Yes — churches in Tampa, FL help pay rent, and you don’t have to be a member or religious to qualify. Tampa has one of the most active faith-based assistance networks in Florida, with churches, nonprofits, and interfaith coalitions that provide emergency rental assistance every day across Hillsborough County — from South Tampa and Ybor City to Brandon, Temple Terrace, and beyond.
This guide lists every major church and faith-based organization in Tampa that helps pay rent in 2026 — with phone numbers, addresses, and exactly what each one provides.
Churches That Help Pay Rent in Tampa FL — Quick Answer
The fastest way to get church rent help in Tampa is to call 211 (free, 24/7) or contact one of these organizations directly:
- Salvation Army — Tampa: 813-226-1100
- Catholic Charities — Diocese of St. Petersburg (Tampa): 813-630-3100
- St. Vincent de Paul — Tampa / Hillsborough County: 813-681-4663
- Metropolitan Ministries — Tampa: 813-209-1000
- Hillsborough County Crisis Center: 813-234-1234
- Dawning Family Services: 813-877-9757
- Hillsborough County BOCC / HCFL: 813-272-5900
- Florida 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 Pay Rent in Tampa FL
1. Salvation Army — Tampa
The Salvation Army in Tampa is one of the most active and well-resourced faith-based emergency assistance providers in the Tampa Bay region. They serve Hillsborough County residents with direct financial assistance for rent and utilities, along with food, clothing, disaster relief, and a full range of social services. Tampa’s Salvation Army is especially active following hurricanes and other disasters that affect the region.
Address: 1603 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813-226-1100 Website: salvationarmyflorida.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, senior services, and referrals to other Tampa programs Do you need to be a member? No. Open to all Hillsborough County residents in need. Typical assistance: $200–$600 for emergency rent, paid directly to your landlord
2. Catholic Charities — Diocese of St. Petersburg (Tampa Office)
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg serves Tampa and Hillsborough County through their local offices, providing emergency financial assistance including rent and utility payments to anyone regardless of faith. Their experienced social workers connect Tampa residents with both private and government rental assistance programs and can coordinate larger amounts through case management.
Address: 1708 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 Phone: 813-630-3100 Website: catholiccharitiesdosp.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, refugee resettlement, and referrals to Florida programs including TANF Do you need to be Catholic? No. Catholic Charities serves everyone regardless of religion or background. Typical assistance: $300–$1,000+ depending on need and available funding
3. St. Vincent de Paul — Tampa / Hillsborough County
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates a major presence throughout Hillsborough County through local parish conferences and a network of thrift stores that fund their assistance programs. SVdP is one of Tampa’s most reliable sources of direct emergency rent and utility help, serving thousands of Hillsborough County residents every year.
Address: 3909 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: 813-681-4663 Website: svdptampa.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM What they provide: Direct landlord payment for overdue rent, utility assistance, food, furniture, clothing, and prescription assistance Do you need to be Catholic? No. SVdP helps anyone in need regardless of faith. Typical assistance: $100–$500 paid directly to your landlord or utility company
4. Metropolitan Ministries — Tampa
Metropolitan Ministries is Tampa Bay’s largest and most comprehensive faith-based social service organization, serving Hillsborough County residents for over 50 years. They operate one of the largest emergency assistance campuses in Florida, providing food, shelter, emergency financial assistance, case management, and long-term housing stability services. If you need rent help in Tampa, Metropolitan Ministries is one of the most important calls you can make.
Address: 2002 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813-209-1000 Website: metromin.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM; walk-ins welcome What they provide: Emergency rent and utility payments, food assistance, emergency shelter, clothing, holiday programs, case management, rapid re-housing, and long-term housing stability services Do you need to be religious? No. Metropolitan Ministries serves all Tampa Bay residents regardless of faith or background. Typical assistance: Varies — case managers work to combine every available funding source for maximum help
5. Hillsborough County Crisis Center — 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares
The Hillsborough County Crisis Center operates Tampa Bay’s local 211 system and connects Tampa residents with every available emergency assistance program — including church rent help, government ERA funds, and nonprofit programs — available in Hillsborough County right now.
