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 Kansas

14 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 Kansas

Kansas district courts handle family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts. The Child Support Services division operates under the Department for Children and Families. Wichita, Kansas City KS, Overland Park, and Topeka are the largest cities. Kansas Legal Services provides statewide civil legal aid, with fathers' rights and family law among the top case types.

14 Resources

1. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation — Free

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation administers state affordable housing programs, rental assistance, homebuyer down-payment help, and foreclosure prevention across Kansas. Fathers seeking affordable rentals, first-time homebuyer support, or rental aid can apply through the website or by calling the Topeka office on S Kansas Ave. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, lease or mortgage documents, and household composition info to screening appointments. Most services are free to qualifying households.

785-217-2001 · 611 S Kansas Ave #300, Topeka, KS 66603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Wichita Housing Authority — Free

Wichita Housing Authority administers public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for income-qualifying residents of Wichita. Fathers can apply online or in person at the N Riverview office when waitlists are open. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documentation, and any current lease. Staff help with waitlist placement, eligibility verification, and voucher rules. Services are available weekdays for current participants and applicants.

316-462-3700 · 332 N Riverview, Wichita, KS 67203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Habitat for Humanity – Wichita — Free

Habitat for Humanity Wichita builds and sells affordable homes to income-qualifying families who partner with the organization through sweat equity and homebuyer education. Fathers interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner can attend an info session or apply through the S Broadway office. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and household composition information to the application meeting. The program includes a no-profit mortgage and ongoing support for new homeowners.

316-269-0755 · 120 S Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. United Way 211 – Kansas — Free

Dialing 211 connects Kansas callers 24/7 to a United Way information and referral specialist who can direct them to local housing, rent, utility, food, healthcare, and emergency assistance programs. Fathers facing eviction, utility shutoff, or other crises can call anonymously for referrals tailored to their county. The service is free and available in multiple languages. Specialists keep an updated database of Kansas nonprofits, faith-based programs, and government benefits.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Topeka Housing Authority — Free

Topeka Housing Authority administers public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for income-qualifying residents of Shawnee County. Fathers can apply in person at the SE California Ave office when waitlists are open, or online. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documentation, and any current lease. Staff assist with waitlist placement, eligibility, and voucher rules weekdays for applicants and participants.

785-357-8842 · 2010 SE California Ave, Topeka, KS 66607 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Community Action Agencies – Kansas — Free

The Kansas Association of Community Action Programs coordinates a statewide network of agencies providing emergency financial assistance, utility aid through LIHEAP, weatherization, Head Start, and housing support for low-income residents. Fathers can find their local agency through the Topeka association office or by calling for a referral. Bring photo ID, proof of income, utility bills, and lease or mortgage documents when applying. Services are free to qualifying households.

785-232-5363 · Topeka, KS 66603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Kansas City KS Housing Authority — Free

Kansas City Kansas Housing Authority administers public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for income-qualifying residents of Wyandotte County. Fathers can apply in person at the N 9th St office when waitlists are open, or online through the agency's website. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documentation, and any current lease. Staff assist with waitlist placement, eligibility, and voucher rules during weekday hours.

913-281-3300 · 1124 N 9th St, Kansas City, KS 66101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority — Free

Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority administers public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for income-qualifying residents of Douglas County. Fathers can apply in person at the Haskell Ave office when waitlists are open, or online. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documentation, and any current lease. Staff assist with waitlist placement, eligibility, and voucher rules weekdays and help residents understand tenant rights.

785-842-8110 · 1600 Haskell Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Habitat for Humanity – Topeka — Free

Habitat for Humanity Topeka builds and sells affordable homes to income-qualifying families in Shawnee County who partner through sweat equity and homebuyer education. Fathers interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner can attend an info session or apply through the SW 9th St office. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and household composition documentation. The program includes a no-profit mortgage, ongoing homeowner support, and classes on budgeting and home maintenance.

785-234-4322 · 420 SW 9th St, Topeka, KS 66612 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Johnson County Housing Authority — Free

Johnson County Housing Services administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and other affordable housing programs for income-qualifying residents of Johnson County. Fathers can apply through the Olathe office on S Sunset Dr when waitlists are open, or via the online portal. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documentation, and current lease information. Staff help with eligibility, waitlist placement, and voucher program rules during weekday office hours.

913-715-6600 · 11811 S Sunset Dr, Olathe, KS 66061 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Salina Housing Authority — Free

Salina Housing Authority administers public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for income-qualifying residents of the Salina area. Fathers can apply in person at the S 5th St office when waitlists are open. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documentation, and any current lease. Staff help with waitlist placement, eligibility, and voucher rules weekdays, plus programs for elderly and disabled residents.

785-827-0441 · 469 S 5th St, Salina, KS 67401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

12. Manhattan Housing Authority — Free

Manhattan Housing Authority administers public housing units and affordable housing programs for income-qualifying residents of the Manhattan area, including many military families from nearby Fort Riley. Fathers can apply in person at the N 4th St office when waitlists are open. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, income documentation, and any current lease. Staff assist with placement, eligibility, and program rules weekdays.

785-776-8588 · 300 N 4th St, Manhattan, KS 66502 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Inter-Faith Ministries – Wichita — Free

Inter-Faith Ministries of Wichita provides emergency rent, utility, and financial assistance for Sedgwick County residents facing eviction or utility shutoff, along with a food pantry and case management. Fathers can call or visit the N Market office weekdays to apply. Bring photo ID, proof of income, current lease or mortgage statement, and the shutoff or eviction notice. Assistance is limited per household per year, and staff may help connect callers to additional community resources.

316-264-9303 · 829 N Market, Wichita, KS 67214 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

14. ECKAN – East Central Kansas — Free

East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) is a community action agency serving northeast Kansas with housing assistance, utility aid through LIHEAP, weatherization, Head Start, and emergency financial help for low-income residents. Fathers can apply at the Ottawa office on Industrial Rd or through a county partner. Bring photo ID, proof of income, utility bills, and lease or mortgage documents. Services are free to qualifying households and are available weekdays.

785-242-7450 · 1000 Industrial Rd, Ottawa, KS 66067 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.