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If you’re a single mom in South Dakota struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

We also put together resources specifically for:

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

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.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in South Dakota

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 South Dakota

South Dakota’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. 

The amount paid out varies depending on household income and whether the child is living with a parent in an independent or shared living arrangement (which means the parent isn’t solely responsible for housing costs). For a family of three in an independent living arrangement, the payout is $668, and for a shared living arrangement, it’s $483. See full payout guidelines.

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent South Dakota resident
  • Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school
  • Pregnant women in third trimester if unable to work or in 9th month of pregnancy
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Gross income must be less than 185% of the federal poverty level
  • A child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child
  • Children under age 5 must be up to date with immunizations
  • Children ages 6 to 18 must attend school, and parents/caretakers must attend school conferences

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in South Dakota: 

Single moms in South Dakota can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in South Dakota

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

Rental assistance in South Dakota

There are multiple programs in South Dakota 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. 

How much you pay in rent is based on your income and the area in which you live. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or legal alien 
  • Live at a property designated as a Section 8 subsidy
  • Rent cannot exceed the maximum for your household’s income category
  • Family has to meet size requirements to qualify for multiple bedrooms
  • Unit must be the household’s only residence 

How to get help: 

SD CARES

South Dakota Housing’s SD CARES program is a rental and utility assistance program for those who are experiencing financial hardships and housing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 global health emergency. 

Qualifications:

  • Household income limits are based on county of residence  
  • Past-due utility bill, rent notice, or otherwise able to prove you are at risk of becoming homeless or have unstable housing 
  • One or more members of the household must meet one of the following:
  • Qualified for unemployment benefits
  • Experienced a reduction in household income
  • Incurred significant costs because of COVID-19 outbreak
  • Experienced other financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak

How to get help: 

  • Apply online here 
  • Call SD Housing 605-773-3181
  • Email info@sdhda.org 

Mortgage assistance in South Dakota

If you need help buying a home in South Dakota, these programs can help: 

GROW South Dakota Housing Programs

GROW South Dakota has a range of programs to help residents rent or buy a home including:

  • Apartment rentals in Milbank and Sisseton, S.D.
  • Down payment assistance up to $10,500
  • Home mortgage loans up to $300,000
  • Homeownership education and counseling

Qualifications:

  • Each program has its own eligibility requirements, contact GROW South Dakota for details

How to get help:

  • Call 605-698-7654
  • Email: info@growsd.org

Governor’s House Program

The Governor’s House Program offers energy-efficient homes that are reasonably sized and budget-friendly for qualifying South Dakota residents: 

  • Two-bedroom option: $62,800
  • Three-bedroom option: $75,200

The homebuyer is responsible for the following:

  • Buying a lot 
  • Obtaining building permits 
  • Paying for the foundation 
  • Setting up utilities 
  • Providing flooring and appliances 

Note: There is an extended wait for new house orders. The price is subject to change but does include delivery and placement. 

Qualifications:

  • Must place the home in South Dakota 
  • Make $59,789 or less in one or two-person households or $62,320 or less in households of three or more
  • Net worth less than $125,000 — or liquid assets of $105,000 — for applicants under 61 
  • Have a net worth of less than $250,000 — or liquid assets of $140,000 — for applicants older than 62
  • Home must be applicant’s only residence 

How to get help:

  • Contact a Governor’s House representative in your area
  • Call 800-540-4241 
  • Email Mike Harsma, Director of Single-Family Development, at mike@sdhda.org              

South Dakota Housing down payment assistance

South Dakota Housing Authority’s Fixed Rate Plus loan program offers those who qualify 3% or 5% in down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a second mortgage.

The loan has a 0% interest rate, no payments or additional fees, and is repayable either at the time of sale or upon repayment of the mortgage.

How to get help: 

South Dakota Repeat Homebuyer Program 

South Dakota Housing’s Repeat Homebuyer Program helps South Dakota residents build or buy homes in the state. The program includes:

  • Low fixed interest rate
  • Down payment and closing cost assistance 
  • Reduced mortgage insurance 
  • Less paperwork than a traditional home sale

The home property and house purchase limit is $413,000. 

Here’s a look at current interest rates for home purchases.  

Qualifications: 

  • Income limit of less than $102,480 for a family of two or less or $119,560 for a family of three or more
  • Minimum credit score of 620 

How to get help: 

South Dakota First-Time Homebuyer Program 

South Dakota Housing’s First-Time Homebuyer Program helps residents build or buy homes in the state. Applicants must not have owned a home in the last three years. 

The home property and house purchase limit is $340,000. 

Qualifications: 

Residents must meet county income requirements.   

How to get help: 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in South Dakota 

The South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium aims to prevent South Dakota residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. It connects people with services, including:

  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing

Here is a list of homeless shelters across South Dakota. 

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual Continuums of Care agencies. 

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Transportation help for low-income families in South Dakota 

South Dakota offers multiple transportation resources for single moms and low-income families:

Free and low-cost transportation

You may be eligible for these free and low-cost transportation options if you meet the eligibility criteria:

South Dakota Medicaid Community Transportation

The Community Transportation program, covered by South Dakota Medicaid, provides free non-emergency transportation to or from necessary medical appointments when the services are covered by Medicaid. 

Covered transportation includes from home or school to a medical provider, between medical providers or from a medical provider to home or school. A home does not include a hospital, prison, detention center, campus setting, nursing facility or an intermediate care facility for the intellectually or developmentally disabled. 

Transportation is covered only to the closest facility or provider capable of providing the necessary services unless the individual has a referral.

Qualifications:

  • Must qualify for Medicaid 

How to get help:

Free cars in South Dakota

This charity provides cars to eligible applicants in South Dakota:

Free Charity Cars 

Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program. 

Qualifications:

  • Be a resident of the U.S.
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Have a genuine need for a vehicle 
  • Have access to a Computer and Internet Service
  • Sign up for an online account 
  • Complete an online application for a vehicle
  • Have the financial means to pay for the fees, including the tag, title, emissions, insurance, etc.
  • Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle if awarded 

How to get help:

If you’re ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit Express is a quality lender:

  • Better Business Bureau rating of A+
  • In business since 1999
  • For new or used cars
  • Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
  • Pre-approval within 30 seconds

24 hours to a car loan with Auto Credit Express >>

Electric bill assistance in South Dakota

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in South Dakota

LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating costs, paid directly to utility companies. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services. 

Qualifications:       

  • Under maximum income limit for household size — $11,501 every three months for a family of three
  • Responsible for paying your home heating bills
  • Resident of South Dakota
  • U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of projects include:

  • Installing carbon monoxide detectors
  • Removing mold
  • Weather-stripping doors and windows
  • Caulking and sealing cracks and holes in a building structure
  • Repair, tune-up or replacement of non-functional heating systems

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • South Dakota resident 
  • Meet annual household income guidelines based on the number of people in your household — $11,501 every three months for a family of three
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

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 South Dakota

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:

South Dakota Dental Association 

The South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA) has a list of numerous programs offering free or low-cost dental care in the state. 

The SDDA also offers the Sunshyne Smiles Program — a statewide program that provides orthodontic treatment to South Dakota children who may not otherwise receive care. Children accepted to the program must be referred by their dentist. 

Eligibility is determined based on the severity of the child’s orthodontic needs and their family’s financial situation.

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic or program sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in South Dakota

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 South Dakota by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

South Dakota Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In South Dakota, most Medicaid recipients are enrolled in benefits that include:

  • Managed Medical Assistance (MMA): Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation for medical needs
  • Long-term Care (LTC): Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
  • Dental: Covers all dental services for children and adults

Qualifications:

  • South Dakota resident 
  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet monthly household income guidelines based on the number of people in your household

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:

South Dakota Children’s Health Insurance Program  

South Dakota Children’s Health Insurance Program — part of the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — provides both health and dental services to children whose families do not qualify for Medicaid. Benefits include:

  • Doctor visits
  • Surgeries
  • Vaccines
  • Vision and hearing 
  • Hospital stays

Many families pay nothing, and many pay as little as $15 or $20 a month for all children in the household. 

Qualifications: 

How to get help: 

South Dakota Bright Start Program 

Bright Start’s free personal nurse program helps moms focus on their health during pregnancy by connecting them with a registered nurse. This nurse will work one-on-one with moms to offer support, advice, and information throughout pregnancy and until the child turns 2.  

Qualifications: 

Moms must be South Dakota residents and meet income requirements. 

How to get help: 

Call your local Bright Start office. 

South Dakota Healthy Start

The Great Plains Healthy Start Program provides home visits to educate parents and coordinate care for people who need it. 

Education services cover:

  • Prenatal care and parenting 
  • Conception 
  • Stress management
  • Local resources and assistance

Qualifications: 

Pregnant women and parents of children under 2 years old are eligible for South Dakota Healthy Start services. 

