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 Illinois

18 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 Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

18 Resources

1. Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) — Free

State agency administering affordable housing programs including rental assistance, down payment assistance, and foreclosure prevention across Illinois. IHDA manages the Illinois Rental Payment Program, first-time homebuyer assistance, and housing counseling network. Fathers at risk of eviction or foreclosure, or looking to purchase a home, can visit ihda.org to find a local housing counselor and learn about available financial assistance programs.

312-836-5200 · 111 E Wacker Dr, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) — Free

Manages public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program in Chicago for low-income families. CHA provides subsidized apartments and rental vouchers allowing families to rent from private landlords. Wait lists are often long, so apply as early as possible. Fathers seeking affordable housing in Chicago can visit thecha.org to check wait list status, find public housing communities, and learn about eligibility requirements.

312-742-8500 · 60 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago — Free

Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental assistance, and comprehensive family support services across Cook and Lake counties. Catholic Charities operates a network of service centers throughout the Chicago archdiocese. Fathers in housing crisis can call 312-655-7700 or visit a nearby service center to learn about emergency shelter availability, rental assistance programs, and supportive services for stabilizing family situations.

312-655-7700 · 721 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division (Chicago) — Free

Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental and utility assistance, food pantries, and family support services throughout metropolitan Chicago. The Salvation Army operates family service centers across the city and suburbs. Fathers in crisis can call or walk in to a local corps location to request emergency food, shelter, or financial assistance. Services are available regardless of religion or background.

773-725-1100 · 5040 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

5. LIHEAP - Illinois Energy Assistance Program — Free

Federally funded program providing heating and cooling bill payment assistance to income-eligible Illinois households. LIHEAP helps low-income families avoid utility shutoffs during winter and summer months. Applications open seasonally through local community action agencies. Fathers should contact their local DHS office or community action agency to apply. Bring recent utility bills, proof of income, and household identification documents to your appointment.

1-877-411-9276 · 208 S LaSalle St, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60604 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm (seasonal) · Visit Website

6. Illinois DHS - Emergency Assistance — Free

Provides emergency cash assistance, SNAP benefits, medical assistance, and referrals to supportive services for families in crisis. Illinois DHS operates local Family Community Resource Centers across all 102 counties. Fathers facing sudden financial hardship, job loss, or housing instability can visit the nearest DHS office or apply online through the ABE portal. Bring identification, proof of income, and documentation of your current situation.

1-800-843-6154 · 401 S Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60607 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Habitat for Humanity Chicago — Free

Builds and rehabilitates affordable homes in Chicago neighborhoods. Qualifying low-income families invest sweat equity hours and purchase homes with affordable no-interest or low-interest mortgages. Habitat Chicago focuses on communities on the West and South sides. Fathers seeking a path to homeownership can visit habitatchicago.org or call 312-563-0296 to learn about current home availability and how to apply for the homeownership program.

312-563-0296 · 1100 W Cermak Rd, Suite 404, Chicago, IL 60608 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Working Credit NFP — Free

Provides free one-on-one financial coaching, credit building workshops, and debt management counseling for low- and moderate-income workers in Chicago. Working Credit NFP helps clients improve credit scores, pay down debt, and build financial stability through personalized coaching and educational workshops. Fathers looking to improve their credit after a divorce, job loss, or financial setback can call to schedule a free initial coaching session.

312-662-2082 · 222 N LaSalle St, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. All Chicago Making Homelessness History — Free

Coordinates Chicago's homelessness prevention system providing emergency rental assistance, rapid rehousing, and system-wide planning to end homelessness in Chicago. All Chicago administers funds to local agencies that provide direct rental assistance and supportive services. Fathers at imminent risk of eviction can call 211 or visit allchicago.org to find connected agencies offering emergency rental help and rapid rehousing support.

312-379-0301 · 651 W Washington Blvd, Suite 504, Chicago, IL 60661 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Heartland Human Care Services — Free

Offers housing assistance, refugee services, workforce development, and family support programs serving immigrants and low-income residents across Chicagoland. Heartland Human Care Services provides intensive case management, transitional housing, employment coaching, and financial literacy to help families achieve stability. Fathers who are immigrants, refugees, or facing housing instability in Chicago can call 773-751-7760 to inquire about available programs and eligibility.

773-751-7760 · 208 S LaSalle St, Suite 1818, Chicago, IL 60604 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) — Free

Provides utility bill assistance, weatherization, housing counseling, and emergency services for low-income Cook County residents. CEDA operates across Cook County outside the City of Chicago, helping families with heating and cooling assistance, home weatherization improvements, and emergency food and financial aid. Fathers in suburban Cook County can call or visit a local CEDA office to apply for utility assistance and learn about other available services.

708-795-8777 · 208 S LaSalle St, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60604 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Springfield Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income families in the Springfield area. SHA provides subsidized housing at multiple developments and rental vouchers for use with private landlords throughout Sangamon County. Fathers seeking affordable housing in Springfield can visit the office at 200 N 11th St to apply, check wait list status, and learn about income eligibility requirements.

217-753-5757 · 200 N 11th St, Springfield, IL 62703 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Rockford Housing Authority — Free

Provides public housing and rental assistance vouchers for low-income families and individuals in the Rockford metropolitan area. RHA manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers throughout Winnebago County. Fathers seeking affordable housing in Rockford can contact the authority to apply for assistance, check eligibility, and learn about current wait list openings. Bring income documentation and identification when applying.

815-489-8500 · 223 S Winnebago St, Rockford, IL 61102 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. Peoria Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs for income-eligible families in the Peoria area. PHA manages public housing communities and Section 8 vouchers throughout the greater Peoria region. Fathers in need of affordable housing can visit the office at 100 S Richard Pryor Place to learn about eligibility requirements, apply for assistance, and check the status of wait lists currently accepting applications.

309-676-8736 · 100 S Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, IL 61605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Housing Authority of Joliet — Free

Provides affordable public housing and rental assistance programs for low-income families in the Joliet area of Will County. HAJ manages public housing developments and administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for Will County residents. Fathers seeking affordable housing in the Joliet area can contact the authority to apply, check income eligibility limits, and learn about current wait list availability for housing assistance programs.

815-727-0611 · 6 S Broadway, Joliet, IL 60436 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

16. United Way of Illinois 211 — Free

Statewide 211 helpline connecting callers to local housing assistance, utility aid, food pantries, and other essential services across Illinois. Simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone to reach a trained community navigator who can identify local resources based on your specific needs and location. Available 24/7, the service is free and confidential. Fathers in any Illinois county can call 211 to find help with housing, food, transportation, childcare, and more.

211 · Statewide · 24/7 · Visit Website

17. IFF (Illinois Facilities Fund) — Free

Nonprofit community development financial institution providing affordable housing financing and community facility loans across Illinois. IFF provides capital to nonprofits and developers to build and preserve affordable housing statewide. While primarily a lender to organizations, IFF's projects create the affordable housing units that low-income families benefit from. Their website includes resources on affordable housing advocacy and policy in Illinois.

312-629-0060 · 1 N LaSalle St, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

18. Housing Action Illinois — Free

Statewide coalition advocating for affordable housing policies and connecting residents with housing counseling agencies and foreclosure prevention resources across Illinois. Housing Action Illinois maintains a network of HUD-approved housing counselors who provide free or low-cost assistance with mortgage default, rental issues, and homebuyer education. Fathers facing foreclosure or eviction can visit housingactionil.org to find a nearby counselor.

312-939-6074 · 67 E Madison St, Suite 1603, Chicago, IL 60603 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.