Fort Smith Housing Authority

Housing & Financial · Arkansas · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 2100 N 31st St, Fort Smith, AR 72904

Phone: 479-782-4821

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

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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.

More Housing & Financial in Arkansas

  • Arkansas Development Finance Authority — State finance agency administering affordable housing programs, rental assistance funding, and first-time homebuyer down payment help across
  • Little Rock Housing Authority — Administers public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income families in the City of Little Rock. Fathers can call or vis
  • Habitat for Humanity – Central Arkansas — Builds and sells affordable homes to qualifying low- and moderate-income families in the Little Rock metro, with interest-free mortgages and
  • United Way 211 – Arkansas — Free confidential 24/7 helpline that connects Arkansans to local resources for housing, rent and utility help, food, childcare, and emergenc
  • NW Arkansas Community Action — Regional community action agency serving Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties with emergency rent and utility help, weatherizat
  • Community Action Agencies – Arkansas — Statewide network of community action agencies offering emergency rent and utility assistance, LIHEAP, weatherization, and case management f

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.