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Help for single moms in New York: 39 assistance programs

By Emma Johnson | Updated May. 22, 2023 (originally published Apr. 12, 2023)
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If you’re a single mom in New York struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You're a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Many of the programs on this list determine eligibility as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). These are the July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 federal poverty guidelines:

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$14,580
2$19,720
3$24,860
4$30,000
5$35,140
6$40,280
7$45,420
8$50,560

* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,140 for each additional person.

You can also look up your area median income (AMI) here.

Emergency cash for low-income families in New York

If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:

Temporary Cash Assistance in New York

Family Assistance (FA) — New York’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children that have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home, whether they are parents or a relative.

The amount paid out is based on household income, family size, and county. For example, the maximum benefit for a household of three in Albany County, N.Y., is $698 per month.  

FA is available for a lifetime total of up to 60 months for adults. However, it can be extended if an adult family member is unable to work because they are physically or mentally impaired or a victim of domestic violence.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen, Native American, U.S. national, or qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent New York resident
  • Have dependent children under 18 or 19 attending high school or vocational school
  • Women with medical proof of pregnancy
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Gross income must be less than 185% of FPL
  • Family assets of $2,000 or less ($3,000 if the household has a family member 60 or over)
  • Child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child
  • Children ages 6 to 18 must attend school, and parents/caretakers must attend school conferences

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in New York: 

New York also offers Emergency Assistance as part of its TANF program. You can receive emergency funds even if you are not eligible for FA to help with:

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Utility payments
  • Domestic violence shelter costs
  • Temporary housing (hotel)

Call your local DSS office to apply.

Single moms in New York can also visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

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Housing help for single moms in New York

If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help: 

Rental assistance in New York

There are multiple programs in New York to help renters find housing and pay their rent:

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.

Qualifications:

Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website. 

How to get help: 

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides rental assistance for low- to moderate-income residents to reduce homelessness and ensure proper access to gas and electricity.

This program does not apply to Hempstead, Islip, or Oyster Bay. Those areas have their own local rent assistance programs.

ERAP-approved households may get:

  • Up to 12 months of payments if you are behind on rent, paid directly to your landlord
  • Up to three months of financial help if your rental payment exceeds 30% of your gross monthly income
  • Up to 12 months of back payments for electric or gas utilities

Qualifications:

Rental help will be based on your income and level of need. To qualify:

  • Household gross income cannot exceed 80% of AMI for where you live 
  • On or after Mar. 13, 2020, you or a household member received unemployment benefits or lost income or had financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • You have missed rental payments on or after Mar. 13, 2020
  • You are at risk of homelessness

How to get help:

As of Jan. 20, 2023, this program has stopped accepting new applications, but you can sign up to be notified if and when it becomes available again. 

CityFHEPS

In New York City, CityFHEPS helps residents at risk of losing housing by providing financial assistance. They also help New Yorkers find affordable housing. 

CityFHEPS offers rent assistance for an entire apartment, a single room in an apartment, or a single room unit in any of the five boroughs of New York City. Rental payments are made directly to landlords or property owners.

Payment amounts vary based on the number of bedrooms and whether utilities are included. For example, the maximum amount you can get for a one-bedroom unit with all utilities included is $2,218.

Qualifications:

If you are a family with children eligible for New York Cash Assistance, you must be receiving those benefits before applying for CityFHEPS.

You must also meet one of the following conditions:

  • Household member is a veteran or service member and facing eviction
  • Household member receives Pathway Home benefits and would be eligible for CityFHEPS if they were in a Department of Homelessness Services (DHS) or Human Resources Administration (HRA) shelter
  • Household was referred by a CityFHEPS qualifying program through DSS and it was determined this benefit is needed to avoid entering a shelter
  • Evicted in the past year or at risk of being evicted and household has a member who has lived in a DHS shelter, has an active Adult Protective Services (APS) case (or is in a community guardianship program), or lives in a rent-controlled apartment and needs the benefit to remain there

CityFHEPS is renewable for up to four years after initial acceptance, for a total lifetime benefit of up to five years. If someone aged 60 or over receives federal disability payments in your home, the five-year limit does not apply.

