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housing assistance in tennessee

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Tennessee

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in Tennessee

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025


Main Points

  • Emergency rental assistance is available through Community Action Agencies across all 95 Tennessee counties, though major federal programs like ERAP have ended
  • Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) help pay up to 70% of rent, but waiting lists are typically 12-36 months long statewide
  • LIHEAP utility assistance provides up to $500 for energy bills with 150% federal poverty income limits
  • Income limits vary by county – most programs serve families earning 50-80% of area median income
  • Specialized programs exist like The Hope Station for working single mothers in Nashville area who earn too much for traditional assistance
  • Multiple programs can be combined for maximum assistance

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance and local resource referrals.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact your local Community Action Agency for crisis utility assistance – amounts vary by county.

Need rent help now? Apply through your local Community Action Agency. While major federal emergency rental programs have ended, local assistance may be available.

In danger? Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence: (800) 356-6767 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Working but struggling? The Hope Station serves single, working mothers in Davidson and Rutherford Counties who make too much to qualify for traditional public assistance.

Emergency Housing Assistance

Community Action Agency Emergency Programs

Tennessee has a network of Community Action Agencies serving all 95 counties. These agencies provide emergency assistance including rental help, utility payments, and basic needs support through various funding sources.

What they typically cover:

  • Emergency rental assistance (amounts vary by county and funding availability)
  • Utility shut-off prevention
  • Security deposits for new housing
  • Emergency food and clothing
  • Case management and referrals

Income requirements: Generally serve households at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, though requirements vary by specific program and county.

How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency directly. Find your local agency through Tennessee Community Action or call (629) 888-0233.

Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 1-2 weeks, but emergency situations may receive faster attention.

Reality check: Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t wait if you’re facing eviction – apply immediately and have all required documentation ready.

The Hope Station (Nashville Area)

The Hope Station Inc. is a temporary crisis relief agency that gives HOPE to single, working mothers in Davidson County and Rutherford County who make too much to qualify for public assistance.

What it covers:

  • Emergency grants for rent, utilities, and essential needs
  • Support specifically designed for working mothers
  • Bridge assistance between financial need and financial empowerment

Who qualifies: Single, working mothers in Davidson and Rutherford Counties facing temporary financial challenges.

How to apply: Visit hopestationtn.org or contact them directly for application information.

2-1-1 Tennessee

Call 2-1-1 for immediate referrals to emergency assistance in your area. Available 24/7 with multilingual support.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is a federal rental assistance program funded through HUD where very low-income individuals, families, the elderly and disabled receive assistance to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market.

As the leading state housing agency, THDA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program in 72 Tennessee counties, between 4 area offices.

Income Eligibility (2025)

Eligibility for a Housing Choice Voucher is based on the total annual gross income and household size. In general, the family’s income may not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for the county or metropolitan area.

Tennessee Housing Choice Voucher Income Limits (Examples)

Family Size Very Low Income (50% AMI) Extremely Low Income (30% AMI)
1 person $26,850 $16,100
2 people $30,650 $18,400
3 people $34,500 $20,700
4 people $38,300 $23,000

Note: Income limits vary significantly by county and metropolitan area. These figures represent approximate statewide averages. Check current income limits for your specific area through THDA.

Priority groups:

  • Families experiencing homelessness
  • Families with disabilities
  • Elderly households
  • Families paying more than 50% of income for rent

Application process:

  1. Contact your local Public Housing Authority or THDA field office
  2. Apply online when waiting lists open (THDA does not issue or accept paper applications)
  3. Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards, and rental history
  4. Complete eligibility interview and background check
  5. Wait for voucher availability (typically 12-36 months)
  6. Attend voucher briefing and receive Housing Choice Voucher
  7. Find qualifying rental unit within 60-120 days
  8. Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: Waiting lists in Tennessee typically range from 12-36 months, with urban areas like Nashville and Memphis experiencing longer waits. Many housing authorities periodically close their waiting lists when they have more applicants than they can serve.

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Tennessee Fair Market Rents (Examples)

Metro Area 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
Nashville $788 $991 $1,328 $1,598
Memphis $679 $844 $1,153 $1,387
Knoxville $699 $849 $1,089 $1,289
Chattanooga $627 $787 $1,042 $1,242

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area.

Public Housing

Public housing developments are owned and operated by local housing authorities. Program participants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent.

