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 Vermont

11 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 Vermont

Vermont's Family Division of the Superior Court handles all family matters statewide. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DCF. Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, and Essex are the largest towns. Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont (a nonprofit partner) provide civil legal aid, including a joint statewide Family Law helpline.

11 Resources

1. Vermont Housing Finance Agency — Free

Statewide agency administering affordable housing programs, rental assistance, first-time homebuyer loans, and down payment help for qualifying Vermonters. Fathers looking to buy a first home or find subsidized rental housing can apply through the Burlington office or online. Bring photo ID, proof of income, tax returns, and household information. VHFA also funds housing counseling across the state.

(802) 864-5743 · 164 St Paul St Suite 200, Burlington, VT 05401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Burlington Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing units, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), and family self-sufficiency programs for low-income Burlington-area residents. Fathers can apply for the waitlist in person at the Main St office or online. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and prior landlord references. Waitlists can be long; applicants should keep contact info current.

(802) 864-0538 · 65 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Salvation Army Vermont — Emergency Aid — Free

Emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food, clothing, and basic needs for Vermont families in crisis. Fathers facing eviction, utility shutoff, or sudden hardship can apply at the Burlington corps office during business hours. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and the bill or notice you need help with. Funds are limited and granted on availability; staff provide referrals when funds run out.

(802) 864-6991 · 64 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

4. Habitat for Humanity — Green Mountain — Free

Builds and sells affordable homes to income-qualified Vermont families through a sweat-equity partnership and zero-interest mortgage. Fathers interested in homeownership can apply through the South Burlington office when application windows open. Bring proof of income, credit history, household composition, and willingness to partner by volunteering sweat-equity hours. Repairs and accessibility programs also available.

(802) 872-8726 · 650 Hinesburg Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Rutland Housing Authority — Free

Manages public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for low-income Rutland County residents. Fathers with custodial children can apply at the Wales St office during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household, proof of income, and prior housing references. Waitlists can be long, so apply early and keep contact information up to date while waiting.

(802) 775-2391 · 81 Wales St, Rutland, VT 05701 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

6. Vermont HomeOwnership Center — Free

Homebuyer education, pre-purchase counseling, and foreclosure prevention services for Vermont residents through the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board. Fathers considering buying a first home can attend workshops or schedule one-on-one sessions at the Montpelier office. Bring pay stubs, tax returns, and a credit report. Completion certificates are required by many first-time buyer loan programs.

(802) 828-3250 · 58 E State St, Montpelier, VT 05602 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. NeighborWorks of Western Vermont — Free

Nonprofit providing affordable housing development, homebuyer education, and home repair financing for families in Rutland and Bennington Counties. Fathers can attend HUD-approved homebuyer classes, access loans for repairs or energy upgrades, and get foreclosure counseling. Visit the N Main St office in Rutland. Bring pay stubs, tax returns, and a list of housing goals for the first meeting.

(802) 438-2303 · 95 N Main St, Rutland, VT 05701 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Windham & Windsor Housing Trust — Free

Develops, owns, and manages affordable rental housing and homeownership programs across southeastern Vermont. Fathers can apply for waitlists at income-restricted rental properties or explore shared-equity homeownership through the Brattleboro office. Bring photo ID, proof of income for all household members, and prior landlord references. Staff also connect families with supportive services.

(802) 254-4604 · 67 Flat St Suite 2, Brattleboro, VT 05301 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

9. Vermont Weatherization Program — Free

Free home energy efficiency improvements including insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades for income-qualified Vermont households. Fathers who rent or own can apply through local community action agencies. Bring photo ID, proof of income for all household members, and a recent heating bill. Improvements reduce utility costs and improve comfort; waitlists can be several months long.

(802) 828-2321 · 103 S Main St, Waterbury, VT 05671 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Downstreet Housing & Community Development — Free

Affordable rental housing, homeownership counseling, and community development services in central Vermont including Washington, Orange, and Lamoille Counties. Fathers can apply for rental waitlists, take homebuyer classes, or get foreclosure prevention help at the Barre office. Bring proof of income, tax returns, photo ID, and rental or mortgage statements. Services are free and confidential.

(802) 477-4125 · 7 Prospect St, Barre, VT 05641 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Twin Pines Housing Trust — Free

Develops and manages affordable rental housing serving Vermont and New Hampshire's Upper Valley region, including Hartford, White River Junction, and surrounding towns. Fathers can apply for waitlists at income-restricted properties through the Hartford office. Bring photo ID, proof of income for everyone in the household, and prior rental references. Staff also help connect families with support services.

(802) 291-7000 · 12 Church St, Hartford, VT 05047 · 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.