How to get help:

You must apply in person at your local Homebase office.

Mortgage assistance in New York 

If you need help buying a home (or staying in your home) in New York, these programs can help: 

HUD Homeowner Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a list of resources for homeowner assistance offered by New York state, region, city, and county.

Qualifications:

Each program has its own requirements. Select the program for your region to learn more.

How to get help:

New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund

The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund is a federal program that can help you if you are facing a default on your mortgage, foreclosure, or had to leave your home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualifications:

  • Homeowners with income equal to or less than 100% of AMI
  • Must own the property and live there as your primary residence
  • Behind on monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, water bills, sewage bills, homeowner association payments, maintenance fees, etc.
  • In a forbearance plan or missed the chance to enter one, but are considered delinquent on your mortgage

How to get help:

The application period closed on February 18, 2023. You can sign up for the waiting list for help.

Check today's mortgage loan rates >>

NYC Housing Connect

In New York City, the NYC Housing Connect portal is a tool for finding affordable places to live, whether you wish to rent or buy a home. 

Qualifications:

Anyone can apply, but preference is given to:

  • People with disabilities that impact mobility, hearing, and/or vision
  • Current residents of the district or community board where the property is located
  • City municipal employees
  • Seniors and veterans

How to get help:

Section 504 Home Repair Program

The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides affordable loans and grants to eligible homeowners with very low incomes. This program helps homeowners get necessary repairs or upgrades to their homes for improved health and safety. 

The maximum loan is $40,000 with a 20-year term and a 1% fixed interest rate. The maximum grant is $10,000. If eligible for both, you can combine the loan and grant for up to $50,000 in home repair assistance. Grants require repayment if you sell the property less than three years after receipt.

Qualifications:

  • Own the home and live in the house as your primary residence
  • Unable to get an affordable loan somewhere else
  • Not exceed the very low limit household income for your area

For grants only, you must be at least 62 years old and unable to repay a repair loan. Loans are open to all ages.

How to get help:

  • Apply year-round at your local USDA state office
  • Call 315-477-6400, extension 4 to speak with a USDA home loan specialist

State of New York Mortgage Agency

Through multiple programs, the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) provides low-interest loans, down payment assistance, homebuyer education, and other resources to help New York residents become homeowners:

Achieving the Dream: 

  • Lowest interest rate program SONYMA offers
  • 30-year fixed mortgage
  • Down payments as low as 3%
  • Down payment assistance 
  • May use unlimited outside grants or subsidies

Low Interest Rate Program:

  • 30-year fixed rate mortgage
  • Minimum 3% down payment
  • Down payment assistance
  • No prepayment penalties

Check the current interest rates for SONYMA programs.

Qualifications:

  • Be a first-time buyer (or an eligible veteran or purchasing a home in a target area)
  • Have good credit (670 to 739 credit score), steady employment, and be able to pay your mortgage monthly as well as any existing debts
  • Live in the home as your primary residence
  • Be prepared to pay either 1% or 3% of the purchase price with verified cash
  • Meet income limits and purchase price limits based on your household size for the Achieving the Dream or Low Interest Rate Program

How to get help:

Homeless assistance in New York 

Are you homeless or facing homelessness in New York? Here are some helpful resources:

Coalition for the Homeless

In New York City, the Coalition for the Homeless has compiled an online resource guide that includes emergency contacts for food, shelter, and other necessary services. 

Qualifications:

Any person who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is eligible for help.

How to get help:

  • Check out the resource guide for your borough
  • Call 1-888-358-2384 if you need help with access to a shelter

Housing and Support Services

New York state’s Housing and Support Services (HSS) falls under the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYOTDA). It administers multiple programs that support homeless people, those at risk of homelessness, and low-income families in New York. 

