Housing & Financial in Maryland

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 Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

15 Resources

1. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development — Free

State agency offering affordable housing programs, down payment assistance, rental assistance, homebuyer education, and community development financing for Maryland residents. Administers the Maryland Mortgage Program for first-time buyers and SmartBuy for buyers with student debt. Applicants apply through approved lenders or housing counselors. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of residence when applying. Many programs have income limits; check eligibility on the DHCD website before applying.

410-514-7000 · 7800 Harkins Rd, Lanham, MD 20706 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Baltimore City Community Action Partnership — Free

Baltimore's community action agency providing emergency rental assistance, utility help through the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, weatherization, and financial stability programs for low-income city residents. Applicants schedule intake at one of the city's Community Action Centers and bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income (30-60 days of pay stubs), a lease or utility bill, and any eviction notices. Services are free for eligible Baltimore households.

410-396-5555 · 417 E Fayette St, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21202 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Montgomery County DHHS - Housing Services — Free

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services housing assistance programs including emergency rental help, utility assistance, homelessness prevention, and housing stabilization for eligible residents. Applicants call 311 or visit a county service center for intake. Bring photo ID, proof of income, a lease or utility bill, and any eviction notice. Services are free for qualifying Montgomery County households; income limits and program availability vary, so call in advance to confirm eligibility.

240-773-3556 · 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20852 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Community Action Council of Howard County — Free

HUD-approved housing counseling and emergency assistance agency serving Howard County residents with emergency rental assistance, utility help through MEAP, Head Start, food pantry, and financial coaching. Applicants schedule intake by phone and bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income like pay stubs, a lease or utility bill, and any eviction notice. Services are free for eligible low-income Howard County households; income limits apply for each program.

410-313-6440 · 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr, Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21046 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. HUD Maryland Field Office — Free

US Department of Housing and Urban Development field office overseeing public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, Fair Housing, and approved housing counseling agencies in Maryland. Does not assist individuals directly with applications; residents apply for housing through their local Public Housing Agency. The field office handles complaints, inspections, and fair housing matters. Maryland residents can call or visit the HUD website to find nearby PHAs and approved counseling agencies.

410-962-2520 · 10 S Howard St, Suite 5600, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc (CHAI) - Baltimore — Free

HUD-approved housing counseling agency serving Baltimore City and Baltimore County with first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, financial counseling, and senior home repair. Also develops and manages affordable housing. Services are generally free; sessions are by appointment. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and any mortgage or lease documents. Serves households of all ages and incomes; some programs are targeted at seniors or first-time buyers.

410-500-5030 · 5809 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services - Housing — Free

County DSS office administering emergency rental assistance, utility aid, and homelessness prevention for income-eligible Anne Arundel County residents. Applicants call or walk in for intake and bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income (pay stubs or benefit letters), a lease or utility bill, and any eviction or shut-off notice. Services are free for qualifying households; income limits vary by program. Referrals to partner nonprofits may be offered for additional help.

410-269-4500 · 80 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

8. Frederick County Community Action Agency — Free

HUD-approved community action agency providing emergency rental assistance, utility help through MEAP, weatherization, financial education, and Head Start for low-income Frederick County residents. Intake is by appointment; applicants bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income like pay stubs, a lease or utility bill, and any eviction or shut-off notice. Services are free for eligible households; income limits apply and program availability varies by season and funding.

301-600-1506 · 100 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Salvation Army Central Maryland - Housing Assistance — Free

Provides emergency rent and utility assistance, transitional housing, shelter, and case management for low-income families and individuals across central Maryland through multiple service centers. Applicants call the local service center or visit during intake hours and bring photo ID, proof of income, a lease or utility bill, and any eviction or shut-off notice. Services are free for eligible residents; funding availability varies, so calling ahead to confirm appointment availability is recommended.

410-235-8935 · 4700 Smith Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

10. Catholic Charities of Baltimore - Housing Services — Free

Provides transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, homeless outreach, emergency financial assistance, and case management across the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Serves all faiths; services are targeted at low-income and homeless individuals and families. Intake is by phone or at a service center; bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and any eviction or shelter paperwork. Most services are free for eligible residents. Programs may have waitlists due to demand across the Baltimore region.

667-600-2000 · 320 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Harford County Housing Agency — Free

County housing agency administering the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, public housing, and housing counseling for low-income Harford County residents. Applicants apply to the voucher waitlist when open and must bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and residency documents. Waitlists may be closed periodically; check the agency website or call before applying. Serves eligible Harford County households; selection follows federal HUD priority rules.

410-638-3045 · 15 S Main St, Suite 101, Bel Air, MD 21014 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

12. Housing Authority of the City of Frederick — Free

Public housing agency administering federal public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities in the City of Frederick. Waitlists may be open or closed at different times; check the agency website or call before applying. Applicants bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, pay stubs or benefit letters, and proof of residency. Eligibility follows federal HUD income and household composition rules.

301-662-8173 · 110 E All Saints St, Frederick, MD 21701 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Maryland CASH Campaign — Free

Statewide nonprofit providing free tax preparation through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, financial education, and individual development accounts for low- and moderate-income Marylanders. VITA sites across the state prepare returns at no cost for eligible households. Tax filers bring photo ID, Social Security cards for everyone on the return, W-2s, 1099s, and last year's return. Check the website or call 211 to find the nearest Maryland VITA site and schedule an appointment.

410-234-8008 · 401 E Pratt St, Suite 2232, Baltimore, MD 21202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Hagerstown Housing Authority — Free

Public housing agency providing affordable rental housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities in Hagerstown and Washington County. Waitlists may be open or closed at different times; check the agency website or call before applying. Applicants bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, pay stubs or benefit letters, and proof of residency. Eligibility follows federal HUD income and household composition rules.

301-733-6911 · 35 W Baltimore St, Hagerstown, MD 21740 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center (Baltimore) — Free

Baltimore nonprofit providing HUD-approved housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, fair housing advocacy, affordable home rentals and sales, and home repair assistance for low- and moderate-income residents across the Baltimore region. Services are generally free for eligible households. Intake is by phone; bring photo ID, Social Security card, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and any mortgage or lease paperwork. Serves homeowners, renters, and prospective buyers of all backgrounds.

410-366-8550 · 321 E 25th St, Baltimore, MD 21218 · 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.