Resources for Navigating Adult Disability Services:

Housing

A row of nine different peoples faces in collage

The content below provides a clear overview of housing options, supports, and statewide/local Tennessee resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. It includes affordable housing programs, independent living supports, emergency housing options, and long-term community living services.

Overview of Housing Supports

Housing supports for individuals with disabilities in Tennessee fall into several categories:

  • Independent Living (with or without supports)
  • Supported Living (daily staff support in a home or apartment)
  • Family-based residential supports
  • Group home / shared living
  • Housing assistance programs (Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing)
  • Short-term supports such as home modifications, assistive technology, or in-home personal care

Types of Housing Options in Tennessee

  1. Independent Living (with or without supports)

    For individuals who can live alone or with drop-in support. Services may include:

    • Home modifications
    • Assistive technology
    • Daily living supports (cleaning, budgeting, transportation)

  2. Supported Living / Supported Housing (I/DD or mental health supports)

    Provided through agencies, TennCare HCBS waivers, ECF CHOICES, or DIDD. May include:

    • Part-time or 24/7 support staff
    • Skill building
    • Safety supports
    • Medication management
    • Employment and community assistance
    • Individuals choose routines, goals, and daily activities

  3. Group Homes or Shared Supported Living

    Shared housing with roommates who receive similar supports. Usually coordinated through DIDD or community provider agencies.

    • Small homes (usually 3–4 people) with staff support
    • Focus on safety, daily living skills, and community participation

  4. Affordable Housing / Subsidized Housing

    For low-income individuals and families. Options include:

    • Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers
    • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units
    • Public housing
    • Affordable housing complexes
    • Non-profit housing programs

  5. Family-Based Residential Supports

    • An individual lives with a trained caregiver or host family
    • Suitable for people who prefer a family environment

  6. Apartment Programs with Wraparound Supports

    • Supportive housing models using VR, ECF CHOICES, or local nonprofits
    • Staff help with budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and safety

  7. Transitional Housing (youth or adults)

    Short-term housing with case management to help someone gain stability.

  8. Emergency or Crisis Housing

    For individuals or families experiencing homelessness, abuse, or sudden loss of housing.

  9. Housing Assistance Programs

    • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
    • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units
    • Public Housing

Most of these programs have waitlists, so applying early is essential.

Video Resource  +

Watch this video to learn more:

Video thumbnail for the ASSIST series titled ‘Housing and Independent Living,’ featuring the program logo and a Watch Now button.

A version of this video is available in Spanish here.

ASSIST videos were supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH116058, PI: Taylor). ASISTIR videos were supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (R03 MH129757, PI: Burke).

State and Local Level Resources  +

Below, we share some relevant resources in Tennessee. Click a resource title to visit its website. All resource descriptions are derived from the respective organizations.

Resource

Contact

Emergency & Crisis Housing in TN

Local Emergency Providers:
  • Nashville Rescue Mission
  • Room In The Inn
  • Knox Area Rescue Ministries
  • Memphis Union Mission
 Statewide Crisis Resources:
  • Tennessee Homeless Shelter Directory (via THDA)
  • Mobile Crisis Hotline: (855) 274-7471
  • Domestic Violence Hotline (TN Coalition): (800) 356-6767
  • United Way 2-1-1: connects to local shelters/short-term housing
Housing Innovation Program
Works to expand and enhance housing opportunities for people with disabilities and older adults across Tennessee. We focus on collaboration, creative program design, and person-centered solutions that promote independence and community living.

Email form
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
Manages statewide housing programs, including:
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Rent relief & utility supports (varies by county)
  • Homebuyer education
  • Affordable housing development
  • Special programs for homelessness prevention

(800) 228-8432
Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)
PHAs are city- or county-run programs that offer subsidized housing for low-income residents.

Contact Us Form

(202) 402-3815

Information last reviewed January 2026

To recommend other helpful resources, please send suggestions to ucedd@vumc.org.

Housing Tips  +

Applying for Housing Supports

  1. Begin Early
    Many programs (like Section 8 and ECF CHOICES) have years-long waitlists, so early action is essential.
  2. Gather Documents
    • Disability documentation
    • Income verification
    • IEPs, evaluations, or medical forms
    • Proof of Tennessee residency
  3. Apply to Multiple Programs
    Apply to:
    • ECF CHOICES
    • Local Housing Authorities (multiple counties)
    • Affordable housing lists
    • Supported living agencies
  4. Set Up Intake or Screening
    For TennCare programs, an intake worker will:
    • Explain service levels
    • Conduct a functional needs assessment
    • Ask about safety, daily living, and independence
  5. Confirm Services Regularly
    Families should:
    • Keep copies of applications
    • Update agencies yearly
    • Ask to remain on waiting lists
  6. Advocacy Tips
    • Always request written decisions
    • Document the date and name of the person you spoke with
    • Ask about “reasonable accommodations” for the application process
    • Encourage the individual to express their preferences

Advocacy & Self-Advocacy Strategies

For Families

  • Use clear language about safety concerns or daily living support needs
  • Bring documentation (medical, psychological, IEPs) to intake appointments
  • Ask: “What are all the housing support options my child might qualify for?”
  • Request that providers describe the range of settings available

For Self-Advocates

  • Practice sharing:
    • “Where do I want to live?”
    • “Who do I want to live with?”
    • “What help do I need to be successful at home?”
  • Learn to request accommodations (visual supports, reminders, help with cooking/cleaning)

TNPathfinder.org  +

If you are looking for more housing-related services and programs, search topics of interest on the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder website.

Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start in Pathfinder. If you are struggling to understand how to find resources related to housing, here are some step-by-step directions:

  1. Start at the main page and click “Housing/Homelessness”
  2. Click next
  3. Select the stage of life - Transition/Young Adult
  4. Click next
  5. Select the diagnosis that you or the individual identifies with/has
  6. Click next
  7. Choose the appropriate payment option that fits your needs
  8. Click next
  9. Select the appropriate city or search by your city and/or address
  10. Take time and navigate the resulting resources to further find what fits your specific

Self-Reflection Guide (PDF)

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