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.

Community Action Council of Howard County

Housing & Financial · Maryland · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr, Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21046

Phone: 410-313-6440

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

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 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.

More Housing & Financial in Maryland

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development — State agency offering affordable housing programs, down payment assistance, rental assistance, homebuyer education, and community developmen
Baltimore City Community Action Partnership — Baltimore's community action agency providing emergency rental assistance, utility help through the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, weat
Montgomery County DHHS - Housing Services — Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services housing assistance programs including emergency rental help, utility assistance, h
HUD Maryland Field Office — US Department of Housing and Urban Development field office overseeing public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, Fair
Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc (CHAI) - Baltimore — HUD-approved housing counseling agency serving Baltimore City and Baltimore County with first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure preventi
Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services - Housing — County DSS office administering emergency rental assistance, utility aid, and homelessness prevention for income-eligible Anne Arundel Count

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.