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 Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

15 Resources

1. RIHousing — Free

State affordable housing agency offering rental assistance, first-time homebuyer programs, foreclosure help, and homeowner counseling to Rhode Island residents, including fathers and families across the state. The main office is on Washington Street in downtown Providence. Call or visit the website to find programs and waitlists. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, recent pay stubs, and lease or mortgage paperwork to intake.

401-457-1234 · 44 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Providence Housing Authority — Free

Public housing developments and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Providence residents, including fathers with custody, joint custody, and extended families. The main office on Broad Street handles applications, recertifications, and maintenance requests. Call or visit during business hours to check waitlist status. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and custody paperwork if applicable.

401-709-1600 · 100 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

3. Salvation Army – Rhode Island — Free

Emergency rent, utility, and shelter assistance for Rhode Island families in crisis, available at Salvation Army locations including the Broad Street office in Providence. Caseworkers screen applicants for eligibility and may refer to partner programs for additional help. Fathers can call for an appointment during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, lease or shut-off notice, and any eviction paperwork.

401-421-0956 · 386 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

4. Habitat for Humanity – Providence — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities for income-eligible Providence-area families through Habitat for Humanity's Manton Avenue office. Selected partner families complete sweat equity hours, financial coaching, and pay an affordable mortgage. Fathers and co-parents are welcome to apply as household heads. Call or check the website for current application cycles. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and a housing and credit history.

401-831-5424 · 118 Manton Ave, Providence, RI 02909 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. United Way 211 – RI — Free

Dial 211 for free 24/7 referrals to housing, rental, utility, food, and other emergency assistance programs across Rhode Island. Navigators speak with callers in English, Spanish, and many other languages and can text or chat online. Fathers in crisis or planning ahead can call any time. Have a pen and paper ready to write down referrals, along with a brief summary of your household, income, and current situation.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Warwick Housing Authority — Free

Affordable public housing and Section 8 voucher programs for income-eligible Warwick residents, including fathers, single parents, and families. Staff handle applications, waitlist updates, recertifications, and reasonable accommodation requests during business hours. Call the Warwick office for current waitlist status. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and custody paperwork if applicable.

401-738-4970 · Warwick, RI 02886 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

7. Community Action Agencies – RI — Free

Statewide network of community action agencies providing emergency financial assistance, utility help, weatherization, and case management for low-income Rhode Island fathers and families. Intake is coordinated through regional offices with the Providence hub at 401-351-2750. Call for the office serving your town. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, lease or mortgage, and any shut-off notices to your appointment.

401-351-2750 · Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Pawtucket Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and affordable housing programs in Pawtucket administered from the Broad Street office, including family developments and Section 8 vouchers where available. The authority processes applications, recertifications, and maintenance requests during business hours. Fathers, co-parents, and multigenerational households may apply. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and custody documents where relevant.

401-725-7940 · 45 Broad St, Pawtucket, RI 02860 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

9. Woonsocket Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance for income-eligible Woonsocket residents, including fathers and families, administered from the Social Street office. Programs include family and elderly developments plus Section 8 vouchers when available. Call to check current waitlist openings and application requirements. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and custody paperwork if applicable.

401-762-0770 · 680 Social St, Woonsocket, RI 02895 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Newport Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing programs and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for Newport-area residents, including fathers and families, administered from the Equality Park Place office. Staff handle applications, waitlist updates, and recertifications during business hours. Call to check current openings. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, custody paperwork if applicable, and current housing details.

401-847-0437 · 10 Equality Park Pl, Newport, RI 02840 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

11. East Providence Housing Authority — Free

Public housing programs for income-eligible East Providence residents, including fathers, single parents, seniors, and families with children. The authority processes applications, recertifications, and maintenance requests during business hours. Call to check current waitlist status and eligibility rules. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and custody paperwork if it applies to you.

401-434-1170 · East Providence, RI 02914 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

12. Cranston Housing Authority — Free

Affordable public housing and rental assistance for income-eligible Cranston residents, including fathers and families, administered from the Birch Street office. Staff process applications, recertifications, and reasonable accommodation requests during business hours. Call or visit to check current waitlist openings. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and custody paperwork if applicable.

401-944-7444 · 50 Birch St, Cranston, RI 02920 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

13. Central Falls Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance for income-eligible Central Falls residents, including fathers and families with children, administered from the Washington Street office. Staff handle applications, recertifications, and maintenance requests during business hours. Call ahead to check current waitlist openings. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and custody paperwork if applicable.

401-727-7160 · 30 Washington St, Central Falls, RI 02863 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

14. Westbay Community Action – Housing — Free

Housing assistance, weatherization, energy bill help, and emergency rental support for Kent County fathers and families through Westbay Community Action's Warwick office on Buttonwoods Avenue. Caseworkers screen for eligibility and may refer to partner programs for additional help. Call for an appointment during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills, and lease or mortgage paperwork.

401-732-4660 · 224 Buttonwoods Ave, Warwick, RI 02886 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. South County Habitat for Humanity — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities in southern Rhode Island for income-eligible families, including fathers and co-parents, through South County Habitat for Humanity's Wakefield office. Selected applicants complete sweat equity hours, financial coaching, and pay an affordable mortgage. Call or check the website for current application cycles. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and a brief housing and credit history.

401-783-3566 · Wakefield, RI 02879 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

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.