Get Help

Life can be unpredictable and challenging. Whether it's a sudden car breakdown, an unexpected illness, the emotional toll of a divorce, the heartbreak of losing a loved one, or the financial strain of losing a job, any of these events can quickly disrupt a family's budget and stability. Additionally, ongoing circumstances such as low wages, single parenthood, or other financial challenges can make it difficult to make ends meet on a day-to-day basis.

At the Dickson County Help Center, we understand that everyone faces tough times at some point in their lives. We are here to offer a helping hand to those in need. Our mission is to provide temporary assistance to Dickson County residents who find themselves in crisis. We strive to do this with faith, hope, love, and dignity, ensuring that everyone who seeks our help feels respected and supported. If you find yourself in a critical situation and need assistance, the Dickson County Help Center is here for you.

Together, we can continue to make a difference in Dickson County, where every resident has the support they need to navigate life's challenges.

How to Receive Assistance


Step 1: Call Us


To begin receiving assistance, call us at 615-441-0076 Monday through Thursday between 9 am and noon.


Step 2: Apply for Assistance


Within the initial call, individuals may apply for assistance over the phone with a Help Center staff member who will ask a few questions on a questionnaire form. You may see a sample application form [HERE].


Food Assistance:

  • To apply for food assistance, please call our assistance office at 615-441-0076 between 9 am and noon.
  • Households are eligible to receive food assistance once a month.


Financial Assistance

  • To apply for financial assistance, call us between 1 pm and 3 pm.
  • For utility assistance, provide the most recent bill or cut-off notice. If the bill is not in your name, please provide a signed statement from the person whose name is on the bill.
  • For prepaid accounts, you MUST provide a current "My Usage" statement from Dickson Electric Service.
  • For rental/mortgage assistance, provide a lease or statement AND your late notice.
  • For medication assistance, please provide a current prescription (we only assist with maintenance medications such as blood pressure, hormones, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.; WE DO NOT ASSIST WITH PAIN MEDICATIONS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, or NARCOTICS).


Step 3: Receive Assistance


Once your application and documents are reviewed and approved, you will receive assistance as follows:

  • For food assistance, you will receive a scheduled time slot to pick up your food from our food bank in the alleyway behind Ragan's Arcade.
  • For financial assistance, we will make direct payments to your service providers (landlord, utility company, pharmacy, etc.) on your behalf.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive assistance, you will need to provide the following documents:


1.   Proof of Dickson County Residency

  • Utility bill
  • Lease
  • Driver's license
  • State identification
  • Any other official document that denotes residency (e.g., current lease)


2.   Proof of Income

  • Recent pay stub
  • SSI – disability letter
  • Previous year's tax return
  • Bank statement
  • Letter from employer
  • Social Security letter
  • Copy of checks


3.   Personal Identification

  • Valid and current driver's license
  • State identification
  • Passport
  • Photo work ID
  • Photo student ID
  • IRS-issued W7 card


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