Programs include:

  • Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP)
  • New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP)
  • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA)
  • Emergency Needs for the Homeless Program (ENHP)
  • Operational Support for AIDS Housing Program (OSAH)
  • Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI)

Qualifications:

  • Homeless, facing homelessness, or have a low income and need help to maintain stable housing
  • Each program may have individual eligibility requirements

How to get help:

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in New York

If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in New York, check out the following programs:

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in New York

HEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies like Con Edison. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services. 

There are two benefits to help you pay energy bills:

  • Regular HEAP — Pays the energy vendor directly to assist with regular heating costs
  • Emergency HEAP — Emergency funds for situations where a resident is under threat of having no heat in the winter

The Regular HEAP benefit is available once per household during the program year, which started November 1, 2022 and continues until funding is gone. Emergency HEAP benefit funding started January 3, 2023. In some cases, you may be eligible for both benefits.

Regular HEAP Benefit Amounts for 2022-2023:

Minimum Regular HEAP BenefitHousehold situation
$21Government subsidized housing or group home with heating costs included in the rent
$45 or $50Households with heating costs as part of the rent
$1,050 plus add-onsHomes that use oil, kerosene, or propane as the primary heat source and pay the vendor directly
$685 plus add-onsHomes that use wood, wood pellets, coal, corn or other fuel as the primary heat source that is delivered and pay the vendor directly
$500 plus add-onsHomes that use electricity or natural gas as the main heat source and pay the vendor directly

For households that pay vendors directly for heat, add-ons refer to an additional $41 if the household is considered Tier 1. Tier 1 households are at or below 130% of the FPL or receive benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Qualifications:       

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Resident of New York
  • Not exceed the monthly income limits for your household size — $4,608 for a family of three
  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills

To be eligible for Emergency HEAP, you must be:

  • At risk of having no heat or currently without heat
  • Out of fuel or have low fuel
  • At or below the monthly income limits
  • Receiving SNAP, TA, or SSI
  • Responsible for paying the heating bill
  • Have less than $2,000 and no household members are 60 or older
  • Have less than $3,000 and a household member who is 60 or older

Emergency HEAP Benefit Amount 2022-2023:

Emergency TypeAmount
Heat-related (electric service required for heat)$185
Natural gas heat only$400
Natural gas and heat-related$585
Electric heat and heat-related$585
Fuel: oil, kerosene, and propane$900
Fuel: wood, wood pellets, coal, corn, etc.$635

How to get help:

  • Contact your local HEAP office
  • Call the OTDA hotline for questions about HEAP at 1-800-342-3009
  • Apply for energy bill assistance with myBenefits

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Sealing a home with weather stripping, caulk or other sealant
  • Replacing or repairing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Improving lighting, hot water tank and pipe insulation
  • Replacing refrigerators with Energy Star models
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Resident of state of New York
  • Must be a renter or homeowner
  • Must have household income that is at or below HEAP monthly income guidelines 
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, SNAP or HEAP

How to get help:

  • Call 518-474-5700 fo general questions about WAP
  • Applications are not available online, so you have to visit your county’s weatherization provider.

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in New York

These resources can help you get access to medical and dental treatment for you and your children:

New York free clinics

New York free clinics offer medical help to people who are uninsured or having trouble paying for health care. Some partner with top schools like New York University to have medical students on staff, guided by senior doctors.

Qualifications:

All patients are accepted.

How to get help:

  • Dial 2-1-1 in New York state to find the nearest free clinic
  • Dial 3-1-1 in New York City to find your the closest free clinic

New York Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In New York, most Medicaid recipients are enrolled in a New York State Medicaid Managed Care Plan (MMCP), which includes:

  • Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) — Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, lab services, rehab, inpatient hospital services, and transportation for medical needs
  • Dental and Orthodontic Services — Covers all dental services for children and adults
  • Hearing Services — Covers hearing tests, hearing aids services and hearing products
  • Vision Services — Covers eye care and low vision services

Qualifications:

  • Resident of New York
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements — $30,630/year for a family of three

Plus, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Pregnant
  • Caretaker for a child 18 or younger
  • Member of the household has a disability, including blindness
  • 65 or older

How to get help:

New York Child Health Plus (CHIP)

Child Health Plus, the name of New York State’s Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides free or low-cost health insurance for children who don’t qualify for Medicaid coverage based on household income.