How to get help: 

  • Call 605-721-1922 
  • Email info@gpthcb.org 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in South Dakota

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

South Dakota 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. The amount of SNAP benefits a person or family receives is based on household size, income and allowable expenses. 

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

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

Qualifications:

  • South Dakota resident 
  • Households must not have more than $2,750 in countable resources, such as a bank account
    • $4,250 if at least one person in the household is a person with a disability or age 60 or older
  • Household gross monthly income must be 130% or less of the federal poverty guidelines 
  • Net monthly income must be 100 percent or less of the Federal poverty guidelines. 
  • Most able-bodied adult applicants must meet certain work requirements
  • All household members must provide a Social Security number

How to get help: 

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. In South Dakota, the program also offers nutrition education courses, breastfeeding support and more. 

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 parents of children under age of 5 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: 

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: 

Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll. 

South Dakota’s Summer Food Service Program

The South Dakota Department of Education serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks, and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

  • Find a location near you at the USDA Summer Food Service Program website
  • Text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 
  • Call 605-773-3413
  • Email DOE.SchoolLunch@state.sd.us 

South Dakota food banks

Food banks in South Dakota 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 Feeding South Dakota website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in South Dakota

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in South Dakota:

South Dakota Child Care Assistance

The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers financial help to pay for child care. You must meet eligibility requirements and use an approved provider. Depending on your income, you may have to provide a co-payment for child care based on a sliding fee scale.

Qualifications:

  • Household income does not exceed 209% of the FPL and you meet one of the following conditions:
  • Working at least 80 hours per month
  • TANF recipient and you are working in an approved work activity
  • Vocational/technical student in a program that is up to two years and your school and work activity equals at least 80 hours per month
  • College student attending school for a minimum of 80 hours or working and attending school for a minimum of 80 hours per month
  • Attending a college, university or technical institute with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester
  • High school or GED student

How to get help:

South Dakota 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: 

  • Contact your local Head Start or Early Head Start to apply
  • Call SD HSA executives Jasper Diegel and Katie Sieverding at 605-929-8869 or 605-280-1604
  • Email sdhsa@sdheadstart.org 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in South Dakota

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

Get a GED in South Dakota

If you are at least 18 years old in South Dakota, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission from the school district where you live. 

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

Testers must score a minimum of 145 (out of a possible 200) points on each of the four subtests to earn a credential.

You have two options for taking the test in South Dakota: 

  • Online at-home test – $37.50 per subject
  • In person at a test center – $$37.50 per subject

How to get help: 

Call the Department of Labor and Regulation at 605-773-5821.

Uplifting Parents

Catholic Social Services of Rapid City, S.D. offers the Uplifting Parents program for single parents who desire mentoring and financial help to pursue a college degree. If selected, you can receive up to $4,800 to fund educational pursuits and guidance from a mentor, one-on-one. Preference is given to low-income applicants, but all single parents are welcome to apply. 

Qualifications:

  • Single parent seeking higher education
  • Currently parenting or expecting
  • Able to complete your degree program within 24 months
  • Must be referred by a community partner
  • Able to travel to Rapid City for meetings and classes
  • Not currently struggling with addiction or substance abuse

How to get help:

  • Call 605-348-6086
  • Email css@cssrapidcity.com

Grants and scholarships in South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Education connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in South Dakota. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, visit the DOE 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. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in South Dakota

Workforce programs in South Dakota provide training and assist with employment:

South Dakota Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program

This program provides unemployment compensation to eligible South Dakota workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Qualifications: 

  • South Dakota resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Previously employed for the past 12 months
  • Earned a certain amount of wages
  • Actively looking for another job

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: 

  • Search for a location on the American Job Center website
  • Call 877-872-5627 
  • Email info@careeronestop.org 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in South Dakota

There are a number of charitable organizations throughout South Dakota that offer support to single moms:

Fairy Godmother’s Fund

The South Dakota Community Foundation provides short-term help to women who have critical needs such as fuel help for emergency travel, furniture after fleeing domestic violence, or help fixing a car. The money is a grant and does not have to be repaid. Grant amounts vary depending on need and availability of funds.

Qualifications:

  • Women in South Dakota who have an emergent financial need

How to get help:

  • Call 800-888-1842
  • Email info@sdcommunityfoundation.org

The Salvation Army of South Dakota

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

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of South Dakota

Catholic Charities assists with:

  • Housing
  • Utility assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Health care assistance

Qualifications: 

Each Catholic Charities branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

United Way of South Dakota

The United Way of South Dakota connects people in need with local resources like: 

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

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The following resources serve residents of Sioux Falls, S.D.: 

Emergency assistance in Sioux Falls

If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Sioux Falls area:

The Community Outreach 

The Community Outreach provides emergency financial help to Sioux Falls residents at risk for utility shutoff or eviction. The Crisis Care program offers assistance with rent and mortgages, utilities, transportation and more. The nonprofit also offers financial and homebuyer mentoring. 

Qualifications:

  • Must have an eviction or termination of utilities notice

How to get help:

  • Call 605-331-3935
  • Fill out the online form 
  • Email info@thecommunityoutreach.org

St. Francis House 

St. Francis House helps people in the Sioux Falls area avoid homelessness by offering a warm place to stay and assistance in locating community resources to address individual needs, such as childcare, healthcare, a vehicle, and more. St. Francis House also offers numerous services and programs, including:  

  • Providing short-term housing
  • Providing food and clothing
  • Individual case management 
  • Assistance setting up and managing savings and debt 

Guests of St. Francis House can stay up to a year.  

Qualifications:

  • Must find and maintain full-time employment during stay
  • Must deposit all wages into an established savings account 
  • No drug or alcohol use

How to get help:

  • Call 605-334-3879
  • Email info@stfrancishouse.com 

Housing help in Sioux Falls

If you need housing help in Sioux Falls, here is an option:

The Safety and Home Repair Grant 

This grant offered by the Sioux Falls Housing Division provides financial help to low- or moderate-income households for home and sidewalk repairs. Each household is eligible for a maximum $5,000 grant for qualifying health and safety repair projects.

This is a short-term program with limited funding, ending on December 31, 2024, or when all of the funds have been obligated to homeowners. 

The grant program can help with tasks, including:

  • Repair or replacement of faulty plumbing, heating systems, electrical work, roofs, windows and doors, and stoops and stairs
  • Necessary painting
  • Insulation and winterization
  • Handicapped accessibility
  • Necessary sidewalk and concrete repairs

Qualifications:

  • Applicants must own the home
  • Property must be located within the city limits of Sioux Falls
  • Able to meet income guidelines

For those who own a mobile home, there is a separate program and application found here. 

How to get help:

Medical and dental care help in Sioux Falls

If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Sioux Falls, check out these resources:

Delta Dental Mobile Program 

Delta Dental Mobile Program offers free dental services for children. The program uses mobile dental clinics fully equipped to provide preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care. The calendar for the dental trucks is online. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be under age 21
  • Haven’t seen a local dentist in two or more years or live more than 85 miles from a dentist 

How to get help:

  • Call 877-841-1478  

Falls Community Health 

Falls Community Health provides affordable primary care, dental services and other health services at a downtown clinic or three neighborhood locations throughout Sioux Falls. 

The dental clinic offers emergency services, routine dental care, school-based preventative dental care, cleanings, extractions, and fillings. 

Qualifications:

Falls Community Health offers a sliding fee scale to patients based on annual household income for our services.  Acceptable forms of verification are:

  • Income tax forms
  • One month’s worth of pay stubs
  • Statements from Social Security/Disability
  • Notice of action from food stamps or unemployment
  • Other forms pertaining to child support, TANF, student class schedule, etc.
  • Letters from other organizations that may be helping you

Falls Community Health fees are based on the federal government’s poverty guidelines and vary based on household size and income. A nominal charge per visit of $15 for medical and $35 for dental is expected at time of service.

How to get help:

  • Call 605-367-8793 
  • Visit one of the four Falls Community Health locations 

Food help in Sioux Falls

Here are food resources local to Sioux Falls, S.D.:

Faith Temple Food Giveaway 

Faith Temple offers multiple food giveaways in South Dakota by offering. The schedule is online.

How to get help:

  • Call 605-332-2303
  • Email staff@faithtemplefood.com

Food to You

Food to You, a mobile food pantry, is a monthly food distribution ministry in Sioux Falls. You can receive food from Food to You one time per calendar month. The schedule and locations are available online. 

Qualifications:

  • Must attend a Food to You distribution event to pick up the items

How to get help:

  • Call 605-271-2163
  • Email foodtoyousiouxfalls@gmail.com

Education help in Sioux Falls

Here is an education resource in Sioux Falls:

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation awards more than 150 scholarships to local students each year. The foundation has an interactive search-and-match tool to help you find scholarships you are eligible for.

