Anderson County, TN – Financial Assistance Programs
Anderson County, centered on Clinton and including Oak Ridge, has a small but active network of nonprofits, churches and government programs (as listed below). The organizations may assist residents with emergency financial needs, food, household goods, and free health services. The county's two primary assistance anchors are Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC), which provides direct financial help for rent, utilities, and food vouchers to qualifying residents, and the Anderson County Community Aid Coalition (ACCAC), which offers food, clothing, household goods, and resource navigation.
Most programs require income documentation, a photo ID, and — for utility or rent help — a copy of the overdue bill or eviction notice. Assistance from most programs is typically limited to once per 12-month period, so it is worth calling 2-1-1 first to identify your best option before applying. Anderson County is also served by the Ecumenical Storehouse for household goods and by county-run dental clinics in Clinton and Oak Ridge for low-income residents without dental insurance.
Start Here — Find Help Fast
- Need help with rent, utilities, or food vouchers? → ADFAC (appointment required): (865) 483-6028
- Need emergency food, clothing, or household items? → Anderson County Community Aid Coalition (ACCAC): (865) 457-5500
- Need free or low-cost furniture and household goods? → Ecumenical Storehouse (referral required): (865) 481-0274
- Need free or low-cost dental care? → Anderson County Dental Clinic – Oak Ridge: (865) 264-6356 | Clinton Health Dept. Clinic: (865) 425-8803
- Senior (60+) needing services or information? → Anderson County Office on Aging: (865) 457-3259
- Need food bank referral or mobile pantry? → Second Harvest Food Bank: (865) 521-0000
Don't know where to start? Dial 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) — East Tennessee's helpline will match you to the right local program.
Broad Emergency Assistance — Rent, Utilities, Food & Referrals
These organizations handle the widest range of crisis needs and are the best starting point for households in financial trouble.
Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC)
Neighbors helping neighbors since 1987, ADFAC is Anderson County's primary source of direct financial assistance for individuals and families in crisis. The Household Assistance Program may help with utility bills, rent and mortgage payments, a crisis food cupboard, short-term coaching and budgeting, and referrals to additional local resources. To qualify, applicants must be employed or actively seeking work, in school, elderly, or disabled, and must meet income guidelines. All applicants are individually screened and matched with a social worker who helps develop a plan toward self-sufficiency.
- ADFAC also administers the Appalachian Housing Partners program, which assists homeowners with repairs and improvements to substandard homes and supports new home construction for first-time buyers — serving Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, and Roane counties. A School Supplies Program provides backpacks and teacher-requested supplies to low-income PreK–12 students in participating schools each fall. Contact your child's school to ask about eligibility.
Appointments are required for all Household Assistance services. Hours are Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–4:00 PM. (865) 483-6028. 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike (in the Activities Building of First Presbyterian Church), Oak Ridge, TN 37830. View https://www.adfac.org/.
Anderson County Community Aid Coalition (ACCAC)
ACCAC (formerly known as the Anderson County Community Action Commission) is a nonprofit located in downtown Clinton serving Anderson County residents with food, clothing, household goods, and help navigating other community resources. Current programs include a community food pantry (Nutrition Program), a Community Clothing Closet providing clothes for all ages including back-to-school and interview attire, a Housewares Program providing household goods and small appliances, a Firewood Program for families who use wood heat, and a Green Thumb garden seed program.
- The Resource Assistance Program provides one-on-one help connecting residents with services outside ACCAC's direct scope — including assistance applying for SNAP and Families First online, ordering replacement Social Security cards, and navigating housing resources.
Other support may be offered. ACCAC staff will make calls on behalf of clients seeking stable housing. (865) 457-5500. 149 N Main St, Clinton, TN 37716. View https://andersoncac.org/
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) Anderson County office
ETHRA is a regional agency serving several East Tennessee counties. The Anderson County office may assist with transportation arrangement, legal assistance for elderly residents, nutrition programs for children, HUD housing assistance, home weatherization, and heating and cooling assistance. ETHRA also offers employment development services and transportation referrals. Call the local number to confirm current program availability and eligibility. (865) 457-3352. 125 Leinart St, Suite 3, Clinton, TN 37716. See https://www.ethra.org/.
