Knox County, TN – Financial Assistance Programs
Knox County and the City of Knoxville has one of the leading charitable and faith based safety nets in East Tennessee (as listed below by category), anchored by the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC), which functions as the county's central hub for emergency financial help, utility assistance, and long-term stability programs.
Most emergency assistance in Knox County requires income documentation, a photo ID, and a copy of the overdue bill, notice, or shutoff warning — having these ready before you call will significantly speed things up. Assistance is typically limited to one occurrence per 12 months per program, so it's worth calling 2-1-1 first to identify the best fit before applying. For homelessness prevention specifically, the Volunteer Ministry Center's Bush Family Refuge is the county's primary walk-in resource, and the Knoxville Area Rescue Mission (KARM) provides emergency shelter 24 hours a day. For free legal help with evictions, foreclosures, or public benefits, Legal Aid of East Tennessee is the county's free civil legal aid firm.
Start Here — Find Help Fast
- Need emergency help with rent or utilities? → CAC Energy/Housing: (865) 637-6700 | Ladies of Charity: (865) 247-5790 | Salvation Army: (865) 525-9401
- Facing eviction or homelessness? → VMC Bush Family Refuge (walk-in Tue/Wed/Thu 9–11 AM): (865) 524-3926 | KARM shelter (24/7): (865) 673-6540. Several other organizations across Knox County are dedicated to and focused on helping people pay rent and find details on our Knox County TN rent assistance page.
- Need emergency food now? → Ladies of Charity food pantry: (865) 247-5790 | Second Harvest food locator: (865) 521-0000. Or find more options on our dedicated food pantries in Knox County page.
- Need free or low-cost medical/dental care? → InterFaith Health Center (uninsured/working poor): (865) 546-7330
- Senior (55+) needing services or information? → CAC Office on Aging: (865) 546-3500 | O'Connor Senior Center: (865) 523-1135
- Facing foreclosure or mortgage crisis? → Legal Aid of East Tennessee: (865) 637-0484 | Knoxville Area Urban League: (865) 524-5511
- Mental health crisis or cash help for mental health clients? → Peninsula Behavioral Health Independent Living Program: (865) 970-9800
- Active Navy or Marine Corps service member? → Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: (901) 874-7350
- Not sure where to go? → If you're unsure where to start, the United Way of Greater Knoxville (website: https://uwgk.org/211-2/) and the East Tennessee 2-1-1 helpline (dial 2-1-1 or call 1-866-588-4211) is available around the clock and can connect you with the right local program based on your situation and zip code.
Broad Emergency Assistance — Rent, Utilities, Food & Referrals
These organizations handle the widest range of crisis needs and are typically the best first call for households in financial trouble. Most serve all of Knox County unless otherwise noted.
Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC)
The CAC is Knox County's largest and most comprehensive social services organization, having served low- and moderate-income residents since 1964. It provides emergency utility assistance through the federal LIHEAP program, home weatherization (free insulation, weather stripping, and efficiency upgrades that reduce future bills), housing and rent help including back rent, security deposits, and moving costs, and referrals to section 8 housing vouchers and other programs. A primary goal is preventing homelessness through case management and connecting families to permanent housing.
- The CAC also provides free transportation for Knox County residents who have no other means to get to work, medical appointments, or essential destinations. Additional programs include affordable prescription drug help for seniors, free eye exams and hearing aid referrals, VITA free tax preparation, and the Project LIVE budget and savings coaching program. The Homeward Bound program specifically assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness to obtain or stabilize housing.
- The Re-Connections program assists justice-involved individuals in finding employment and re-integrating into the community. Workforce Connections provides employment assistance and job training. For utility assistance specifically, call the energy line; for other services, call the main number.
- Main: (865) 546-3500
- Utility/Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): (865) 637-6700
- L.T. Ross Building (main offices): 2247 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921
- East Neighborhood Center: 4610 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914 — (865) 546-5125
- North Neighborhood Center: 7028 Maynardville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37918 — (865) 925-0880
- South Neighborhood Center: 522 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 — (865) 577-7591
- Website: https://www.knoxcac.org/.
