Chattanooga and Hamilton County residents facing eviction or falling behind on rent have access to a network of faith-based organizations that collectively cover emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention, Rapid Rehousing, and utility help. The programs range from large coordinating ministries like Metropolitan Ministries to neighborhood-level parish conferences and a thrift-store-funded women’s charity with one of the most distinctive funding models in the region.
Before contacting individual organizations, dial 2-1-1 — Tennessee’s statewide helpline available 24/7 — to identify which programs currently have funds available in your zip code. Several programs below also operate through voicemail or callback systems, so having your documentation ready before you call speeds the entire process.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Chattanooga
- Some programs use voicemail intake — SVdP Chattanooga operates entirely through a voicemail callback system; leave a detailed message and wait for a return call
- Geographic boundaries matter — the Samaritan Center in Ooltewah specifically serves eastern Hamilton County zip codes only; confirm your zip code qualifies before calling
- Payments go directly to landlords — checks or electronic payments go to your landlord, not to you
- Limited funds, fluctuating availability — always call before visiting; most programs assist once per year per household
- Apply to multiple programs simultaneously — funds at each organization are capped and refresh on different schedules
1. Metropolitan Ministries — Chattanooga
The primary faith-based emergency rental assistance organization in Chattanooga.
Metropolitan Ministries (MetMin) began as a mission venture of the Episcopal Commission of Southeast Tennessee in 1979, operating out of Christ Church. It has grown into Chattanooga’s leading nonprofit for emergency financial assistance combined with wrap-around stabilizing services.
What MetMin provides:
- Emergency financial assistance for eviction prevention — past-due rent and mortgage help
- Utility assistance — past-due water, sewer, gas, and electric bills
- Access to Rapid Rehousing assistance for those already experiencing homelessness
- Monthly food pantry and weekly go-bags for supplemental nutrition
- Each client is welcomed warmly and treated with dignity and respect regardless of background
MetMin’s model is specifically designed to combine immediate financial assistance with stabilizing services to prevent the crisis from recurring — not just a one-time payment. For seniors in Chattanooga who need both emergency help and longer-term housing stability, our low-income senior housing with no waiting list guide covers additional paths available in Tennessee.
Website: met-min.org/need-help-now How to apply: Visit met-min.org for current intake procedures and hours
2. Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Chattanooga
Parish-based emergency rent and utility assistance through a voicemail intake system.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Chattanooga provides emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and clothing through its parish conferences. Chattanooga’s SVdP operates through a dedicated voicemail application system — one of the most organized intake processes in the city.
How to apply: Call (423) 999-6332 and leave a detailed voicemail message including:
- Your full name (first and last)
- Your current address
- Your phone number
- A brief description of your situation
Volunteer Vincentians review messages and return calls to assess needs. The process often involves a home visit or telephone interview to discuss how they can help.
SVdP Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish: Address: 501 S Moore Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412 General meeting: Third Monday of each month at 5:30pm (Holy Family Hall) Home Visit team meeting: First Monday of each month
SVdP’s founding activity is the home visit — Vincentians establish personal relationships with neighbors in need, providing not just material assistance but also friendship and support. If you prefer a personal approach to assistance over a formal office appointment, SVdP Chattanooga is one of the strongest options in the city.
3. Ladies of Charity of Chattanooga
Thrift-store-funded emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and essential needs.
The Ladies of Charity of Chattanooga is a Catholic lay women’s organization that operates a distinctive community assistance model: their Social Services program is funded primarily through revenue from their local thrift store, making their assistance fund relatively stable compared to donation-dependent programs.
Services offered:
- Emergency financial assistance for rent
- Utility bill assistance
- Help with other essential needs through Social Services ministry
How to contact:
- Phone: (423) 624-3222 or (423) 698-2606
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 2821 Rossville Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37407
The thrift-store funding model means this program is less subject to the sudden funding gaps that affect grant-dependent organizations. It is worth contacting even if other programs have told you funds are exhausted.
4. Samaritan Center — Ooltewah (Eastern Hamilton County)
Emergency financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities — eastern Hamilton County zip codes only.
The Samaritan Center in Ooltewah provides emergency financial assistance specifically for residents of eastern Hamilton County. If you live in one of the qualifying zip codes, this program is worth contacting alongside Chattanooga city-based programs.
Service area — you must reside in one of these zip codes: 37302, 37308, 37315, 37336, 37341, 37353, 37363, 37416, or 37421
Coverage: Rent, mortgage, and utility payments
If your zip code is not on the list, the Samaritan Center cannot assist you — contact Metropolitan Ministries or SVdP instead.
5. Salvation Army — Chattanooga
Emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities in the Chattanooga area.
The Salvation Army provides emergency financial assistance including help with rent and utilities for qualifying Chattanooga area residents. Services are available regardless of religious affiliation.
Address: 2140 E 28th St, Chattanooga, TN Website: southernusa.salvationarmy.org/Chattanooga
Call ahead to confirm current program availability and intake hours before visiting. For a full overview of what to expect when applying for Salvation Army assistance and what documentation to bring, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
6. Mercy Ministry of HOPE
Emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities for qualifying Chattanooga residents.
