Where to begin
This is not a failure. It's a hard season.
A missed payment, a surprise bill, a job that ended too soon — these things happen to working families every single day in Rutherford County. The difference between staying housed and losing your home is often just knowing who to call before things get worse.
The programs below exist because our community recognized that reality. They are funded, staffed, and ready. The only thing required of you is to reach out.
Your next steps
Three things to do right now
Call 2-1-1
Dial 211 from any phone — free, 24 hours. A real person will tell you exactly which local programs you qualify for based on your situation and zip code. Always the fastest first call.
Contact Barnabas Vision or Community Helpers
These two organizations are consistently among the most effective and compassionate first-response resources in Rutherford County. See their full details in the spotlight cards below.
Gather your documents
Most programs ask for: photo ID, proof of address, a recent utility bill or lease, and proof of income. Having these ready when you call makes the process significantly faster.
Spotlight programs
Where to start in Rutherford County
Tennessee 2-1-1
Dial 211 and a live specialist connects you with the right local programs for rent, utilities, food, and more — based on your zip code. The fastest first call you can make.
Barnabas Vision
Barnabas Vision is one of the most trusted emergency assistance organizations in Rutherford County, known for compassionate, hands-on service. They provide direct help with rent and utilities for families in crisis and connect people to additional long-term support.
Community Helpers of Rutherford County
Community Helpers is a well-established local organization providing emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities. They are known for working personally with families and connecting them to broader community support.
Mid-Cumberland Community Action
Mid-Cumberland serves Rutherford County with electricity and water assistance programs, including LIHEAP federal energy assistance. A strong option when other local funds have been exhausted.
Salvation Army — Murfreesboro
The Salvation Army offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities alongside food and other practical support. They serve people of all backgrounds — no church affiliation required.
LIHEAP — Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps with electric, gas, or propane bills — paid directly to your utility provider. Apply through Mid-Cumberland Community Action. Earlier applications in the season have better odds of available funding.
United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties
United Way coordinates funding across dozens of local nonprofits. If you're unsure where to turn, they can connect you with the right program and sometimes provide direct help.
Faith-based assistance
Local churches with assistance programs
Many local churches and faith communities maintain benevolence funds for emergency rent and utility needs. These programs often move faster than government programs and are available to anyone regardless of church membership or faith background.
| Organization | Phone | Address | Notes / Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Community Church | 615-707-0384 | 521 Old Salem Hwy, Murfreesboro | |
| First Baptist Church | 615-893-5322 | 738 E. Castle St, Murfreesboro | Call for assist; 10–14 days for payment |
| First Baptist Church (downtown) | 615-893-2514 | 200 E. Main St, Murfreesboro | Call on Tuesdays; once per 12 months |
| First United Methodist | 615-893-1322 | 265 W Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro | |
| St Paul's Episcopal | 615-893-3780 | 116 N Academy St, Murfreesboro | Rent & utilities; 1st & 3rd Mon, 9–11am |
| St. Rose Bridge Ministry | 615-893-1843 | 1601 N Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro | Utilities; Tues 9:30–11:30am |
| St. Luke Last Resource | 615-459-9196 | 10682 Old Nashville Hwy, Smyrna | Utilities; call for assist |
| Smyrna Utilities (Shirley Key) | 615-267-5151 | 400 Enon Springs Rd E, Smyrna | Through Smyrna Police Dept |
| Catholic Charities of Tennessee | 615-256-2990 | Nashville (serves Rutherford Co.) | Open to all regardless of faith. cctenn.org |
Call 2-1-1 to ask specifically about faith-based emergency assistance in your zip code — they maintain a current list of which programs have funds available.
Homelessness
When it's more than rent
Sometimes the need goes beyond a missed payment or a shutoff notice. If you or someone you love is facing homelessness — or is already without stable housing — Rutherford County has two organizations built specifically for that situation.
The Journey Home
The Journey Home provides emergency shelter and hot meals for people experiencing homelessness right now. When the need is urgent — a safe place to sleep tonight, a warm meal today — this is the first call to make.
Murfreesboro Rescue Mission
MRM is not a shelter — it's a long-term recovery program built around nurture, life training, and support. If your situation is a little past the need for basic rent and utility help, MRM works alongside you to build a personalized path toward real, meaningful housing and a restored foundation that lasts.
While you're stabilizing
The next chapter starts with a plan
Emergency assistance buys time. What you do with that time shapes the next chapter of your story. A budget doesn't have to be complicated — it just has to exist. Once the immediate pressure is handled, even one small step toward a plan changes everything.
When you're ready — not today, maybe next week — the Financial Empowerment page starts exactly where you are, not where you wish you were.