The cost of living in Tennessee is around 10% lower than what it cost around the rest of the country. They are also a state where people earn less money on average. There are many people each year that will need financial assistance in order to ensure their basic needs are being met. The good news is there are programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Tennessee.
There is no limit to how many assistance programs you can apply for, so be sure to contact all those you feel qualified for. The more programs you are able to get help from, the better position you will be in to help meet your housing needs. Plus, the funds will never have to be paid back, with the exception of a rare loan that may be given out to those who would like to buy a home. Otherwise, the funds are considered a gift to help people in the community and won’t have to be paid back.
Between the programs offered by the federal and state government, there are several reliable options to choose from. In addition to those, there are programs offered through non-profit organizations that help people with housing, as well as guidance that leads to them becoming self sufficient and living in stable, permanent housing.
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in Tennessee
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The federal government created HUD in an effort to help reduce homelessness in the country. There are HUD offices in each state and those who need housing assistance can contact them. They offer several different programs to help people with their housing, including those for home buyers and renters. They offer rental assistance, foreclosure avoidance, weatherization services, and a Section 8 program, which will provide people with government owned housing to live in. The weatherization program helps reduce your monthly energy bills, by making the home more energy efficient. They also help to pay for necessary home repairs, such as for heating units. To get help through HUD, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. They do offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Tennessee, as well as others who need help. To get information on the programs offered through HUD, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – This is a government agency that offers a rural development program around the nation. The program provides support for those who are willing to live in rural areas of the state. To qualify for a low interest loan or a grant to buy or build a home in a rural area, you have to meet the low income guidelines, as well as be a legal resident in the state. To get more information about the rural development program in Tennessee, click here.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency – This is a state run agency that helps people with their housing issues. They provide helpful programs for home buyers, as well as for renters. They have programs to help provide people with access to Section 8 housing, public housing, rental assistance programs, and more. They also have programs to help home buyers with getting low interest loans and avoiding foreclosure. To get more information about the programs offered, click here.
Tennessee Department of Corrections – This state run agency can provide information about transitional housing, which provides housing assistance for ex-felons in Tennessee. The provide a list of approved transitional housing programs in your area, so that as an ex-felon if you have to be monitored during transition you are staying in an approved program. To get more information about the service they offer, click here.
Transitions – This organization offers a transitional living program for women who need housing assistance. Those who are in the program will get a place to stay, as well as helpful programs to guide them toward self sufficiency. The program provides substance abuse treatment, counseling, and more. To get information about the program, click here.
M25 – This is a faith based program that provides housing, help, and hope. The program is for men and veterans. They do offer housing assistance for ex-felons. In Tennessee, this program aims to help reduce homelessness and get people on the track toward self sufficiency. To get more information about the program, click here.
Brooks House – This is a program that offers housing assistance for ex-felons who are women. They are allowed to bring their children into the program with them. Those who are in the program all live together, having their own rooms, and then they all share a dining room, family room, kitchen, and bathrooms. The program offers more than just a place to stay. They also provide financial counseling, employment services, and other helpful tools to help those in the program become self sufficient and be able to move into stable, permanent housing. To get more information about the program, click here.
Cupid’s Transitional Care – This organization offers housing assistance for ex-felons in Tennessee. The program is to help ex-felons by providing them with housing, counseling, clothing, and the tools they need to transition into society successfully. Those who are in the program will get the skills and tools they need to be able to be self sufficient when they leave, and be able to move into stable housing. To get more information about the program, click here.
Restoration House of East Tennessee – This transitional living program is for single parent households. They help with housing and other helpful resources so that the family can become self sufficient. To get more information about the program, click here.
These programs can help ensure that your basic housing needs are being met. In addition to these, you may find that your local churches also offer helpful programs. They may also be able to refer you to other programs in your area that can provide housing assistance, as well as other helpful resources. The more places you contact, the better chance you will have of ensuring your basic needs are being met.