To get started, you must first:

  • Complete the FAFSA 
  • Select the appropriate button below to use our search-and-match feature
  • Enter your SAI (Student Aid Index), found on your FAFSA, to find scholarships you qualify for

Additional qualifications vary by application. 

How to get help:

  • Call 605-336-7055
  • Email info@sfacf.org 

Employment help in Sioux Falls

Check out this employment resource in Sioux Falls:

South Dakota Job Corps

Job Corps provides free education and training for multiple career paths. If accepted, your child will receive a bi-weekly stipend and a transition allowance after graduation with career placement help. There are residential (live on campus) and nonresidential options.

As a student, your child will receive:

  • Free housing
  • Free meals
  • Free medical care
  • Living allowance
  • Free books and supplies
  • Free uniforms and safety equipment

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or lawful resident
  • Aged 16-24
  • Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced-price lunch
  • Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care

How to get help:

  • Call 605-275-4611
  • Find a campus near you

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in Tennessee struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

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.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Tennessee

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Tennessee

Families First, Tennessee’s version of the TANF program, provides a monthly cash allowance for qualifying low-income families with children under the age of 18 and children age 18 and older who attend school full-time. 

Families First helps participants with:

  • Temporary cash assistance
  • Transportation
  • Child care assistance
  • Educational support
  • Job training

The amount paid out varies depending on household income. For example, Families First pays a maximum of $387/month to a family of three. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Have children under 18 or under 19 if a full-time student
  • Agree to follow a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) 
  • Child must be deprived due to:
    • Continued absence from the home from at least one parent
    • Physical/mental incapacity of at least one parent
    • Death of a parent
  • Apply for and accept other benefits such as:
    • Unemployment Compensation
    • Workman’s Compensation
    • Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)
    • Child Support
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Children ages 6 to 17 who have not graduated high school or received equivalent certificate must attend school with satisfactory attendance
  • Preschool children must be immunized
  • Meet income requirements (linked above)
  • Paternity of child must be established at application and when a child is added
  • Adult recipients are required to participate in work activities for at least 30 hours/week
  • Must cooperate with Office of Child Support Services

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults, though extensions may be granted in cases of domestic violence and physical/mental incapacity. 

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Tennessee: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Tennessee

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

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 in Tennessee pay their rent. 

Qualifications:

  • Meet income limits specified on the HUD website
  • Citizen or eligible immigrant
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Tennessee resident

How to get help: 

Contact your local public housing agency and ask how to apply for assistance. 

Mortgage assistance in Tennessee

If you need help buying a home in Tennessee, these programs can help: 

Hope Credit Union Home Loans

Hope Credit Union Enterprise Corporation offers multiple loan options whether you are a first-time homebuyers, looking to refinance, or have been denied lending because of poor credit. Hope has specific loan products that cater to low- to moderate-income families:

  • FHA loan – Best for families with low to moderate income who cannot afford a large down payment
  • Hope loan – An affordable housing loan from Hope Credit Union you can apply for even if your credit score is as low as 580

Hope has loan options for any income level and credit standing.

Qualifications:

  • Tennessee resident

How to get help:

Tennessee Housing Homebuyer Program

Tennessee Housing offers Great Choice Home Loan programs with 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers. These loans can be offered as FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. 

Qualifications:

  • Credit score of at least 640
  • Work with an approved, participating lender 
  • Go through an education program 
  • House you want to buy is within purchase price limits for your county
  • Income below program’s county limits
  • Must meet IRS definition of a first-time homebuyer, which means you can not have owned any other principal residence for three years prior to the date of purchase of the new principal residence

How to get help: 

Tennessee Housing down payment assistance

Tennessee Housing also helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan:

  • Up to $6,000 on FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans
  • 0%, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage
  • 30-year-term
  • Forgivable after the end of the term 
  • Loan will be due in full if home is refinanced or sold prior to 30 years 

Qualifications: 

  • Credit score of at least 640
  • Work with an approved, participating lender 
  • Must complete a pre-purchase Homebuyer Education course from a THDA-approved instructor

How to get help: 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Office on Homelessness in Tennessee

The main goal of the Office of Housing and Homeless Services is to prevent Tennessee residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office helps people find stable housing in: 

  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing

THDA also offers HUD-Certified Housing Counselors who can help residents facing foreclosure. 

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual Continuums of Care agencies. 

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Tennessee

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Tennessee 

LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services. Learn more here.

Qualifications:       

  • Meet income eligibility requirements 
  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
  • Resident of Tennessee 
  • U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.

How to get help:

  • Contact your local LIHEAP office
  • Call Tennessee Housing at 615-815-2200

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Installing carbon monoxide detectors
  • Removing mold
  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Resident of state of Tennessee 
  • Meet annual household income guidelines based on the number of people in your household — $38,180/year for a family of three 
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

Contact your county’s Weatherization provider.

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Tennessee

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:        

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Tennessee 

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 Tennessee by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

Tennessee Medicaid

TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. Benefits include:

  • Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) – Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation for medical needs
  • Long-term Care (LTC) – Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
  • Dental – Covers all dental services for children and adults

You can use this website to find a dentist. This list shows dental and health clinics across the state. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Tennessee
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements 

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

  • Pregnant
  • Caretaker for a child 21 or younger
  • Member of the household has a disability, including blindness
  • 65 or older

How to get help:

  • Apply online at TennCare Connect
  • Call 855-259-0701 
  • Mail applications to: TennCare Connect P.O. Box 305240 Nashville, TN 37230-5240

Tennessee CoverKids

CoverKids — part of the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is for children whose families don’t qualify for Medicaid. 

Families who meet the income guidelines don’t pay a monthly premium for CoverKids, but they may have to pay copays for some services depending on their income level.

CoverKids benefits include:

  • Vaccinations and well-child visits
  • Physician services
  • Hospitalizations
  • Mental health services
  • Physical, speech and occupational therapy
  • Vision and dental care

Qualifications: 

  • Tennessee residents
  • Under 19 years of age on the date of application
  • Not eligible for or enrolled in TennCare
  • Household income is at or below 250% of federal poverty level

How to get help: 

CoverRx

CoverRX is a prescription drug program for Tennesseeans who have no pharmacy coverage. Members pay no monthly premiums, but copays of $3 to $5 are required for most prescriptions. CoverRx provides the following benefits:

  • Access to more than 200 generic medications, insulin, diabetic supplies and select mental health drugs 
  • Up to five prescriptions per month (insulin, diabetic supplies, and vaccines — COVID-19 antivirals and at-home tests do not count against the monthly limit)
  • Discount for many non-covered drugs 
  • CoverRx is not insurance and will not cover doctor’s visits or hospitalizations

Qualifications: 

  • Tennessee resident for at least six months 
  • U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien
  • Age 18-64 
  • Income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level
  • Cannot have any other pharmacy coverage 
  • Cannot have Medicare 

How to get help: 

Tennessee Healthy Start

Healthy Start provides home visits to educate parents and coordinate care for people who need it. 

Education services cover:

  • Prenatal care and parenting 
  • Conception 
  • Stress management
  • Local resources and assistance

Qualifications: 

Pregnant women and parents of children under three years old are eligible for Tennessee Healthy Start services. 

How to get help: 

Search for services by county on the Kid Central Tennessee website.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Tennessee

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

Tennessee 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 to purchase food in retail food stores, including:

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

Qualifications:

  • Tennessee resident
  • Most people between 16 and 59 years old
    • Must register for work
    • Participate in the Employment & Training Program if offered
    • Accept offers of employment
    • Cannot quit a job
  • Asset limit under $2,750 or under $4,250 and share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over
    • Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself

You must also have an annual household income below these amounts. 

How to get help: 

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 parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC 

How to get help: 

Call your local WIC office or 800-342-5942 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: 

Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll. 

Tennessee’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

The SFSP is a partnership between the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the Tennessee Department of Human Services, and community organizations to provide free meals to children throughout the summer. Parents can find meal sites nearby using the location finder online here. 

Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children 18 and younger 
  • People with disabilities over age 18 can also qualify 
  • Current income guidelines for the Summer Food Service Program

How to get help: 

Tennessee food banks


Food banks in Tennessee 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, check out this list. You can also visit the Feed America First website to find a location near you. 

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Tennessee

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Tennessee:

Tennessee 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: 

Tennessee Child Care Payment Assistance 

Tennessee’s Child Care Payment Assistance Program provides aid covering the cost of child care so a parent can work or attend a training or education program.

Qualifications: 

  • Parents must meet income guidelines  
  • Parents who have children six weeks to 5 years old and who work or go to school, or both, for 30 hours or more a week 
  • High school or middle school mothers who stay in school who participate in the Teen Parent program 
  • Parents in the Families First program who need child care to complete work activities in their personal responsibility plan 
  • Non-parental guardians in the Families First program who need child care for a related child IF the guardian does 30 or more hours of work, training, or education a week.

