Questions people ask
Where can I get free food in Putnam County, Tennessee?
We have confirmed 11 places that can help in Putnam County: Collegeside Church of Christ in Cookeville (Wednesday 4 to 6 PM), (931) 526-2661, call first; First United Methodist Church, God's Grace Food Pantry in Cookeville (Tuesday 2:30 to 6 PM. Only using ready to cook meals), (931) 526-2177, call first; Helping Hands of Putnam County in Cookeville (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 AM to 12 PM & 1 to 3 PM. Call 931-526-3838 for appointment), (931) 526-3838, call first. 8 more are listed on this page. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get help paying rent or a utility bill in Putnam County, Tennessee?
We have confirmed one place that can help in Putnam County: Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, (931) 528-1127. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get housing help in Putnam County, Tennessee?
We have confirmed one place that can help in Putnam County: Highlands Residential Services in Cookeville, (931) 526-9793. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I find a free or low-cost clinic in Putnam County, Tennessee?
We have confirmed 3 places that can help in Putnam County: Putnam County Health Department Community Health Center in Cookeville, (931) 528-2531, call first; Upper Cumberland Primary Care Project in Cookeville, (931) 528-7531, call first; Monterey-Putnam County Health Department Community Health Center, (931) 839-3146, call first. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get help with addiction or mental health in Putnam County, Tennessee?
We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Putnam County: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), 988; SAMHSA National Helpline (Open 24 hours a day, every day), (800) 662-4357. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get help with veterans benefits in Putnam County, Tennessee?
We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Putnam County: Veterans Crisis Line (Open 24 hours a day, every day), 988; VA national phone lines (Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern), (800) 827-1000. A veteran in crisis can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Where can I get free legal help in Putnam County, Tennessee?
We have confirmed one place that can help in Putnam County: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, (800) 238-1443. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Is HelpByState free to use?
Yes. There is nothing to sign up for and nothing to pay. Every listing is free, and so is adding or correcting one.
Why do some listings say call first?
Church and community pantries often change days, move, or close for a holiday. When the sources we checked disagree, or an organization does not publish its hours, we say so instead of guessing. A quick call saves a trip.
I run a pantry or a program. How do I get listed or fix our hours?
Use the Add a listing or Suggest an update form. We confirm it against your own page or contact you, then change the listing. It is free.
Is this the same as 2-1-1?
No. 2-1-1 is a statewide phone line and database run by the state network. HelpByState is an independent, county-by-county directory that shows the date each listing was checked. If you want to talk to a person, dial 2-1-1.
Where do the hours and phone numbers come from?
From each organization's own website or page, official sources such as housing authority and WIC clinic lists, and the public Find Food map of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee food finder. We list the source on every card.