Tennessee has over 9,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, with significant concentrations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. The state’s rapidly rising housing costs — particularly in Nashville and its surrounding counties — have pushed thousands of working Tennesseans into housing instability alongside those experiencing chronic homelessness.
Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs operate across Tennessee through a combination of state funds, county social services, and local nonprofits. This guide from House for Homeless explains how to find and access emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Tennessee tonight. For programs in other states, see our hotel vouchers for homeless national guide.
Need a hotel voucher in Tennessee tonight? Call 211 immediately — Tennessee 211 is available 24 hours. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Tennessee
Tennessee does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally — through county social services offices, Community Action Agencies, Continuums of Care, and nonprofits.
Resources vary significantly across Tennessee’s 95 counties. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga have the most robust emergency housing infrastructure. Smaller cities and rural counties rely more heavily on faith-based organizations and limited nonprofit capacity.
Always call 211 first — Tennessee 211 covers all counties and has real-time information on what is currently funded in your area.
Tennessee State Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)
TDHS administers emergency assistance programs statewide including the Tennessee Emergency Services Program and Families First (TANF). In some counties, TDHS can authorize emergency hotel placements for families with children experiencing homelessness.
TDHS statewide: 1-888-863-6178 Website: tn.gov/humanservices
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
THDA administers federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds to local organizations providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention — which can include hotel assistance in some jurisdictions.
THDA contact: 615-815-2200 Website: thda.org
Tennessee Emergency Solutions Grant
ESG funds flow through THDA to local CoC-funded organizations across Tennessee. These organizations can sometimes provide hotel placements when shelter beds are unavailable. Call 211 to find the ESG-funded organization in your county.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Tennessee by Region
Nashville and Middle Tennessee (Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, and surrounding counties)
Nashville’s rapidly rising housing costs have created one of the most acute homelessness crises in the South. The city has invested significantly in its homeless services infrastructure in response.
Continuity of Care of Greater Nashville (CCGN) / Nashville CoC Lead CoC agency coordinating homeless services in the Nashville area.
- Phone: 615-862-6560
- Website: nashvillecoc.org
- Call 211 or CCGN for coordinated entry and emergency housing referrals
Room In The Inn One of Nashville’s most respected homeless service organizations, operating year-round emergency shelter and housing programs.
- Phone: 615-242-7126
- Address: 211 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
- Website: roominntheinn.org
- Intake: Call for current hours and availability
Salvation Army of Nashville Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers for individuals and families.
- Phone: 615-242-0411
- Address: 800 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37206
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Catholic Charities of Tennessee (Nashville) Emergency assistance including housing help for anyone regardless of faith.
- Phone: 615-352-3087
- Website: cctenn.org
Oasis Center (youth ages 14–24) Emergency housing and services for young people in Nashville.
- Phone: 615-327-4455
- Website: oasiscenter.org
Open Table Nashville Connects people experiencing homelessness with community support and emergency resources.
- Phone: 615-415-4611
- Website: opentablenashville.org
Matthew 25 (families and women) Emergency housing and services for families and women in Nashville.
- Phone: 615-256-4212
- Website: m25nashville.org
Nashville DFCS (Davidson County) County emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 615-532-5200
See our city guide: Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Nashville
Memphis and West Tennessee (Shelby, Fayette, Tipton counties)
Memphis Area CoC / Community Alliance for the Homeless Lead CoC agency for the Memphis area.
- Phone: 901-527-1302
- Website: cahomeless.org
Memphis Union Mission Comprehensive homeless services for men, women, and families in Memphis.
- Men’s shelter: 901-526-8403 | 383 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
- Women and children: 901-527-9436 | 300 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Website: memphismission.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Salvation Army Memphis Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 901-526-0661
- Address: 696 Jackson Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee (Memphis) Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 901-722-4700
- Website: ccwtn.org
Family Safety Center of Memphis Emergency housing for domestic violence survivors.
- Phone: 901-222-4400
MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association) Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers for Memphis residents.
- Phone: 901-529-4545
- Website: mifa.org
Knoxville and East Tennessee
Knoxville-Knox County CoC / Community Action Committee Lead CoC agency for the Knoxville area.
- Phone: 865-524-9882
- Website: cac-k.org
Volunteer Ministry Center Comprehensive homeless services in Knoxville including emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 865-524-3926
- Address: 511 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917
- Website: volunteerministrycenter.org
- Intake: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Salvation Army Knoxville Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 865-522-1848
- Address: 211 E Churchwell Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
KARM (Knox Area Rescue Ministries) Emergency shelter and housing assistance in Knoxville.
- Phone: 865-673-6540
- Website: karm.org
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (Knoxville) Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 865-524-4186
Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee
Chattanooga CoC / Chambliss Center for Children Coordinates emergency housing resources in the Chattanooga area.
