Help for trafficking survivors in Tennessee
We've found 6 places in Tennessee for people leaving trafficking, mostly in Knoxville, and 5 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with legal help (3), benefits & cash (2) and id & documents (2).
Places in Tennessee
Tennessee Office for Refugees
Administers Tennessee's refugee resettlement program and provides resettlement, employment, youth, elder, and immigration-form services to refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, SIV holders, and trafficking victims. Based at Catholic Charities' Nashville headquarters.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee (Knoxville)
Civil legal aid for Knox, Loudon, and Sevier counties from the downtown Knoxville office, with a dedicated Eviction Prevention Program and attorneys stationed at the Family Justice Center for abuse and trafficking cases. Apply online unless your court date is within 14 days, in which case call the office directly.
AncoraTN (formerly End Slavery Tennessee)
Long-term aftercare and advocacy for survivors of human trafficking in Tennessee, reached through the statewide trafficking hotline by call or text. Also trains front-line professionals and runs prevention work.
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
State office that issues certified birth certificates for $15 per copy. Because records are registered statewide, any county health department can also issue a Tennessee birth certificate; bring identification and fees, and non-parent/child/spouse requesters need proof of entitlement.
Tennessee Identification License
State photo ID for Tennesseans who do not hold a driver license. Apply at a Driver Services Center with proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency; a free permanent ID is available to residents whose disability prevents driving.
One DHS Customer Portal (SNAP, Families First, Child Care)
Tennessee's online door to food stamps and other DHS benefits, open around the clock, with a contact center for people who prefer to call. Upload copies of ID, income, and shelter-cost documents within 10 days of applying to avoid delays.
National lines that work in Tennessee
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.