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 Idaho

12 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 Idaho

Idaho magistrate divisions handle custody matters within the district courts. The Child Support Services division within the Department of Health and Welfare runs enforcement. Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls are the largest cities. Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free family law help for eligible fathers statewide.

12 Resources

1. Idaho Housing & Finance Association — Free

Idaho's state housing finance agency, administering affordable housing programs, Section 8 rental assistance, homebuyer loans, and down-payment help. Fathers working toward stable housing or first-time homeownership can apply for programs through the Boise headquarters or online. Call during business hours to ask about current waitlists, income limits, and required documentation for your application.

208-331-4882 · 565 W Myrtle St, Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Boise City / Ada County Housing Authority — Free

Local public housing authority administering public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Boise and Ada County. Fathers can apply online when the waitlist is open, then complete an in-person income verification. Call the Orchard Street office for waitlist status and eligibility questions; expect to provide IDs for everyone in the household, income documents, and prior rental references.

208-345-4907 · 1001 S Orchard St, Boise, ID 83705 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Habitat for Humanity – Boise — Free

Affordable homeownership program for qualifying low- to moderate-income families in the Boise area. Selected fathers partner with Habitat by contributing sweat-equity hours, attending homeowner education, and paying an affordable mortgage. Call the Allumbaugh office or check the site for current application windows and income guidelines; both single-father households and two-parent families are eligible to apply.

208-381-0535 · 555 S Allumbaugh St, Boise, ID 83709 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

4. Community Action Partnership – Housing — Free

Southwest Idaho community action agency providing housing assistance including rent help, utility assistance, weatherization, and emergency shelter referrals. Based in Boise, the partnership serves low-income fathers and families across multiple counties. Call the office during business hours to ask about current programs, income limits, and required documents; appointments are generally required for intake.

208-345-2820 · Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Idaho Falls Housing Authority — Free

Public housing authority serving Idaho Falls with affordable housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Fathers seeking stable housing can apply when the waitlist is open and meet with staff at the Milligan office for eligibility screening. Call during business hours for waitlist status and program details; expect to provide IDs, proof of income, and prior landlord references at intake.

208-522-8225 · 1440 Milligan, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Nampa Housing Authority — Free

Local public housing authority administering public housing and rental assistance programs for Nampa residents. Fathers can apply online or in person when waitlists are open and meet with staff for income verification. Call the 19th Avenue office during business hours to check program availability and eligibility; expect to provide IDs for all household members, income documents, and rental history.

208-466-2653 · 211 19th Ave N, Nampa, ID 83687 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Pocatello Housing Authority — Free

Public housing authority for the Pocatello area, offering public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for qualifying low-income households. Fathers can apply when the waitlist is open and complete an in-person income and background screening. Call the Center Street office during business hours for waitlist status; expect to bring IDs, income documentation, and prior rental references to intake.

208-233-4726 · 200 E Center St, Pocatello, ID 83201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Lewiston Housing Authority — Free

Local housing authority for Lewiston, providing public housing units and rental assistance for qualifying low-income households in Nez Perce County. Fathers can apply when waitlists are open and meet with staff for income verification. Call the G Street office during business hours for program details and waitlist status; expect to provide IDs for all household members, income documents, and past rental references.

208-746-0736 · 1424 G St, Lewiston, ID 83501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. St. Vincent de Paul – Boise — Free

Catholic charity offering emergency rent and utility assistance plus transitional housing in Boise and surrounding communities. Fathers facing eviction, shut-off notices, or homelessness can call the Overland Road office during business hours to request help; intake typically requires proof of income, the notice or bill, and IDs. Services are offered regardless of religion, though funds and slots are limited.

208-377-0270 · 3209 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83705 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

10. Boise Rescue Mission – Housing — Free

Faith-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter and transitional housing for men, women, and families in the Boise area, including the New Life Program for longer-term stability. Fathers experiencing homelessness can walk in at the Main Street men's shelter any time, or call to ask about family housing at the mission's other sites. Shelter is free; a brief intake screening is required on arrival.

208-343-2389 · 308 E Main St, Boise, ID 83702 · 24/7

11. Interfaith Sanctuary – Boise — Free

Emergency overnight shelter in downtown Boise serving single adults and families experiencing homelessness, including fathers with children. The shelter provides beds, meals, showers, case management, and connections to housing programs. Intake typically opens in the evening; call the River Street office or visit the site for current hours and policies. Services are free; limited capacity, so arriving early is recommended.

208-424-0997 · 1620 W River St, Boise, ID 83702 · 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Habitat for Humanity – Magic Valley — Free

Affordable homeownership program for qualifying low- to moderate-income families in Twin Falls and the surrounding Magic Valley. Selected fathers partner with Habitat through sweat-equity hours, homeowner education, and an affordable mortgage on a Habitat-built home. Call the Twin Falls office for current application windows, income guidelines, and service area; single-father and two-parent households are both eligible to apply.

208-735-1233 · Twin Falls, ID 83301 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.