Phone: 813-234-1234 (crisis line) | Dial 211 (resource referrals) Website: hcccrisisline.org | 211tampabay.org Hours: 24/7 What they provide: Free, confidential connections to emergency rent assistance, utility help, food, shelter, mental health support, and every available community resource in Hillsborough County
6. Dawning Family Services — Tampa
Dawning Family Services is a Tampa-based faith-rooted organization providing emergency financial assistance, housing stability, and case management for Hillsborough County families in crisis. They specialize in helping families prevent eviction and maintain stable housing through a combination of emergency funds and case management support.
Address: 3723 W Cleveland St, Tampa, FL 33609 Phone: 813-877-9757 Website: dawningfamilyservices.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, housing stability case management, eviction prevention counseling, and referrals to Hillsborough County programs Do you need to be a member? No. Open to all Hillsborough County families in need.
7. Idlewild Baptist Church — Lutz / Tampa Area
Idlewild Baptist Church is one of the Tampa Bay area’s largest Baptist congregations with a substantial community care ministry. Their outreach teams help Tampa area residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and connections to Hillsborough County social services.
Address: 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd, Lutz, FL 33548 Phone: 813-264-8713 Website: idlewild.org Hours: Contact the church office for community care assistance hours What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from community care fund, food pantry, clothing assistance, and referrals to Tampa area resources Do you need to be Baptist? No. Community members of all backgrounds are welcome.
8. Hyde Park United Methodist Church — Tampa
Hyde Park United Methodist Church is one of Tampa’s most historic and active congregations with a strong community outreach ministry. Their benevolence fund and outreach team help Tampa residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and connections to social services.
Address: 500 W Platt St, Tampa, FL 33606 Phone: 813-253-5388 Website: hydeparkumc.org What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and connections to Tampa and Hillsborough County resources Do you need to be Methodist? No. Open to all Tampa community members in need.
9. First Baptist Church of Tampa — Community Ministry
First Baptist Church of Tampa is one of the city’s most established congregations with an active community ministry and benevolence fund that helps Tampa residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and other financial crises.
Address: 302 N Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606 Phone: 813-229-1296 Website: fbctampa.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 Tampa community resources Do you need to be Baptist? No. Open to all Tampa community members in need.
10. Relevant Church — Tampa
Relevant Church is an active Tampa nondenominational congregation with a community care ministry. Their benevolence fund helps Tampa residents with emergency rent, utilities, and other financial needs.
Address: 4140 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: 813-875-9630 Website: relevant.org What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund and referrals to Tampa community resources
11. Without Walls Church — Tampa
Without Walls Church is one of Tampa’s most well-known nondenominational congregations with a long history of community outreach. Their community care ministry helps Tampa residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and connections to Hillsborough County social services.
Address: 2511 N Grady Ave, Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: 813-879-7771 Website: withoutwalls.church What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry, clothing assistance, and community care connections
12. Greco and ACTS — Brandon / East Hillsborough County
ACTS (Aging Care and Transitions Services) and the Greco area churches serve Brandon and East Hillsborough County residents with emergency rent assistance, utility help, food, and case management. If you live in Brandon, Riverview, or East Tampa, these are key local resources:
ACTS Housing and Community Services: Phone: 813-936-4793 Website: actsfl.org What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, senior services, case management, and referrals for East Hillsborough County residents
Southeastern Guide Dogs / Congregation B’nai Darom (Brandon area): Dial 211 for current Brandon-area church rent assistance programs
13. Lutheran Services Florida — Tampa
Lutheran Services Florida provides emergency financial assistance, housing stability programs, refugee resettlement, and case management for Tampa and Hillsborough County residents of all faiths.
Address: 3627 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 Phone: 813-932-2550 Website: lsfnet.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, housing stability case management, refugee resettlement, immigration services, foster care, and senior programs Do you need to be Lutheran? No. Lutheran Services Florida helps anyone in need.
