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 New Jersey

15 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 New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

15 Resources

1. NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) — Free

State agency providing affordable housing programs, first-time homebuyer assistance, down payment and closing cost programs, and foreclosure rescue assistance for NJ residents. Located at 637 S Clinton Ave in Trenton. Call 609-278-7400 or email askstaff@njhmfa.gov Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. First-time buyers can access down payment assistance loans and below-market mortgage rates. Homeowners at risk of foreclosure can apply for rescue financing. Visit nj.gov/dca/hmfa for program eligibility details.

609-278-7400 · 637 S Clinton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. NJ Department of Community Affairs — Free

State department overseeing housing assistance, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, homelessness prevention, LIHEAP energy assistance, and community development programs across NJ. Located at 101 S Broad St in Trenton. Call 609-292-4080 or email customer.service@dca.nj.gov Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Administers the state's rental assistance program, weatherization aid, lead hazard removal, and neighborhood revitalization grants. Visit nj.gov/dca for complete program listings and eligibility criteria.

609-292-4080 · 101 S Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. La Casa de Don Pedro (Newark) — Free

HUD-certified housing counseling agency serving Newark since 1972 with pre-purchase homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, rental assistance counseling, and financial planning. Located at 317 Roseville Ave in Newark. Call 973-482-8312 or email info@lacasadedonpedro.org Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Services available in English and Spanish. Provides one-on-one housing counseling, group homebuyer workshops, and connections to down payment assistance programs for Newark-area residents.

973-482-8312 · 317 Roseville Ave, Newark, NJ 07107 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. NJ Citizen Action - Housing Counseling — Free

HUD-certified housing counseling organization offering pre-purchase homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, credit improvement, and budget counseling in English and Spanish. Located in Newark at 625 Broad St. Call 973-643-8800 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Certified counselors help NJ residents navigate homebuying, understand mortgage options, and avoid or recover from foreclosure. Free and low-cost services available. Serves clients across northern and central New Jersey.

973-643-8800 · 625 Broad St, Suite 270, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Isles Inc (Trenton) — Free

HUD-certified community development organization offering free homeownership counseling, foreclosure prevention, financial literacy workshops, and affordable housing development in central NJ. Located at 10 Wood St in Trenton. Call 609-341-4700 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Isles provides one-on-one counseling, group homebuyer classes, and connections to down payment assistance programs. Also develops and manages affordable rental and ownership housing units for low-income Trenton-area residents.

609-341-4700 · 10 Wood St, Trenton, NJ 08618 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Paterson Task Force for Community Action — Free

Passaic County community action agency providing HUD-certified housing counseling, emergency shelter referrals, temporary financial assistance, and family support services. Located at 191 Market St in Paterson. Call 973-279-2333 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Services include foreclosure prevention counseling, rental assistance, homebuyer education, and emergency utility assistance. Connects Passaic County residents to additional community resources including food, childcare, and employment services.

973-279-2333 · 191 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07505 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. HUD New Jersey Field Office — Free

Federal housing office for NJ overseeing public housing, Section 8 vouchers, Fair Housing enforcement, and Housing Counseling programs. Located at 1085 Raymond Blvd in Newark. Call 973-776-7200 Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm or 800-569-4287 for a HUD-approved housing counseling referral. File Fair Housing complaints, find approved counselors, or learn about FHA mortgage programs. Visit hud.gov for online resources and to locate NJ-specific housing assistance programs.

973-776-7200 · 1085 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. NJ Emergency Rental Assistance — Free

State-administered program providing emergency rental and mortgage assistance to NJ households experiencing financial hardship. Apply online at njerma.com or call 855-647-7700 Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm. Documentation needed includes proof of income, lease or mortgage statement, and documentation of hardship. Covers past due rent, utility arrears, and at-risk mortgage payments. Funds are limited and prioritized by need. Apply as soon as possible if facing eviction or foreclosure to protect your housing situation.

855-647-7700 · Apply online or call hotline · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Newark Housing Authority — Free

Public housing authority for Newark providing affordable housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income residents. Manages over 8,300 affordable units across the city. Located at 500 Broad St in Newark. Call 973-792-5830 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Apply for the waitlist at newarkha.org. Waitlists may be closed or have long wait times. Bring proof of income, identity, and residence history when applying. Provides affordable housing to working families, seniors, and individuals.

973-792-5830 · 500 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Jersey City Housing Authority — Free

Jersey City Housing Authority provides public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income Jersey City families and individuals. Located at 400 US Hwy 1 in Jersey City. Call 201-706-4600 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Apply for housing assistance and check waitlist status at jcha.us. Bring proof of income, identification, and household composition when applying. Waitlists may have extended wait times due to high demand for affordable housing in Hudson County.

201-706-4600 · 400 US Hwy 1, Jersey City, NJ 07306 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Catholic Charities of NJ – Emergency Assistance — Free

Catholic Charities of NJ provides emergency rent, utility, and food assistance for families in financial crisis across NJ dioceses, regardless of religion or background. Call 973-596-4100 to locate the nearest office. Multiple NJ locations; office hours vary by site. Services are open to anyone in need. Bring documentation of your housing situation, income, and the amount owed when seeking emergency rental or utility assistance. Food pantry services also available at many locations without income requirements.

973-596-4100 · Multiple NJ locations · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. St. Vincent de Paul – NJ Emergency Aid — Free

St. Vincent de Paul provides emergency rent, utility, and food assistance to NJ residents in need, regardless of religion or background. Local conferences operate across all NJ counties. Visit svdpusa.org to find the nearest NJ conference. Hours vary by local conference; most operate on weekday mornings. No income documentation typically required. Services are provided with dignity and without judgment. Volunteers assist with crisis needs and can connect families to longer-term community support resources.

Conferences statewide · Varies · Visit Website

13. Camden County Habitat for Humanity — Free

Camden County Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates affordable homes for qualifying families, offering 0% interest mortgages with affordable monthly payments. Located at 217 Market St in Camden. Call 856-966-0606 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Applicants must demonstrate need, willingness to partner including sweat equity hours, and ability to make steady mortgage payments. Applications open periodically. Income limits apply. ReStore discount home improvement store also open to the public.

856-966-0606 · 217 Market St, Camden, NJ 08102 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. NORWESCAP (Northwest NJ Community Action) — Free

Community action agency serving Warren, Hunterdon, and Sussex counties with housing assistance, weatherization programs, emergency financial aid, and utility assistance. Located in Phillipsburg at 350 Marshall St. Call 908-454-7000 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Services include emergency rent and utility assistance, LIHEAP heating fuel help, and home weatherization to reduce energy costs. Connects northwest NJ residents to food, employment, and childcare resources throughout the three-county service area.

908-454-7000 · 350 Marshall St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Bergen County Housing Authority — Free

Bergen County Housing Authority provides affordable housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Bergen County residents and families. Located at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack. Call 201-336-7600 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Apply for affordable housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers through the authority's waitlist. Bring identification, proof of income, and household composition to apply. Waitlist status and open enrollment periods are posted at co.bergen.nj.us/housing.

201-336-7600 · One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · 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.