How to get help: 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Tennessee

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

If you are at least 18 years old in Tennessee**, you can take the HiSET test (which replaced the GED in the state). If you are a resident, you might be eligible for a voucher that allows you to take the HiSET exam for free if you meet the requirements established through your local Adult Education program. 

**If you are 17 years old, you must have an age waiver signed by your local director of schools and present it at the time of your test. 

The test is broken into five subjects:

  • Language arts- Reading
  • Language Arts- Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Check with your local Adult Education Center, call 800-531-1515 or email adulteducation@tn.gov for more information. 

Grants and scholarships in Tennessee

The College Pays TN connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Florida. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, check out the College Pays website. 

Tennessee Student Assistance Award

The program provides non-repayable financial assistance to low-income undergraduate students who are residents of Tennessee. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted at an eligible postsecondary institution in Tennessee. The TSAA is a state-funded grant program.

The amount of the award is based on the institution indicated on the student’s FAFSA. Award amounts for an academic year are:

  • Four-year/two-year private $4,000
  • Four-year public $2,000
  • Two-year public $2,000
  • Career Schools $2,000
  • TN College of Applied Technology $2,000

Qualifications: 

How to get help: 

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. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Tennessee

Workforce programs in Tennessee provide training and assist with employment:

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 Tennessee

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

The Salvation Army of Tennessee 

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

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Tennessee 

Catholic Charities assists with:

  • Housing
  • Utility assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Health care assistance

There are multiple chapters across Tennessee.

Qualifications: 

Each Catholic Charities branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

United Way of Tennessee 

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

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

How to get help: 

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in Pennsylvania struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

We also put together resources specifically for:

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

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.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Pennsylvania

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Pennsylvania

TANF-Pennsylvania provides emergency funds to qualifying individuals and families in need, including pregnant women, single mothers, and low-income families.

TANF is designed to help single mothers and low-income families cover the costs of food, rent, clothing, and bills.

You can receive cash assistance through TANF for up to 60 months (5 years) throughout your lifetime. The amount of money you receive depends on which county you live in, as well as the number of people in your household. Your household income may also affect your payout amount. 

Group 1:Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery, Pike
Number of Persons in Budget GroupMaximum Benefit Amount
1$215
2$330
3$421
4$514
5$607
6$687
Each additional person$83
Group 2:Adams, Allegheny, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Centre, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Philadelphia, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Warren, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, York
Number of Persons in Budget GroupMaximum Benefit Amount
1$205
2$316
3$403
4$497
5$589
6$670
Each additional person$83
Group 3:Beaver, Cameron, Carbon, Clinton, Elk, Franklin, Indiana, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Venango, Washington
Number of Persons in Budget GroupMaximum Benefit Amount
1$215
2$330
3$421
4$514
5$607
6$687
Each additional person$83
Group 4:Armstrong, Bedford, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Fayette, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Jefferson, Juniata, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Somerset
Number of Persons in Budget GroupMaximum Benefit Amount
1$215
2$330
3$421
4$514
5$607
6$687
Each additional person$83

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Pennsylvania resident
  • Have children under 18 (or under 19 if still enrolled in high school)
  • Pregnant women (with or without children)
  • Must need support as a result of at least one of these things:
    • Death of the child’s parent
    • Incapacity of the child’s parent (such as a long illness)
    • Continued absence of a parent from the home
    • One or both parents with no income or low income from employment.
  • Children and mother must have Social Security Number
  • Children must have birth certificates to prove a relationship to their parent or caregiver
  • Monthly countable income must be less than the Assistance Payment Level (APL) (after subtracting 50% of the FPL from APL)
  • Pursue child support enforcement, have child support in place, or have good cause for refusing child support 
  • Actively seek employment or training program (unless reasonable excuse, such as disability)
  • Help caseworker complete, sign, and follow through with Agreement of Mutual Responsibility, a plan for what you will do to no longer require TANF
  • Resources must hold a total value of $1,000 or less
  • Report all sources of income

How to get help:

Pennsylvania Family Assistance

Pennsylvania Family Assistance, provided through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS), offers resources to families and single mothers in need of financial assistance. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Pennsylvania resident
  • Unemployed or underemployed 
  • Low or very low income
  • One of the following:
    • have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
    • be pregnant, or
    • be 18 years of age or younger and head of your household

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Pennsylvania: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers housing programs and services that help individuals and families with low incomes, older adults and people with disabilities, and those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. 

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

Rental assistance in Pennsylvania

There are several programs in Pennsylvania to help renters find housing and pay their rent based on the county in which they live:

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

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

Qualifications:

  • Meet income limits specified by HUD: less than 50% of medium income for the county in which you live. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website. 
  • Must be a citizen or eligible immigrant
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Resident of Pennsylvania

How to get help: 

  • Contact your local public housing agency (PHA) and ask how to apply for assistance
  • Call 800-955-2232 (housing choice voucher program in Pennsylvania) 
  • To apply, you will need your Social Security Number, third-party documentation of income, preliminary application form, and signed consent forms
  • Contact your local HUD rental assistance agency and ask how to apply. Some counties may not offer rental assistance. 

Please note: Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you might want to apply at more than one. Your PHA can also give you a list of locations where your voucher can be used.

Subsidized apartments

HUD allows apartment owners to offer reduced rent to their low-income tenants. To apply, contact or visit the management office of the apartment building(s) that interest you.

PA housing search 

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s (PHFA) housing search tool helps people search for housing by rent amount, area of interest, accessibility, etc.

You can also find additional statewide information and resources, including a rental checklist, rent calculator, and information on services and transportation.

How to get help:

Mortgage assistance in Pennsylvania

If you need help with your mortgage in Pennsylvania, or you need help buying a home, these programs can help: 

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) 

PHFA offers several homebuyer and mortgage assistance programs, including down payment and closing cost assistance. You can find information on:

  • Foreclosure prevention and assistance
  • Home improvement & repairs
  • Refinancing options

This is one of their programs: 

K-FIT

The Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program (K-FIT) helps qualified homebuyers with a down payment and/or closing costs by providing a second mortgage loan. Eligible borrowers may receive 5% of the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value with no maximum dollar limit. The loan is forgiven annually over 10 years at 10% interest per year.

Qualifications:

Buyers must meet the requirements of the applicable PHFA first mortgage program and the K-FIT requirements, most of which are listed below:

  • Minimum credit score of 660
  • Maximum assistance will be based on the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value
  • Assistance must be used for down payment and/or closing costs
  • Minimum loan amount is $500.
  • K-FIT may not be combined with any other PHFA assistance program, except the ACCESS Home Modification Loan Program.
  • K-FIT may be used for conventional, FHA, VA, or RD loans

How to get help:

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Habitat for Humanity 

Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates houses for needy families and offers homeownership assistance through volunteer labor. 

Contact Habitat for Humanity for more information.

USDA Rural Housing

The USDA Rural Housing program in Pennsylvania is a homebuyer program for rural communities. 

Contact USDA PA Rural Housing for more information.

More housing help: 





Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Pennsylvania

The following housing programs help homeless and special needs individuals in Pennsylvania: 

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program 

The EHV program helps those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and/or attempting to flee or fleeing domestic issues. Note: This program does not provide immediate assistance. 

The EHV program helps families and individuals experiencing homelessness by helping them find affordable housing in the short term and establishing housing stability in the long term.

Qualifications:

EHVs are limited to individuals and families who are:

  • Homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
  • People who are recently homeless or for whom rental assistance will prevent homelessness 
  • High risk of housing instability

How to get help: 

Pennsylvania Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)

HAP helps ensure people who are homeless can find refuge and that they can work toward self-sufficiency. Available programs and services include:

  • Case management
  • Rental assistance
  • Bridge housing
  • Emergency shelter
  • Innovative supportive housing service

Qualifications:

How to get help: 

Transportation help for low-income families in Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania offers multiple transportation resources for single moms and low-income families:

Free and low-cost transportation

You may be eligible for these free and low-cost transportation options if you meet the eligibility criteria:

Medical Assistance Transportation Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services offers the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), which allows Medicaid recipients in the state to schedule free or low-cost rides to medical appointments. 

The cost and type of transportation vary by county. In places where public transportation is available, the program offers free or discounted passes or reimbursement to cover the fare.

If public transportation is not an option, MATP also has options for vehicle mileage reimbursement of 12 cents per mile as well as paratransit options where those in need of a ride can be picked up and dropped off at their medical appointment. 

Qualifications:

  • Must qualify for Medicaid to be eligible
  • Must fill out an application 

How to get help:

Free cars in Pennsylvania

This nationwide charity provides free cars to eligible applicants in Pennsylvania:

Free Charity Cars 

Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program. 

