If you’re homeless or about to lose your housing in Tennessee tonight, hotel vouchers are available — and you may qualify right now. Tennessee has a statewide network of government agencies, nonprofits, and emergency assistance programs that can place you in a safe motel or hotel room while you work toward stable housing.
This guide covers every Tennessee-specific program, how to apply, who qualifies, and what to do if you need help immediately.
Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Tennessee — Quick Answer
Yes, hotel vouchers for homeless individuals are available in Tennessee through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), local Community Action Agencies, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other nonprofits. The fastest way to access one is to dial 211, which connects you to local emergency housing resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Tennessee?
Several organizations in Tennessee can provide emergency hotel or motel vouchers:
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) — Tennessee’s primary social services agency manages emergency assistance programs that can cover short-term motel stays for eligible individuals and families. Contact your local TDHS office or visit tn.gov/humanservices.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) — THDA manages Tennessee’s state housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local nonprofits providing emergency shelter including hotel and motel placements. Visit thda.org.
Tennessee 211 — Dialing 211 connects you with a trained operator who can identify the nearest hotel voucher program with available funds in your specific county or city. Tennessee’s 211 covers all 95 counties.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — Tennessee has Community Action Agencies serving counties across the state. These federally funded organizations are among the most reliable providers of emergency hotel and motel vouchers.
Salvation Army Tennessee — The Salvation Army operates locations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson, and other cities and regularly provides emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families in crisis.
Catholic Charities Tennessee — Provides emergency housing assistance regardless of religion or background, with offices in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
American Red Cross Tennessee — If your housing crisis results from a tornado, flood, or other disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations at no cost.
Local churches and faith-based organizations — Many Tennessee churches — from Nashville and Memphis congregations to rural Appalachian communities in east Tennessee — maintain emergency funds specifically for hotel and motel vouchers.
Who Qualifies for Emergency Hotel Vouchers in Tennessee?
Eligibility varies by program, but most Tennessee hotel voucher programs give priority to:
- Individuals and families who are currently homeless (sleeping outside, in a vehicle, or in an unsafe location)
- People facing imminent eviction within 24–72 hours
- Families with children — prioritized by most Tennessee programs
- Elderly individuals (60 and older)
- People with disabilities or serious health conditions
- Domestic violence survivors — most Tennessee programs fast-track DV cases
- Veterans experiencing homelessness — Tennessee has a large veteran population, particularly around Fort Campbell and other military installations
- Disaster survivors displaced by tornadoes, floods, or severe storms — Tennessee is in the heart of Tornado Alley’s eastern extension and has experienced devastating floods including the 2010 Nashville flood and 2021 Waverly flood
- Residents of Appalachian east Tennessee, which faces persistent poverty and limited services
- Individuals in recovery from substance use disorders — Tennessee has been severely impacted by the opioid crisis, particularly in rural east Tennessee and Memphis
- Individuals exposed to Tennessee’s extreme summer heat and humidity, particularly in Memphis and the western lowlands
Tennessee spans three distinct grand divisions — west, middle, and east — each with different geography, weather patterns, and service delivery challenges. Memphis sits in the Mississippi Delta with its own deep-rooted challenges; Nashville is a rapidly growing metro with acute housing affordability pressures; Knoxville and Chattanooga anchor an Appalachian region with persistent rural poverty. You do not necessarily need a photo ID to receive assistance in Tennessee, though having one speeds up the process.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Tennessee (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone — it’s free. Tell the operator: “I need emergency shelter or a hotel voucher tonight in Tennessee.” Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with the nearest program that has funding available in your county. Tennessee’s 211 covers all 95 counties.
Step 2: Contact Your Local TDHS Office
The Tennessee Department of Human Services has offices in every county. TDHS administers the Families First program (Tennessee’s TANF) and other emergency assistance programs that can connect you with temporary housing funds including motel vouchers for qualifying individuals and families.
Contact: tn.gov/humanservices | 615-313-4700
Step 3: Contact Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
THDA funds emergency shelter and housing programs across Tennessee and can direct you to ESG-funded hotel voucher providers in your region.
Contact: thda.org | 615-815-2200
Step 4: Reach Out to a Community Action Agency
Tennessee’s Community Action Agencies serve counties across the state and often have emergency motel voucher funds available same-day. Key agencies include:
- Metro Action Commission — Nashville / Davidson County
- Community Services Agency of Memphis — Memphis / Shelby County
- CAC (Community Action Committee) of Knox County — Knoxville
- Chattanooga Community Kitchen — Hamilton County
- Community Action Agency of Upper East Tennessee — Kingsport / Johnson City
- Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency — Chattanooga area counties
- West Tennessee Legal Services Community Action — Jackson / west Tennessee
Call 211 for the Community Action Agency serving your specific county.
