Hennepin County Emergency Assistance

Housing & Financial · Minnesota · Free

Financial help for rent, utilities, and emergency housing for Hennepin County residents facing crisis from the Portland Avenue service center in Minneapolis. Funds limited; apply in person or online. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for household, pay stubs, past-due notices, lease, and any eviction paperwork. Free services for income-eligible households facing imminent loss of housing.

Contact & Details

Address: 525 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Phone: 612-596-1300

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

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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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

More Housing & Financial in Minnesota

  • Minnesota Housing Finance Agency — State agency administering affordable housing, rental assistance, homebuyer loans, and homeowner education programs from the Wabasha Street
  • Ramsey County Emergency Assistance — Emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and basic needs for Ramsey County households facing crisis from the Kellogg Boulevard of
  • CommonBond Communities — Affordable housing developer and service provider with apartment communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, headquartered on Kellogg
  • Salvation Army – Minnesota Housing — Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rent/utility assistance from the Harbor Light Center in downtown Minneapolis and other Twin Cit
  • Greater Minnesota Housing Fund — Nonprofit that finances and supports affordable housing development across greater Minnesota from the Minnesota Street office in St. Paul. P
  • Simpson Housing Services — Emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and street outreach for homeless adults and families in Minneapolis from the 1st Avenue Sou

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.