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 South Carolina

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 South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

17 Resources

1. SC State Housing Finance Authority — Free

Affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and homebuyer education for South Carolina fathers and families. The agency runs mortgage, down-payment, and rental programs through approved partners statewide. Call the Outlet Pointe Boulevard office or visit online for eligibility and program details. Bring a photo ID, proof of income, and recent housing costs to the housing counselor you are referred to.

803-896-9001 · 300-C Outlet Pointe Blvd, Columbia, SC 29210 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. SC Department of Social Services – Emergency Assistance — Free

Emergency financial help for rent, utilities, and basic needs for eligible South Carolina fathers and families. DSS coordinates short-term aid and referrals to community partners from the Confederate Avenue office in Columbia. Call or visit weekdays to start intake. Bring a photo ID, recent pay stubs or benefits statements, a lease or utility bill, and any shutoff or eviction notices you have received.

803-898-7601 · 1535 Confederate Ave Ext, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Habitat for Humanity – South Carolina — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities and home-repair programs for qualified South Carolina fathers and families. Local Habitat affiliates build and rehabilitate homes sold to income-eligible buyers at affordable mortgage terms. Call the state office or visit online to find your local affiliate. Applicants typically need stable income, willingness to partner on sweat-equity hours, and ability to pay an affordable mortgage.

803-252-3570 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Salvation Army – South Carolina — Free

Emergency rent assistance, utility help, and shelter services for fathers and families across South Carolina. Local corps offer short-term aid based on available funding and eligibility at the Farrow Road office in Columbia and other SC locations. Call or walk in during weekday hours. Bring a photo ID, proof of income, a lease or utility bill, and any shutoff or eviction notices to intake.

803-765-0260 · 3024 Farrow Rd, Columbia, SC 29203 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

5. United Way 211 – Housing Help — Free

Dial 211 for free 24/7 referrals to housing assistance, emergency rent programs, and utility help across South Carolina. Trained specialists match fathers and families to local nonprofits and government programs that still have funding. Calls are confidential. Have a photo ID, proof of income, your lease or utility bill, and any eviction or shutoff notices ready so the specialist can make targeted referrals.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Greenville Housing Authority — Free

Affordable public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for Greenville-area fathers and families. The authority manages waitlists and rental assistance from the Edinburgh Court office. Call or visit weekdays to check waitlist status and start an application. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, birth certificates, and proof of income for each adult in the household.

864-467-4250 · 122 Edinburgh Ct, Greenville, SC 29607 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Charleston Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for income-eligible Charleston-area fathers and families. Staff manage waitlists, inspections, and voucher paperwork from the Meeting Street office. Call or walk in weekdays to check waitlist status and start applications. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for household members, and proof of income for each adult living in the home.

843-722-1896 · 550 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

8. Cooperative Ministry – Columbia — Free

Emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and prescriptions for low-income Columbia-area fathers and families. The ministry serves walk-in clients from the West Beltline Boulevard office during weekday morning hours. Bring a photo ID, proof of address, most recent pay stubs or benefits statements, and your lease, utility bill, or prescription cost documentation so staff can screen you for available aid.

803-799-3853 · 3821 W Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29204 · Mon-Fri 9am-1pm · Visit Website

9. SC Community Loan Fund — Free

Financial counseling, micro-loans, and homebuyer education for underserved South Carolina communities including fathers working to build stability. Staff work with small businesses and families out of the Broad Street office in Charleston. Call or visit online to schedule an intake session during weekday hours. Bring a photo ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing loan documents you would like reviewed.

843-723-7244 · 26 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Columbia Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for income-eligible Columbia-area fathers and families. Authority staff manage waitlists, intake, and rental inspections from the Harden Street office. Call or walk in weekdays to check waitlist status and pick up application materials. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and proof of income for each adult member of the household.

803-254-3886 · 1917 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29204 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

11. Spartanburg Housing Authority — Free

Affordable public housing and rental assistance programs for Spartanburg-area fathers and families. Staff manage property waitlists, applications, and voucher paperwork from the South Pine Street office. Call or visit weekdays to check waitlist status and obtain application forms. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and proof of income for every adult in the household to intake.

864-598-6000 · 2271 S Pine St, Spartanburg, SC 29302 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Habitat for Humanity – Greenville — Free

Affordable homeownership and home-repair programs for Greenville County fathers and families. Habitat Greenville builds new homes and offers critical-repair services for income-eligible owners out of the South Main Street office. Call or visit online to learn about current application windows. Applicants need stable income, willingness to complete sweat-equity hours, and ability to pay an affordable mortgage.

864-370-1448 · 1 S Main St #400, Greenville, SC 29601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Rock Hill Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance programs for Rock Hill fathers and families. The authority manages waitlists, property applications, and inspection paperwork from the Liberty Street office. Call or walk in weekdays to check waitlist status and obtain forms. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for household members, and proof of income for each adult in your household when applying.

803-329-5575 · 159 Liberty St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

14. Florence Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing and Section 8 vouchers for income-eligible Florence-area fathers and families. Staff manage property waitlists, voucher paperwork, and annual inspections from the East Pine Street office. Call or walk in weekdays to check waitlist status and pick up application materials. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and proof of income for each adult household member.

843-662-2591 · 500 E Pine St, Florence, SC 29506 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

15. SC Thrive – Benefits Connection — Free

Connects low-income South Carolina fathers and families with public benefits including SNAP, Medicaid, housing, and financial assistance. Certified counselors screen callers for eligibility and help complete applications by phone, online, or at the Main Street office in Columbia. Call during weekday hours. Have your photo ID, pay stubs, benefits letters, and household member information ready for faster intake.

800-726-8774 · 1800 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Myrtle Beach Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance for income-eligible Myrtle Beach area fathers and families. Authority staff manage property waitlists, applications, and voucher paperwork from the 62nd Avenue office. Call or walk in weekdays to check waitlist status and start an application. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and proof of income for each adult member of the household.

843-918-1020 · 201 62nd Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

17. HUD Housing Counseling – South Carolina — Free

Free HUD-approved housing counseling for South Carolina renters, first-time homebuyers, and fathers facing foreclosure or delinquency. Counselors review budgets, credit, and housing options and can help negotiate with mortgage servicers. Call the HUD hotline weekdays or find a SC-based counselor online. Bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage or rent documents, and any default or foreclosure notices.

800-569-4287 · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm · 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.