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 Alaska

7 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 Alaska

Alaska family cases are heard in the Alaska Superior Court, one of the few states with a unified trial court structure. The Child Support Services Division within the Department of Revenue handles enforcement. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau host the largest court locations; rural Alaska relies heavily on magistrates and remote hearings. Alaska Legal Services Corporation provides statewide civil legal aid.

7 Resources

1. Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP) — Free

Housing assistance, weatherization, Head Start, and financial stability programs serving rural Alaska communities statewide from the Anchorage headquarters. Programs include emergency rental help, home repairs, and energy upgrades for low-income families. Fathers can call weekdays to apply; bring a photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs or benefits letters), utility bills, and household size documentation to the intake.

(907) 279-2511 · 731 E 8th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend — Free

Annual dividend payment distributed to eligible Alaska residents from state oil revenue investments, providing supplemental income that many families use toward housing and essentials. Applications open each winter and must be renewed yearly. Fathers can apply online or at the Juneau office; have a photo ID, proof of Alaska residency, Social Security numbers for each family member, and direct deposit information ready.

(907) 269-0310 · PO Box 110462, Juneau, AK 99811 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Habitat for Humanity Anchorage — Free

Affordable homeownership program building and rehabilitating homes for qualifying Anchorage-area families through volunteer labor and sweat equity. Participants complete homeowner education and contribute hours toward construction. Fathers can call weekdays or apply online; bring a photo ID, pay stubs or tax returns, proof of Alaska residency, and household size documentation to the informational session and intake.

(907) 272-8714 · 1057 W Fireweed Ln Suite 203, Anchorage, AK 99503 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Cook Inlet Housing Authority — Free

Affordable rental, homeownership, and housing support programs for Alaska Native and American Indian families across Southcentral Alaska, headquartered in Anchorage. Programs include mortgage assistance, rental units, and elder housing. Fathers can call weekdays to apply; bring a photo ID, tribal enrollment documentation, pay stubs or tax returns, and household size documentation to the intake appointment.

(907) 793-3000 · 3600 Spenard Rd Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Kenaitze Indian Tribe — Housing Programs — Free

Tribal housing assistance for Kenai Peninsula Alaska Native families, including rental, homeownership support, and home repair services coordinated from the Kenai office. Programs prioritize enrolled tribal members and their households. Fathers can call weekdays to apply; bring a photo ID, tribal enrollment information, pay stubs or tax returns, and household size documentation to the intake appointment.

(907) 335-7200 · 150 N Willow St, Kenai, AK 99611 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Alaska Good Samaritan — Financial Aid — Free

Emergency financial assistance for utility bills and basic household expenses offered through The Salvation Army in Anchorage. Funds are limited and typically one-time. Fathers can call weekdays or visit during business hours; bring a photo ID, proof of residency, a recent utility shutoff notice or past-due bill, and proof of income or benefits to the intake so caseworkers can verify need.

(907) 276-2515 · Anchorage, AK 99501 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

7. Alaska Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) — Free

Federally funded housing assistance for low-income Alaskans living with HIV/AIDS, administered through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Services may include rental subsidies, short-term rent or utility help, and housing case management. Fathers can call the Anchorage office weekdays; bring a photo ID, medical documentation, proof of income, and lease or utility paperwork to the screening appointment.

(907) 338-6100 · 4300 Boniface Pkwy, Anchorage, AK 99504 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

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.