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 Arizona

13 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 Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

13 Resources

1. Arizona Department of Housing — Free

State agency administering Arizona's affordable housing programs, rental assistance, Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds, homelessness prevention grants, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocations, and community development block grants. Partners with local housing authorities and nonprofits across Arizona to deliver services. Does not typically serve individuals directly; residents should contact local public housing authorities or community action agencies for application intake.

602-771-1000 · 1110 W Washington St, Suite 310, Phoenix, AZ 85007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Arizona Industrial Development Authority (AzIDA) — Free

State-affiliated housing finance authority offering down payment and closing cost assistance, 30-year fixed-rate affordable mortgage programs through the HOME Plus program, and homebuyer education for first-time and repeat buyers statewide. Works through a network of participating lenders. Income and purchase-price limits apply. Applicants typically need photo ID, proof of income, tax returns, and a homebuyer education certificate to qualify for assistance.

602-631-4900 · 2600 N Central Ave, Suite 1650, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Community Action Human Resources Agency (CAHRA) - Phoenix — Free

Community action agency within the City of Phoenix Human Services Department providing emergency rental and utility assistance, weatherization, LIHEAP energy assistance, and financial stability programs for low-income Phoenix residents. Applicants must typically demonstrate income eligibility and provide photo ID, lease or mortgage statement, utility bills, income verification, Social Security numbers for household members, and eviction notice or shutoff notice when applicable.

602-262-4520 · 200 W Washington St, 18th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Pima County Community Action Agency (Tucson) — Free

Community action agency serving low-income Pima County residents with emergency rental and utility assistance, LIHEAP energy assistance, weatherization, case management, and self-sufficiency programs. Serves Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, and surrounding unincorporated areas. Applicants typically need photo ID, Social Security numbers for household, proof of income (30 days of pay stubs or benefits statements), lease or mortgage, and current utility bills to apply.

520-724-2667 · 2797 E Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. HUD Arizona Field Office — Free

Regional U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development field office overseeing public housing authorities, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs, Fair Housing enforcement, HUD-approved Housing Counseling agencies, and community development programs across Arizona. Call 800-569-4287 for free HUD-approved housing counseling referrals or 800-669-9777 to file a Fair Housing discrimination complaint. Does not handle individual rental applications; contact local PHAs.

602-379-7100 · 1 N Central Ave, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Newtown Community Development Corp (Tempe) — Free

Tempe-based HUD-approved housing counseling agency and community land trust developer providing free homebuyer education classes, one-on-one financial counseling, foreclosure prevention, credit-building guidance, and permanently affordable homeownership opportunities across the Phoenix metro area. Appointments are scheduled in advance. Bring photo ID, pay stubs or tax returns, recent bank statements, credit report if available, and any mortgage or eviction paperwork to counseling.

480-517-2909 · 1425 S Clark Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. St. Vincent de Paul - Arizona — Free

Statewide Catholic charity operated through parish conferences across Arizona providing emergency rent and utility assistance, food boxes, homeless shelter operations, transitional housing, free medical and dental care, and other basic needs services to families in crisis regardless of faith background. Local conferences serve their neighborhood parishes. Applicants typically need photo ID, proof of address, and any shutoff or eviction notices when requesting emergency assistance.

602-261-6886 · 420 W Watkins Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85003 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

8. UMOM New Day Centers (Phoenix) — Free

Arizona's largest family homeless shelter providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, case management, employment training, behavioral health, and on-site children's services for families experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix metro. Serves two-parent and single-parent families. Entry is typically through the Maricopa County Family Housing Hub coordinated entry system. Bring photo ID and birth certificates for all household members to intake.

602-275-8231 · 3333 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008 · 24/7 shelter; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Primavera Foundation (Tucson) — Free

Longstanding Tucson-based nonprofit providing homeless services, emergency men's shelter, affordable rental housing, workforce development, financial literacy, and homeownership programs for low-income Pima County families. Also operates permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals. Most services are free for qualifying participants. Bring photo ID, proof of income, Social Security card, and any housing or case paperwork to intake appointments at Primavera's main office.

520-623-5111 · 151 W 40th St, Tucson, AZ 85713 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Habitat for Humanity - Central Arizona — Paid

Builds and rehabilitates affordable single-family homes for qualifying low- to moderate-income families across the Phoenix metro area. Offers homeownership opportunities through sweat equity requirements and affordable zero-profit mortgages. Also operates home repair programs for existing homeowners and ReStore outlets. Applicants typically need photo ID, proof of income, tax returns, credit report, and must complete homebuyer education. Application windows open periodically.

602-268-9022 · 9133 NW Grand Ave, Suite 100, Peoria, AZ 85345 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Habitat for Humanity Tucson — Paid

Builds and rehabilitates affordable single-family homes for qualifying low- to moderate-income families across Tucson and Pima County. Offers homeownership programs requiring sweat equity and affordable zero-profit mortgages, plus home repair services for existing low-income homeowners. Operates ReStore donation outlets that fund construction. Applicants typically need photo ID, proof of income, tax returns, credit report, and completed homebuyer education. Application windows open periodically.

520-326-1217 · 3501 N Mountain Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Catholic Charities - Housing Assistance (Phoenix) — Free

Housing services division of Catholic Charities Community Services providing emergency rental assistance, transitional housing, refugee resettlement support, case management, and financial stability programs for families across Maricopa County. Services are open to clients of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, lease, utility bills, and any eviction or shutoff notices to intake appointments.

602-285-1999 · 4747 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Arizona Self-Help (Housing Counseling) — Free

HUD-approved statewide housing counseling agency offering free foreclosure prevention counseling, first-time homebuyer education, rental assistance guidance, credit-building workshops, and reverse mortgage counseling for Arizona residents. Appointments are typically one-on-one. Bring photo ID, pay stubs or tax returns, recent mortgage statement, recent credit report if available, bank statements, and any foreclosure or eviction paperwork to counseling sessions.

602-682-3670 · 8902 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85021 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.