How to Find a Housing Grant for Single Mothers
Single mothers have an increased financial burden because they are responsible for all living expenses as well as child care. Often, the fathers are behind on child support. This makes finding affordable housing difficult for many single moms.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing choice voucher/grant program is one way for single mothers to find decent and affordable housing for their families. It is subsidized by the federal government and administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs).
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Things You'll Need
- Income verification information (pay stubs, documentation of additional assets)
Instructions
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Determine if you meet the income qualifications for a government housing grant or Section 8 housing. Check your state's Department of Public Welfare for low-income guidelines. Section 8 provides government grants to reduce the rent, so that lower-income families can afford private housing. However, housing must meet government quality standards.
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Apply for government housing grants for single mothers by obtaining a housing application from your local PHA.
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Contact your local public welfare office and see if you would qualify for Section 8 housing and other assistance programs.
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Have all current income information on hand. This would include pay stubs, bank account statements and tax returns.
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Consider applying for help through churches or private agencies if you do not qualify for a government housing grant for single moms. These agencies may have suggestions of other available local housing grants for single mothers.
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Join the Coabode.com housing program if you are willing to share rent and living expenses with another single mom. Membership in 2009 was a one-time cost of $29.95. Coabode.com allows single mothers to search for another single mom to split the cost of housing. It was founded by a single mother and exists to help single moms share the cost of rent and utilities. Although not a traditional grant program, it has reduced the cost of living for more than 25,000 single moms, as of 2009.
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Tips & Warnings
Check out private agencies/charities such as United Way or the Salvation Army for housing.
Wait times for government housing grants and Section 8 housing can be many months, depending on the area where you live.
References
Resources
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