Catholic charitable society providing emergency rent, utility, and food assistance to anyone in need regardless of religion or background. Local conferences across NY help prevent eviction and utility shutoffs. Call (718) 797-2500 or find your nearest conference at svdpusa.org. Bring proof of need such as an eviction notice or utility bill. Assistance is typically provided within a few days of request.
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 York
New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.
More Housing & Financial in New York
NY OTDA — Public Assistance & Emergency Aid — NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance administers cash assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and emergency housing programs. Call (80
HEAP — Home Energy Assistance Program (NY) — NY State program helping low-income households with heating and cooling energy costs. Administered by OTDA through local social services dis
NYC HRA — Financial Assistance & Benefits — NYC Human Resources Administration. Apply for cash assistance, emergency housing, SNAP, Medicaid, and utility assistance at nyc.gov/hra or v
ACCESS NYC — Benefits Screening Tool — Official NYC tool to screen for 30+ city, state, and federal benefit programs including rent assistance, SNAP, childcare subsidies, healthca
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.