Mercy Ministry of HOPE provides financial help with rent and utilities for individuals and families who qualify in the Chattanooga area.
Phone: (423) 698-3178 Address: Chattanooga, TN 37406
Call ahead to confirm eligibility requirements and current fund availability.
7. Catholic Charities of East Tennessee
Faith-based shelter, food, and emergency assistance including rent for Hamilton County residents.
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee provides emergency assistance including rent help, shelter, food, and counseling and case management services to help families attain permanent solutions and independence. Services are provided regardless of religious affiliation.
Contact: Reach through 2-1-1 or search catholiccharitiesoftennessee.org for current Chattanooga-area service locations and intake procedures.
8. First-Centenary United Methodist Church
Community outreach including emergency rent assistance.
First-Centenary United Methodist Church provides different kinds of community support including rent assistance to people in need through its outreach programs.
Location: Downtown Chattanooga Contact: Call the church office directly to ask about current availability and eligibility requirements
9. New City Fellowship
Partial rent payments and general emergency support.
New City Fellowship provides rent assistance and general community support for residents facing financial hardship.
Address: 2424 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN Contact: Call the church office for current availability and intake procedures
10. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church — Eviction Prevention
Eviction prevention assistance for Chattanooga’s underserved neighborhoods.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church provides rent and eviction prevention assistance focused primarily on Chattanooga’s underserved neighborhoods. St. Paul’s also co-operates St. Matthew’s Men’s Night Shelter — a year-round shelter for men in a rehabilitative program — in partnership with Second Presbyterian Church. If someone you know needs emergency men’s shelter alongside rent help, St. Paul’s is the right contact.
Contact: Call St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chattanooga directly for current assistance availability
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Chattanooga
- Valid photo ID for all adults in the household
- Current lease or rental agreement showing your address
- Eviction notice, 3-day notice, or past-due rent statement from your landlord
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SNAP letter, unemployment documentation)
- Most recent utility bills
- Landlord’s full name, mailing address, and phone number
- Documentation of financial hardship (termination letter, medical bill, unexpected expense)
- Any letters from referring agencies or caseworkers
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Chattanooga
Dial 2-1-1: Tennessee’s statewide helpline, available 24/7 — connects you to currently funded programs in your zip code and makes direct referrals.
Chatt Foundation: 727 E 11th St, Chattanooga — sometimes provides emergency funding, motel vouchers, or connections to emergency resources for households in acute crisis.
Hamilton County Department of Social Services: Administers state and federal assistance programs for Hamilton County residents. For SNAP food assistance that can free up budget for rent, our Tennessee SNAP eligibility guide covers income limits and how to apply.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee: Free legal help for tenants facing eviction in Hamilton County. Call (423) 756-4013 or visit laet.org.
Section 8 in Tennessee: For long-term housing stability through subsidized housing, see our Section 8 housing vouchers guide for how to apply through the Chattanooga Housing Authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Chattanooga, TN?
The primary faith-based organizations providing emergency rent assistance in Chattanooga include Metropolitan Ministries (met-min.org), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (call 423-999-6332 and leave a voicemail), Ladies of Charity of Chattanooga (423-624-3222 or 423-698-2606), the Samaritan Center in Ooltewah (eastern Hamilton County zip codes only), the Salvation Army (2140 E 28th St), Mercy Ministry of HOPE (423-698-3178), and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee.
How do I get emergency rent help in Chattanooga fast?
Dial 2-1-1 immediately — available 24/7 — and contact Metropolitan Ministries at met-min.org simultaneously. Also call SVdP at (423) 999-6332 and leave your voicemail message right away so volunteers can begin the callback process. Apply to multiple programs at the same time — Ladies of Charity (423-624-3222) has a thrift-store-funded assistance model that may have availability when grant-funded programs are exhausted.
Does SVdP Chattanooga help with rent?
Yes. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Chattanooga provides emergency rent, utility, food, and clothing assistance through its parish conferences. Their intake system is entirely through voicemail — call (423) 999-6332 and leave your full name, address, phone number, and a brief description of your situation. Vincentian volunteers will call you back and may arrange a home visit or telephone interview.
Does the Samaritan Center help with rent in Chattanooga?
The Samaritan Center in Ooltewah helps residents in eastern Hamilton County only — you must live in one of these specific zip codes: 37302, 37308, 37315, 37336, 37341, 37353, 37363, 37416, or 37421. If your zip code is on this list, contact the Samaritan Center alongside Chattanooga city-based programs for the best chance of 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. Always call before visiting. SVdP Chattanooga operates through a voicemail callback system — leave a detailed message at (423) 999-6332. Ladies of Charity is confirmed at 2821 Rossville Blvd, (423) 624-3222. Samaritan Center zip code service area confirmed from churchesthathelpwith.com (May 4, 2026). Dial 2-1-1 for the most current program availability in your zip code.