Premiums range from $0 to $185 a month, depending on family size and income.

There are no co-payments for services under Child Health Plus.

Qualifications:

  • 18 or younger
  • Resident of New York
  • Not qualified for Medicaid
  • Have no other health insurance
  • Meet income eligibility requirements

How to get help:

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced-cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in New York by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

New York State of Health Marketplace

The New York State of Health marketplace allows individuals and families to shop for affordable health insurance coverage. To compare plans and estimate your monthly cost, you must create a free account.

You can choose an insurance plan during open enrollment, which generally runs between November and January each year. You can also apply during a special enrollment period such as when you lose coverage due to job loss or if you’ve just moved to a new state.

Qualifications:

  • New York resident
  • U.S. citizen, national or lawfully present immigrant* 
  • Not currently incarcerated 
  • Not seeking coverage for nursing home care or care provided in a Residential Treatment Facility for Children and Youth, Developmental Center or Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled

*There may be different immigration rules for those eligible for Child Health Plus, NYS Medicaid, or the Essential Plan based on your income

How to get help:

  • Create an account in the marketplace
  • Call the NY State of Health Marketplace Help Line at 1-855-355-5777

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in New York

A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:

New York Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card or credit card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

Some stores in New York are participating in a SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, allowing you to order groceries online using your SNAP benefits. 

Qualifications:

You must be a New York resident and meet one of the following conditions:

  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, OR 
  • Under $3,001 and share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over
    • Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself
  • Qualify under maximum income limits — $29,939/year for a family of three

How to get help: 

  • Apply at myBenefits
  • website or call 850-300-4323.  

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. 

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parent of children under age of five who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC 

How to get help: 

Call your local WIC office or dial 1-800-522-5006 and say you want to apply for WIC. 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. 

An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students. 

Qualifications: 

Household income must fall at or below the limits of the federal income eligibility guidelines.

How to get help: 

Contact your child’s school to enroll. If you receive TA and/or SNAP, no enrollment is necessary. Simply submit a certification letter to the school from your local DSS. 

New York’s Summer Food Service Program

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) administers the Summer Food Service Program. During summer break, this program serves nutritious meals at no cost to children. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, summer camps, parks, and other public spaces. 

Qualifications: 

These are the current income guidelines for the Summer Food Service Program: 

How to get help: 

New York food banks


Food banks in New York provide meals for individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. 

Qualifications: 

Each food bank sets its own eligibility and proof of need requirements. 

How to get help: 

To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the NYS OTDA website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in New York

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in New York:

Child care vouchers

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) provides vouchers to help qualifying families pay for child care.

Qualifications:

  • Work 10+ hours each week
  • Enrolled in an education or vocational program
  • Actively seeking work
  • Reside in temporary housing
  • You need to attend services due to domestic violence
  • Have an income that falls below 300% of FPL

How to get help:

Call ACS at 212-835-7610.

New York Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children from birth to 5 
  • Meet federal poverty guidelines 
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
  • Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start

How to apply: 

  • Visit MySchools to find a Head Start program in New York City
  • Locate a Head Start program in other parts of the state
  • Call 866-763-6481

New York State Child Care Assistance Program

The New York State Child Care Assistance Program (NYS CCAP) provides funds to pay for child care costs from licensed providers. You can even pay for child care with providers who are registered or enrolled as a legally exempt provider — including friends or relatives.

Qualifications: 

  • Must need child care to go to work, look for work, or attend job training
  • Cannot make more than 300% of the poverty level for their family size — $69,090/year for a family of three

How to get help: 

Promise NYC

Promise NYC launched in January 2023 and provides money for child care paid directly to the provider to help undocumented low-income families in need. This program will run as long as it has funding but is currently being offered until June 30, 2023. 