Qualifications:

  • Be a resident of the U.S.
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be at or below 200% of the FPL
  • Have a genuine need for a vehicle 
  • Have access to a Computer and Internet Service
  • Sign up for an online account 
  • Complete an online application for a vehicle
  • Have the financial means to pay for the fees, including the tag, title, emissions, insurance, etc.
  • Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle if awarded 

How to get help:

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  • Better Business Bureau rating of A+
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  • Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
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Electric bill assistance in Pennsylvania

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills in Pennsylvania, check out the following programs:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Pennsylvania

LIHEAP helps eligible households with their home heating and cooling bills through energy bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and long-term weatherization assistance. 

Grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. 

Qualifications:       

  • U.S. citizen or legally admitted immigrant
  • Responsible for paying cost of energy bills
  • Resident of Pennsylvania
  • Total gross annual household income at or below 60% of the state median income

How to get help:

  • More information is available at LIHEAP
  • Call 866-857-7095

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Air and duct sealing
  • Wall, floor, attic insulation
  • Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system improvements
  • Lighting efficiency 
  • Hot water tank insulation
  • Water conservation devices

The average expenditure per household is $7,669.

Qualifications:       

  • Low-income individuals (at or below 200% of FPL), with priority given to higher-risk residents such as the elderly, disabled individuals, families with children, and high energy users.

How to get help:

Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) in Pennsylvania

LIHWAP was created in response to COVID-19 and helps eligible households pay for drinking and wastewater. Payments are applied directly to the water account and paid to the vendor. 

Qualifications:

  • Receive water through public pipelines from participating vendor
  • Total gross income at or below 60% of state median income
  • Responsible for paying the cost of water
  • U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
  • Resident of Pennsylvania

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance & dental help for single moms in Pennsylvania

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in Pennsylvania:

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Pennsylvania

HRSA, an agency of the U.S. 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. 

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 Pennsylvania by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
  • Call 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS)

Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania

Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program) is an assistance program that pays for health care services for low-income individuals and families. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Children 18 and under
  • Pregnant women
  • Parents and caretakers of children under 21
  • Individuals ages 65 and older
  • Blind and/or disabled
  • Individuals receiving long-term care or home and community-based services
  • If your income is higher than the limits but you have medical bills you owe
  • Adults ages 19-64 with incomes at or below 133% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (FPIG):
Household sizeMonthly pregnant women and infants under age 1 (215% FPIG*) Monthlychildren ages 1-5 (157% FPIG)Monthlychildren Ages 6-18 (133% FPIG)
1$2,613$1,908$1,616
2$3,534$2,581$2,186
3$4,455$3,253$2,756
4$5,375$3,925$3,325
5$6,296$4,598$3,895
6$7,217$5,270$4,465
7$8,138$5,943$5,035
8$9,059$6,615$5,604
Each additional person$921$673$570

How to get help:

  • Apply online using COMPASS
  • Call 866-550-4355

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Pennsylvania

CHIP provides health coverage for kids and teens who are uninsured and not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. 

CHIP is free for most families, though families with incomes above the free CHIP limits can pay low monthly premiums, starting at $53/month, plus co-pays for some services.

Qualifications:

  • 18 years and younger
  • U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified alien
  • Resident of Pennsylvania
  • Uninsured and not eligible for Medical Assistance
  • These are the income limits for free and reduced-cost coverage, plus premium/co-pay costs for those not eligible for free coverage

How to get help: 

  • Apply online using COMPASS
  • Call 1-800-986-KIDS (5437)

Pennsylvania Dental Services

The DHS provides people with access to quality dental services through Medical Assistance (MA, or Medicaid). Dental services are based on your eligibility category, age, and need. 

MA covers all medically necessary dental services for enrolled children, including: 

  • Teeth cleaning
  • X-rays
  • Cavity fillings
  • Crowns
  • Other services

Adults enrolled in MA are eligible at minimum for surgical procedures and emergency services related to treatment of symptoms and pain.

Qualifications:

  • You must apply for MA first to see if you are eligible

How to get help:

  • Apply online using COMPASS
  • Call DHS at 800-692-7462
  • If you need help finding a dentist that accepts MA, visit www/enrollnow.net or call 800-537-8862

Family Planning Program

Pennsylvania’s Family Planning Program provides health and medical support to statewide family planning clinics and aims to prevent high-risk pregnancies among sexually active adolescents 17 years and younger.

Clinical services provided at local clinics include:

  • Physical exams
  • Routine gynecological care
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Contraceptives
  • Cancer screening and examinations
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease diagnosis, treatment, education, and counseling
  • HIV/AIDS education and screening

How to get help:

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households buy healthy foods through funds loaded on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card.

These are the maximum monthly SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania: 

Family Size12345678Each additional person
Maximum benefit$281$516$740$939$1,116$1,339$1,480$1,691Add $211 

Qualifications:

To be eligible for SNAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or
  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) 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, or yourself)
  • These are the current income guidelines for SNAP in PA: 
Household SizeMaximum Gross Monthly Income
1$2,266
2$3,052
3$3,840
4$4,626
5$5,412
6$6,200
7$6,986
8$7,772
9$8,560
10$9,348
Each additional member+$788

How to get help: 

  • Apply or renew online using COMPASS
  • In person: File an application at your local CAO

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps low-income individuals in Pennsylvania by providing emergency nutrition at no cost. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Pennsylvania’s 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:

More on the current income guidelines for WIC recipients here.

People who are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance, or Food Assistance help are also eligible for WIC. 

How to get help:

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) & School Breakfast Program (SBP)

NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price, or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the SBP provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. 

Qualifications: 

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

Household sizeMaximum income level (per year)
1$26,973
2$36,482
3$45,991
4$55,500
5$65,009
6$74,518
7$84,027
8$93,536

For households with more than eight people, add $9,509 per additional person.

How to get help: 

Pennsylvania also offers other child nutrition programs to low-income households with students 18 and under attending schools, including the Afterschool Snack Program, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP), Special Milk Program, and Seamless Summer Option (SSO).

Pennsylvania’s Summer Food Service Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofit organizations, parks, and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

  • These are the current income guidelines for the Summer Food Service Program: 
Household sizeMaximum income per year
1$25,142
2$33,874
3$42,606
4$51,338
5$60,070
6$68,802
7$77,534
8$86,266

How to get help: 

More food help in Pennsylvania

Child care help for low-income families in Pennsylvania

There are several federally funded education programs and resources in Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania 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 get help:

Child Care Works

Child Care Works helps low-income families in Pennsylvania find and afford child care near their home or work. The Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program helps low-income families pay their child care expenses. You must submit an application to the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) in your county to apply. 

Qualifications:

  • Pennsylvania resident
  • Have a child or children requiring child care while you work or attend an education program
  • Work 20+ hours/week or 10+ hours and attend school/training 10+ hours/week
  • Have a promise of a job that will start within 30 days of your application for subsidized child care
  • Teen parents must attend an education program
  • Child who needs care must be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency
  • Proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home
  • Meet income guidelines for your family size, 200% or less of FPL:
Family SizeMaximum yearly
family income
2$36,620
3$46,060
4$55,500
5$64,940
6$74,380
7$83,820
8$93,260

How to get help:

  • Visit Child Care Works for more information, including additional guidelines and eligibility requirements
  • Call the Child Care Works helpline at 877-4-PA-KIDS (877-472-5437)

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Pennsylvania

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

Get a GED in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania uses two options for high school equivalency testing: the GED and the HiSET exams, which test Language Arts (reading and writing), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Test-takers can take the GED exam online or at one of Pennsylvania’s official test centers. The HiSET exam is also available in an online format.

These are the costs for each test type: 

  • GED exam (in person): $120 for full exam / $30 per subject
  • GED exam (online): $144 for full exam / $36 per subject*
  • HiSET exam (online): $93.75 
  • HiSET exam (paper/pencil version): $115

*To qualify for the online GED exam, you must first achieve a “green zone” score (likely to pass) on the GED Ready test, which is available on the GED website for $6.99 per subject ($28 total).

Qualifications:

  • In Pennsylvania, the minimum age to qualify for GED or HiSET testing is 16; however, underage applicants must sign an official age waiver and have parental consent
  • Pennsylvania requires GED and HiSET test-takers to be state residents
  • Test-takers cannot have a high school or equivalent diploma
  • Test-takers cannot be signed up for another school program
  • Pennsylvania does not require test-takers to first attend a prep course or pass the GED Ready practice test, unless the GED exam is taken online

How to apply:

Grants and scholarships in Pennsylvania

Through Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), Pennsylvania offers both grants (State Grant Program) and loans (Forward Student Loan) to help fund post-secondary education.

