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 Nebraska

12 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 Nebraska

Nebraska district courts hear family matters in each of its 93 counties, with many counties using county court for paternity and child support. The Child Support Enforcement division operates under DHHS. Omaha and Lincoln dominate the state's population. Legal Aid of Nebraska is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid provider statewide.

12 Resources

1. Nebraska Investment Finance Authority — Free

Quasi-state agency administering affordable housing programs across Nebraska including first-time homebuyer loans, rental assistance partnerships, and low-income housing tax credit developments. The Lincoln office on O Street accepts calls and inquiries weekdays. Fathers exploring homeownership or seeking rental help can review program eligibility online and call to request referrals to participating lenders and property managers in their county.

402-434-3900 · 1230 O St #200, Lincoln, NE 68508 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Omaha Housing Authority — Free

Operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for low-income Omaha residents. Fathers can apply for the waitlist online or at the South 27th Street office during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and prior addresses. Waitlist times vary by program; check the website or call for current status and application opening notices.

402-444-6900 · 540 S 27th St, Omaha, NE 68105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Lincoln Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers for income-eligible Lincoln residents, including families headed by fathers with children in the home. The R Street office accepts applications during weekday business hours, though most waitlists require online submission. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and prior addresses. Call ahead to confirm open waitlists and program-specific income limits before applying.

402-434-5500 · 5700 R St, Lincoln, NE 68505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Habitat for Humanity – Omaha — Free

Omaha-area affiliate building affordable homes and selling them with zero-interest mortgages to qualifying working families, including father-led households. The North 24th Street office accepts homeownership program applications weekdays. Applicants must meet income guidelines, demonstrate ability to pay, and commit to sweat-equity hours. Call or visit the website to review eligibility, upcoming application windows, and required documentation.

402-457-5657 · 1701 N 24th St, Omaha, NE 68110 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Habitat for Humanity – Lincoln — Free

Lincoln-area Habitat affiliate partnering with qualifying working fathers and families to build and purchase affordable homes with zero-interest mortgages. The NW 48th Street office accepts homeownership inquiries weekdays. Applicants must meet income limits, show ability to pay, and complete sweat-equity volunteer hours. Call or visit the website to learn about upcoming application windows, required documents, and homebuyer education classes.

402-477-9184 · 4621 NW 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68524 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Catholic Charities – Emergency Housing — Free

Catholic Charities of Omaha offers emergency rental assistance, utility help, and case management for at-risk Nebraska families through its South 24th Street office. Fathers facing eviction or shutoff notices can call for screening during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, lease or utility statement, eviction or shutoff notice, proof of income, and any pay stubs. Availability of funding varies; call early in the month for best chances.

402-554-0520 · 2546 S 24th St, Omaha, NE 68108 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Grand Island Housing Authority — Free

Local housing authority administering public housing units and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for qualifying low-income Grand Island and Hall County residents. The office accepts applications during weekday business hours, though most waitlists require online submission. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, and proof of income. Call to confirm open waitlists and income limits before applying.

308-385-5406 · Grand Island, NE 68801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. North Platte Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and affordable rental programs for the North Platte area, including Section 8 vouchers where funded. The office accepts inquiries during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and prior address history when applying. Waitlists may be closed at times; call to confirm status and income limits before submitting an application. Fathers with dependents are eligible under standard rules.

308-532-2830 · North Platte, NE 69101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Fremont Housing Authority — Free

Local authority administering public housing units and rental assistance programs for low-income Fremont and Dodge County households. Office accepts applications during weekday business hours, often via mail or online as well. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, and proof of income. Call ahead to confirm open waitlists, income limits, and any preference categories that may apply to father-led families.

402-721-9177 · Fremont, NE 68025 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Kearney Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and affordable rental programs for Kearney-area residents, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers where available. The office accepts inquiries during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, and recent proof of income when applying. Waitlists may be closed at times; call ahead to confirm status, income limits, and whether the program accepts online applications.

308-234-1046 · Kearney, NE 68847 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Siena Francis House – Omaha — Free

Omaha's largest emergency homeless shelter, offering 24/7 intake, meals, case management, and supportive services including pathways into addiction recovery and permanent housing. The Nicholas Street campus accepts walk-ins around the clock. Fathers in crisis can come directly or be referred by law enforcement or other agencies. Bring photo ID if you have it. Services offered regardless of ability to pay; donations support operations.

402-341-1821 · 1702 Nicholas St, Omaha, NE 68102 · 24/7 · Visit Website

12. People's City Mission – Lincoln — Free

Lincoln's main emergency homeless shelter providing 24/7 intake, meals, medical clinic, and transitional housing for men, women, and families including fathers with children. Walk-ins accepted at the Q Street campus any hour. Case managers help guests rebuild housing, income, and recovery. Bring photo ID if you have it and ask about the family shelter wing if you have children with you. Services provided at no cost to guests.

402-475-1303 · 110 Q St, Lincoln, NE 68508 · 24/7 · 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.