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 Arkansas

12 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 Arkansas

Arkansas circuit courts hear family law matters in all 75 counties, with the Office of Child Support Enforcement under the Department of Finance and Administration. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville are the largest metros. Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services provide free civil representation to eligible fathers statewide.

12 Resources

1. Arkansas Development Finance Authority — Free

State finance agency administering affordable housing programs, rental assistance funding, and first-time homebuyer down payment help across Arkansas. Fathers can call or visit the Little Rock office to ask about current programs, income limits, and participating lenders. Applications typically require photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.

501-682-5900 · 900 W Capitol Ave #400, Little Rock, AR 72201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. Little Rock Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income families in the City of Little Rock. Fathers can call or visit the Arch Street office to check waitlist status and application requirements. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for children, proof of income, and landlord references when applying for a unit or voucher.

501-340-4810 · 100 S Arch St, Little Rock, AR 72201 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Habitat for Humanity – Central Arkansas — Free

Builds and sells affordable homes to qualifying low- and moderate-income families in the Little Rock metro, with interest-free mortgages and required sweat equity. Fathers interested in homeownership can call or visit the Interstate 30 office for current application windows. Bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, landlord references, and proof you have lived in the service area long enough to qualify.

501-376-4434 · 10700 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. United Way 211 – Arkansas — Free

Free confidential 24/7 helpline that connects Arkansans to local resources for housing, rent and utility help, food, childcare, and emergency financial assistance. Fathers anywhere in the state can dial 211 or search online to find county-specific programs. Have basic information ready including county, rough monthly income, household size, and the specific problem you need help with so specialists can route you quickly.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. NW Arkansas Community Action — Free

Regional community action agency serving Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties with emergency rent and utility help, weatherization, Head Start, and housing programs. Fathers in northwest Arkansas can call or visit the Springdale office to apply for assistance. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for the household, proof of income, a copy of the lease or bill, and any disconnection notices.

479-521-8866 · 614 E Emma Ave #230, Springdale, AR 72764 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Fort Smith Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income residents of Fort Smith and surrounding areas. Fathers can call or visit the North 31st Street office to check waitlist status and pick up applications. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for children, proof of income, recent rental history, and contact info for current and past landlords.

479-782-4821 · 2100 N 31st St, Fort Smith, AR 72904 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Community Action Agencies – Arkansas — Free

Statewide network of community action agencies offering emergency rent and utility assistance, LIHEAP, weatherization, and case management for low-income Arkansans. Fathers can call the Little Rock coordinating office to find the agency covering their county. Intake generally requires photo ID, Social Security cards for the household, recent income proof, lease or bills, and any notices of nonpayment.

501-372-1136 · Little Rock, AR 72201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Pine Bluff Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income residents of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. Fathers can call or visit the South Laurel Street office to check current waitlists, pick up applications, and ask about eligibility. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for children, proof of income, and recent rental history.

870-536-8641 · 300 S Laurel St, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

9. Jonesboro Housing Authority — Free

Operates public housing developments and rental assistance programs for low-income residents of Jonesboro and Craighead County. Fathers can call or visit the West Matthews office to check waitlist status and start an application. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for every household member, birth certificates for children, proof of income, and landlord references if you have prior rental history.

870-932-4275 · 721 W Matthews Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

10. Fayetteville Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers in Fayetteville and parts of Washington County. Fathers can call or visit the School Avenue office to learn about current waitlists, unit availability, and program rules. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for children, proof of income, and any prior landlord contact information when applying.

479-521-3850 · 1 N School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

11. North Little Rock Housing Authority — Free

Runs public housing developments and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for low-income residents of North Little Rock. Fathers can call or visit the Orange Street office to check waitlist status and request an application. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for every household member, birth certificates for children, proof of income, and contact info for current and past landlords when applying.

501-758-1522 · 2301 Orange St, North Little Rock, AR 72114 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Habitat for Humanity – NW Arkansas — Free

Builds and sells affordable homes to qualifying low- and moderate-income families across Benton and Washington counties, with interest-free mortgages and required sweat equity. Fathers interested in homeownership can call or visit the Springdale office for current application windows. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, landlord references, and proof of residency in the service area when applying.

479-927-1100 · 3300 S Old Missouri Rd, Springdale, AR 72764 · 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.