Salvation Army – Knoxville Area Command
The Salvation Army's Emergency Assistance Program provides short-term help for low-income individuals and families to bridge the gap between income and expenses, with a focus on preventing homelessness. Assistance is available for utility bills, rent, and other urgent needs. The program also provides free food and clothing, and operates the Joy Baker Center shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Seasonal programs include Angel Tree Christmas gifts for children in the community, Thanksgiving meals, and school supply giveaways. Social workers connect clients to partner agencies for additional services throughout the year. Appointments required; call first. (865) 525-9401. 409 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. View https://www.salvationarmyknoxville.org/emergency-assistance.
Ladies of Charity Knoxville
Ladies of Charity has served Knox County residents since 1942, making it one of the area's longest-running emergency assistance organizations. The food pantry gives a three-day emergency food supply based on household size and income — bring photo ID and Social Security cards for all household members. Limited emergency rent assistance may be available, including a program for KCDC public housing residents facing a small remaining balance. Utility assistance, medication vouchers, free clothing, and baby supplies including diapers and layettes are also available. Non-utility fuel assistance (coal, firewood, kerosene) may be available in winter. A well-stocked thrift store is open Tuesday through Saturday at the same location. Bring ID for all food and financial assistance services. (865) 247-5790. 120 W. Baxter Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. Thrift Store hours: Tue–Sat, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM. View https://www.ladiesofcharityknox.org/.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) – Knox County
SVdP partners with Catholic churches throughout Knox County to help those in need with basic necessities. Emergency financial help for utility bills, rent, transportation costs, and medication may be available. Thrift store access and seasonal assistance such as school supplies and Christmas gifts for children are also offered. Services are limited but provided with dignity; all requests are handled by trained volunteer Vincentians. Contact your nearest parish or call the regional number to connect with the local conference. (865) 632-9989. View https://www.svdpknoxville.org/.
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN)
CCETN serves a wide population across East Tennessee including children, seniors, immigrants, pregnant women, and people with mental illness — regardless of religious affiliation. Important note: CCETN does not provide emergency rent, utility, or financial bill payment assistance. Their services focus on housing (permanent supportive housing for adults with chronic mental illness through Horizon Houses and Samaritan Place for seniors experiencing homelessness), immigration legal services (the only USDOJ-recognized immigration legal program in East TN), counseling, adoption, pregnancy support, and a food pantry in Campbell County. For emergency financial help, contact CAC, Salvation Army, or Ladies of Charity instead. (865) 524-9896. 119 Dameron Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. View https://www.ccetn.org/.
Hope For Today Cancer Assistance Program Cancer patients only
Operated by Piney Grove Baptist Church, this program provides limited financial assistance to cancer patients who are uninsured or meet low-income guidelines. Help may cover food, transportation to treatment, rent, water bills, utility payments, and emergency lodging such as motel rooms. Information on medication programs and prescription assistance is also available. The program combines practical support with spiritual care. (865) 983-4948 or (865) 200-4867
Knox County Department of Human Services (DHS)
Administers federal and state benefit programs including SNAP food stamps, TANF cash assistance, Medicaid, free or subsidized childcare vouchers, and TennCare health coverage. Case workers through the Families First program provide short-term support alongside employment and self-sufficiency services. For applications and benefit help, visit the county DHS office or apply online. (865) 594-7600. View https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/find-your-local-dhs-office.html.
Housing Stability Focused Programs
Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) – Bush Family Refuge & Resource Center
VMC has been preventing and ending homelessness in Knoxville since 1987. The Bush Family Refuge serves individuals who are marginally housed or at risk of losing their home. A social worker provides one-on-one appointments to help with rent and utility arrears, transportation assistance, obtaining birth certificates and state ID, prescription medication assistance, and housing stability planning. CHAMP assessments — required to access the Resource Center and Rapid Rehousing — are completed at the Bush Family Refuge on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00–11:00 AM. Walk-ins welcome during assessment hours.
The Resource Center at 511 N. Broadway (lower level entrance) provides daytime temporary shelter for literally homeless individuals, case management for obtaining permanent housing, showers, laundry, meals, phone and computer access, and life skills classes. The Rapid Rehousing program connects homeless Knox County residents with permanent housing placement and case management. VMC also operates Minvilla Manor and Caswell Manor, permanent supportive housing developments for formerly chronically homeless individuals with disabilities, with strong long-term housing stability outcomes for residents. (865) 524-3926. 511 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. View https://www.vmcinc.org/.
