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 Pennsylvania

17 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

17 Resources

1. Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) — Free

State agency providing affordable homeownership and rental housing options including first-time homebuyer loan programs, down payment assistance, and the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) for PA residents facing foreclosure. Call 800-822-1174 or visit phfa.org. Fathers looking to purchase their first home or facing mortgage difficulties can explore PHFA programs for income-eligible Pennsylvania households.

1-800-822-1174 · 211 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) — Free

Nation's fourth-largest public housing authority managing over 13,000 public housing units and approximately 18,000 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) in Philadelphia. PHA waitlists open periodically. Fathers with custody of children who are low-income Philadelphia residents can apply for public housing or a housing voucher when the waitlist opens. Contact 215-684-4000 or visit pha.phila.gov to check waitlist status.

215-684-4000 · 2013 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Allegheny County Housing Authority — Free

Provides affordable housing for low-income families in Allegheny County through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. Fathers with custody of children who meet income limits may apply when the waitlist is open. Contact ACHA to check current waitlist status and eligibility requirements. The voucher program allows recipients to rent in the private market with rental assistance paid directly to landlords.

412-402-2400 · 301 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Catholic Social Services (Philadelphia) — Free

Emergency financial assistance, food pantries, housing stabilization, and family support services throughout the Philadelphia area regardless of religious affiliation. CSS serves all individuals and families in need. Fathers facing housing instability, utility shutoffs, or food insecurity in Philadelphia can call for emergency assistance. Services are available to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Walk in or call during business hours.

215-587-3900 · 222 N 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Salvation Army Eastern PA & Delaware — Free

Emergency assistance including utility payment help, rent assistance, food distribution, and transitional housing programs across eastern Pennsylvania. Salvation Army serves individuals and families regardless of background. Fathers facing eviction, utility shutoff, or food insecurity in eastern PA can visit a local Salvation Army location for emergency help. Call 211 or visit the local corps to learn what emergency assistance is currently available.

215-787-2800 · 4601 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19139 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

6. LIHEAP - PA Energy Assistance — Free

Federally-funded program helping low-income Pennsylvania families pay heating bills through regular cash grants and emergency crisis grants for imminent utility shutoffs. Also provides weatherization services to reduce energy costs. Apply through your county assistance office or online at compass.state.pa.us. Fathers with children in the household may receive higher benefit amounts. Applications typically open in October each year.

1-866-857-7095 · Apply through your local County Assistance Office · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (seasonal) · Visit Website

7. PA DHS - Emergency Assistance / TANF — Free

Administers cash assistance and emergency programs for Pennsylvania families including fathers who have custody of their children. TANF provides short-term cash assistance while families work toward self-sufficiency. Emergency Assistance provides one-time help to prevent eviction or utility shutoff. Apply through the COMPASS portal at compass.state.pa.us or at your local County Assistance Office. Income eligibility and work requirements apply.

1-800-692-7462 · 625 Forster St, Harrisburg, PA 17120 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia — Free

Builds and rehabilitates affordable homes in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Qualifying families contribute sweat equity hours working alongside volunteers and purchase their homes with zero-interest mortgages. Habitat Philadelphia serves low-income families who need affordable, stable housing. Fathers who are homeowners or aspiring homeowners in Philadelphia can call to learn about the application process and current home availability.

215-765-6000 · 1829 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19121 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Clarifi (Financial Counseling) — Free

HUD-approved nonprofit providing free credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling, bankruptcy education, and foreclosure prevention services in the greater Philadelphia region. Call 800-989-2227 or visit clarifi.org. Fathers struggling with debt, poor credit, or mortgage delinquency can get a free counseling session to develop a personalized financial action plan with a certified counselor.

215-563-5665 · 1608 Walnut St, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

10. People's Emergency Center (Philadelphia) — Free

Provides homeless prevention, emergency housing, affordable housing, and workforce development services in West Philadelphia. Operates a family shelter and rapid rehousing programs that move families quickly from homelessness to stable housing. Fathers with children experiencing homelessness or housing instability in West Philadelphia can call PEC to inquire about emergency placement, housing assistance, and employment services.

267-777-5800 · 325 N 39th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Shelter 24/7 · Visit Website

11. ACTION-Housing (Pittsburgh) — Free

Nonprofit providing affordable housing development, homeless services, and financial counseling in the Pittsburgh area including rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs. ACTION-Housing assists families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. Fathers with children who are homeless or housing-insecure in the Pittsburgh region can call to inquire about emergency housing assistance and supportive housing options.

412-281-2102 · 611 William Penn Pl, Suite 800, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Community Action Association of Pennsylvania — Free

Statewide network of community action agencies providing emergency financial assistance, housing, utility help, and self-sufficiency programs in every Pennsylvania county. Find your local community action agency through caapenn.org or by calling 211. Fathers and families facing housing crises, utility shutoffs, or emergency financial needs can reach a local agency for help with rent, bills, food, and referrals to additional resources.

717-233-1075 · 222 Pine St, Suite 200, Harrisburg, PA 17101 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Erie County Housing Authority — Free

Provides affordable public housing units and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for low-income families in Erie County. Fathers with children who meet income eligibility requirements can apply for public housing or a rental voucher when the waitlist is open. The voucher program allows families to rent in the private market with a rental subsidy. Call the Erie County Housing Authority to check current waitlist status.

814-452-2425 · 606 E 2nd St, Erie, PA 16507 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

14. Tabor Community Services (Lancaster) — Free

Provides homeless prevention, transitional housing, financial counseling, and housing stabilization services in Lancaster County. Tabor helps families avoid eviction through rental assistance, mediates landlord-tenant disputes, and supports individuals transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Fathers facing housing instability, eviction notices, or financial hardship in Lancaster County can call Tabor for guidance and assistance.

717-397-5182 · 308 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

15. Bethesda Mission (Harrisburg) — Free

Emergency shelter and transitional housing for homeless men in the Harrisburg area, also providing hot meals, life skills training, addiction recovery programs, and workforce readiness services. Fathers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Harrisburg area can call Bethesda Mission to inquire about shelter availability and program enrollment. Residents receive support transitioning to permanent housing and employment.

717-257-4442 · 611 Reily St, Harrisburg, PA 17102 · 24/7 shelter; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Volunteers of America - PA Emergency Assistance — Free

Provides emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, veteran housing programs, and supportive services for homeless and at-risk families in multiple Pennsylvania locations. Volunteers of America connects individuals to housing resources, employment support, and benefits counseling. Fathers experiencing homelessness or housing instability in PA can contact their nearest VOA program to ask about available emergency shelter and rehousing assistance.

717-236-1240 · 1520 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency — Free

Community action agency providing emergency financial assistance, rent and utility help, housing counseling, and self-sufficiency programs in Lackawanna County and the Scranton area. Fathers facing eviction, utility shutoffs, or financial hardship in Lackawanna County can contact SLHDA to apply for emergency rent assistance, utility help, and connections to additional community resources. Income eligibility requirements apply.

570-963-6836 · 321 Spruce St, Suite 600, Scranton, PA 18503 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

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.