Pros:

  • Lower cost than Section 8 in some areas
  • Stable housing with on-site management
  • Some properties offer supportive services

Cons:

  • Limited locations and availability
  • Long waiting lists
  • Less choice in neighborhoods

USDA Rural Housing Programs

Section 502 Direct Loans

This program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

Home Repair Assistance:

  • Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance or $55,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas
  • Grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000, except in presidentially declared disaster areas in which they have a $15,000 lifetime limit
  • To qualify for a grant, the applicant must be 62 or older

Contact: Contact your regional USDA Rural Development office for application assistance.

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded grant program that aims to assist low income households, primarily those who pay a high proportion of household income on home energy, in meeting their immediate energy needs.

In Tennessee LIHEAP is administered through a network of 19 local agencies that reach all 95 counties.

Income Eligibility (2025)

Income eligible households are those at or below 150% of the U.S. Poverty Guidelines.

Tennessee LIHEAP Income Guidelines (150% Federal Poverty)

Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 person $23,340
2 people $31,580
3 people $39,820
4 people $48,060
5 people $56,300

Source: Federal LIHEAP guidelines 2025

Benefits Available:

  • Regular heating and cooling assistance available once per year
  • Emergency assistance for families facing utility shut-offs
  • Assistance is awarded on a points-based system to ensure that the most needy are assisted first

Application process: Contact one of the community agencies that help administer the program. Find your local LIHEAP agency through THDA.

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for utility account holder
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent utility bills showing past due amounts
  • Proof of income for all household members 18+

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

Domestic Violence Housing

Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence

  • 24/7 Hotline: (800) 356-6767
  • Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) is available to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors from all Tennessee counties to help survivors who are fleeing violence or in the process of establishing new safe homes
  • Funds may be used to help survivors with rent, mortgage, hotel costs, and utilities

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee

  • YWCA is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the state of Tennessee
  • YWCA’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center is a 70-bed emergency shelter in an undisclosed location in Nashville
  • A state-of-the-art pet shelter – Abbie’s Safe Home – opened on the grounds of the Weaver Center in early 2021

Clarksville Area Urban Ministries SafeHouse

  • Services are available to anyone victimized by domestic violence including women, men, LGBTQ+, children, Survivors with disabilities, and Survivors from historically marginalized or underserved populations
  • Crisis Hotline: (931) 552-6900 – Available 24 hours daily
  • Service areas primarily include Montgomery, Stewart, Houston, and Cheatham Counties

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

Tennessee domestic violence programs increasingly provide inclusive services to LGBTQ+ survivors, though specialized LGBTQ+ housing programs remain limited.

Local resources:

  • YWCA Nashville offers an LGBTQ+ focused support group
  • Clarksville Area Urban Ministries’ SafeHouse program provides inclusive services to LGBTQ+ survivors
  • Contact 2-1-1 and specifically ask about LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers

National resources:

  • National LGBTQ Task Force: Housing discrimination information
  • SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Senior housing resources

Single Fathers

While this guide focuses on single mothers, single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access the same programs:

All housing assistance programs described above are available regardless of gender Additional resources:

  • National At-Home Dad Network: Support groups and resources
  • Single Father Network: Online community and local meetups

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families face unique challenges including limited transportation and fewer service providers.

Specialized resources:

  • USDA Rural Development programs (described above)
  • Tennessee Community Action Agencies provide outreach services to rural areas
  • Some agencies provide gas cards for essential appointments
  • Telehealth and virtual support services when available

Transportation assistance:

  • Contact local Community Action Agencies for transportation vouchers
  • Some faith-based organizations provide transportation to essential appointments

Native American Families

While Tennessee does not have federally recognized tribes, Native American families may access:

HUD Indian Housing Programs: Available to enrolled tribal members nationwide Native American Housing Assistance: Contact HUD’s Office of Native American Programs at (800) 955-2232

Resources by Region

Middle Tennessee (Nashville Metro)

Metro Action Commission

  • Emergency assistance programs
  • LIHEAP utility assistance
  • Families First coordination
  • Phone: (615) 862-7368

Metropolitan Housing Authority

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Public housing
  • Homeownership programs

East Tennessee (Knoxville Area)

East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA)

  • LIHEAP assistance serving Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan, Scott, and Union counties
  • Phone: (865) 691-2551

Knoxville Community Development Corporation (KCDC)

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Public housing programs

West Tennessee (Memphis Area)

Memphis Housing Authority

  • Housing Choice Voucher Program for eligible very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled
  • Public housing programs

Shelby County Community Services Agency

  • Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) for families facing housing emergencies
  • Your family’s monthly income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guideline

Southwest Tennessee

Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA)

  • Emergency Rent Program providing one-time monthly emergency assistance for eligible applicants with past due rent
  • Income must be within 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait for Section 8 in Tennessee?