Knoxville Area Rescue Mission (KARM)
Founded in 1960, KARM is one of the longest-serving homeless assistance organizations in East Tennessee, providing emergency shelter, meals, and recovery services to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. The mission operates 24 hours a day and does not turn away those in genuine need. Programs include emergency shelter, a long-term residential recovery program, job training and workforce readiness, and transitional housing. A thrift store supports the mission's operations. KARM is one of the largest homeless service providers in Knoxville. (865) 673-6540. 418 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. View https://www.karm.org/.
Volunteers of America – Mid-States (Knox County) Includes veteran housing programs
Operates the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which offers eviction prevention, federal grants for paying back rent, job placement assistance, and other support for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk. Free motel vouchers and gas cards may be available for qualifying veterans in crisis. Also provides general transitional and supportive housing referrals for the broader public, particularly seniors. Contact the Knoxville office for SSVF intake and eligibility. (865) 546-4813 or (865) 338-3528. 9111 Cross Park Dr, Building E, Knoxville, TN 37923. View https://www.voamid.org/.
Child and Family Transitional Housing Program for Women
Provides emergency homeless shelter for women and children, combined with case management and support in locating permanent housing in Knox County. The program focuses on families and single mothers who are homeless or fleeing unsafe situations. Intake: (865) 637-8000. 901 East Summit Hill Dr, Knoxville, TN 37915.
Operation Bootstrap – Salvation Army Rapid Rehousing
A rapid rehousing program run by the Salvation Army that helps homeless individuals and families quickly obtain and stabilize in permanent housing. Includes case management, financial assistance for move-in costs, and ongoing support. Contact the main Salvation Army number for intake and eligibility screening. (865) 525-9401. 409 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. See https://www.salvationarmyknoxville.org/.
Free & Low-Cost Basic Medical (Along With Basic Services)
InterFaith Health Center
InterFaith Health Center has served Knoxville's working uninsured and underserved residents since 1991. The facility offers comprehensive primary care, dental care with an onsite dental lab, mental health counseling and group therapy, specialty clinics including dermatology, ophthalmology, gynecology, podiatry, ultrasound, and X-ray, prescription assistance, a food pantry, and a Healthy Lifestyles wellness education program. Services operate on a sliding fee scale based on income. Appointments are required. English and Spanish spoken. (865) 546-7330. 7005 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909. View https://interfaithhealthcenter.org/.
Volunteer Ministry Center – VMC Dental Clinic Homeless & low-income Knox County only
The VMC Dental Clinic is the only comprehensive dental clinic in Knox County serving homeless and low-income individuals at no charge. It is staffed entirely by volunteer dental professionals and provides a full range of dental services — not just cleanings — to patients who otherwise have no access to dental care. (865) 524-3926. 511 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. See https://www.vmcinc.org/.
Knox County Helen Ross McNabb Center
Provides mental health services, addiction and recovery programs, and crisis stabilization for adults and youth in Knox County. The Adult Indigent Care Program (AICP) offers outpatient mental health services. The center also runs free DCS-certified parenting classes and may offer free professional work attire or technology items for job-seekers upon completion of certain programs. A 24-hour crisis line is available. (865) 637-9711. 205 W. Springdale Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. View https://mcnabbcenter.org/.
Senior Services (Age 55+)
CAC Office on Aging / Senior Citizens Information & Referral Service (SCIRS)
The CAC Office on Aging is the primary resource hub for adults 55 and older in Knox County. The Senior Citizens Information and Referral Service (SCIRS) connects seniors with housing assistance, transportation, health and insurance benefits counseling, free debt help, retirement planning, and general referrals to programs they may qualify for — including Section 202 senior housing. A home visit can be arranged for seniors who cannot travel. The program is also an Eldercare Locator affiliate. Website is https://www.knoxcac.org/office-on-aging/.
The John T. O'Connor Senior Citizen Center (part of above) at 611 Winona Ave offers recreation, education, support groups, health and social services, and a nutrition program for adults 55+. Free or low-cost meals are served on weekdays (suggested contribution; no requirement). Transportation assistance is available for some activities. Contact the Office on Aging for a weekly schedule.
