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 Maine

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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

15 Resources

1. MaineHousing — Free

State housing finance agency offering affordable rental programs, Section 8 vouchers, homebuyer mortgages, and home energy assistance. Fathers can call 207-626-4600 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit mainehousing.org to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for the household, recent pay stubs, and proof of residency. Programs are income-based and coordinate with local housing authorities and Community Action Programs statewide.

207-626-4600 · 353 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Portland Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income Portland residents. Fathers can call 207-773-4753 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm or visit the Baxter Boulevard office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, and income documentation. Waiting lists may apply, but preferences exist for veterans, homeless families, and those displaced by emergencies.

207-773-4753 · 14 Baxter Blvd, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

3. Salvation Army – Maine — Free

Emergency rent, utility, food, and shelter assistance through local Salvation Army corps offices statewide. Fathers can call the Portland office at 207-774-6304 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm for appointments. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, lease or utility shutoff notice, and proof of income. Funding is limited and typically distributed on a first-come basis, so early contact improves the chance of help.

207-774-6304 · 297 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

4. Habitat for Humanity – Maine — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities for income-eligible families across Maine through sweat equity, no-interest mortgages, and volunteer-built homes. Fathers can call the Portland office at 207-772-2151 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to learn about application cycles in their area. Bring photo ID, income documentation, and credit information. Habitat also operates ReStore thrift locations whose sales support home construction.

207-772-2151 · 658 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. 211 Maine — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 referral service connecting Maine residents with housing, utility, food, health, and emergency assistance programs. Fathers in crisis can dial 211 or visit 211maine.org any time of day. Trained specialists ask about the situation and location, then provide tailored referrals to nearby agencies. The service is free, multilingual, and works for unsheltered residents, veterans, families, and seniors.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Community Action Agencies – Maine — Free

Statewide network of nine Community Action Programs providing emergency rent, utility, fuel, and food assistance, plus Head Start, weatherization, and financial coaching. Fathers can call 207-622-3801 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit mecap.org to find the local agency serving their county. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for the household, income proof, and any bills or shutoff notices to intake.

207-622-3801 · Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Bangor Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income Bangor residents. Fathers can call 207-942-6365 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm or visit the Davis Road office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates for all household members, and income documentation. Preferences may apply for veterans, elderly, and disabled applicants. Waiting lists can be long, so early application is encouraged.

207-942-6365 · 161 Davis Rd, Bangor, ME 04401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Lewiston Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Lewiston residents. Fathers can call 207-784-7351 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm or visit the College Street office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates for all household members, income documentation, and any eviction history. Waiting lists apply, but preferences may exist for veterans, working families, and displaced households.

207-784-7351 · 1 College St, Lewiston, ME 04240 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. South Portland Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing programs for income-eligible residents of South Portland, including public housing units and rental assistance. Fathers can call 207-773-4140 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm or visit the Waterman Drive office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates for the household, income documentation, and rental history. Waiting lists apply, and preferences may be given to displaced or working families.

207-773-4140 · 100 Waterman Dr, South Portland, ME 04106 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Biddeford Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance programs for low-income Biddeford residents. Fathers can call 207-284-4169 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm or visit the Bradbury Street office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates for all household members, and income documentation. Waiting lists apply; preferences may exist for veterans, elderly, disabled, and working families. Staff can explain fair housing rights and grievance procedures.

207-284-4169 · 30 Bradbury St, Biddeford, ME 04005 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

11. Augusta Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 voucher programs serving low-income Augusta residents. Fathers can call 207-626-2357 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm or visit the Stone Street office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates for all household members, and income documentation. Waiting lists apply; preferences may be offered to veterans, elderly, disabled, and families facing displacement. Staff assist with applications in person.

207-626-2357 · 24 Stone St, Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Penquis – Emergency Assistance — Free

Community Action Program serving Penobscot and Piscataquis counties with emergency fuel, rent, utility, and food assistance plus long-term case management. Fathers can call 207-973-3500 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Harlow Street office in Bangor. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for the household, income proof, and any shutoff notices or rental arrears documentation. Services are income-based and funding is often limited seasonally.

207-973-3500 · 262 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. LIHEAP – Maine Fuel Assistance — Free

Federally funded heating fuel assistance for low-income Maine households, administered through local Community Action Programs. Fathers can call 800-452-4668 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to locate the intake agency serving their county. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income for the prior 90 days, heating bills, and lease or mortgage statements. The program typically opens in the fall and runs while funding lasts.

800-452-4668 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Westbrook Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing and Section 8 voucher programs for low-income Westbrook residents. Fathers can call 207-854-9779 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm or visit the Liza Harmon Drive office to apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates for all household members, and income documentation. Waiting lists apply; preferences may be available for veterans, elderly, disabled, and families facing displacement. Staff can assist with accessibility accommodations.

207-854-9779 · 30 Liza Harmon Dr, Westbrook, ME 04092 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. York County Community Action – Housing — Free

Housing assistance, homelessness prevention, and emergency rental help for York County residents through the local Community Action Program. Fathers can call 207-324-5762 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Spruce Street office in Sanford. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for the household, income documentation, lease, and any shutoff or eviction notices. Staff also help connect clients to fuel assistance and Head Start programs.

207-324-5762 · 6 Spruce St, Sanford, ME 04073 · 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.