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 Mexico

13 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 Mexico

New Mexico district courts handle divorce and custody in each of its 13 judicial districts. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under HSD. Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe are the largest cities. New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid organization.

13 Resources

1. NM Mortgage Finance Authority — Free

State agency administering affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and homebuyer help across New Mexico. MFA offers down-payment assistance, low-rate mortgages, and emergency rent programs that benefit fathers and families. Visit 344 4th St SW in Albuquerque, call 505-843-6880 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or review eligibility at housingnm.org. Income limits apply.

505-843-6880 · 344 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Albuquerque Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs for low-income residents of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. The authority manages waitlists, inspections, and tenant services for fathers and families at 1840 University Blvd SE. Call 505-764-3920 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit abqha.org to check waitlist status and application openings. Income limits apply.

505-764-3920 · 1840 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. NM Human Services Dept – Emergency Assistance — Free

Emergency financial help for rent, utilities, and basic needs administered by the NM Human Services Department. Dads facing eviction, utility shutoff, or food insecurity can ask about TANF, LIHEAP, SNAP, and other safety-net programs. Visit 2009 S Pacheco St in Santa Fe or call 800-283-4465 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Apply online at hsd.state.nm.us with income verification.

800-283-4465 · 2009 S Pacheco St, Santa Fe, NM 87505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Salvation Army – New Mexico — Free

Emergency rent, utility, and shelter assistance for New Mexico families, along with food pantries, case management, and holiday programs. Dads in crisis can walk into 4301 Bryn Mawr Dr NE in Albuquerque or call 505-881-4292 Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm to ask about current funding. Support is need-based and typically requires identification and proof of the emergency.

505-881-4292 · 4301 Bryn Mawr Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

5. Habitat for Humanity – NM — Free

Affordable homeownership program for qualifying New Mexico families, built on sweat equity, no-profit mortgages, and volunteer construction. Fathers working toward stable housing can apply through the Albuquerque office at 4900 Menaul Blvd NE. Call 505-359-2427 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm or visit habitatabq.org. Applicants need steady income, willingness to partner, and housing need.

505-359-2427 · 4900 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. United Way 211 – New Mexico — Free

Dial 211 for free, confidential referrals to housing, emergency rent help, food pantries, and other community assistance across New Mexico. Trained specialists match callers with local nonprofit, state, and federal programs. The service runs 24/7 and is available in English, Spanish, and through interpreters. Dads can also visit 211.org to search a statewide database of verified resources.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Las Cruces Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County. The authority maintains waitlists and handles inspections, re-certifications, and tenant services from 926 S San Pedro St. Fathers can call 575-528-2000 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit las-cruces.org for application windows and eligibility. Income limits apply to all programs.

575-528-2000 · 926 S San Pedro St, Las Cruces, NM 88001 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Santa Fe Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing and voucher programs for Santa Fe residents, including public housing units, Section 8, and special-purpose vouchers. The authority operates from 664 Alta Vista St. Fathers can call 505-988-2859 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm to check waitlist status, request applications, or ask about reasonable accommodations. Income eligibility and background verification apply.

505-988-2859 · 664 Alta Vista St, Santa Fe, NM 87505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Roadrunner Food Bank – Emergency Aid — Free

Emergency food assistance and nutrition support statewide through Roadrunner's network of partner pantries, mobile distributions, and child-feeding programs. Dads can find local distributions by visiting 5840 Office Blvd NE in Albuquerque, calling 505-247-2052 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or using the locator at rrfb.org. Services are free to households needing food assistance.

505-247-2052 · 5840 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Farmington Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing programs for the Four Corners region, administering public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Farmington and northwest New Mexico residents. Fathers facing housing instability can call 505-599-1340 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit fmtn.org to check waitlist openings and download applications. Income limits, background checks, and documentation requirements apply.

505-599-1340 · Farmington, NM 87401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Rio Rancho Housing Programs — Free

Housing assistance and affordable housing initiatives in Sandoval County, run by the City of Rio Rancho and partner agencies. Programs may include down-payment help, rental support, and referrals for qualifying fathers and families. Call 505-891-5003 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit rrnm.gov for current program details. Eligibility is typically tied to household income.

505-891-5003 · Rio Rancho, NM 87124 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Hobbs Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers for residents of Lea County, covering Hobbs and surrounding southeast New Mexico communities. The authority manages waitlists, inspections, and re-certifications for qualifying fathers and families. Call 575-393-2344 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit hobbsnm.org. Applications require ID, income documentation, and background screening consistent with HUD rules.

575-393-2344 · Hobbs, NM 88240 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. St. Vincent de Paul – Albuquerque — Free

Emergency rent, utility, and food assistance for Albuquerque families in crisis, delivered by parish-based volunteers and staff. St. Vincent de Paul prioritizes one-time help that prevents eviction or utility disconnection for fathers and families. Walk in to 4000 Copper Ave NE or call 505-346-3543 Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm. Bring ID and proof of the emergency when possible.

505-346-3543 · 4000 Copper Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 · Mon-Fri 9am-3pm · 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.