State Grant Program qualifications:

  • Pennsylvania resident
  • High school graduate
  • Attend a PHEAA-approved post-secondary school
  • Enrolled at least half time 
  • Enrolled in a PHEAA-approved study program of at least two academic years that allows at least 50% of study in the classroom (medical disability exception) 
  • Have made satisfactory academic progress
  • Not have already earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • Have satisfactory character (e.g., not be incarcerated)
  • Not have received the maximum number of PA State Grants permitted
  • Not be in default or pending default on an educational loan

Forward Student Loan qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Pennsylvania resident, or live in an approved state (MD, OH, NY, NJ, VA, WV, and DE)
  • Attend a Pennsylvania school (if not Pennsylvania resident)
  • Attend an eligible school in a degree-, diploma-, or certificate-seeking program
  • Secure a co-signer (if applicable)

How to get help:

Visit PHEAA for more information, definitions, more specific eligibility requirements (such as if you’re studying outside Pennsylvania), how to apply, application deadlines, etc.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Pennsylvania

Workforce programs in Pennsylvania provide training and assist with employment and education:

PAsmart

PAsmart is a workforce development initiative that helps connect Pennsylvanians with resources for working and training in Pennsylvania through: 

  • Education
  • Training and apprenticeships
  • Career guidance 

PAsmart prepares Pennsylvania students and workers for well-paid jobs in high-growth industries.

How to get help:

Check out Working and Training in PA for more information, to check your eligibility for each sector (Education / Training & Apprenticeships / Career Paths) and for more area-specific contact information

American Job Centers

The American Job Centers offers: 

  • Employment and training services
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance

How to get help: 

  • Search for a location on the American Job Center website
  • Call 877-872-5627 
  • Email info@careeronestop.org 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Pennsylvania

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

The Salvation Army of Pennsylvania

The Salvation Army assists with:

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

Qualifications: 

  • Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs.

How to get help: 

Catholic Charities of Pennsylvania

There are seven chapters of Catholic Charities across Pennsylvania. They assist with:

  • Housing
  • Utility assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Health care assistance

Qualifications: 

  • Each Catholic Charities branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

  • Apply for assistance on the main Catholic Charities website or reach out to your nearest Catholic Charities branch
  • Call Catholic Charities USA at 703-549-1390 or email info@catholiccharities.org

United Way of Pennsylvania

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

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

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

The following resources serve residents of Pittsburgh, Pa.: 

Emergency assistance in Pittsburgh

If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Pittsburgh area:

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches offers an Emergency Assistance program that provides cash help to residents of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. The program offers emergency cash to help with household expenses, including rent and utility payments, food, clothing and shoes, gasoline, bus passes and prescriptions. The amount awarded varies. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a resident of either Allegheny or Westmoreland county 
  • Household monthly income must be 200 percent or below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines

How to get help:

  • Call 724-226-0606 x10 
  • Email avac@avaoc.org 

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh 

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh helps women and children in the Pittsburgh area who are experiencing an emergency or crisis by offering several grants. The funds can be used to help families avoid eviction by helping cover the cost of rental arrears, utility arrears, and security deposits. Other financial assistance includes grants to cover tuition and training expenses, medical bills and more. The programs available include:

  • The Housing Stabilization Program helps Pittsburgh residents stay in their homes and avoid eviction by offering grants to contribute to housing costs such as security deposits or back-due rent and utility bills
  • The Liz Prine Memorial Fund offers grants of up to $1,000 to women working towards long-term goals. The funds can be used to pay for education expenses, job training, professional fees, books, test fees, uniforms, laptops, trade tools, and childcare costs

Qualifications vary based on the program and are based on the applicant’s need and situation. 

How to get help:

  • Email resourcecenter@ywcapgh.org 

Lazarus Fund Ministry Team

The Pittsburgh Presbytery’s Lazarus Fund Ministry Team offers emergency cash assistance to Pittsburgh residents in need of help with housing-related costs, including rent or mortgage payments, security deposits and utilities.

Pittsburghers interested in help from the Lazarus Fund Ministry Team need to apply.  

How to get help:

  • Call 412-697-7390  

Housing help in Pittsburgh

If you need housing help in Pittsburgh, here are some options: 

The Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh 

The Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh (HACP) offers cash assistance to first-time homebuyers through the Homeownership Program. Eligible families can receive closing cost assistance of up to $7,000. 

Qualifications:

  • Applicants must own the home
  • Applicants must be first-time homebuyers 
  • Property must be located within the city limits of Pittsburgh 
  • Applicants must currently be a HACP Low-Income Public Housing resident or a Housing Choice Voucher Program voucher holder or eligible for one of the programs 
  • Household annual income must be between 50% -80% AMI 

For those who own a mobile home, a separate program and application are found here. 

How to get help:

The Housing Assistance Resources Portal

The Housing Assistance Resources Portal (HARP) is an online guide for people living in Pittsburgh to help those in need find housing-related resources. HARP allows people to search for resources and services based on their income, age, household size and housing needs or situation. 

The Housing Resource Finder can help Pittsburghers who are:

  • Looking for a place to rent or a current tenant 
  • Buying a house or a current homeowner 
  • Experiencing homelessness 

How to get help:

Allegheny County Connect

Allegheny County Connect helps moms and children who are experiencing a housing crisis find a place to stay through access to emergency shelters and housing programs. 

Qualifications: 

  • Facing or experiencing homelessness 

How to get help:

Transportation assistance in Pittsburgh

Here is a helpful transportation resource to consider in the Pittsburgh area:

North Hills Community Outreach Transportation

North Hills Community Outreach’s Transportation Assistance Program offers numerous services and financial help for Allegheny County residents who don’t have access to reliable transportation to get to and from work, job searching or education and vocational training. The program offers financial assistance for transportation-related expenses, including: 

  • Car repairs
  • Gas 
  • Port Authority CONNECT fare
  • Insurance payments
  • Loan payments
  • PennDOT Services
  • AAA memberships
  • Car seats

Qualifications:

  • Must reside in the Allegheny County areas served by North Hills Community Outreach, South Hills Interfaith Movement or Allegheny Valley Association of Churches
  • Household monthly income must be 200% or below the FPL
  • Must be experiencing hardship, crisis or other financial difficulties

How to get help:

  • Call 412-487-6316 x 3225 
  • Email djwonders@nhco.org 

Medical and dental care help in Pittsburgh

If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Pittsburgh, check out these resources:

Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center

The Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center offers free medical and dental care to adults in the Pittsburgh area. Services offered at the center include primary care visits, dental exams, preventative care and specialty services such as physical therapy, gynecology and dermatology. Appointments are required.  

Qualifications:

  • Must be 19 or older
  • Income less than 250% of the FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 412-456-6911

Free Care Clinics 

The University of Pittsburgh’s Program for Health Care to Underserved Populations (PHCUP) operates two free clinics that offer medical and pharmacy services to Pittsburghers who don’t have health insurance. The two community clinics include:

  • The Birmingham Free Clinic is located on the South Side of Pittsburgh and provides numerous medical services to adults and children. A full list of medical and dental care offered can be found online 
  • The Women’s Center and Shelter Clinic provides medical services to women staying in a shelter who are recovering from intimate partner violence 

Once per month, UPMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute offers free cardiology services at the Birmingham Free Care Clinic, which includes health screenings, specialty consult services, chronic disease management for heart-related conditions and medication access and management. Appointments are required.

How to get help:

  • Call 412-246-3053 

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh hosts a two-day clinic that provides free dental, vision and hearing services for adults and children. All services are provided by local professionals and offered at no cost to the patient. There are no eligibility or insurance requirements. The next Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh clinic is scheduled for November 1 and 2, 2024 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The doors will open at 6 a.m. each day and patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. 

How to get help:

Food help in Pittsburgh

Here are some food resources local to Pittsburgh, Pa.:

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank offers a variety of ways that families in the Pittsburgh area can get free food. The Food Bank’s online Food Finder Tool allows people to search for free food that fits their needs. Other Food Bank services include: 

  • The Market: The free store is located at 1 North Linden Street in Duquesne and families can shop for grocery items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and a variety of boxed and canned goods at no cost. The Market’s hours are online.
  • The Summer Youth Cafe: The cafe is part of the federal Summer Food Program and provides free meals to children while school is out for the summer. Locations will be posted on the Food Bank’s Food Finder Tool closer to summer. 
  • Food Distributions: Distribution events provide a variety of grocery items to those in need through either walk-in or drive-up events where people can get between 30 and 50 pounds of food. During the drive-up events, volunteers will load up your vehicle’s trunk. Anyone is eligible to receive food. The schedule of distribution events can be found here.

How to get help:

  • Call 412-460-3663 ext. 655

North Hills Community Outreach Pantries

North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) runs three food pantries located in Allison Park, Millvale and Bellevue. All three food pantries offer a variety of grocery items for families in need. In addition to the grocery staples, the Millvale pantry offers a gluten-free section for people with dietary restrictions. 

How to get help:

  • Call 412-487-6316 x3144
  • Email jsjordan@nhco.org

Education help in Pittsburgh

Here are some education resources in Pittsburgh:

North Hills Community Outreach Education Assistance Program

North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) offers grants to adult students who are enrolled in a college, university or vocational school through its Education Assistance Program (EAP). The program is for nontraditional students who live in northern Allegheny County. Applications for the fall semester are being accepted until June.  

