How to Help a Displaced Homemaker

A displaced homemaker is a largely overlooked group of women that have lost their primary source of income through either divorce, domestic violence, death or incarceration.

Things You'll Need

• Determination
• Telephone
• Internet access is helpful (local libraries have this if you do not have it available)

Instructions

1. Its a scary world for a displaced homemaker. The woman will need a lot of emotional support. You can help by being supportive and offering suggestions and assistance to her. Above all, be a friend to this woman in time of need. Be supportive and help her learn to do for herself.

2. Call your local Social and Health Services to see what programs they offer to assist displaced homemakers. Make an appointment immediately to get into a program and work forwards from there.

3. Locate any other programs that are available in your area to assist displaced homemakers. Whether from abuse, divorce, death or incarceration this is a serious time in this womans life and an emergency situation.

4. Look online for other resources for the displaced homemakers. There are scholarships available and other resources to assist women in getting back on their feet financially.

   Check local colleges for classes for displaced homemakers. Often these are free and you will meet others in your same situation.

5. Contact local churches and see if they have any assistance they can offer. Often churches know of jobs or other resources that can assist in getting one back on ones feet.

6. Help the woman to liquidate what assets she may have in order to survive financially. Including yard sales, selling off burial plots and in case of the death of a loved one, benefit fund raisers. Don't forget if a loved one has died there may be life insurance and social security benefits.

7. A woman who used to stay at home homemaking has many many skills that can be utilized in the public job sector. Help her sit down and list what she does and doesn't like. This can include housekeeping, laundry, cooking, gardening, child care and more. Perhaps she is good at organizing or even budgeting. Did she often help children with homework? Perhaps she can tutor or become a teachers assistant. If she managed the bills consider that also. After listing skills she can determine those which she feels more comfortable with. There are many avenues one can follow when one considers all of the life experience one has had.

8. Attend job fairs when they are available. Network with friends in the workforce. Ask everyone you know if they know of anyone who is hiring. Often the best jobs are found this way and are not advertised.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider less expensive accommodations if necessary.

• Don't be afraid to let go of excess things in a yard sale or estate sale.

Resources

• Dress for Success
• Association of American Indian Affairs
• Displaced Homemakers Journal of Extension