211 Montana

Housing & Financial · Montana · Free

Free, confidential statewide information and referral service connecting Montanans to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, healthcare, disability services, mental health, veterans benefits, and more. Fathers can call 211 or visit 211.org 24/7 to get a list of local resources tailored to their ZIP code. Specialists speak English and use translation for other languages, and calls are not recorded for immigration purposes.

Contact & Details

Phone: 211

Hours: 24/7

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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 Montana

Montana district courts handle family matters in each of its 56 counties across 22 judicial districts. The Child Support Services Division operates under DPHHS. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman are the largest cities. Montana Legal Services Association is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with extensive online self-help for pro se litigants.

More Housing & Financial in Montana

  • Montana Board of Housing — State housing finance agency administering affordable mortgage programs, down-payment assistance, Section 8 project-based rentals, and Low-I
  • Billings Housing Authority — Local public housing authority running Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing units for low-income renters in Billings and Yel
  • Missoula Housing Authority — Missoula's public housing authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and affordable developments for low-income resident
  • Salvation Army – Montana — Salvation Army corps across Montana provide emergency rent and utility assistance, shelter beds, food pantries, clothing, and case managemen
  • Habitat for Humanity – Montana — Habitat affiliates across Montana help income-qualified families purchase modest, affordable homes built partly with volunteer labor and pai
  • Great Falls Housing Authority — Great Falls Housing Authority operates public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and affordable rental developments for low-income residents of Ca

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.