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 Delaware

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 Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Delaware's small size means one consistent state system. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware offer free legal representation.

13 Resources

1. Delaware State Housing Authority — Free

State agency providing affordable housing programs, down payment assistance, rental help, and mortgage counseling to Delaware residents from the Dover office on The Green. Fathers can call or visit during weekday hours to ask about programs. Bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and current lease or mortgage documents to confirm eligibility for rental, homebuyer, or foreclosure-prevention programs.

(302) 739-4263 · 18 The Green, Dover, DE 19901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Wilmington Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income families in Wilmington, administered from the North Walnut Street office. Fathers can check current waitlist status, apply for openings, or transfer existing vouchers. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for children, income verification, and current lease information to make the application process smoother.

(302) 429-6701 · 400 N Walnut St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Ministry of Caring — Housing Services — Free

Emergency shelter and transitional housing for homeless families and individuals in Wilmington, operating from East 14th Street. Programs include men's shelters, family housing, and case management toward permanent homes. Fathers experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk can walk in or call during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID and any documents showing current housing status if available.

(302) 652-5523 · 115 E 14th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. First State Community Action Agency — Free

Housing counseling, weatherization, and financial stability programs in Kent and Sussex counties, run from the Georgetown office on North Railroad Avenue. Fathers can apply for energy assistance, home repair, and case-managed supports. Bring photo ID, recent pay stubs or benefits statements, utility bills, lease or mortgage paperwork, and Social Security cards for all household members at intake.

(302) 674-1375 · 308 N Railroad Ave, Georgetown, DE 19947 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Stand By Me Financial Coaching — Free

Free one-on-one financial coaching helping Delaware families build savings, reduce debt, and improve credit statewide. Certified coaches meet with fathers by phone or in person at community partner sites. Participants should bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, a list of current debts, and any collection notices. No minimum income is required; coaching is confidential and not tied to any product sale.

(855) 478-2637 · Statewide service · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities and home repair programs for qualifying New Castle County families, based on Village Road in Wilmington. Homebuyers contribute sweat equity and pay a zero-interest mortgage. Fathers interested in ownership or repair programs should call during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, recent tax returns, pay stubs, and credit report summaries when completing the formal application.

(302) 652-0365 · 1 Village Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Georgetown Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance programs for low-income Sussex County families, operating from Pine Street in Georgetown. Fathers can apply for openings, update recertification paperwork, and request portability of vouchers. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, birth certificates for children, income verification, and current lease paperwork to make intake and recertification efficient.

(302) 856-5388 · 109 Pine St, Georgetown, DE 19947 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

8. Dover Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and housing voucher programs for low-income Kent County families, administered from the North New Street office in Dover. Fathers can apply for units, transfer existing vouchers, and complete annual recertifications. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for children, income and employment verification, and current lease paperwork to appointments.

(302) 734-4310 · 142 N New St, Dover, DE 19904 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

9. Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council (DCRAC) — Free

Advocacy and financial education nonprofit helping low-income Delaware families build financial stability, with offices on West 10th Street in Wilmington. Programs include credit counseling, tax preparation, and community organizing. Fathers can call to schedule counseling appointments during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, bills, and any collection notices to make the intake meeting productive.

(302) 654-5024 · 100 W 10th St Suite 1006, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Delaware LIHEAP — Utility Assistance — Free

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program covering heating and cooling costs for qualifying Delaware households, administered through the Division of State Service Centers in New Castle. Fathers facing utility shutoffs can apply during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, recent pay stubs or benefits letters, and current utility bills for heating and cooling accounts.

(302) 255-9855 · 1901 N DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Brandywine Housing Partners — Free

Nonprofit developing affordable rental housing and providing tenant services for New Castle County residents, based on Shipley Street in Wilmington. Staff help fathers and families access available units, understand lease terms, and stabilize in new housing. Call during weekday hours to check current openings. Bring photo ID, pay stubs or benefits letters, and references from prior landlords for the application.

(302) 472-9600 · 618 Shipley St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

12. NCALL Research — Housing Counseling — Free

HUD-approved agency offering mortgage counseling, rental assistance navigation, and foreclosure prevention to Delaware residents from the Dover office on Greenbrier Road. Counselors work one-on-one with fathers to review budgets and housing options. Bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, current mortgage or lease paperwork, and any default notices to make the counseling session efficient and focused.

(302) 678-9400 · 363 Greenbrier Rd Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware — Free

Nonprofit creating affordable housing and helping Delaware families transition from homelessness to stability, operating from North Shipley Street in Wilmington. Services include permanent supportive housing, case management, and resident programming. Fathers in the pipeline for units should bring photo ID, income verification, and referral paperwork from case managers or shelter partners to the intake appointment.

(302) 652-3991 · 613 N Shipley St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-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.