How long is the waitlist for Section 8?

Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.

211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.

Can single dads get TANF?

Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.

Housing & Financial in Alabama

17 verified resources.

About Housing & Financial for Fathers

Housing and financial assistance for fathers comes through a combination of federal programs (HUD, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP) and state/local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with long waitlists in most markets. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing are funded through the federal Continuum of Care program — every region has a Coordinated Entry system that assesses and places homeless adults and families. Rental assistance, utility assistance (LIHEAP), and one-time emergency funds are available through community action agencies and 211 referral lines. Fathers with children in their custody may qualify for Section 8 family priority and TANF, though state rules vary. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 call lines, and community action agencies that serve single dads.

Housing & Financial in Alabama

Alabama family law runs through circuit courts in each of its 67 counties, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources handling child support enforcement. Major population centers include Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville. Fathers can access free family court help through the Alabama Access to Justice Commission and Legal Services Alabama.

17 Resources

1. Alabama Housing Finance Authority — Free

State housing agency providing affordable housing programs, rental assistance, mortgage help, and homebuyer programs for Alabama fathers and families. Dads can apply online or by phone for programs like Step Up and HardestHit Alabama. Typical applications require photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of Alabama residency. Office on Halcyon Summit Drive in Montgomery open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries.

334-244-9200 · 7460 Halcyon Summit Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Alabama Department of Human Resources — Free

State agency providing emergency assistance for rent, utilities, food, and basic needs for low-income Alabama fathers and families. Dads can apply online at MyDHR.alabama.gov or at county DHR offices. Typical intake requires photo ID, Social Security card, pay stubs or proof of income, and lease or utility bills. Statewide office on Ripley Street in Montgomery open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm for inquiries.

334-242-1310 · 50 N Ripley St, Montgomery, AL 36130 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Birmingham Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Birmingham residents including fathers and families. Dads can apply online or at the 3rd Avenue South office when waiting lists are open. Typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists can be long. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries and applications.

205-521-0600 · 1826 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Mobile Housing Board — Free

Affordable public housing and Section 8 vouchers for low-income fathers and families in Mobile County at the Claiborne Street office. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical intake requires photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for household members, and income documentation. Waiting lists may be long and subject to preferences. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm for applications and inquiries.

251-434-2200 · 151 S Claiborne St, Mobile, AL 36602 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

5. Habitat for Humanity – Alabama — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities for qualifying Alabama fathers and families through sweat equity and no-interest mortgages. Dads can apply through local affiliates statewide; eligibility is based on income, willingness to partner, and need for housing. Applications typically require photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and credit history. Main Alabama office open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm with local affiliate hours posted on habitat.org.

334-264-3664 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. United Way 211 – Alabama — Free

Statewide free 24/7 referral service connecting Alabama fathers and families with housing, utility, food, financial, and emergency assistance. Dads can dial 211 from any Alabama phone or chat online to speak with a trained specialist who will identify nearby programs and eligibility. Service is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages. No ID required to call; program eligibility varies. Available anytime.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Huntsville Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Huntsville fathers and families at the Washington Street office downtown. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists may have preferences for local residents, veterans, or families with children. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm for inquiries.

256-539-0774 · 200 Washington St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

8. Community Action Agencies – Alabama — Free

Statewide network providing emergency financial assistance, weatherization, utility help, and housing support for low-income Alabama fathers and families. Dads can contact local agencies through the central Montgomery office on Normandale Drive. Typical intake requires photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and bills requiring assistance. Services are free for qualifying applicants. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

334-832-0205 · 3470 Normandale Dr, Montgomery, AL 36105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Montgomery Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Montgomery fathers and families at the Lawrence Street office. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists may include preferences for working families, veterans, or disabled residents. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for applications and inquiries.

334-262-2735 · 525 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Tuscaloosa Housing Authority — Free

Affordable public housing and rental assistance programs for low-income Tuscaloosa fathers and families at the Stillman Boulevard office. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists may have local preferences. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for applications, recertifications, and inquiries about vacancies.

205-758-0561 · 2117 Stillman Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Catholic Social Services – Birmingham — Free

Emergency rent, utility, and housing assistance for Birmingham-area fathers and families in crisis at the 3rd Avenue North office. Assistance is typically limited to once annually per household and based on funding. Dads should call to verify availability and bring photo ID, lease or utility bills, pay stubs or benefits documentation, and a disconnect notice or eviction notice. Office open Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.

205-324-6561 · 2121 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

12. St. Vincent de Paul Society – Alabama — Free

Emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and basic needs for low-income Alabama fathers and families through parish-based Conferences statewide. Dads can call the Birmingham office for local referrals; typical intake requires photo ID, lease or utility bills, and proof of income. Assistance amounts and availability vary by Conference and funding. Services are free for qualifying families. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am-3pm.

205-251-3756 · 2100 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 · Mon-Fri 9am-3pm · Visit Website

13. Decatur Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance for Decatur-area low-income fathers and families at the Cherry Street office. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists may include preferences for local residents, working families, or veterans. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm for inquiries, applications, and recertifications.

256-353-2261 · 500 Cherry St NE, Decatur, AL 35601 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. Dothan Housing Authority — Free

Affordable public housing programs for Dothan-area low-income fathers and families at the Saint Andrews Street office. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists may include local preferences for working families and disabled residents. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for applications, inquiries, and recertifications.

334-794-6781 · 501 N Saint Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36303 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Community Action Partnership of North Alabama — Free

Emergency financial assistance, weatherization, and housing help for low-income fathers and families throughout north Alabama at the Florence office. Services include LIHEAP utility assistance, Head Start referrals, and emergency rent help. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and bills. Services are free for qualifying households. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries.

256-766-4330 · 302 S Court St, Florence, AL 35630 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Gadsden Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and affordable housing programs for low-income fathers and families in Etowah County at the Ewing Avenue office in Gadsden. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for household members, and income documentation. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm for applications, recertifications, and inquiries about available units.

256-543-7311 · 301 Ewing Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

17. Opelika Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance programs for low-income fathers and families in the Opelika-Auburn area at the North 10th Street office. Dads can apply when waiting lists are open; typical applications require photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists may include local preferences. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm for applications, inquiries, and annual recertification appointments.

334-745-4514 · 501 N 10th St, Opelika, AL 36801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Housing & Financial — Common Questions

How long is the waitlist for Section 8?: Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.
What does 211 do?: 211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.
Can single dads get TANF?: Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.
What's LIHEAP?: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.