If you are experiencing homelessness in Nashville, Tennessee, emergency hotel vouchers and housing resources are available through local agencies such as the Metropolitan Housing and Development Agency (MDHA), the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), and nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. These programs offer short-term shelter and connect people with long-term housing solutions.
Hotel vouchers are typically used when shelters are full or when someone needs a safe place to stay for a short time. These vouchers usually cover anywhere from a few nights to two weeks in a motel or hotel, depending on the situation and available resources.
Best Places to Find Hotel Vouchers and Other Homeless Resources in Nashville, Tennessee
1. Nashville Rescue Mission
Nashville Rescue Mission is one of the city’s largest providers of services for the homeless. They offer emergency shelter, meals, recovery programs, and assistance in finding permanent housing.
If their shelters are full, the organization can arrange hotel vouchers for those needing temporary accommodations.
Website: https://nashvillerescuemission.org
Phone: (615) 255-2475
2. The Salvation Army Nashville Area Command
The Salvation Army provides emergency housing assistance and occasionally distributes hotel or motel vouchers to families in crisis.
These vouchers are typically given when someone does not have a safe place to stay or when shelters are full. They may also provide food, clothing, and case management support.
Website: https://salvationarmynashville.org
Phone: (615) 242-0411
3. Nashville Metropolitan Office of Homeless Services
The Metropolitan Housing and Development Agency (MDHA) administers several federal housing programs in Nashville that assist people experiencing homelessness. These include programs funded through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. ESG funding helps local nonprofit organizations provide services such as:
- Emergency shelter
- Temporary housing
- Rapid rehousing assistance
- Support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
While MDHA does not typically provide vouchers directly to individuals, it funds local agencies that can provide hotel vouchers or emergency housing.
Website: https://www.nashville-mdha.org
Phone: (615) 252-8400
4. Metro Nashville Office of Homeless Services
The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) coordinates most homeless programs in Nashville and Davidson County. It works with local nonprofits and shelters to connect people with emergency housing, case management, and long-term housing programs. The office also administers the Coordinated Entry System, which helps connect people experiencing homelessness with appropriate housing resources.
Phone: (615) 862-6992
Website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/office-homeless-services
5. Coordinated Entry System (CES)
Nashville uses a system called Coordinated Entry to connect people experiencing homelessness with appropriate housing programs.
Through this system, trained specialists assess your situation and refer you to available resources, such as shelters, rapid rehousing programs, or permanent supportive housing.
Call 615-862-6444 to begin the Coordinated Entry process.
6. Red Cross
The Red Cross can provide temporary hotel accommodations during emergencies, such as disasters or extreme situations in which people suddenly lose their homes.
While it does not offer regular homelessness shelter programs, the organization sometimes arranges hotel accommodations for emergency situations.
Phone: 1-800-733-2767
Website: https://www.redcross.org
7. Society of St. Vincent de Paul
This Catholic charity helps people facing financial hardship and homelessness. In some cases, local chapters can provide temporary hotel vouchers or emergency shelter assistance, especially when families do not have a safe place to stay.
8. Emergency Winter Shelter (Active in 2026)
For residents affected by Winter Storm Fern, the Metropolitan Action Commission (MAC) administers the EWHAP program, which provides up to $2,000 for emergency shelter expenses.
9. Call 211 for immediate housing assistance.
One of the easiest ways to find emergency housing in Nashville is to call 211. Calling 211 connects you with the United Way of Greater Nashville, which coordinates free emergency housing through partners like Airbnb.org during crises.
How to Qualify for Emergency Hotel Vouchers
Each organization has its own rules, but most programs require:
- Proof of homelessness or near-homelessness
- Identification (if available)
- A meeting with a social worker
- A brief housing assessment
Many programs prioritize:
- Families with children
- Seniors
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- Survivors of domestic violence
Hotel vouchers are often short-term solutions until shelter space or housing assistance becomes available.
Tip: Hotel vouchers should never require payment to apply. If someone asks you to pay for a voucher, it could be a scam. Always contact reputable organizations, such as charities, shelters, or government agencies.
Final Thoughts
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Nashville, Tennessee, have several resources available to help during a housing crisis. Organizations such as Nashville Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, MDHA, and the Metropolitan Office of Homeless Services work together to provide shelter, hotel vouchers, and long-term housing support.