14. Jewish Family Services of Tampa Bay
Jewish Family Services of Tampa Bay provides emergency financial assistance and case management to Hillsborough County residents of all faiths. Their emergency assistance program helps with rent, utilities, food, and other crisis needs.
Address: 13009 Community Campus Dr, Tampa, FL 33625 Phone: 813-960-1848 Website: jfstampabay.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, case management, mental health services, senior services, and Holocaust survivor support Do you need to be Jewish? No. JFS Tampa Bay serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.
15. Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area (ISTABA)
ISTABA and other Tampa Bay mosques provide zakat-funded emergency financial assistance for community members in need — including help with rent — regardless of faith background.
Address: 7326 E Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 Phone: 813-628-9066 Website: istaba.org What they provide: Emergency financial assistance from zakat funds, food assistance, and referrals to Tampa social services
South Tampa / Ybor City / East Tampa Area Resources
Ybor City Community Resource Center
Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood and surrounding East Tampa communities have faith-based resources serving their diverse Latino and African American communities. Catholic Charities (813-630-3100) and ISTABA (813-628-9066) both serve East Tampa extensively. Dial 211 for current programs with active funds in your specific Tampa zip code.
Spring of Tampa Bay — South Tampa
Phone: 813-247-7233 Website: springoftampabay.org What they provide: Emergency shelter, rent assistance connections, and case management for domestic violence survivors and at-risk families in South Tampa and Hillsborough County
Government Programs for Rent Help in Tampa FL
Church assistance works best when combined with Hillsborough County and Florida state government programs. Apply for these at the same time:
Hillsborough County BOCC — Community Affairs
Hillsborough County administers Emergency Rental Assistance and CDBG-funded programs for county residents facing eviction.
Address: 601 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813-272-5900 Website: hillsboroughcounty.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) — Tampa
Florida DCF administers the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA — Florida’s TANF) program and can provide emergency assistance for qualifying families with children. Apply at the local DCF office or online.
Address: 9393 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 Phone: 813-558-5600 Website: myflfamilies.com | myflorida.com/accessflorida Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
City of Tampa Neighborhood and Community Affairs
The City of Tampa administers CDBG funds and other emergency assistance programs for low-income Tampa residents including rental help.
Phone: 813-274-7954 Website: tampa.gov/neighborhoodservices Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Florida 211
Dialing 211 in Florida connects you with a local specialist who can identify every current rent assistance program available in Tampa and Hillsborough County right now.
Phone: Dial 211 (free, 24/7) Website: 211tampabay.org
Bay Area Legal Services — Tampa
If you’ve received an eviction notice in Tampa, Bay Area Legal Services provides free legal representation to help you stay in your home while rental assistance is arranged.
Address: 1302 N 19th St, Suite 400, Tampa, FL 33605 Phone: 813-232-1343 Website: bals.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
How to Get Church Rent Help in Tampa FL (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211 right now. Florida 211 / 211 Tampa Bay operators are available 24/7 and can tell you exactly which Tampa organizations currently have active funds.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Have these ready:
- Photo ID (Florida driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of Tampa or Hillsborough 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, TCA award letter, Social Security statement, or bank statements)
- Your landlord’s name, address, and phone number
Step 3: Call multiple organizations at once. Contact Metropolitan Ministries, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and SVdP simultaneously. Tampa is a large and fast-growing city — assistance funds can move quickly, especially after storms and disasters.
Step 4: Use the stacking approach. If no single organization can cover your full rent balance, ask each for a partial payment. Getting $250 from the Salvation Army, $200 from SVdP, and $300 from Metropolitan Ministries can add up to real help fast.
Step 5: Apply for TCA and Hillsborough County ERA at the same time. Contact Florida DCF at 813-558-5600 and Hillsborough County at 813-272-5900. Government programs can cover larger amounts and longer periods than church funds alone.
Step 6: Call Bay Area Legal Services if you’ve received eviction papers. Bay Area Legal Services (813-232-1343) can sometimes delay your eviction hearing in Hillsborough County Court while rental assistance is being arranged.
