Wayside Christian Mission – Louisville

Housing & Financial · Kentucky · Free

Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and financial services for homeless and at-risk individuals and families in the Louisville area. Fathers facing homelessness can walk in at the Jefferson Street location for intake and safe housing. Services include meals, case management, and referrals to longer-term housing. Shelter is typically free for qualifying guests. Bring photo ID if available, though it is not required for emergency intake.

Contact & Details

Address: 432 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: 502-584-3711

Hours: 24/7 shelter

Visit Website

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 Kentucky

Kentucky family courts hear custody, visitation, and child support cases in most counties; the remaining counties use district or circuit court. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Child Support administers enforcement. Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Covington are the major metros. Legal Aid Society (Louisville/western), Kentucky Legal Aid, and Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD) cover the state.

More Housing & Financial in Kentucky

  • Kentucky Housing Corporation — State housing finance agency offering affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and homebuyer help to Kentuckians. Fathers may qualify
  • Louisville Metro Housing Authority — Local public housing agency providing public housing units and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance to Louisville-area residents. F
  • Lexington Housing Authority — Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income families in Lexington and Fayette County. Fathers can apply online or at t
  • Habitat for Humanity – Louisville — Affordable homeownership program for qualifying low-income Louisville-area families, built on sweat equity and no-profit mortgages. Fathers
  • Brighton Center – Northern KY — Community nonprofit providing housing assistance, financial coaching, workforce services, and family support to residents of northern Kentuc
  • United Way 211 – Kentucky — Dial 211 from anywhere in Kentucky for free referrals to housing, utility, food, emergency financial, and other local assistance programs. F

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.