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 Virginia

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 Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

14 Resources

1. Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA) — Free

State housing finance authority offering affordable fixed-rate mortgages, down payment assistance grants, rental assistance programs, and homeownership education for Virginia residents. First-time homebuyers may qualify for reduced interest rates and closing cost help. Renters can find affordable housing options through the rental registry. Call or visit the website to explore current programs, income limits, and how to connect with an approved Virginia Housing lender.

804-782-1986 · 601 S Belvidere St, Richmond, VA 23220 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Virginia DHCD — Free

Administers community development block grants, emergency housing assistance, weatherization programs, and housing policy initiatives across the commonwealth. DHCD oversees the Virginia Rent Relief Program, HOME Investment Partnerships, and low-income housing tax credit allocations. Contact the office or local housing agencies to learn about current rental assistance, weatherization, and community development programs available in your area of Virginia.

804-371-7000 · 600 E Main St, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. STOP Organization (Norfolk) — Free

Community action agency for the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area providing emergency rental assistance, utility help, financial counseling, and family stability services. STOP serves low-income families with crisis assistance and long-term self-sufficiency programs. Call during business hours to inquire about current program availability and eligibility. Bring proof of income, lease, and utility bills to appointments. Located in downtown Norfolk and serving the broader South Hampton Roads area.

757-625-1627 · 100 W Plume St, Suite 400, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Community Housing Partners — Free

Nonprofit providing affordable housing development, home rehabilitation, weatherization services, and HUD-approved housing counseling across rural and underserved areas of Virginia. Services include energy efficiency improvements for low-income homeowners, affordable rental housing, and foreclosure prevention counseling. Based in Blacksburg and serving rural western and central Virginia. Contact the office to learn about current programs and eligibility requirements for your area.

540-382-2002 · 955 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Housing Opportunities Made Equal (Richmond) — Free

HUD-approved nonprofit providing fair housing education, homebuyer counseling, foreclosure prevention assistance, and rental counseling in the Richmond metro area. Services include first-time homebuyer education classes, one-on-one counseling sessions, and fair housing complaint intake for discrimination cases. Located on East Broad Street in Richmond. Call or email to schedule an appointment. Most services are available at low or no cost to qualifying Richmond-area residents.

804-354-0641 · 626 E Broad St, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Total Action for Progress (Roanoke) — Free

Community action agency serving the Roanoke Valley with emergency rent and utility assistance, financial literacy education, HUD-approved housing counseling, and self-sufficiency programs. TAP serves low-income families and individuals with both crisis assistance and long-term empowerment programs. Call during business hours to inquire about current program availability. Bring proof of income and lease or utility bills when seeking emergency rental or utility assistance.

540-345-6781 · 302 2nd St SW, Roanoke, VA 24011 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Virginia Rent Relief Program — Free

Administered by DHCD, provides emergency rental and utility assistance to Virginia tenants facing financial hardship to prevent eviction. Eligible households can receive help with past-due rent, future rent, and utility arrears. Income limits and residency requirements apply. Apply online through the program portal or call for assistance. Landlords can also apply on behalf of tenants. Bring lease, utility bills, and income documentation when applying for assistance.

1-833-483-0098 · Apply online; serves all Virginia residents · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm

8. Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority — Free

Public housing authority managing affordable housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income Richmond residents. RRHA maintains public housing communities across Richmond and administers federal housing assistance programs. Waitlists are often open for Section 8 vouchers and public housing units. Contact the authority to check current waitlist status and application requirements. Bring proof of income, ID, and household composition when applying for housing assistance.

804-780-4200 · 901 Chamberlayne Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23220 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Salvation Army Virginia – Emergency Services — Free

Emergency rent, utility assistance, food assistance, and shelter services available at Salvation Army locations across Virginia. Services vary by location and current funding availability. Call your local Salvation Army Corps or visit in person to inquire about available emergency assistance. Bring proof of need such as a utility shutoff notice or eviction notice. No faith affiliation required to receive services. Find the nearest Virginia location through the Salvation Army website.

703-684-5500 · Multiple VA locations · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

10. Catholic Charities Virginia – Emergency Aid — Free

Emergency rent, utility, and food assistance available to anyone in need regardless of religious affiliation at Catholic Charities locations across Virginia dioceses. Services include crisis financial assistance, food pantries, and referrals to other community resources. Call the nearest Catholic Charities office or visit in person to inquire about available assistance. Bring documentation of need such as shutoff notices, eviction paperwork, or proof of income when seeking help.

804-285-5900 · Multiple VA locations · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. HUD Housing Counseling – Virginia — Free

Free HUD-certified housing counselors available across Virginia for foreclosure prevention, pre-purchase homebuyer education, rental counseling, and eviction prevention. Call 800-569-4287 to be connected to a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you. Services are free or low cost. Counselors can review your mortgage options, create a budget plan, and help you communicate with your lender or landlord. Available Monday through Friday and some evenings.

800-569-4287 · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm ET · Visit Website

12. St. Vincent de Paul – Virginia — Free

Emergency financial assistance available to anyone in need regardless of religious background, provided through local Society of St. Vincent de Paul conferences across Virginia. Assistance may include help with rent, utilities, food, clothing, and other basic needs. Services vary by conference and current funding. Contact your local Virginia parish or search the SVDP website to find the nearest conference. Home visits by trained volunteers are part of the SVDP model of assistance.

Conferences statewide · Varies · Visit Website

13. Virginia Beach Community Action Coalition — Free

Emergency assistance, HUD-approved housing counseling, and financial empowerment programs for Virginia Beach families in need. Services include emergency rental and utility assistance, budget counseling, homebuyer education, and connection to other community resources. Call 757-305-3100 during business hours to inquire about current program availability and eligibility requirements. Bring proof of income, lease, and utility bills when seeking emergency financial assistance.

757-305-3100 · Virginia Beach, VA · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

14. Habitat for Humanity – Virginia — Free

Affordable homeownership program for qualifying Virginia families through local Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state. Families partner with Habitat by contributing sweat equity hours and making affordable monthly mortgage payments. Income eligibility and credit requirements apply. Contact your local Virginia Habitat affiliate to learn about the application process, waitlist status, and requirements. Search the Habitat website by ZIP code to find the affiliate serving your area.

Virginia affiliates statewide · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 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.