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 Iowa

15 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 Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

15 Resources

1. Iowa Finance Authority — Free

State agency administering affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and first-time homebuyer help for Iowans. Programs include mortgage credit certificates, down payment assistance, and low-income housing tax credit properties. Fathers can call or visit the Des Moines office for program info and eligibility guidelines. Applications typically require photo ID, income documentation, and tax returns. Serves all 99 Iowa counties.

515-725-4900 · 1963 Bell Ave #200, Des Moines, IA 50315 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency — Free

Public housing authority operating apartments and administering Section 8 housing choice vouchers for Des Moines area residents. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income verification, and any existing lease info. Waitlists may apply depending on program. Preferences sometimes available for working families, veterans, or disabled applicants. Office located on East Euclid Avenue.

515-323-8950 · 100 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

3. Habitat for Humanity – Des Moines — Free

Nonprofit offering affordable homeownership opportunities for qualifying Polk County families through sweat-equity mortgages on newly built or rehabbed homes. Fathers apply online or by phone; approval requires steady income, a willingness to partner with build volunteers, and a housing need. Documents include photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and credit information. Applications open periodically; the office is on SW 9th Street in Des Moines.

515-471-8686 · 3501 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. United Way 211 – Iowa — Free

Dial 211 from anywhere in Iowa to reach United Way's 24/7 referral service connecting callers to housing assistance, utility help, food pantries, mental health providers, and other essential services. Specialists ask about location and need to match you to local programs. Fathers in financial crisis can call for eviction prevention, emergency shelter, or utility shut-off help. Service is free, confidential, and available day or night.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Community Action Agencies – Iowa — Free

Statewide network of community action agencies delivering emergency financial assistance, energy aid, food pantries, Head Start, and family support programs. Fathers in financial crisis can call to find the nearest local agency and learn about eligibility. Bring photo ID, proof of income, household composition, and utility or rent bills when applying. Most services are free for income-qualifying households. Main network office in Des Moines.

515-244-7277 · 1430 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Cedar Rapids Housing Authority — Free

Public housing authority for Cedar Rapids administering owned apartment communities and Section 8 housing choice vouchers. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and prior lease details. Waitlists may apply, with preferences sometimes available for working families or veterans. Applications accepted at the 6th Avenue SE office during weekday business hours. Free to apply.

319-286-5131 · 1837 6th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

7. Sioux City Housing Authority — Free

Public housing authority serving Sioux City with owned apartment units and Section 8 housing choice vouchers for income-eligible residents. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and prior lease details. Waitlists often apply with preferences sometimes given to working families, veterans, or the disabled. Applications taken at the 6th Street office during weekday business hours.

712-279-6346 · 405 6th St, Sioux City, IA 51101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Iowa City Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance for Iowa City and Johnson County residents including owned units and housing choice vouchers. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and any prior lease information. Waitlist policies vary by program, and preferences may apply for working families or veterans. Applications taken at the East Washington Street office during business hours.

319-356-5400 · 410 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Council Bluffs Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 voucher programs for Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County families. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and prior lease details. Waitlists may apply, with preferences sometimes given to working families or the disabled. Applications taken at the South 3rd Street office during weekday business hours. Serves southwest Iowa at no application cost.

712-328-4636 · 1228 S 3rd St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Waterloo Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rent assistance for Waterloo and Black Hawk County residents with owned apartments and Section 8 vouchers. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and existing lease information. Waitlists may apply and preferences sometimes go to working families or veterans. Applications taken at the Mulberry Street office during standard weekday business hours. Free to apply.

319-233-0419 · 620 Mulberry St, Waterloo, IA 50703 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Dubuque Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing programs for Dubuque residents including publicly owned apartments and Section 8 housing choice vouchers administered by the city. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documents, and prior lease information. Waitlists may apply with preferences sometimes available for working families or veterans. Applications accepted at the Central Avenue office during weekday hours.

563-557-7511 · 470 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Iowa LIHEAP – Energy Assistance — Free

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helping eligible Iowa households pay heating and cooling bills. Fathers can apply through their local community action agency between fall and spring with photo ID, Social Security cards, recent utility bills, and proof of income. One-time benefits are paid directly to the utility. State administration is in Des Moines with local intake sites in each county. Service is free to apply for.

515-281-0859 · 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

13. Habitat for Humanity – Cedar Rapids — Free

Nonprofit offering affordable homeownership for qualifying Cedar Rapids and Linn County families through sweat-equity mortgages on newly built or rehabbed homes. Fathers apply online or by phone; approval requires steady income, partnership in volunteer build hours, and a housing need. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and credit info. Applications open periodically. Office and ReStore located on 6th Street SW in Cedar Rapids.

319-365-0394 · 950 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

14. Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines — Free

Faith-based social service agency offering emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and basic needs, plus counseling, immigration, and refugee services. Fathers of any faith can call the Des Moines office for intake and should bring photo ID, proof of income, rent or utility bills, and a Social Security card. Assistance is limited and priority goes to families facing imminent eviction or shut-off. Serves central and southwest Iowa.

515-244-3761 · 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Davenport Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 housing choice vouchers for Iowa-side Quad Cities families in Davenport and Scott County. Fathers applying should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documents, and prior lease information. Waitlists may apply with preferences for working families or the disabled. Applications taken at the East 5th Street office during weekday business hours. Free to apply.

563-326-7813 · 330 E 5th St, Davenport, IA 52801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · 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.