Methodist Church | 615-361-4896 |
| 37205 | Belle Meade United Methodist Church | 615-352-6210 |
| 37212 | Belmont Heights Baptist Church | 615-460-2422 |
| 37212 | Belmont United Methodist Church | 615-383-0832 |
| 37027 | Brentwood United Methodist Church | 615-373-3663 |
| 37205 | Brookmeade Congregational Church | 615-352-4702 |
| 37215 | Calvary United Methodist Church | 615-297-7562 |
| 37208 | B. Church of Nashville | 615-997-0626 |
Contact: Find your local Rooftop member church by zip code at rooftopnashville.org or call Rooftop directly to be connected with the appropriate church for your area.
4. Room In The Inn
Comprehensive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including rental assistance.
Room In The Inn is a Nashville-based nonprofit that provides shelter, services, and housing support to individuals experiencing homelessness. It partners with local churches to extend its reach across the city.
Services provided:
- Temporary housing
- Rental assistance programs
- Drop-in center services
- Medical respite facilities
- Supportive services for individuals transitioning to stable housing
Address: 705 Drexel Street, Nashville, TN 37203 Phone: 615-251-9791 Website: roomintheinn.org
5. St. Vincent de Paul Society — Nashville
Parish-based emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and essential needs.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates through individual Catholic parishes across Nashville. Each parish chapter provides emergency assistance to neighbors in need — regardless of religious background. The St. Ann Parish chapter is one of the most active in Nashville.
Services provided (St. Ann Parish chapter):
- Emergency rent assistance
- Utility bill assistance
- Groceries and daily necessities
- Infant items
- Auto gas assistance
- Surprise home repair assistance
- Clothing
- Support through home visits
St. Ann Parish SVdP contact: saintannparish.com/svdp
To find other SVdP chapters in Nashville: Contact the Diocese of Nashville or search for your nearest Catholic parish — most have active SVdP chapters.
6. Metropolitan Action Commission (Metro Action)
Davidson County’s government-funded emergency assistance program.
Metropolitan Action Commission is Nashville’s official community action agency, funded by federal, state, and local funds. It provides one-time emergency assistance per application period (October 1 through September 30).
Services provided:
- Mortgage and rent assistance
- Water bill assistance
- Prescription assistance
- Special diet food assistance
- Delinquent property tax assistance
- Deposits for rent and utilities for individuals transitioning out of homelessness
Eligibility: Davidson County residents who have experienced a loss of income within the last 60 days. Income eligibility follows federal guidelines.
Address: Metropolitan Action Commission — Airways Plaza, 1281 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217 Phone: 615-862-8860 Email: [email protected] Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (customer care); 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (general) Website: nashville.gov/departments/metro-action
Note: Applicants referred from an agency, church, or program are required for some MAC programs (particularly the housing deposit program). Documentation of the referral is required.
7. NeedLink Nashville
Rapid emergency rental assistance to prevent eviction.
NeedLink Nashville is a community assistance organization specifically focused on preventing eviction and homelessness in Nashville. It provides emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in Davidson County.
Services provided:
- Emergency rental assistance to prevent eviction
- Utility assistance
Website: needlinknashville.org How to apply: Apply online at needlinknashville.org for the fastest processing
8. United Methodist Churches — Good Samaritan Fund
Emergency rental help through the United Methodist Church network.
United Methodist Churches across Nashville operate Good Samaritan Funds — congregation-based emergency assistance pools for community members in need. Availability depends on current donations and congregational capacity.
Several United Methodist churches are also part of the Rooftop network (listed above). Contact the United Methodist Church of Nashville directly or reach a specific congregation in your zip code for current availability.
United Methodist Church of Nashville: umcnashville.org
9. Ladies of Charity
Emergency assistance for utilities and rent from a Catholic women’s organization.
Ladies of Charity is a Catholic lay organization with a Welfare Office providing emergency financial assistance in Nashville.
Services provided:
- Utility assistance
- Emergency financial assistance for rent
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Applications: Online and in-person
10. Urban Housing Solutions
Affordable housing and supportive services for Nashville individuals and families.
Urban Housing Solutions provides affordable housing and wraparound services for Nashville residents, including assistance with housing stability.
Phone: 615-726-2696 Website: urbanhousingsolutions.org/our-services
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment
Gathering these documents before you call will speed up your application and increase approval chances:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of Nashville/Davidson County residency (lease agreement, utility bill, or official mail)
- Eviction notice or past-due rent notice from your landlord (if applicable)
- Your lease or rental agreement
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, award letters for Social Security, SSI, SNAP, unemployment, disability)
- Recent utility bills (even if not requesting utility assistance — many programs require them)
- Social Security numbers or documentation for all household members
- Landlord’s name, address, and contact information
- Bank account information (some programs pay by direct deposit to landlord)
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Nashville
Dial 2-1-1: The fastest way to find current available assistance in your zip code. Specialists know which programs currently have funding.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): State-level rental assistance programs. Check thda.org for current availability.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: If you are facing eviction, Legal Aid provides free legal representation. Call 615-244-6610 or visit las.org.
Nashville Conflict Resolution Center: Free landlord-tenant mediation through Nashville General Sessions Civil Courts. Address: 810 Dominican Drive, Suite 311, Nashville, TN 37228. Phone: 615-333-8400.
Adventist Community Services Center: Emergency assistance for Davidson County and Hendersonville residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Nashville, TN?
The major church and faith-based organizations providing rent assistance in Nashville include Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville (615-352-3087), the Salvation Army Nashville (615-242-0411), Rooftop (a network of dozens of Nashville-area churches pooling resources for Davidson County residents), Room in the Inn (615-251-9791), St. Vincent de Paul Society chapters at Catholic parishes, NeedLink Nashville, and United Methodist churches operating Good Samaritan Funds.
How do I get emergency rent help in Nashville fast?
Dial 2-1-1 immediately — this connects you to a live Tennessee specialist who knows which programs currently have funds available and can make direct referrals. Then contact NeedLink Nashville (needlinknashville.org — online applications processed quickly), Metropolitan Action Commission (615-862-8860), and Catholic Charities (615-352-3087) simultaneously. Having your documentation ready (ID, eviction notice, lease, proof of income) speeds every application.
Does the Rooftop program still operate in Nashville?
Yes. Rooftop is an active nonprofit partnering with dozens of Davidson County churches to provide emergency rental assistance. Contact a Rooftop member church in your zip code — a partial list appears above — or visit rooftopnashville.org for current member churches and contact information.
Do I have to be a church member to receive rent assistance in Nashville?
No. All organizations listed in this guide provide assistance regardless of religious affiliation, membership, or faith background. Nashville’s faith-based assistance programs serve the broader community.
Other Resources
- Churches that help with rent — national directory of church rent assistance programs
- Churches that help with utility bills — utility assistance programs in Nashville and nationwide
- Salvation Army rental assistance — Salvation Army programs nationally
- Emergency housing resources — immediate shelter and transitional housing options
- Section 8 housing vouchers — long-term affordable housing assistance
- SNAP eligibility guide — Tennessee SNAP food assistance
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. Program availability, funding, eligibility requirements, and contact information change frequently. C
atholic Charities Diocese of Nashville appointed a new CEO effective June 1, 2026. Always call before visiting — many programs operate on limited and fluctuating funding. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.