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 West Virginia

15 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 West Virginia

West Virginia Family Court is a statewide unified system handling divorce, custody, and child support. The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement operates under DHHR. Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Morgantown are the largest cities. Legal Aid of West Virginia is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

15 Resources

1. WV Housing Development Fund — Free

State housing agency offering affordable mortgage products, down-payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer education for qualifying West Virginians. Fathers purchasing a first home or seeking help after a life change can apply online or by calling the Charleston office. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements to your appointment. Statewide programs; office on MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston.

304-391-8600 · 5710 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Charleston Housing Authority — Free

Operates public housing and administers Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers for low-income Charleston residents, including fathers and families. Applications may have waitlists; visit or call the Washington Street West office to check waitlist status and eligibility. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, birth certificates, and income documentation. Open Monday through Friday daytime hours.

304-348-6451 · 1525 Washington St W, Charleston, WV 25387 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

3. Habitat for Humanity – WV — Free

Affiliate network helping qualifying West Virginia families achieve affordable homeownership through sweat equity and low-interest mortgages. Fathers earning between 30% and 80% of area median income may qualify depending on the local affiliate's criteria. Call the state number or visit the national site to locate the nearest affiliate. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, tax returns, and be prepared to commit sweat-equity hours.

304-720-0631 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. United Way 211 – West Virginia — Free

Free, confidential referral service for housing, utilities, food, and emergency financial assistance statewide. Fathers in crisis can dial 211 from any phone 24/7 to speak with a trained specialist who matches them to nearby programs. Also searchable online. Have your ZIP code and a brief description of your need ready. Covers all 55 West Virginia counties with referrals to community action agencies and nonprofits.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Huntington Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Section 8 rental assistance for low-income residents of Huntington and Cabell County. Applications processed at the Buffington Street office; waitlists may apply for some properties. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, and proof of income and assets. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call ahead to confirm waitlist status before visiting.

304-528-5660 · 30 Buffington St, Huntington, WV 25702 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Community Action Agencies – WV — Free

Statewide network of community action agencies providing emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, weatherization, and basic needs to low-income West Virginians. Each agency serves a defined county or region. Call the Charleston contact number to find your local office. Bring photo ID, pay stubs, recent utility bills, and any eviction or shutoff notices to your appointment. Monday through Friday business hours.

304-347-2277 · Charleston, WV 25301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Morgantown Housing Authority — Free

Provides public housing and rental assistance for low-income residents of Morgantown and Monongalia County. Fathers can apply at the Brockway Avenue office; waitlists apply for some programs. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, birth certificates, and income documentation. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call ahead to confirm current waitlist status and required paperwork before your visit.

304-296-4424 · 625 Brockway Ave, Morgantown, WV 26501 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

8. Parkersburg Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents of the Parkersburg and Wood County area. Applications accepted at the Cameron Avenue office subject to waitlist availability. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, birth certificates, and proof of income. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call before visiting to confirm waitlist status and current intake procedures.

304-485-6386 · 1901 Cameron Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

9. Martinsburg Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance programs for low-income residents of the Eastern Panhandle, particularly Berkeley County. Applications taken at the Tennessee Avenue office; waitlists apply for most properties. Fathers should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, and income verification. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call ahead to confirm waitlist status before visiting.

304-263-0884 · 220 N Tennessee Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

10. Wheeling Housing Authority — Free

Operates public housing and administers Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents of Wheeling and the Northern Panhandle. Applications taken at the Market Street office subject to waitlist availability. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, birth certificates, and income documents. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call ahead to confirm current waitlist status and intake procedures before your visit.

304-232-0431 · 2200 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

11. Clarksburg Housing Authority — Free

Provides public housing for low-income residents of Clarksburg and Harrison County. Applications accepted at the Baltimore Avenue office, subject to waitlists. Fathers should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, birth certificates, and proof of income and assets. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call before visiting to confirm waitlist status and current required documents.

304-623-3446 · 200 Baltimore Ave, Clarksburg, WV 26301 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

12. Beckley Housing Authority — Free

Administers public housing and rental assistance for low-income residents of Beckley and Raleigh County. Applications accepted at the Beckley office subject to waitlist availability. Fathers should bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates, and proof of income. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call ahead to confirm current waitlist status and required paperwork before visiting the office.

304-256-1764 · Beckley, WV 25801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

13. Fairmont Housing Authority — Free

Public housing authority for Fairmont and Marion County, operating affordable housing units and administering rental-assistance programs for low-income families. Applications subject to waitlists. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, birth certificates, and income documentation to your appointment. Open Monday through Friday business hours; call ahead to confirm current waitlist and intake procedures before visiting.

304-363-0860 · Fairmont, WV 26554 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

14. St. Vincent de Paul – WV — Free

Catholic charitable network providing emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and basic needs to struggling West Virginia families. Fathers facing eviction or utility shutoffs can call for an appointment with a local conference. Bring photo ID, proof of residence, and any shutoff or eviction notice. Statewide reach with local conferences in many parishes; Charleston office available Monday through Friday business hours.

304-342-3552 · Charleston, WV 25301 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

15. Catholic Charities WV – Emergency Assistance — Free

Emergency financial aid for rent, utilities, food, clothing, and basic needs for West Virginians in crisis, regardless of faith background. Based in Wheeling with outreach across the state. Fathers can call to schedule an appointment and bring photo ID, proof of residence, pay stubs, and any eviction or shutoff notices. Assistance is based on need and available funding. Monday through Friday business hours.

304-233-0880 · Wheeling, WV 26003 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · 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.