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 Colorado

16 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 Colorado

Colorado uses 'allocation of parental responsibilities' instead of 'custody' and handles cases in district courts. The Child Support Services division runs enforcement statewide. Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins anchor the major metros. Colorado Legal Services (the statewide LSC program), Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and numerous county self-help centers support fathers statewide.

16 Resources

1. Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) — Free

State housing finance agency offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, rental programs, and homebuyer education classes for income-qualified Coloradans statewide. Programs are delivered through CHFA-approved lenders and counseling agencies. Start by taking a free CHFA homebuyer class online; when applying for a mortgage, bring a photo ID, two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, and bank statements to your lender.

303-297-7378 · 1981 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Colorado 2-1-1 — Free

Free statewide helpline connecting Colorado residents to housing assistance, utility help, food resources, and community services 24 hours a day. Serves all Coloradans regardless of income at no cost. No intake is required; dial 211 from any Colorado phone to speak with a specialist, and have ready your ZIP code, a brief description of your situation, and household size for the most accurate referrals.

211 · Statewide · 24/7

3. Denver Human Services - Emergency Assistance — Free

Denver's social services office providing emergency rental and utility assistance, eviction prevention, and financial stability programs for income-eligible Denver County residents. Funding availability varies. Apply online through Colorado PEAK or in person; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for the household, proof of income, a current lease or utility bill, and any eviction or shutoff notices to the appointment.

720-944-3666 · 1200 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. El Paso County DHS - Emergency Assistance — Free

County social services agency providing emergency rental assistance, utility help, and financial support for El Paso County families in crisis. Serves income-eligible Colorado Springs-area residents. Apply online through Colorado PEAK or in person; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a current lease, and any eviction or shutoff notices to support your emergency assistance application.

719-636-0000 · 1675 W Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Colorado Division of Housing — Free

State division administering housing assistance programs, homelessness services, and community development funding across Colorado, primarily through local partner agencies. Serves low- and moderate-income residents statewide. Individuals seeking help should contact their local public housing authority, a HUD-approved counseling agency, or Colorado 2-1-1 for referrals; program-specific documents such as ID and income proof apply at the local provider level.

303-864-7810 · 1313 Sherman St, Suite 518, Denver, CO 80203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Brothers Redevelopment (Denver) — Free

HUD-approved housing counseling agency providing homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgage counseling, and financial coaching for Denver metro residents. Services are free or low-cost for income-eligible households. Call to schedule intake; bring a photo ID, Social Security number, recent pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage or lease documents, and any foreclosure or eviction notices to your counseling appointment.

303-202-6340 · 2250 Eaton St, Edgewater, CO 80214 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. HUD Colorado Field Office — Free

Federal housing office overseeing public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Fair Housing enforcement, and HUD-approved housing counseling agencies throughout Colorado. Serves residents statewide through local public housing authorities and partners. For direct assistance, contact your local housing authority or a HUD-approved counseling agency; fair housing complaints can be filed online or by calling the HUD Denver office.

303-672-5440 · 1670 Broadway, 25th Floor, Denver, CO 80202 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) — Free

Colorado's energy assistance program helping low-income households pay winter heating bills from November through April, administered by CDHS through county human services offices. Serves income-eligible Colorado renters and homeowners statewide. Apply online at colorado.gov/PEAK or at your county DHS office; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, a current heating bill, and proof of income for the past month.

1-866-432-8435 · Apply online or by phone · Nov-Apr; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance — Free

State program providing emergency rental and utility assistance to Colorado tenants facing financial hardship, administered through local nonprofit partners across the state. Program funding and terms can change; check the website for current availability. Apply online; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, a current lease, past-due rent notices, and landlord contact information to the application.

1-844-926-6632 · Apply online · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless — Free

Comprehensive services for homeless individuals and families, including supportive housing, primary and mental healthcare, employment services, and legal advocacy across the Denver metro and statewide. Serves low-income and homeless Coloradans at no cost for most programs. Walk in or call the main office for intake; bring a photo ID if available, Social Security card, and any housing, medical, or benefits paperwork you have.

303-293-2217 · 2111 Champa St, Denver, CO 80205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Mile High United Way - 2-1-1 Housing — Free

Connects Denver metro residents to emergency housing, rental assistance, homelessness prevention resources, and related community services through the Colorado 2-1-1 system. Serves all residents regardless of income at no cost. Dial 211 from any phone or chat online; have ready your ZIP code, household size, current housing situation, and a brief description of the crisis to receive tailored referrals to local partner agencies.

211 · 711 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205 · 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver — Paid

Affordable homeownership program building and rehabilitating homes for qualifying low- and moderate-income families in the Denver metro through sweat equity and affordable mortgages. Serves families who meet income, housing need, and willingness-to-partner requirements. Apply online during open enrollment periods; bring a photo ID, two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, credit reports, and rental history to your applicant meeting.

303-534-2929 · 3245 Eliot St, Denver, CO 80211 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity (Colorado Springs) — Paid

Affordable homeownership program for qualifying El Paso County families, including new construction, home repairs, and financial education programs. Serves low- and moderate-income households who meet housing need and partnership requirements. Apply online during open enrollment periods; bring a photo ID, two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and rental history for each adult on the application.

719-475-7800 · 2802 N Prospect St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Boulder County Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing programs for Boulder County residents including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing units, and mixed-income affordable apartments. Serves income-eligible low-income households in Boulder, Longmont, and surrounding communities. Apply online when wait lists are open; bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, birth certificates for minors, and income documentation to any follow-up appointment.

720-564-2283 · 3460 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Denver Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Denver residents, along with affordable housing developments across the city. Serves income-eligible Denver County households. Apply online when wait lists are open; bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, birth certificates for minors, income documentation, and any court orders related to custody or child support to scheduled appointments.

720-932-3000 · 777 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Colorado Springs Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Colorado Springs residents, along with affordable developments across El Paso County. Serves income-eligible households in the Pikes Peak region. Apply online when wait lists are open; bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, birth certificates for minors, income documentation, and any custody or child support orders to any in-person appointment.

719-387-6700 · 831 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 · 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.