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 Connecticut

17 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 Connecticut

Connecticut's Superior Court handles family matters through regional Judicial Districts and Family Support Magistrate Division locations. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement under DSS. Major cities include Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provide civil legal aid, and every courthouse has a court service center offering free forms assistance.

17 Resources

1. Connecticut Housing Finance Authority — Free

State agency offering affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and first-time homebuyer mortgages for qualifying Connecticut fathers and families. Programs include down payment assistance, below-market loans, and renter protections. Apply online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and lease or mortgage paperwork. Statewide services with in-person help at the Rocky Hill office.

860-721-9501 · 999 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. CT Department of Housing — Free

State housing assistance including emergency rental aid, homelessness prevention, and affordable housing programs for Connecticut fathers and families. Programs coordinate with local housing authorities and nonprofits. Call during business hours or apply online. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, lease or eviction notice, and any agency paperwork to appointments. Statewide coverage with regional coordination across all eight counties.

860-270-8100 · 505 Hudson St, Hartford, CT 06106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Hartford Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs for qualifying low-income Hartford fathers and families. Waiting lists open periodically; check online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, pay stubs, and any current lease paperwork. Walk-in applications accepted during waiting-list open periods. Serves the City of Hartford with multiple housing developments and voucher options.

860-723-8400 · 180 John D Wardlaw Way, Hartford, CT 06106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. New Haven Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing developments and Section 8 vouchers for qualifying low-income New Haven fathers and families through Elm City Communities. Waiting lists open periodically; check online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, pay stubs, and current lease paperwork. Walk-in applications accepted during open periods. Serves the City of New Haven with multiple housing developments.

203-498-8800 · 360 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Salvation Army – Connecticut — Free

Emergency rent, utility, food, and shelter assistance for qualifying low-income Connecticut fathers and families. Services vary by location but often include case management, emergency financial aid, and referrals. Walk-in intake during business hours; call ahead for program availability. Bring photo ID, eviction or shutoff notices, pay stubs, and lease paperwork. Multiple corps locations across Connecticut with statewide coverage.

860-543-8400 · 855 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

6. United Way 211 – Connecticut — Free

Free 24/7 phone and online referral service connecting Connecticut fathers and families to housing, utility, food, medical, and emergency assistance resources statewide. Dial 211 or use the online search to find local programs in your town. Confidential and multilingual. No documentation required to call. Specialists can refer to rental aid, shelters, food pantries, and utility assistance throughout all eight CT counties.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Habitat for Humanity – Connecticut — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities for qualifying low-income Connecticut fathers and families through sweat-equity homebuilding programs. Applicants contribute volunteer hours and pay affordable mortgages. Call during business hours or apply through local affiliates for eligibility screening. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and credit reports to appointments. Multiple local affiliates serve cities and counties across the state.

860-541-2208 · 111 Charter Oak Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

8. TEAM Inc. – Valley/Shelton — Free

Emergency financial assistance, housing programs, and family support for qualifying low-income Valley-area Connecticut fathers and families. Services include rental aid, utility assistance, energy programs, and case management. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, eviction or shutoff notices, and lease paperwork. Serves Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, and surrounding Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.

203-736-5420 · 30 Elizabeth St, Derby, CT 06418 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Bridgeport Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers for qualifying low-income Bridgeport fathers and families. Waiting lists open periodically; check online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, pay stubs, and current lease paperwork. Walk-in applications accepted during open periods. Serves the City of Bridgeport with multiple housing developments and rental assistance options for families.

203-337-8900 · 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Stamford Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing developments and Section 8 vouchers for qualifying low-income Stamford fathers and families through Charter Oak Communities. Waiting lists open periodically; check online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, pay stubs, and current lease paperwork. Walk-in applications accepted during open periods. Serves the City of Stamford with multiple housing developments.

203-977-1400 · 22 Clinton Ave, Stamford, CT 06901 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Waterbury Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 rental assistance for qualifying low-income Waterbury fathers and families. Waiting lists open periodically; check online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, pay stubs, and current lease paperwork. Walk-in applications accepted during open periods. Serves the City of Waterbury with multiple housing developments and rental voucher options for qualifying families.

203-596-2640 · 2 Lakewood Rd, Waterbury, CT 06704 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Columbus House – New Haven — Free

Free emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services for homeless New Haven-area fathers and families. Services include intake, case management, employment support, and housing placement. Open 24/7 for shelter intake; call ahead when possible for bed availability. Bring photo ID and any benefits paperwork if available. Serves the greater New Haven region with multiple shelter sites and a rapid rehousing program.

203-401-4400 · 586 Ella T Grasso Blvd, New Haven, CT 06519 · 24/7 shelter · Visit Website

13. Open Hearth – Hartford — Free

Free emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services for homeless men in Hartford, including fathers. Services include intake, case management, employment support, and housing placement. Open 24/7 for shelter intake; call ahead when possible. Bring photo ID and any benefits paperwork if available. Serves the greater Hartford area with a focus on single adult men working toward long-term stable housing.

860-525-3447 · 437 Sheldon St, Hartford, CT 06106 · 24/7 shelter · Visit Website

14. New Opportunities Inc. – Waterbury — Free

Community action agency offering financial assistance, housing help, energy assistance, and family support for qualifying low-income Waterbury-area fathers and families. Programs include rental aid, CEAP heating assistance, Head Start, and case management. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, utility bills, and lease paperwork. Serves Waterbury and surrounding Greater Waterbury communities.

203-575-9799 · 232 North Elm St, Waterbury, CT 06702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) — Free

State program helping qualifying low-income Connecticut households pay home heating bills during winter months, including oil, gas, electric, and propane. Apply through local community action agencies October through May. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, pay stubs, utility bills, and proof of heating costs. Income limits apply based on household size. Statewide coverage with local intake sites across all eight counties.

800-842-1132 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Norwalk Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 voucher programs for qualifying low-income Norwalk fathers and families. Waiting lists open periodically; check online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, pay stubs, and current lease paperwork. Walk-in applications accepted during open periods. Serves the City of Norwalk with multiple housing developments and rental voucher options for qualifying families.

203-838-8471 · 24 1/2 Monroe St, Norwalk, CT 06854 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Danbury Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance programs for qualifying low-income Danbury-area fathers and families. Waiting lists open periodically; check online or call during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, pay stubs, and current lease paperwork. Walk-in applications accepted during open periods. Serves the City of Danbury with multiple housing developments and rental voucher options for qualifying families.

203-744-2500 · 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.