Anderson County Department of Human Services (DHS)
Administers state and federal benefit programs including SNAP food assistance, TANF cash assistance, Medicaid, TennCare, and free or subsidized childcare vouchers. Case workers through the Families First program provide short-term support alongside employment and self-sufficiency planning. Apply in person or online through the state portal.
(865) 463-6100. See https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/find-your-local-dhs-office.html.
Free Household Goods & Clothing
See also: ACCAC (Community Clothing Closet and Housewares Program) listed under Broad Emergency Assistance above.
Ecumenical Storehouse, Inc.
Established in 1984 and run entirely by volunteers from participating community congregations, the Ecumenical Storehouse provides free furniture, household goods, and appliances to families in crisis across Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane, and Scott counties. Items distributed include everything needed to set up a small living space — furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and small and large appliances — but not food or clothing.
- A referral is required. Clients must bring a letter of referral from a social service agency, church pastor, or government program (such as a SNAP caseworker), along with a photo ID and proof of residence. Clients are escorted through the warehouse to select available items. Referrals are valid for six months; clients may return only if experiencing a new crisis, with counselor support or by board approval. (865) 481-0274. 134 East Division Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Email: [email protected]. View https://www.ecumenicalstorehouse.org/.
Food Assistance & Hunger Relief
See also: ACCAC food pantry and ADFAC crisis food cupboard listed under Broad Emergency Assistance above.
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
East Tennessee's largest hunger relief organization, Second Harvest has served the region for decades through a wide network of partner agencies and mobile distributions across 18 counties, including Anderson County. Second Harvest does not distribute directly to individuals from its main facility, but it coordinates mobile food pantries, USDA food distributions, and Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors through its partner network. Call or use the online food locator to find distributions near your zip code. (865) 521-0000. 922 Delaware Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. View https://secondharvestetn.org/get-help/.
Free & Low-Cost Dental Care
Anderson County Dental Clinic – Emory Valley (Oak Ridge)
For more than three decades, this clinic has used volunteer dentists, hygienists, and assistants to serve low-income Anderson County residents without dental insurance. Clinics are typically held on a monthly basis. To qualify, you must be an Anderson County resident, have no dental insurance, and fall within one of two age categories (19–64 or 65 and above). A program fee is charged per service; cash and credit cards are accepted. Keep scheduled appointments — failure to do so may disqualify you from future visits. Patient follow-up care is available at the Anderson County Health Department clinic in Clinton. (865) 264-6356 (to schedule an appointment). 728 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. View https://andersoncountytn.gov/anderson-county-dental-clinics/.
Anderson County Dental Clinic – Health Department (Clinton)
The dental clinic at the Anderson County Health Department sees children and adults by appointment, operating on a sliding fee scale with reduced fees. TennCare and Cover Kids are accepted; no private insurance. Services include exams, extractions, X-rays, fillings, and cleanings. The clinic also provides dental exams and cleanings for elementary school students in Clinton City, Oak Ridge City, and Anderson County school systems including Head Start. (865) 425-8803. 710 North Main St, Suite C, Clinton, TN 37716. Site https://andersoncountytn.gov/anderson-county-dental-clinics/.
Senior Services (Age 60+)
Anderson County Office on Aging & Senior Center
The Anderson County Office on Aging coordinates programs specifically for residents age 60 and older, with no income limits and no fees for most services. The office provides information, assistance, and referrals; outreach programs; reassurance calls; and direct services designed to help seniors remain in their own homes as long as possible. Services include connections to housing assistance, transportation, health and insurance benefits counseling, and access to other local programs. Home visits can be arranged for seniors who cannot travel. The program is funded through a contract with ETHRA and is affiliated with the Eldercare Locator network.
- The Senior Center at 96 Mariner Point Drive offers recreation, health education, social activities, and nutritional programming for adults 60 and older. A weekly food distribution through Second Harvest is also available at the center — call ahead for current schedule and hours. (865) 457-3259. 96 Mariner Point Drive, Clinton, TN 37716. View https://andersoncountytn.gov/office-on-aging-senior-center/.
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