United Way 211 – Oregon

Housing & Financial · Oregon · Free

Free 24/7 information and referral line. Dial 211 from any phone in Oregon or visit 211info.org to get help finding rent, utility, food, shelter, and family resources in your county. Specialists speak multiple languages and can help with warming shelters, crisis lines, and program eligibility. No ID or paperwork is needed to call; be ready to share your zip code, household size, and the kind of help you are looking for.

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 Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

More Housing & Financial in Oregon

  • Oregon Housing & Community Services — State agency in Salem that funds and coordinates affordable housing, rental assistance, homeownership education, and energy assistance progr
  • Home Forward – Portland Housing — Multnomah County's housing authority operating public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, and supportive housing programs for the Po
  • Salvation Army – Oregon — Oregon branches of The Salvation Army offer emergency rental, utility, and shelter assistance through local corps centers, along with food p
  • Habitat for Humanity Portland — Portland Metro affiliate of Habitat for Humanity offering affordable homeownership opportunities, home repairs, and homebuyer education for
  • St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County — Large Eugene-based social services nonprofit providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, rent assistance, utility help, and food prog
  • Housing Authority of Salem — City of Salem's housing authority operating public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income residents of the Salem

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.