Waiting times vary dramatically by location in Tennessee. Urban areas like Nashville and Memphis typically have 18-36 month waits, while rural areas may have 6-18 month waits. Many housing authorities periodically close their waiting lists when they become too long. Priority is given to families experiencing homelessness, those with disabilities, and elderly households.

Can I get help if I’m working in Tennessee?

Yes! Most programs have income limits rather than requiring unemployment. The Hope Station specifically serves single, working mothers in Davidson and Rutherford Counties who make too much to qualify for traditional public assistance. Many programs serve families earning up to 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

What if my landlord won’t accept Section 8 in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse Section 8 vouchers. However, many do accept them. Contact your housing authority or THDA field office for lists of participating landlords. Some housing authorities offer landlord incentive programs.

How much will I pay with a Section 8 voucher?

Under the program, families typically pay between 30 to 40 percent of adjusted income for rent and utilities. The voucher pays the difference up to the Fair Market Rent limit for your area.

What if I have bad credit or an eviction?

Many assistance programs don’t have strict credit requirements, especially emergency programs. For long-term housing like Section 8, housing authorities may consider negative history but often allow explanations and evidence of changed circumstances.

Can I combine different assistance programs?

Yes, you can often combine programs. For example, you might use LIHEAP for utilities, receive SNAP benefits for food, and apply for emergency rental assistance – as long as you meet each program’s individual requirements.

What if I’m undocumented?

Most federal housing programs require legal immigration status, but emergency assistance through Community Action Agencies may be available regardless of status. Some local programs also provide help. Contact 2-1-1 for guidance.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Tennessee?

Contact your local Community Action Agency that administers LIHEAP in your county. Tennessee has 19 local agencies that reach all 95 counties. Find your local agency through THDA.

What happens if major federal rental assistance programs have ended?

While major programs like ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) have closed, other rental assistance programs or resources may be available in your area. Local Community Action Agencies and nonprofits still provide emergency assistance through other funding sources, though availability is more limited.

How do I get help if I’m fleeing domestic violence?

Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) is available to domestic violence survivors from all Tennessee counties. Call the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence at (800) 356-6767 or YWCA Nashville for immediate assistance.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are common: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8 or public housing. Government programs are free to apply for.

Fake landlords: Be wary of rental listings that require money upfront before viewing the property or seem too good to be true.

“Guaranteed” housing: No legitimate service can guarantee you’ll receive housing assistance or move to the front of waiting lists.

Common Challenges

Limited funding: All assistance programs have more applicants than available help and operate on first-come, first-served basis. Apply early and to multiple programs.

Paperwork requirements: Gather documents in advance. Missing paperwork is the most common reason for delays.

Transportation barriers: Many offices require in-person visits. Ask about mobile services or assistance with transportation costs.

Childcare needs: Some appointments don’t allow children. Ask about childcare assistance or virtual options.

Tips for Success

Apply to multiple programs simultaneously: Don’t wait to be denied by one program before applying to others.

Keep copies of everything: Maintain organized files of all applications, documents, and correspondence.

Follow up regularly: Call agencies monthly to check on application status and provide any additional information needed.

Be honest about your situation: Provide accurate information. Programs are designed to help people in difficult circumstances.

Get help navigating the system: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for free assistance with applications and housing searches.

Additional Resources

Tennessee State Agencies

Tennessee Department of Human Services

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)

  • Housing Choice Voucher program administration
  • Home ownership programs
  • Phone: (615) 815-2200
  • Website: thda.org

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

USDA Rural Development

Legal Aid

Legal Aid of East Tennessee

  • Free legal help for housing issues
  • Eviction defense
  • Phone: (865) 637-0484

Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services

  • Housing law assistance
  • Tenant rights information
  • Website: tals.org

Financial Counseling

Tennessee Financial Counseling Programs Find a certified financial counselor to help with budgeting, credit repair, and homebuyer education through the National Endowment for Financial Education.

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Tennessee guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Tennessee Department of Human Services, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, USDA, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Tennessee Department of Human Services, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, USDA, and HHS sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287.

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