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 Florida

19 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 Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

19 Resources

1. Florida DCF ACCESS — Food, Cash & Medical Assistance — Free

Florida's Department of Children and Families administers the ACCESS program, providing Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), SNAP food benefits, and Medicaid to low-income families and individuals. Fathers can apply online 24/7 through the MyACCESS portal at myaccess.myflfamilies.com or call (850) 300-4323 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Local DCF offices available throughout all 67 Florida counties. Income and household eligibility requirements apply.

(850) 300-4323 · Applications accepted online statewide; local DCF offices throughout Florida · Online portal available 24/7; Call center Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

2. Florida Housing Finance Corporation — Free

Florida's state housing finance agency administers statewide affordable housing programs including the Florida Assist Second Mortgage (up to

0,000 in down payment assistance at 0% interest) and the Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) for low-to-moderate income Floridians. Located at 227 N Bronough St, Suite 5000, Tallahassee. Call (850) 488-4197 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit floridahousing.org/programs to find participating lenders near you.

(850) 488-4197 · 227 N Bronough St, Suite 5000, Tallahassee, FL 32301 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

3. Florida LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance — Free

Administered by the Florida Department of Commerce, LIHEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling utility bills. Benefits range from $400 to

,350 for heating and cooling and up to ,000 for year-round crisis assistance. Call (850) 717-8450 for information. Administered through local community action agencies statewide. Cooling season runs April 1 to September 30, heating season October 1 to March 31, and crisis assistance is available year-round.

(850) 717-8450 · Administered through local community action agencies statewide · Mon-Fri; Cooling season Apr 1-Sep 30, Heating season Oct 1-Mar 31, Crisis year-round · Visit Website

4. Catholic Charities of Central Florida — Family Stability — Free

Family Stability Program provides homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services for families in the Orlando area. Eligible individuals may receive up to

,000 in rental assistance and up to $500 in utility assistance to prevent eviction or homelessness. Housing counseling also available. Located at 1771 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando. Call (407) 658-1818 Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit cflcc.org for income eligibility requirements and current program availability.

(407) 658-1818 · 1771 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32807 · Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

5. Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Miami — Emergency Financial Assistance — Free

Provides emergency financial assistance and referrals to individuals and families in Miami-Dade County to prevent homelessness, including short-term rental and utility assistance. Also operates St. Theresa Family Housing for employed families with children. Located at 1505 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors. Call (305) 883-4555 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit ccadm.org for income eligibility requirements and to learn about all available assistance programs in Miami-Dade.

(305) 883-4555 · 1505 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

6. The Salvation Army Florida — Emergency Financial Assistance — Free

Locations across Florida providing emergency financial help with rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills. Local Salvation Army corps also offer food, clothing, and case management services to families in need. Services and eligibility vary by location. Call 1-800-725-2769 to find the nearest Florida location. Visit salvationarmyusa.org/usa-southern-territory/florida for a directory of Florida corps and current program availability in your area.

1-800-725-2769 · Multiple locations statewide · Varies by location · Visit Website

7. Sulzbacher Center — Jacksonville Family Shelter — Free

Northeast Florida's largest provider of comprehensive homeless services, open 24/7/365. Serves men, women, and children together as families. Individual dorm rooms allow fathers and their children to stay as a family unit while receiving case management, employment assistance, and healthcare navigation. Located at 611 East Adams Street, Jacksonville. Call (904) 359-0457 or visit sulzbacherjax.org for intake information and current bed availability.

(904) 359-0457 · 611 East Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 · Open 24/7/365 · Visit Website

8. Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida — Orlando — Free

Serves an average of 500 homeless men, women, and children daily in Orlando. Provides emergency shelter, meals, showers, laundry, and intensive case management services. Connects families and single adults with rapid rehousing programs and stable housing pathways. Located at 18 North Terry Avenue, Orlando. Call (407) 652-5300 Mon-Fri 7 AM to 3 PM for intake. Visit centralfloridahomeless.org for current program details and availability.

(407) 652-5300 · 18 North Terry Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 · Intake Center: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Campus open daily · Visit Website

9. Metropolitan Ministries — Tampa Family Emergency Shelter — Free

Emergency shelter, food, case management, job assistance, and healthcare navigation for at-risk and homeless families in the Tampa Bay area. Fathers with children are accepted into the family programs. Located at 2301 N Tampa Street, Tampa. Call (813) 209-1200 for intake information. Family Support Center open Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM. Visit metromin.org for information on all available programs including emergency housing and food assistance for Tampa Bay families.

