Martinsburg Housing Authority

Housing & Financial · West Virginia · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 220 N Tennessee Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401

Phone: 304-263-0884

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

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.

More Housing & Financial in West Virginia

  • WV Housing Development Fund — State housing agency offering affordable mortgage products, down-payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer education for qualifyi
  • Charleston Housing Authority — Operates public housing and administers Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers for low-income Charleston residents, including fathers and famil
  • Habitat for Humanity – WV — Affiliate network helping qualifying West Virginia families achieve affordable homeownership through sweat equity and low-interest mortgages
  • United Way 211 – West Virginia — Free, confidential referral service for housing, utilities, food, and emergency financial assistance statewide. Fathers in crisis can dial 2
  • Huntington Housing Authority — Administers public housing and Section 8 rental assistance for low-income residents of Huntington and Cabell County. Applications processed
  • Community Action Agencies – WV — Statewide network of community action agencies providing emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, weatherization, and basic needs

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.