What to Bring When You Visit a Tampa Church for Rent Help
Most Tampa churches and faith-based organizations will ask for:
- Photo ID — Florida driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- Proof of Tampa or Hillsborough 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, TCA award letter, Social Security statement, or bank statements
- Landlord contact information — name, address, and phone number (most organizations pay landlords directly)
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help pay rent in Tampa FL?
Several churches and faith-based organizations help pay rent in Tampa, including Metropolitan Ministries (813-209-1000), the Salvation Army Tampa (813-226-1100), Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg (813-630-3100), St. Vincent de Paul Tampa (813-681-4663), Dawning Family Services (813-877-9757), Lutheran Services Florida (813-932-2550), and Jewish Family Services of Tampa Bay (813-960-1848). Call 211 first to find out which programs currently have available funds.
How fast can a church help pay rent in Tampa FL?
Many Tampa organizations can process emergency rent requests within 24 to 72 hours. Metropolitan Ministries (813-209-1000) welcomes walk-ins starting at 7:30 AM Monday through Friday. Call multiple organizations simultaneously and have all your documents ready for the fastest results.
Do I have to be religious or a church member to get help in Tampa?
No. Every organization in this guide helps Tampa residents regardless of religious belief, church membership, or background. You will not be asked to attend a service, pray, or join any congregation to receive assistance.
What is Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa?
Metropolitan Ministries (813-209-1000) at 2002 N Florida Ave is Tampa Bay’s largest and most comprehensive faith-based social service organization — and one of the most important rent assistance resources in all of Florida. They have been serving the Tampa Bay community for over 50 years and operate one of the largest emergency assistance campuses in the state. They provide food, shelter, emergency rent and utility payments, case management, and long-term housing stability services — all in one place. Walk-ins are welcome starting at 7:30 AM Monday through Friday.
What is TCA — Florida’s rental assistance program?
TCA stands for Temporary Cash Assistance — Florida’s TANF program that provides emergency cash for qualifying families with children. TCA funds can be used for rent. Apply at the Tampa DCF office (813-558-5600) or online at myflorida.com/accessflorida.
Can Tampa churches help if I’ve already received an eviction notice?
Yes — an eviction notice makes your case more urgent and can help you qualify faster. Bring the notice when you call or visit. Also contact Bay Area Legal Services immediately at 813-232-1343 — they provide free legal representation for eviction cases in Hillsborough County Court and may be able to delay your hearing while assistance is being arranged.
Is there rent help for immigrants in Tampa?
Yes. Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg (813-630-3100) provides immigration legal services and emergency assistance regardless of immigration status. Lutheran Services Florida (813-932-2550) also provides refugee resettlement and immigration services. Tampa has a large and diverse Latino community — particularly in East Tampa and Ybor City — and several organizations specialize in serving immigrant families. ISTABA (813-628-9066) serves Tampa’s Muslim community. Dial 211 and ask about immigration-inclusive programs in Hillsborough County.
Is there rent help for domestic violence survivors in Tampa?
Yes. Spring of Tampa Bay (813-247-7233) specifically serves domestic violence survivors and at-risk families in Tampa and Hillsborough County, providing emergency shelter, rent assistance connections, and case management. Dawning Family Services (813-877-9757) also serves families in crisis including DV survivors. If you are in immediate danger, call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Is there rent help available in Brandon or East Hillsborough County?
Yes. ACTS Housing and Community Services (813-936-4793) serves Brandon and East Hillsborough County residents specifically. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Metropolitan Ministries all serve Hillsborough County broadly including Brandon and Riverview. Dial 211 for current programs with active funds in your specific East Tampa or Brandon zip code.
Final Thoughts
If you need help paying rent in Tampa today, start with 211 and then call Metropolitan Ministries (813-209-1000), the Salvation Army (813-226-1100), and Catholic Charities (813-630-3100). Tampa’s faith community is one of the strongest in Florida — 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: Hillsborough County BOCC, FL 211, Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, Salvation Army Florida, Bay Area Legal Services
Funding availability changes frequently. Always verify current availability by calling the organization directly or dialing 211.