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.

Tennessee DHS Emergency Assistance

Housing & Financial · Tennessee · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: Apply at local DHS office

Phone: 866-311-4287

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Visit Website

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.

More Housing & Financial in Tennessee

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) — State housing finance agency offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer education for Tennesse
Memphis/Shelby County Community Action Agency — Community action agency providing emergency assistance, rental help, utility assistance (including LIHEAP), and family support for low-incom
Chattanooga Housing Authority — Provides affordable public housing, Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, and resident services for low-income families in the Chattanooga ar
HUD Tennessee Field Office — Federal housing office overseeing public housing, Section 8, Fair Housing, and HUD-approved Housing Counseling in Tennessee. Residents can c
Woodbine Community Organization (Nashville) — HUD-approved housing counseling agency providing homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, rental counseling, and financial coaching in t
Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (Nashville) — Nashville's public housing authority managing affordable public housing units, Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, and resident self-suffic

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.