If you need help with groceries, you can visit one of the food bank’s many partner organizations and mobile pantries across the county. Use the link below to access their food locator to find a food site near you or call the number for an emergency food box. The food bank also has on-site resources to help with SNAP enrollment. 

If you are currently experiencing homelessness, you can visit one of the sites linked below to receive a housing assessment and the support you need to secure permanent housing.

The Chattanooga Housing Authority provides housing assistance through public housing and vouchers to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. They also offer supportive programs for residents to achieve economic independence.

A program to help you afford rental housing at a site approved by the Chattanooga Housing Authority. Check the link below on a regular basis to find out when the waiting list opens for applications.

A program to help families who meet low-income criteria afford their energy bills.

Northside Neighborhood House provides support for individuals and families who live north of the river in Hamilton County, including Soddy-Daisy, Red Bank, Hixson, and nearby areas. Services include emergency assistance, food, utility help, job readiness, renter education, computer classes and more. 

MetMin provides emergency assistance for basic human needs to families and individuals who are at risk of instability in housing, nutrition, health and well-being. Their services include emergency financial assistance, Rapid Rehousing assistance, a monthly food pantry, medical services, English as a Second Language classes, and more.

SNAP helps families buy groceries each month. If your income is limited or you are going through a tough time, this program provides direct assistance to help cover the cost of groceries.

A program to support children under 5 by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutritional education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. Call a WIC office to schedule an appointment.  

Families First is Tennessee’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. It helps families reach long-term stability by offering temporary cash assistance, transportation, child care assistance, and other support services. 

TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health insurance for pregnant people, children, and other eligible adults. 

CoverKids extends free or low-cost healthcare benefits to children and pregnant women who do not otherwise qualify for TennCare.

Chattanooga State offers affordable education and job training programs that help you gain the skills needed for a better career. They have degree programs in a number of different areas including early childhood education, graphic arts, dental hygiene, nursing, HVAC/R technician, welding, industrial electricity, and more.

La Paz offers a safe space for Latino families to access resources to thrive. Families can get bilingual help with resources like SNAP and TennCare applications, housing stability, legal support, small business support, job readiness, and more.

American Job Center connects you to free resources for finding a job, building your skills, and advancing your career. They offer job search help, resume building, training programs, and connections to local employers. Let them help you take the next step toward long-term stability.

Signal Center’ Work Ready Program helps individuals eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families pay for college coursework, get placed in a paid internship, and ultimately find long-term employment. Most internships are in the early childhood work force, but reach out to find about other potential placement options. 

The Family Justice Center provides free, confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or elder abuse. Services include safety planning, legal help, counseling, and connection to emergency shelter—all in one safe location. 

Safe at Home is a free address protection program for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, or sexual assault. It gives participants a secure mailing address to help protect their location and keep them safe. 

Partnership offers support for people facing a crisis (domestic violence, homelessness, etc). Services include emergency shelter, counseling, housing support, and family strengthening programs.

Safe Families connects parents in tough situations with volunteer families who temporarily care for their children while they get back on their feet. To help you get back on your feet, you will also get a life coach and resource support. This is not foster care and is a completely voluntary program to help strengthen your family’s support network.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use, or trauma, Helen Ross Mcnabb offers care for children, adults, and families. You can find help or call to talk with someone who can guide you to the right service that meets you or your families needs.

This organization offers mental health support, addiction recovery, and crisis care. If you need someone to talk to or are facing a mental health emergency, Volunteer Behavioral Health would love to connect you to the services you need.

Whether your family is dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, substance use or other family challenges, Centerstone can help. Reach out to your local clinic to see what services are the best fit for your family. 

A home-visiting program focused on supporting parents with the skills to be their child’s first teacher. Visits focus on parenting education, monitoring developmental milestones, and referrals to complimentary services. There are also monthly group activities for participants. 

One-on-one mentoring to mothers and fathers to help parents reach their personal and parenting goals. The program builds community by connecting families to much-needed resources, such as quality prenatal care, baby supplies, child care, and more.

First Things First offers a variety of different supports with a particular focus on helping parents build better relationships with their kids. They offer parenting classes for non-custodial parents, for parents of children at Calvin Donaldson and East Lake Elementary, and for dads in Chattanooga. In addition to classes, they offer coaching and mental health referrals to free providers.

A home-visiting program to help parents raise healthy, happy children. Through weekly visits, they will help you develop a strong parent-child relationship and confidence in your parenting skills.

A home-visiting program that connects first-time moms to a registered nurse who will provide support, advice, and information to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and to be a great mom. Your nurse will journey with you from pregnancy until your child’s 2nd birthday. 

Choices provides free and confidential services for individuals lacking the support they need when facing a new pregnancy. They offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, options counseling, and support for expecting and recent parents. Parenting classes and mentorship give families access to free resources in their baby boutique. Start your pregnancy off knowing that you are not alone.

CHANT helps connect pregnant people, children, and families to free services like health care, mental health support, help with basic needs, and other local programs. A CHANT team member will work with you one-on-one to understand your needs and connect you to the right resources. 

This is a free program that provides support to families with children under 3 who may benefit from extra help reaching developmental milestones. If you have concerns about your child’s progress, you can request an evaluation to see if you qualify for their services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and more.

Chattanooga Basics provides five ways to boost child brain development starting at birth. These tools help you build a strong foundation for your child’s future. Visit the link to learn the five Basics and how to use them in your life.

This site has fun videos, stories, and tips from Sesame Street to help young children through big feelings and everyday challenges. It is great for parents and caregivers with toddlers and preschoolers. 

Sign up to receive free text messages with tips, information and resources tailored to your child’s age (prenatal through age 8). Bright by Text can be used to help your family promote healthy child development and build your confidence and connection with your children as a parent or caregiver. Visit the link to get started. 

Those receiving SNAP benefits can gain free or reduced admission to museums, zoos and other attractions by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. 

This link helps you find licensed daycares and preschools by location. Click the link if you need help finding childcare near your home or work. 

We understand childcare can be very expensive. The Childcare Payment Assistance program helps families pay for childcare while they work or go to school. Click the link to see if you qualify and learn how to apply for help. 

Learn what skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten and where to find local programs, tips, and support to prepare them for school.

A book gifting program that mails free books to children each month from birth until 5. 

Our local libraries are more than just books on the shelf. Each library offers a free place for learning, fun, and family connection. Your family can enjoy story times, craft days, computer access, and special events for all ages. Visit your local library branch to discover free activities that can inspire and support your family’s growth.