Qualifications: 

  • Applicants should be at or below 200% of the FPL 
  • Applicants must live in NHCO’s service area 

How to get help:

  • Call 412-487-6316 x3140 
  • Email jmboggs@nhco.org 
  • Apply online 

Employment help in Pittsburgh

Check out these employment resources in Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh Partnership 

The Pittsburgh Partnership offers numerous training and employment services for Pittsburghers looking for a job. The programs offered include: 

  • Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN): This program, or TANF recipients, provides help searching for jobs, paid work experience and community service, training sessions and more
  • Learn and Earn Summer Employment Program: A six-week summer job for teens and young adults ages 14 to 21 that includes a variety of jobs that will help young adults obtain work experience, new skills and training 

How to get help:

  • Call 412-552-9071
  • Find a Neighborhood Employment Center near you

Partner4Work

Partner4Work is an organization that helps connect job-seeking Pittsburghers with employers that have job openings. Partner4Work offers multiple services, including career training, job search help, resume writing tips, resources on how to obtain a GED and a summer job program. Partner4Work provides services to Pittsburghers who are 14 and older. 

How to get help:

  • Call 412-552-7090
  • Email info@partner4work.org 

Pennsylvania Women Work!

Pennsylvania Women Work is a Pittsburgh organization that helps women in the Pittsburgh area who are searching for a new job or in need of career advice. Pennsylvania Women Work offers numerous free programs, including job search and networking help, mock interviews, mentoring and career coaching, training, and more. The schedule of upcoming events can be found online. 

How to get help:

  • Call 412-742-3262 
  • Email info@pawomenwork.org  

Charity organizations in Pittsburgh

There are a number of charitable organizations throughout the Pittsburgh area that offer support to single moms:

The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank

The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank distributes diapers and baby formula to numerous community partners where families can pick them up at no cost. The Diaper Bank does not directly hand out diapers and works with partner agencies where families can receive 25 diapers, 15 pull-ups and 15 adult diapers. Some partner agencies offer feminine hygiene products as well.

How to get help: 

  • Call 412-373-3074 
  • Email mbergman@wpadiaperbank.org 
  • Contact a local partner agency 

Off the Floor Pittsburgh 

Off the Floor Pittsburgh is an organization that provides free second-hand furniture to Pittsburgh families who are unable to afford to furnish their homes, including women and children leaving shelters or transitioning from homelessness. Off the Floor does not take applications directly and works with dozens of partner agencies in the area.

Qualifications:

  • Those interested in free furniture must work with an Off the Floor partner agency

How to get help: 

  • Call 412-926-5053

Jeremiah’s Place

Jeremiah’s Place provides free emergency childcare for children ages 0 to 6. The amount of time children can stay at Jeremiah’s Place varies from a few hours to a few days depending on the family’s needs. While Jeremiah’s Place offers childcare 24/7, it is not a drop-in facility. Families interested in free emergency childcare must call to make an intake appointment. 

How to get help: 

  • Call 412-924-0726

Help for single moms in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

The following resources serve residents of Philadelphia, Pa.: 

Emergency assistance in Philadelphia

If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are helpful resources to consider in the Philadelphia area:

Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia Emergency Assistance

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia offers multiple services and partners with numerous community groups to provide emergency assistance programs to families in need. Services available include help with rent or utility bills, free clothing and food, housing referrals, counseling and emotional support. 

How to get help:

  • Call 267-331-2490 
  • Email csshelp@chs-adphila.org 

BenePhilly

BenePhilly offers free, one-on-one help with signing up for public benefit programs that can help families afford vital expenses. A BenePhilly counselor will work with individuals to help them find assistance based on their family’s needs and qualifications. The programs can help cover the cost of household expenses, including: 

  • Prescription drugs
  • Health insurance
  • Food
  • Property taxes
  • Heat and other utilities
  • Paying for college
  • Disability benefits

How to get help:

  • Call 215-685-3654

Housing help in Philadelphia

If you need housing help in Philadelphia, here are some options: 

UESF

UESF is a Philadelphia nonprofit that offers numerous programs to help families stay in their homes. The programs help Philadelphia residents in need by assisting with household expenses such as utility bills and arrearages. UESF also offers services to help families create a plan and build skills that fit their housing, career and financial needs, such as self-sufficiency workshops and job training. Eligibility is determined based on the applicant’s submission form. 

How to get help:

  • Call 215-972-5170

Women’s Community Revitalization Project

Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) offers numerous programs and services for moms and children by providing low-cost housing options, resources and supportive services. 

WCRP has several properties where families can pick between affordable two to four-bedroom apartments, all equipped with in-unit laundry. There is a long waitlist and application process and it can take between one to four years before families would be able to move into a unit.

How to get help:

  • Email wcrpleasing@wcrpphila.org 
  • Fill out and mail or email the application 

Philly First Home 

The Philly First Home program offers a grant of up to $10,000 to help first-time homebuyers reduce the principal and cover down payments and loan closing costs of a home they’re buying. The property must be a single-family home or duplex located in Philadelphia. 

Qualifications: 

How to get help:

  • Call 215-686-9749

Transportation assistance in Philadelphia

Here is a helpful transportation resource to consider in the Philadelphia area:

Zero Fare

The City of Philadelphia’s Zero Fare program provides free Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) transit for Philly residents living near or below the poverty level. The Zero Fare program does not take direct applications and does a random selection of applicants. Zero Fare accepts referrals from community partner agencies.

Eligibility is determined by age and income.  Participants selected for the program receive a card that covers all SEPTA rides for one year. 

Qualifications:

  • Must reside in the Allegheny County areas served by North Hills Community Outreach, South Hills Interfaith Movement or Allegheny Valley Association of Churches
  • Household monthly income must be 200% of the FPL
  • Must be experiencing hardship, crisis or other financial difficulties

How to get help:

  • Call 215-686-4419 
  • Email zerofare@phila.gov  

Medical and dental care help in Philadelphia

If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Philadelphia, check out these resources:

City Health Centers

The City of Philadelphia has a City Health Centers, operated by the Department of Public Health, where adults and children can access low-cost medical and dental services. While the health centers accept urgent care and walk-in patients, some services require appointments. Call ahead to make sure the service is available before dropping in. Families do not need to have health insurance to receive care. 

The centers offer dozens of services, including:

  • Treatment for illnesses
  • Checkups 
  • Prenatal care and breastfeeding support
  • Pediatric care for infants, children and teens
  • Immunizations and vaccines
  • STD screenings and treatment 
  • Lab tests and x-rays
  • Dental exams and emergency dental care
  • Follow-up appointments and specialty care referral 

How to get help:

  • Call 311 for information
  • Find a nearby center online 
  • Book an appointment online 

Sayre Health Center

The Sayre Health Center provides healthcare to people in need regardless of their ability to pay. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 227 South 59th Street in Philly. Services offered at the center include:

  • Same-day appointments
  • Immunizations
  • Covid-19 rapid tests​
  • Physicals
  • Laboratory services
  • Gynecology 
  • Counseling 

Sayre Health Center also operates a Mobile Care Unit (MCU), which is a traveling doctor’s office that comes to those seeking preventative medical services such as blood pressure testing, glucose screening and mental health evaluations. The MCU is a large van outfitted with medical equipment where patients can see a licensed physician and social worker.  

Proof of income is required to determine each patient’s cost of services. 

How to get help:

  • Call 215-474-4444  

Project HOME’s Healthcare Services

Project HOME’s Healthcare Services offers low-cost health and dental services to adults and children in Philly at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center. The price for services varies based on household income but ranges from $5 to $20. Patients will not be turned away if they are unable to pay. The Stephen Klein Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Same-day and next-day appointments are offered but people seeking care must call beforehand. 

Services available to children include:

  • Well Child Visits for newborns to age 18 
  • School and sports physicals
  • Immunizations

 Services available to adults include:

  • Dental emergencies 
  • Wellness exams 
  • Reproductive services, including  prenatal care 
  • Behavioral health services 

How to get help:

  • Call 215-320-6187 

Food help in Philadelphia

Here are some food resources local to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

Philly Food Finder 

Philly Food Finder’s Food Access Guide helps local families find ways to get free food. Philly Food Finder’s online food access map allows people to search for free food that fits their needs. Other services include: 

  • Share Food Program: Allows families to pick up boxes packed with meat, fresh fruit and vegetables and other grocery items at dozens of partner pantries 
  • Nice Roots Farm: A garden that shows people how to grow food in the city and provides free and low-cost produce to Philadelphia residents  

How to get help:

Philabundance 

Philabundance helps local families find free food through distribution events and the Philabundance Community Kitchen. Philabundance does not hand out food directly and works with several partner locations across the city where families in need can find food. 