Step 5: Contact the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has locations throughout Tennessee and can often provide same-day emergency motel vouchers. Call your nearest branch:
- Nashville: 615-242-0411
- Memphis: 901-525-5562
- Knoxville: 865-522-7141
- Chattanooga: 423-756-1561
- Jackson: 731-422-4041
- Clarksville: 931-647-2532
- Johnson City: 423-928-2237
- Kingsport: 423-247-7814
- Murfreesboro: 615-893-6766
Step 6: Contact Catholic Charities Tennessee
Catholic Charities provides emergency housing assistance to anyone in need regardless of faith.
- Nashville (Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville): 615-352-3087
- Memphis (Catholic Charities Diocese of Memphis): 901-356-6144
- Knoxville (Catholic Charities Diocese of Knoxville): 865-971-4380
- Chattanooga (Catholic Charities Diocese of Chattanooga): 423-267-3131
Tennessee Government Programs for Emergency Housing
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) — Families First (TANF)
TDHS administers Families First, Tennessee’s TANF program, which provides emergency assistance for eligible families with children. Families First emergency funds can cover temporary motel stays for qualifying families in crisis. Apply at your local TDHS county office.
Contact: tn.gov/humanservices | 615-313-4700
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
THDA manages Tennessee’s affordable housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local service providers. They are the primary funder of emergency shelter and hotel voucher programs statewide.
Contact: thda.org | 615-815-2200
Tennessee’s Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program
THDA administers Tennessee’s Emergency Housing Voucher program, which provides housing vouchers for homeless individuals and families, survivors of domestic violence, and others. While primarily a longer-term voucher, EHV case managers can connect individuals with immediate bridge housing including motel placements.
Contact: thda.org | 615-815-2200
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — Tennessee
Tennessee receives federal ESG funding from HUD, distributed through THDA to local homeless service providers. ESG funds can cover emergency shelter including hotel stays when traditional shelter beds are unavailable.
Contact: THDA at thda.org
HUD Continuum of Care — Tennessee CoC Programs
Tennessee has several HUD-funded CoC programs managing regional homeless services. Key CoCs include:
- Nashville/Davidson County CoC
- Memphis/Shelby County CoC
- Knoxville/Knox County CoC
- Chattanooga/Hamilton County CoC
- Clarksville/Montgomery County CoC
- Murfreesboro/Rutherford County CoC
- Balance of State Tennessee CoC — all remaining Tennessee counties
Find your local CoC: hudexchange.info | thn.org (Tennessee Homeless Network)
Tennessee Homeless Network (THN)
THN coordinates statewide homeless policy and connects individuals with emergency housing resources across Tennessee.
Contact: 615-891-1919 | thn.org
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
Tennessee is regularly struck by tornadoes and flooding. If you’ve been displaced by a presidentially declared disaster — such as a tornado or major flood — FEMA’s TSA program can place you in a participating hotel or motel at no cost.
Apply: disasterassistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) — Tennessee
Homeless Tennessee veterans have dedicated resources through the VA. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays while longer-term housing is arranged. Tennessee has a large veteran population around Fort Campbell near Clarksville and other installations.
Tennessee VA Locations:
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System — Nashville: 615-327-4751
- Memphis VA Medical Center: 901-523-8990
- Mountain Home VA Medical Center (Johnson City): 423-926-1171
- Chattanooga VA Clinic: 423-893-6500
- Knoxville VA Clinic: 865-545-4592
- Clarksville VA Clinic: 931-645-5935
- Murfreesboro VA Medical Center: 615-867-6100
National Veterans Homeless Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
Nonprofit Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Tennessee
Salvation Army Tennessee
With locations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson, Clarksville, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Murfreesboro, the Salvation Army is one of Tennessee’s most consistent statewide providers of emergency motel vouchers.
Website: salvationarmy.org
Catholic Charities Tennessee
Diocesan offices in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga provide emergency housing assistance and hotel voucher referrals regardless of faith background.
Room in the Inn — Nashville
Room in the Inn is one of Nashville’s most respected homeless service organizations, providing emergency shelter, outreach, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals in the Nashville metro area through a network of faith communities.
Contact: 615-242-7478 | roomintheinn.org
Affordable Housing Resources — Nashville
Affordable Housing Resources provides emergency rental assistance and hotel voucher connections for homeless and housing-unstable individuals and families in Davidson County.
