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 Tennessee

14 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 Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

14 Resources

1. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) — Free

State housing finance agency offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer education for Tennessee residents. Serves first-time homebuyers, renters, and moderate-income households statewide. Applicants work through approved lenders or HUD-certified counseling agencies; required documents typically include photo ID, Social Security card, pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Income and purchase-price limits apply and vary by program and county.

615-815-2200 · 502 Deaderick St, Suite 1300, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Memphis/Shelby County Community Action Agency — Free

Community action agency providing emergency assistance, rental help, utility assistance (including LIHEAP), and family support for low-income Memphis-area families. Serves Shelby County residents. Intake is by appointment; applicants should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income (pay stubs or benefits letters), a current lease or utility bill, and the past-due notice if seeking rent or utility help. Eligibility is based on household income.

901-274-6837 · 3155 Howell Ave, Memphis, TN 38128 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Chattanooga Housing Authority — Free

Provides affordable public housing, Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, and resident services for low-income families in the Chattanooga area. Serves Hamilton County residents. Applicants must complete an application during an open waiting list and provide photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, proof of income, and a current address. Waiting lists may be closed at times; applicants should monitor openings through the authority's website.

423-752-4841 · 801 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

4. HUD Tennessee Field Office — Free

Federal housing office overseeing public housing, Section 8, Fair Housing, and HUD-approved Housing Counseling in Tennessee. Residents can call 800-569-4287 for free referrals to HUD-certified housing counselors for pre-purchase, rental, and foreclosure help. Serves renters, homebuyers, and homeowners statewide. The office itself does not typically take walk-in applications for benefits; it directs residents to local housing authorities, counseling agencies, and fair-housing enforcement agencies.

615-736-5213 · 235 Cumberland Bend Dr, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37228 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Woodbine Community Organization (Nashville) — Free

HUD-approved housing counseling agency providing homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, rental counseling, and financial coaching in the Nashville area. Serves renters, first-time buyers, and homeowners in Davidson and surrounding counties. Clients should bring photo ID, Social Security card, pay stubs or benefits letters, tax returns, bank statements, a current lease or mortgage statement, and any default or delinquency notices. Counseling is typically free for qualifying households.

615-833-9580 · 222 Oriel Ave, Nashville, TN 37210 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Tennessee DHS Emergency Assistance — Free

State emergency assistance programs administered by the Department of Human Services providing short-term help with rent, utilities, and basic needs for eligible Tennessee families facing a documented crisis. Serves low-income households statewide. Applicants should bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income (pay stubs or benefits letters), a current lease or mortgage statement, and the past-due or shutoff notice when seeking rent or utility help. Eligibility is based on income and crisis documentation.

866-311-4287 · Apply at local DHS office · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (Nashville) — Free

Nashville's public housing authority managing affordable public housing units, Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, and resident self-sufficiency programs. Serves Davidson County residents. Applicants must complete an application during an open waiting list and provide photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, proof of income, and a current address. Waiting lists may be closed at times; applicants should monitor openings through MDHA's website.

615-252-8400 · 712 S 6th St, Nashville, TN 37206 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Memphis Housing Authority — Free

Manages public housing and Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers for low-income Memphis families and offers resident services and self-sufficiency programs. Serves Shelby County residents. Applicants must complete an application during an open waiting list and provide photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, proof of income, and a current address. Waiting lists may be closed at times; applicants should monitor openings through the authority's website.

901-544-1288 · 700 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38105 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) — Free

Public housing authority for Knoxville managing affordable public housing, Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, and neighborhood revitalization programs. Serves Knox County residents. Applicants must complete an application during an open waiting list and provide photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, proof of income, and a current address. Waiting lists may be closed at times; applicants should monitor openings through KCDC's website.

865-403-1100 · 901 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville — Paid

Builds affordable homes for qualifying Nashville-area families through a homeownership program that includes financial coaching, homebuyer education, and sweat-equity hours. Serves Davidson and surrounding counties. Applicants typically must demonstrate housing need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner in construction; required documents include photo ID, Social Security cards, pay stubs, tax returns, and housing-cost documentation. Info sessions explain the full application process.

615-254-3278 · 414 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN 37211 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis — Paid

Builds affordable homes for qualifying Memphis-area families through a homeownership program with financial education, homebuyer classes, and volunteer builds. Serves Shelby County and surrounding areas. Applicants typically must demonstrate housing need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner in construction; required documents include photo ID, Social Security cards, pay stubs, tax returns, and housing-cost documentation. Info sessions explain the application process.

901-543-7655 · 1620 Pendleton St, Memphis, TN 38114 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Catholic Charities of Tennessee — Free

Provides emergency financial assistance, housing counseling, refugee and immigration services, and family support across Tennessee. Serves people of all faiths. Intake varies by program; applicants should generally bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, a current lease or utility bill, and any past-due or agency notices when seeking rent or utility help. Some programs require an appointment, while walk-in intake may be available for specific emergency funds.

615-352-3087 · 2806 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Tennessee LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance) — Free

Federal program administered by Tennessee DHS and local community action agencies providing low-income households with assistance paying heating and cooling costs, including crisis shutoffs. Serves qualifying renters and homeowners statewide. Applicants should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income for the past 30 days, a recent utility bill, and any shutoff notice. Eligibility is based on income; benefits vary by season and funding.

866-311-4287 · Apply at local community action agency · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm (seasonal) · Visit Website

14. Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency — Free

Community action agency serving 10 Southeast Tennessee counties with emergency assistance, housing programs, utility help (including LIHEAP), and transportation. Serves low-income households in the Chattanooga region and surrounding rural counties. Applicants should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, a current lease or utility bill, and any past-due or shutoff notice when seeking help. Eligibility is based on income and household size.

423-949-2191 · 520 W 2nd North St, Dunlap, TN 37327 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · 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.