- Phone: 423-624-6847
- Website: chamblisscenter.org
Salvation Army Chattanooga Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 423-756-1611
- Address: 901 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Homeless Healthcare Chattanooga Healthcare and housing assistance for people experiencing homelessness.
- Phone: 423-698-4093
McKamey Animal Center (for people with pets) In Chattanooga, McKamey Animal Center has sometimes partnered with housing programs to board pets while owners access shelter. Ask 211 about current pet accommodation options.
Rural Tennessee Counties
In rural Tennessee, primary resources include:
- Your county Department of Human Services (DHS) office — find at tn.gov/humanservices
- Local Community Action Agencies — call 211 to find your nearest CAA
- Local churches — particularly in rural East Tennessee and West Tennessee, faith communities are primary emergency assistance providers
- 211 — always call first, even in rural areas
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Tennessee
| Priority Group | Tennessee-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority; county TDHS can sometimes authorize placements |
| Domestic violence survivors | Tennessee Coalition to End DV: 1-800-356-6767 |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in Nashville, Memphis, Mountain Home (Johnson City) |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most county and nonprofit programs |
| Youth ages 14–24 | Oasis Center (Nashville), other city-specific youth programs |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter barriers |
| People with pets | Very limited — call 211 specifically; Chattanooga has some options |
| People in recovery | Some programs require sobriety; others are low-barrier — ask 211 |
| Rural residents | Faith communities often primary resource |
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Tennessee — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours across all 95 Tennessee counties. Give your city or county and your situation.
Step 2: If you are in Nashville, call Room In The Inn at 615-242-7126 or the Salvation Army at 615-242-0411.
Step 3: If you are in Memphis, call Memphis Union Mission at 901-526-8403 or MIFA at 901-529-4545.
Step 4: If you are in Knoxville, call Volunteer Ministry Center at 865-524-3926 or KARM at 865-673-6540.
Step 5: Contact your county TDHS office — particularly if you have children.
Step 6: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately.
City-Specific Hotel Voucher Guide
More Tennessee city guides coming soon. Call 211 for immediate local referrals anywhere in Tennessee.
What to Do During Your Tennessee Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for Tennessee SNAP at tn.gov/humanservices or call 1-888-863-6178. With zero income you qualify for maximum benefits and expedited 7-day processing. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Apply for TennCare: Apply for Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) at tenncareconnect.tn.gov for free healthcare including mental health services.
Enter coordinated entry: Call 211 or your local CoC to enter Tennessee’s coordinated entry system — your pathway to rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
Apply for rapid rehousing: Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid rehousing referrals. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all have active rapid rehousing programs. See our emergency rental assistance guide as another immediate option.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Tennessee PHA. Nashville Metro Housing Authority: 615-252-8400. Tennessee PHAs have long waitlists — apply now and to multiple PHAs. See our Section 8 guide for the full process. Browse all housing voucher programs for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Tennessee?
Call 211 from anywhere in Tennessee — available 24 hours. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. In Nashville, contact Room In The Inn at 615-242-7126. In Memphis, call MIFA at 901-529-4545 or Memphis Union Mission at 901-526-8403. In Knoxville, call Volunteer Ministry Center at 865-524-3926.
Does Tennessee have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Tennessee does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel assistance is funded and administered locally through county DHS offices, Community Action Agencies, CoCs, and nonprofits. Resources are most concentrated in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga — call 211 for what is available in your specific county.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Tennessee?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority across Tennessee’s emergency housing programs. County TDHS offices can sometimes authorize emergency hotel placements for families. Call 211 and specify that you have children. In Nashville, Matthew 25 specifically serves families.
Can I get a hotel voucher in Tennessee without ID?
Many Tennessee programs serve people without identification. Low-barrier programs explicitly accept people without ID. Do not let lack of documents stop you from calling 211. Free Tennessee ID programs are available — ask 211 for resources in your county.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Tennessee?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. Tennessee has VA resources in Nashville (Tennessee Valley VA), Memphis (Memphis VA), Mountain Home (James H. Quillen VA in Johnson City), and Murfreesboro with dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH and SSVF rapid rehousing.
What if I am homeless in rural Tennessee?
Rural Tennessee has fewer formal hotel voucher programs than urban areas. Your primary resources are your county DHS office, local Community Action Agencies, and local churches. Faith communities in rural East Tennessee and West Tennessee particularly are major sources of emergency assistance. Call 211 — operators know rural-area resources that are not publicly listed.
Are there hotel vouchers specifically for women in Tennessee?
Yes. Memphis Union Mission has a dedicated women and children shelter at 300 Beale St (901-527-9436). In Nashville, Matthew 25 serves women and families. In Knoxville, KARM has women-specific programs. Call 211 and specify you are a woman — operators can direct you to gender-specific programs in your area.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions depending on program funding and your progress toward permanent housing. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville programs sometimes offer longer placements for families. Use the time to connect with a case manager and pursue rapid rehousing immediately.