NYC ACS is partnering with four organizations to administer the program:

Qualifications: 

  • Children between 6 months and 13 years old 
  • Live in New York City
  • Current immigration status makes them ineligible for other federal child care assistance programs
  • Live in a home with an income below 300% of FPL for household size

How to get help: 

Contact the partner organization serving your borough (listed above) for more information.

More child care help

Education help for single moms in New York

If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources: 

Get a GED in New York

If you are at least 19 years old in New York, you can take the GED test. If you are 16, 17, or 18, you must get approval from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). 

The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit): 

  • Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
  • Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
  • Social studies – 70 minutes
  • Science – 90 minutes

In New York, you can only take the test in person. There are no online tests at this time. You may take the test for free, as it is paid for by the state. The GED is available in English and Spanish. Upon passing, you will be awarded a High School Equivalency Diploma.

To get started, create a free account with GED.

Grants and scholarships in New York

The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in New York. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the HESC website. 

Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply. 

Student loan forgiveness in New York

The HESC has several student loan forgiveness programs for New York residents. The federal government also offers multiple programs. For more information on these programs, visit the HESC website.

Employment help for single moms in New York

Workforce programs in New York provide training and assist with employment:

Department of Labor Career Centers

The New York State Department of Labor provides a career hub online that connects job seekers with employment resources throughout the state. The website offers resources like:

  • One-on-one career guidance
  • Group workshops
  • Self- service interviewing an resume tools
  • Job leads that match your qualifications

How to get help: 

New York City Career Services

If you receive Cash Assistance in New York City, you have access to Human Resources Administration (HRA) Career Services, a resource to help build job skills, assess your career needs and goals, and advance toward your chosen field of work. If you are not receiving assistance, you use the Virtual Workforce1 Career Center to get free help with your job search or career advancement.

How to get help: 

American Job Centers

The American Job Centers offer employment and training services, career counseling, and job search assistance. 

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in New York

There are a number of charitable organizations throughout New York that offer support to single moms:

Feeding America

Feeding America is an excellent resource to get connected to your local food bank or food program. Plus, your local food bank can help you apply for helpful programs like SNAP, which provides money each month to buy groceries for your family.

How to get help: 

Visit the Feeding America website to find your local food bank or learn about food assistance programs.

Moms for Moms

Moms for Moms is a nonprofit that provides care packages to new single moms in New York City who may be homeless, struggling in an abusive environment, or who don't make enough to make ends meet. They work with shelters, hospitals, and other nonprofits to meet the needs of single moms with newborns.

How to get help: 

Request a care package from Moms for Moms.

The Salvation Army of New York

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

  • Food, shelter, and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Christmas presents
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Emergency disaster response

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of New York

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York assists with:

  • Children’s services such as adoption, child care, foster care, and counseling
  • Family support services like financial help, maternity care, and job readiness/placement
  • Supporting people with disabilities with services that help with mental illness, substance abuse, hearing and visual impairment, and special education
  • Food support, such as access to food pantries, soup kitchens, and applying for SNAP benefits
  • Housing support to help people avoid eviction, offer emergency shelter, find affordable housing (permanent and temporary), and reach self-sufficiency
  • Refugee and immigrant support such as legal issues, citizenship, permission to work in the US, and job opportunities and placement

How to get help: 

United Way of New York

The United Way of New York connects people in need with local resources like: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

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Wealthysinglemommy.com founder Emma Johnson is an award-winning business journalist, activist, author and expert. A former Associated Press reporter and MSN Money columnist, Emma has appeared on CNBC, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, TIME, The Doctors, Elle, O, The Oprah Magazine. Winner of Parents magazine’s “Best of the Web” and a New York Observer “Most Eligible New Yorker," her #1 bestseller, The Kickass Single Mom (Penguin), was a New York Post Must Read. As an expert on divorce and gender, Emma presented at the United Nations Summit for Gender Equality and multiple state legislature hearings. More about Emma's credentials.

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