- Office on Aging / SCIRS: (865) 546-3500 — ask for Office on Aging
- O'Connor Senior Center: (865) 523-1135 — 611 Winona Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
- L.T. Ross Building: 2247 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921
CAC – Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Provides digital literacy training and employment help for adults age 50 and older who want to update work skills or gain employment. Free classes cover computer basics, internet safety, email, social media, and staying connected with family. The program also connects seniors to other community resources. (865) 546-3500. 2247 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. View https://www.knoxcac.org/.
PAWS – Placing Animals with Seniors
A CAC Office on Aging program that helps senior citizens adopt companion animals and covers all veterinary care costs associated with the animal so that seniors on fixed incomes are not burdened by unexpected pet bills. Located at the O'Connor Senior Center. (865) 546-6262. 611 Winona Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
Second Harvest Food Bank – Senior Programs & Meals on Wheels
Second Harvest coordinates home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) for homebound seniors in Knox County through its partner network. They also operate mobile food distributions and a USDA food distribution program. To find the nearest food distribution site, call or visit the website for current mobile pantry schedules. (865) 521-0000. 922 Delaware Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. View https://secondharvestetn.org/get-help/.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Active Navy & Marine Corps only
Provides emergency financial assistance in the form of grants or interest-free loans to active duty Navy and Marine Corps service members and their families. Help may cover medical bills, rent, utilities, emergency travel, childcare, and other urgent needs. Budget and credit counseling services are included. Also available to eligible veterans and their families. (901) 874-7350. Site https://www.nmcrs.org/.
Financial Counseling, Legal Help & Housing Stability
Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET)
Legal Aid of East Tennessee has provided free civil legal services to low-income residents across the region for decades, and remains Knox County's primary free legal aid firm. LAET handles cases including eviction defense, foreclosure prevention, landlord-tenant disputes, public benefits applications, consumer protection, family law, and civil cases affecting seniors. HUD-certified foreclosure counselors are available for homeowners. An urgent eviction hotline is available for Knox County: if you've received an eviction notice or detainer warrant, call immediately. Telephone intake opens Monday–Friday at 9:00 AM. Demand far exceeds capacity — call as early as possible. Knox County: (865) 637-0484
607 W. Summit Hill Dr. SW, Knoxville, TN 37902. https://www.laet.org/.
Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL)
A HUD-certified housing counseling agency offering homebuyer education, pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention and mortgage default intervention, credit repair and debt reduction programs, and FHA loan assistance for low-income or poor-credit borrowers. Free one-on-one budget and credit coaching is available. Workforce development, entrepreneurship training, and referrals to school supplies and work items are also offered. Free VITA tax preparation is available by appointment during tax season. (865) 524-5511. 1514 E. Fifth Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. View https://www.thekaul.org/.
CAC – VITA Free Tax Preparation
The CAC's IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file basic federal tax returns at no cost for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Amended returns and some earlier years may also be accommodated. Appointments required — call early in tax season as slots fill quickly. (865) 546-3500. 2247 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. View https://www.knoxcac.org/vita/.
Food Assistance & Hunger Relief
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 across 18 counties. Second Harvest does not directly distribute to individuals from its main facility, but it can connect you with the nearest pantry, mobile food distribution, or partner organization. Programs include Food for Kids, mobile pantries across Knox County, USDA food distribution, 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/.
Ladies of Charity – Emergency Food Pantry
Three-day emergency food supply provided based on family income and size. Bring photo ID and Social Security cards for everyone in the household. Located at 120 W. Baxter Ave. See listing under Broad Emergency Assistance above for full details and hours. (865) 247-5790. See https://www.ladiesofcharityknox.org/.
North Neighborhood Center – Project Help (Winter Heating Fuel)
Provides limited monetary assistance for heating bills and non-utility fuel sources (firewood, kerosene, propane) during winter months for low-income families. May also help with water bills combined with conservation guidance and payment plans. Contact the North Neighborhood Center or the main CAC line to verify current funding and eligibility. (865) 925-0880. 7028 Maynardville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37918. CAC Main: (865) 546-3500 — https://www.knoxcac.org/.
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