(813) 209-1200 · 2301 N Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602 · Family Support Center: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

10. Miami Rescue Mission — Men's Emergency Shelter — Free

214-bed men's emergency shelter open 24/7/365 in Miami providing food, clothing, and shelter along with a year-long residential Regeneration Program for men seeking recovery and self-sufficiency. Case managers connect residents with employment and stable housing. Located at 2159 NW 1st Court, Miami. Call (305) 571-2273 anytime. Visit miamirescuemission.com for intake information and more details on the long-term recovery and reintegration programs available.

(305) 571-2273 · 2159 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33127 · Open 24/7/365 · Visit Website

11. HUD-Approved Housing Counseling — Florida — Free

HUD-approved housing counselors throughout Florida provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, foreclosure prevention, mortgage defaults, and credit issues. Search by ZIP code at consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor to find the nearest certified agency. Hotline available Mon-Fri 8 AM to 8 PM ET at 1-855-411-2372. Services are provided statewide. A trusted free resource for fathers facing housing instability, eviction risk, or mortgage trouble.

1-855-411-2372 · Statewide — enter your ZIP code to find the nearest agency · Hotline: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST · Visit Website

12. Miami-Dade Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for low-income families in Miami-Dade County. Application and waitlist information available online at miamidade.gov/global/housing. Located at 701 NW 1st Ct, Miami. Call (786) 469-4100 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM to inquire about waitlist status. Income eligibility required. Fathers with dependent children may qualify for priority. Apply online when the waitlist is open.

(786) 469-4100 · 701 NW 1st Ct, Miami, FL 33136 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Jacksonville Housing Authority — Free

Provides public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance for low-income families in Duval County, Jacksonville. Manages over 3,600 housing units and 5,700 vouchers across the county. Located at 1300 Broad St, Jacksonville. Call (904) 630-3810 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Income eligibility required. Fathers with dependent children may qualify for housing priority. Check jha.com for current waitlist availability and how to apply.

(904) 630-3810 · 1300 Broad St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

14. Tampa Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income Tampa families. Administers Shimberg Estates, Oaks at Riverview, and other affordable housing communities across Hillsborough County. Located at 5301 W Cypress St, Tampa. Call (813) 253-0551 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Income eligibility required. Visit thafl.com for waitlist status and application information. Fathers with dependent children may qualify for housing priority consideration.

(813) 253-0551 · 5301 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Orlando Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs for qualifying low-income families in the Orlando area. Manages over 1,400 public housing units and 3,000+ vouchers. Located at 390 N Bumby Ave, Orlando. Call (407) 895-3300 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM for waitlist and application information. Income eligibility required. Fathers with dependent children may qualify for housing priority. Check orl-oha.com for current waitlist openings.

(407) 895-3300 · 390 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

16. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami — Free

Affordable homeownership through partner-built homes for qualifying low-income families in the Miami area. Homebuyers contribute sweat equity hours during construction and purchase homes at affordable prices with 0% interest mortgages. Located at 3800 NW 22nd Ave, Miami. Call (305) 634-3628 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM to learn about eligibility. Visit miamihabitat.org for current homeownership opportunities and application deadlines.

(305) 634-3628 · 3800 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County — Free

Builds affordable homes for qualifying families in the Tampa area through a partner-built model. The homeowner program includes financial literacy classes, credit counseling, and sweat equity construction hour requirements. Located at 3935 W Cypress St, Tampa. Call (813) 239-2242 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM to learn about current homeownership opportunities. Visit habitathillsborough.org for eligibility requirements and the next application period.

(813) 239-2242 · 3935 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

18. St. Vincent de Paul Society — Florida Emergency Assistance — Free

Catholic charity operating in parishes across Florida providing emergency financial help with rent, utilities, food, and prescription medications. Walk-in assistance available through local parish conferences statewide. Call (407) 893-8558 to find your nearest Florida conference. No fee to receive assistance. Services open to people of all faiths. Visit svdpusa.org to find your local St. Vincent de Paul conference location and hours in your area of Florida.

(407) 893-8558 · Statewide parish locations · Varies by location

19. Florida Hardest Hit Fund — Homeowner Assistance — Free

State-administered program providing mortgage payment assistance, principal reduction, and transition assistance for unemployed or underemployed Florida homeowners struggling due to financial hardship. Apply online or call (877) 863-5244 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 8 PM for eligibility information. Income and hardship documentation required. A resource for fathers at risk of losing their homes due to unemployment, underemployment, or other qualifying financial hardships in Florida.

(877) 863-5244 · Statewide — apply online · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm

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.