Contact: 615-251-0422 | affordablehousinginc.org
Campus for Human Development — Nashville
Campus for Human Development coordinates Nashville’s downtown homeless services hub, connecting homeless individuals with emergency housing resources including hotel vouchers.
Contact: 615-726-1499 | campusforhumandevelopment.org
Memphis Shelby Crime Victims Center / MIFA — Memphis
MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association) provides emergency assistance including hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals and families in Shelby County.
Contact: 901-527-0208 | mifa.org
Memphis Union Mission
Memphis Union Mission is one of Memphis’s primary emergency shelter providers, offering shelter, meals, and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals and families in the Memphis area.
Contact: 901-526-8403 | memphisunionmission.org
Helen Ross McNabb Center — Knoxville
Helen Ross McNabb Center provides mental health services, emergency housing assistance, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals in Knoxville and east Tennessee.
Contact: 865-637-9711 | mcnabbcenter.org
Volunteer Ministry Center — Knoxville
Volunteer Ministry Center provides emergency food, shelter, and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals in Knox County and east Tennessee.
Contact: 865-524-3926 | vmcknox.org
Chattanooga Community Kitchen
Chattanooga Community Kitchen provides emergency meals, day services, and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals in Hamilton County.
Contact: 423-756-8272 | cckitchen.org
Renewal House — Nashville
Renewal House provides emergency shelter and hotel voucher connections specifically for women in recovery from substance use disorders and their children in the Nashville area.
Contact: 615-244-7756 | renewalhousenashville.org
American Red Cross — Tennessee
The Red Cross assists people displaced by Tennessee’s tornadoes, floods, and severe storms. If your homelessness stems from a disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations.
Contact: 1-800-733-2767 | redcross.org
Emergency Housing Help by City and Region in Tennessee
Nashville / Davidson County
Nashville has Tennessee’s largest concentration of homeless services and a rapidly growing housing affordability crisis. Key resources include:
- Nashville 211: Dial 211
- Room in the Inn: 615-242-7478
- Campus for Human Development: 615-726-1499
- Affordable Housing Resources: 615-251-0422
- Renewal House (women/recovery): 615-244-7756
- Salvation Army Nashville: 615-242-0411
- Catholic Charities Nashville: 615-352-3087
- TDHS Nashville: 615-532-5060
Memphis / Shelby County
Memphis has Tennessee’s second-largest concentration of services and its own distinct challenges rooted in the Mississippi Delta:
- Memphis 211: Dial 211
- MIFA: 901-527-0208
- Memphis Union Mission: 901-526-8403
- Salvation Army Memphis: 901-525-5562
- Catholic Charities Memphis: 901-356-6144
- Community Services Agency Memphis: 901-725-7779
- TDHS Memphis: 901-320-4350
Knoxville / Knox County
- Knoxville 211: Dial 211
- Volunteer Ministry Center: 865-524-3926
- Helen Ross McNabb Center: 865-637-9711
- Salvation Army Knoxville: 865-522-7141
- Catholic Charities Knoxville: 865-971-4380
- TDHS Knoxville: 865-594-6100
Chattanooga / Hamilton County
- Chattanooga 211: Dial 211
- Chattanooga Community Kitchen: 423-756-8272
- Salvation Army Chattanooga: 423-756-1561
- Catholic Charities Chattanooga: 423-267-3131
- TDHS Chattanooga: 423-634-6600
Clarksville / Montgomery County
Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell and has a large military and veteran population:
- Clarksville 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Clarksville: 931-647-2532
- Montgomery County Emergency Assistance: 931-648-5718
- Manna Café Ministries: 931-919-7171
- TDHS Clarksville: 931-648-5610
- Fort Campbell Family Support Center: 270-798-9952
Jackson / West Tennessee
- Jackson 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Jackson: 731-422-4041
- West Tennessee Legal Services: 731-423-0616
- Jackson Housing Authority: 731-422-3271
- TDHS Jackson: 731-423-5600
Johnson City / Kingsport / Bristol (Tri-Cities)
- Tri-Cities 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Johnson City: 423-928-2237
- Salvation Army Kingsport: 423-247-7814
- HOPE Sullivan (emergency housing): 423-434-5706
- Appalachian Community Action Agency: 423-928-7761
- TDHS Johnson City: 423-854-5400
Murfreesboro / Rutherford County
- Murfreesboro 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Murfreesboro: 615-893-6766
- Greenhouse Ministries: 615-849-5700
- TDHS Murfreesboro: 615-898-8015
What to Do After Your Hotel Voucher Runs Out
A hotel voucher is a bridge — not a permanent solution. While you have temporary shelter, take these steps toward stable housing:
Connect with a case manager. Ask the organization that gave you the voucher to assign you a case manager. Case managers in Tennessee can help you navigate housing programs, disaster recovery resources, and benefits specific to your county.
