Information on Low Income & Pregnant Housing

Many faith-based organizations provide maternity housing to expectant mothers.

Maternity homes were popular in the '50s and '60s for women with unplanned pregnancies to live without judgment from society. Maternity home programs still exist through funding from nonprofit agencies committed to helping expectant mothers have a healthy pregnancy. Some maternity homes allow the mother to stay in the program until new housing can be obtain. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, and community-based organizations provide affordable housing options post-pregnancy to new mothers.

Maternity Homes

Nonprofit agencies across the country provide housing to expectant mothers typically at no cost. Maternity homes can be group homes that provide transportation services to participants. Families committed to housing pregnant women also open their homes to expectant mothers. In addition to housing, maternity homes offer supportive services to expectant mothers, including counseling services, parenting classes and job skills training. Teen moms are often targeted for help through this housing and life skills development program.

Public Housing

HUD provides housing for low-income families. Expectant mothers must be 18 or older to apply for public housing. The tenant will be responsible for paying 30 percent of her income toward rent. HUD will pay the remaining portion. Public housing facilities can be found on the HUD website. The local housing authority will also have information on the location of public housing facilities near you. Housing administrators are forbidden to deny rental help based on pregnancy.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

HUD's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is similar to public housing, however, the expectant mother can live in any rental housing that will accept a voucher payment for rent. The tenant still must be 18 or older and responsible for paying 30 percent her income toward rent. The local housing authority administers vouchers to income qualified applicants. Section 8 rental help does not provide the same supportive services as a maternity home program.

Second Chance Homes

Mothers and their children who have no other place to live can get help with housing through the Second Chance Homes program. Participants must typically be between 14 and 20. Teen girls can live in an adult-supervised group home where supportive services and case management are provided.The program requires the participant to complete high school or obtain a GED. This program is funded through community-based organizations. Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Texas and Georgia are committed to making Second Chance Homes a statewide program.

References

• St. Annes.org: Residential Treatment Program
• HUD.gov: HUD's Public Housing Program
• HUD.gov: About Second Chance Homes