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 Missouri

16 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 Missouri

Missouri circuit courts hear family matters through family court divisions in each of its 45 judicial circuits. The Family Support Division runs child support enforcement under DSS. Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia are the largest metros. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services cover the state.

16 Resources

1. Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) — Free

State housing finance agency offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, rental programs, and homebuyer education for Missouri residents across all income levels. Dads looking to buy or rent can use the website to find participating lenders and affordable developments. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and tax returns when applying for programs. The Kansas City office handles inquiries Monday through Friday during standard business hours with online application tools.

816-759-6600 · 920 Main St, Suite 1400, Kansas City, MO 64105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Missouri 2-1-1 — Free

Free statewide helpline connecting Missouri residents to housing assistance, utility help, food resources, and community services through trained call specialists. Dads in need of emergency rent, utility, or food support can call 211 from any Missouri phone. Specialists ask about the household situation and provide referrals to the nearest appropriate program. Service is available 24/7 with multilingual support. No identification is required to receive referrals.

211 · Statewide · 24/7

3. Metropolitan St. Louis Community Action Agency — Free

Community action agency serving St. Louis with emergency rental assistance, utility help, weatherization, and financial stability programs for qualifying low-income households. Dads can apply by phone or in person at the Overland office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, utility bills, and a rent ledger or lease. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours with appointment-based intake.

314-863-0015 · 2709 Woodson Rd, Overland, MO 63114 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City (CAAGKC) — Free

Kansas City community action agency providing emergency assistance, rental help, utility assistance, and self-sufficiency programs for qualifying low-income households. Dads can apply by phone or in person at the Baltimore Avenue office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills, and lease or rent ledger to intake. Appointments are typically required. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-358-6868 · 1009 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Community Partnership of the Ozarks (Springfield) — Free

Community action agency serving southwest Missouri with housing assistance, utility help, financial counseling, and family support programs for qualifying low-income households. Dads can apply by phone or at the Jefferson Avenue office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and utility or rent bills to intake. Appointments are typically required. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

417-888-2020 · 330 N Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. HUD Missouri Field Office — Free

Federal housing office overseeing public housing, Section 8, Fair Housing, and Housing Counseling programs in Missouri, based in Kansas City, Kansas but serving the state. Dads can contact the office for housing counseling referrals, fair housing complaints, and information about federal programs. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are preferred. The office is open Monday through Friday until 4:30 pm. Most direct assistance comes from local partner agencies.

816-329-6200 · 400 State Ave, Suite 200, Kansas City, KS 66101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Beyond Housing (St. Louis) — Free

HUD-approved housing counseling agency providing homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and community development services in the St. Louis region for qualifying families. Dads can schedule counseling by phone. Bring photo ID, proof of income, tax returns, mortgage statements, and any foreclosure notices to the appointment. Most services are free. The Wright Way office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours with flexible scheduling for working parents.

314-533-0600 · 6506 Wright Way, St. Louis, MO 63121 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Habitat for Humanity - St. Louis — Paid

Builds and rehabilitates affordable homes for qualifying St. Louis families through sweat equity, affordable mortgages, and homebuyer education. Dads interested in becoming homeowners can apply through the website. Eligibility requires steady income, ability to complete sweat-equity hours, and ability to make an affordable mortgage payment. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and tax returns to intake. The South Grand office operates Monday through Friday during business hours.

314-371-0400 · 3830 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Habitat for Humanity - Kansas City — Paid

Builds affordable homes for qualifying Kansas City families and offers homebuyer education, repair programs, and ReStore discounted building materials. Dads can apply for homeownership through the website. Eligibility requires steady income, ability to complete sweat-equity hours, and ability to afford an affordable mortgage. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and tax returns to intake. The Linwood Boulevard office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-924-1096 · 1423 E Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64109 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph — Free

Emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and basic needs for Kansas City-area families in crisis, serving people of all faiths regardless of religion. Dads can call to inquire about available funds and eligibility. Assistance is limited and typically requires photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and a bill or eviction notice. The Central Avenue office operates Monday through Friday until 4:30 pm.

816-221-4377 · 2220 Central Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Catholic Charities of St. Louis — Free

Emergency financial assistance including rent, utilities, and food for St. Louis-area families experiencing hardship, serving people of all faiths regardless of religion. Dads can call to inquire about available funds and eligibility. Assistance is limited and typically requires photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and a current bill or eviction notice. The Lindell Boulevard office operates Monday through Friday until 4:30 pm.

314-367-5500 · 4532 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Salvation Army Midland Division (Missouri) — Free

Emergency assistance with rent, utilities, and food through multiple Missouri locations, also operating shelters and transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. Dads can call the state office to find the nearest program. Assistance typically requires photo ID, proof of income, Social Security cards for household members, and a current bill or eviction notice. Local offices generally operate Monday through Friday during business hours with specific intake days.

816-756-5392 · Multiple Missouri locations · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

13. St. Patrick Center (St. Louis) — Free

St. Louis' largest provider of homelessness prevention and housing services, offering emergency assistance, case management, employment services, and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Dads in housing crisis can walk in or call for intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any paperwork documenting the housing situation. The Tucker Boulevard office operates Monday through Friday until 4:30 pm.

314-802-0700 · 800 N Tucker Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. Mattie Rhodes Center (Kansas City) — Free

Kansas City community center offering emergency rent and utility assistance, financial literacy, and family support services for Westside and citywide families. Dads can inquire about assistance and classes at the Jefferson Street office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and any relevant bills or notices to intake. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours and primarily serves Latino and working-class families.

816-241-3780 · 1740 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64108 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Missouri LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance) — Free

Federal program administered by Missouri DSS helping low-income households pay heating and cooling costs through seasonal applications, with Energy Crisis Intervention available year-round. Dads can apply online or at the local Family Support Division office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and recent utility bills to intake. Offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours with statewide coverage.

855-373-4636 · Apply at local FSD office · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Empower Missouri — Free

Statewide anti-poverty advocacy organization connecting low-income Missourians to housing resources, public benefits, and financial assistance programs through its network and policy work. Dads can use the website and helpline to find local resources and learn about benefit rights. Empower Missouri primarily advocates rather than providing direct services. The Jefferson City office handles inquiries Monday through Friday during business hours with statewide reach.

573-634-2901 · Jefferson City, MO · 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.