Apply for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) in Tennessee. RRH programs provide short-term rental assistance and support to help you move from homelessness into housing quickly. Contact your local CoC or dial 211 to find RRH programs available in your Tennessee county.
Get on the Section 8 waitlist. The Housing Choice Voucher program provides long-term rental assistance. Contact THDA at thda.org or your local housing authority to apply. Waitlists in Nashville and Memphis can be long — apply as early as possible.
Apply for Tennessee Emergency Rental Assistance. Contact THDA at thda.org or dial 211 to ask about current rental assistance programs available in your county.
Look into transitional housing. Organizations like Room in the Inn, Memphis Union Mission, Helen Ross McNabb Center, Renewal House, and the Salvation Army offer transitional housing programs across Tennessee with support services to help you build long-term stability.
Apply for benefits you may qualify for. If you haven’t already, apply for SNAP food assistance, Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare), and Families First (TANF) at your local TDHS office or at tn.gov/humanservices or benefits.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hotel voucher in Tennessee tonight?
Call 211 right now. Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with emergency hotel voucher programs in your Tennessee county. In Nashville, you can also contact Room in the Inn at 615-242-7478 or the Salvation Army at 615-242-0411 directly. In Memphis, contact MIFA at 901-527-0208. In Knoxville, contact Volunteer Ministry Center at 865-524-3926.
Does TDHS provide hotel vouchers in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee TDHS manages Families First (TANF) emergency assistance that can cover temporary motel stays for qualifying families with children. Contact your local county TDHS office directly to ask about available emergency funds.
Are hotel vouchers available after a tornado in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee is regularly struck by tornadoes — the state has experienced devastating outbreaks including major events in Nashville (2020), Cookeville (2020), and Waverly (2021). If a tornado or flood has displaced you, FEMA’s TSA program can place you in a hotel at no cost after a presidentially declared disaster. Apply at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. The Red Cross also responds immediately.
Are there hotel vouchers for military families near Fort Campbell?
Yes. Clarksville and Montgomery County have dedicated resources for military families and veterans. The Salvation Army Clarksville (931-647-2532), Manna Café Ministries (931-919-7171), and the Fort Campbell Family Support Center (270-798-9952) all provide emergency assistance. VA social workers at the Clarksville VA Clinic (931-645-5935) can also arrange emergency hotel stays for veterans.
Are hotel vouchers available in rural east Tennessee?
Yes. Community Action Agency of Upper East Tennessee and other Appalachian agencies serve east Tennessee’s rural communities. Dial 211 for resources in your specific county. In the most remote communities, local churches and the Salvation Army are often the most accessible resources.
Are there hotel vouchers for people in recovery from addiction in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis, particularly in rural east Tennessee and Memphis. Renewal House in Nashville (615-244-7756) specifically serves women in recovery. Many other homeless service providers integrate recovery support. Dial 211 or contact the Tennessee REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789 (24/7) for combined housing and recovery resources.
Can I get a hotel voucher without an ID in Tennessee?
Many programs will still help you without a photo ID, though having one speeds up the process. If you’ve lost your ID — especially after a tornado or flood — ask your caseworker or local TDHS office about emergency identification assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Tennessee?
Yes. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) or your nearest Tennessee VA facility. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays same-day for veterans in crisis.
Are there hotel vouchers for domestic violence survivors in Tennessee?
Yes. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-289-9018 (24/7) for immediate safe housing assistance.
What if there are no hotel vouchers available in my area?
If vouchers are unavailable, ask about shelter beds or contact the National Homeless Hotline at 1-877-466-4782 for additional options. In rural Tennessee — particularly in Appalachian east Tennessee — local churches and faith organizations are often the most accessible backup resources.
Final Thoughts
If you need a hotel voucher in Tennessee tonight, your first call should be to 211. From there, operators can connect you with the nearest available program — whether that’s Room in the Inn, MIFA, Volunteer Ministry Center, Chattanooga Community Kitchen, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or another local organization serving your county.
Tennessee has resources for you — from the Mississippi lowlands to the Cumberland Plateau to the Great Smoky Mountains. Don’t wait to reach out — that’s exactly what these programs are here for.
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Tennessee TDHS, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, HUD, FEMA, Salvation Army Tennessee
Program availability and funding levels vary by county and change frequently. Always verify current availability directly with the providing organization.