How to get help:

Catholic Social Services food help

Catholic Social Services (CSS) offers a variety of ways that women and children who live in Montgomery County can get free food. CSS operates a market where people can pick foods they want and need in addition to several food pantries throughout the area. CSS provides several programs including: 

  • Mercy Café helps women experiencing homelessness and low-income families. The cafe provides weekday lunches and access to clothing, showers and toiletries.  
  • Martha’s Choice Marketplace is a large food pantry that is operated like a grocery store where families can pick from a variety of items at no cost. Families can visit the marketplace, which is located at 353 East Johnson Highway in Norristown, 16 times per year.
    • The marketplace is open Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. 
  • CSS provides food for families in need at six free food pantries located throughout the county.  A list of pantry locations can be found online. 

Qualifications: 

  • Must be a Montgomery County resident
  • Must have a household income at or below 200% of the FPL 

How to get help:

  • Call 267-331-2490
  • Email csshelp@chs-adphila.org 

Education help in Philadelphia

Here are some education resources in Philadelphia:

College Savings Account Program

UESF, in partnership with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, offers the College Savings Account Program, which helps local families save up to $2,000 for post-secondary education. United Way will match $3 for every $1 saved by program participants who save up to $500 for a total contribution of $1,500. The savings account funds can be used for tuition, books and test prep courses. 

Qualifications:

  • Must live in Philadelphia, Delaware or Montgomery counties
  • Must have a household net worth of less than $10,000
  • Must have a household income at or below 350% of the FPL
  • Must attend three hours of financial literacy, such as savings, budgeting and credit
  • Must make minimum deposits and participate in the program for at least six months before funds will be matched
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Senior in high school planning to attend a 4-year college or university or a freshman enrolled in a 4-year degree program at a college or university

How to get help:

  • Call 215-732-8373  
  • Email family@uesfacts.org 

Employment help in Philadelphia

Check out these employment resources in Philadelphia:

Project HOME’s Education and Employment Services 

Project HOME offers numerous adult education and employment programs to help homeless and low-income Philadelphians. Project HOME’s programs include training classes with certifications and individual career support. Project HOME also has a public computer lab. 

The career training certification classes offered include: 

  • Certified Peer Specialist
  • Community Health Worker
  • Customer Service 
  • Forklift Operator 
  • ServSafe Food Handler
  • ServSafe Manager

Creative arts classes offered include: 

  • Digital Audio, such as music production and recording beginner and advanced students
  • Photography
  • Podcasting

How to get help:

PA CareerLink

PA CareerLink provides free career development services to help Philadelphia residents who are looking for a job. Some services offered by CareerLink include free workshops, training, mock interviews, career support and advice, career and skills coaching and more. There are four career centers in Philly and they are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How to get help:

  • Call 833-750-5627
  • Find a program that best fits your needs 

Charity organizations in Philadelphia

There are several charitable organizations throughout the Philadelphia area that offer support to single moms:

University City Hospitality Coalition

The University City Hospitality Coalition (UCHC) helps homeless people in West Philadelphia by providing hot meals, toiletries, free medical and dental clinics, a legal clinic, and referral services for shelter, housing, food, and clothing. The medical clinic, which is staffed by Penn Medicine students, physicians, and pharmacists, offers numerous services such as acute and emergent care, diabetes and hypertension screenings, STD testing, dermatology consultations, flu shots and referrals to social services.

The medical clinic is open on Wednesdays from  5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. 

The legal clinic is open on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and can help with a variety of services, including landlord and tenant disputes, taxes, birth certificates and other identification and benefits assistance.

UCHC hands out free toiletries, such as shampoo, soap and lotion, on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

The UCHC meal schedule and free food locations can be found online. 

How to get help: 

  • Call 267-297-4736
  • UCHC is located at PMB 410, 3720 Spruce Street in Philadelphia  

Beautiful Beginnings

The Beautiful Beginnings program of Catholic Social Services helps pregnant women, new moms and mothers with young children find access to numerous resources including free pregnancy testing, support services, education, free diapers, free toiletries and baby boutiques. At the baby boutiques, pregnant women and new moms can get baby items such as clothing, bottles, books, bouncers, car seats, cribs and more.  

How to get help: 

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families

If you’re a single mom in Texas struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

We also put together resources specifically for:

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

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.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Texas

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Texas

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program offers monthly cash payments to help eligible Texas families pay for:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Housing
  • Utilities
  • Furniture
  • Transportation
  • Phone
  • Laundry
  • Supplies for the home
  • Medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid
  • Other basic needs

The monthly amounts given for TANF in Texas vary by family size and the number of parents/caretakers in the home. The family size refers to the number of people qualifying for TANF whose income is counted to calculate TANF payments, such as an eligible child or an eligible child and parent. In child-only cases, only the eligible children are counted in the family size:

Family SizeChild-Only CasesHome with 1 Parent or CaretakerHome with 2 Parents or Caretakers
1$112$136N/A
2$161$283$216
3$226$327$358
4$269$393$402
5$345$436$466

Families can also receive a one-time TANF payment of $1,000 in the event of a crisis such as: 

  • Loss of a job
  • Loss of financial support for a child (child support, rental assistance, etc.)
  • Not being able to find a job after graduating from a university, college, junior college or technical training school
  • Not being able to get a job because vehicle is not working
  • Loss of home
  • Medical emergency

This payment can only be given once in a 12-month period to those who qualify. Families who receive monthly TANF benefits do not qualify. 

Relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers) taking care of a child who receives TANF benefits can also receive a once-in-a-lifetime $1,000 payment if they are not receiving monthly TANF themselves, are at least 25 years old, and don’t have a lot of money or a way to get more money. 

Qualifications:

For monthly TANF benefits: 

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent Texas resident
  • Have at least one child 18 or younger living in the home
  • Parents or caretakers must be willing to search for work, take parenting classes, and avoid abusing drugs and alcohol
  • TANF-eligible children must be attending school and receive mandated vaccinations
  • A parent or blood relative of the child must be managing the household

Additionally, children may qualify for child-only TANF benefits in certain circumstances when a parent or caregiver is not eligible for the program for a reason other than income. For instance, parents receiving Supplemental Security Income or immigrant parents who are ineligible for the program will not affect their child’s ability to receive TANF.

These are the maximum monthly income limits to qualify for TANF in Texas, though they note that some people might be able to get benefits with higher incomes on a case-by-case basis:

Family SizeChild-Only CasesHome with 1 Parent or CaretakerHome with 2 Parents or Caretakers
1$64$78N/A
2$92$163$125
3$130$188$206
4$154$226$231
5$198$251$268

Relatives receiving a one-time TANF payment of $1,000 should meet these income limits:

Family SizeMonthly Income Limit
1$2,265
2$3,052
3$3,839
4$4,625
5$5,412

How to get help:

  • Apply online on YourTexasBenefits.com
  • Call Texas Health and Human Services at 512-424-6500
  • Apply in person at your local Texas Health and Human Services office

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More emergency cash help in Texas: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Texas

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

Rental assistance in Texas

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

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program

Section 811 helps low-income individuals with a disability find affordable, subsidized housing. The program also connects members to relevant community services and agencies. Eligible individuals may have dependent children in the home.

Qualifications:

To qualify for Section 811, a household must have at least one eligible household member with a disability over age 18 and under 62. This person may or may not be the main provider of the household. Recipients must live in one of the following areas of Texas:

  • Austin-Round Rock
  • Brownsville-Harlingen
  • Corpus Christi
  • Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
  • El Paso
  • Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land
  • McAllen-Edinburg-Mission
  • San Antonio-New Braunfels

Households also must meet the following income limits to qualify:

How to get help: 

Download an application packet from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to submit to an agent. You’ll need an agent’s referral to qualify for the program.

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides vouchers to help low-income individuals and families pay rent. 

Qualifications:

HUD determines how much a household gets using their income and family size. Visit the HUD website to find income limits for your Texas county.

How to get help: 

Contact a referral agent in your county to check for availability.

Mortgage assistance in Texas

If you need help buying a home in Texas, these programs can help: 

Texas Homeowner Assistance (TXHAF)

The Texas Homeowner Assistance program was introduced to assist families financially impacted by COVID-19. The program helps homeowners pay up to three months of mortgage or related housing payments and up to three months of utility payments.

TXHAF allows for up to $65,000 in funds per eligible household, with a maximum of $10,000 for utility assistance and up to $25,000 for property charges, like property taxes or homeowners insurance.

Qualifications:

Texas homeowners can qualify for Texas Homeowner Assistance if they:

  • Occupy their home as their primary residence
  • Have an income at or below 100% of AMI or the median national income
  • Were financially impacted by the pandemic
  • Have trouble making payments on their mortgage, property insurance, utilities, or other housing-related expenses                                                     

How to get help: 

Register for the online portal to fill out and submit your application and required documents.

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)

TSAHC helps Texas residents purchase homes by providing fixed-rate home loans and down payment assistance to qualifying individuals. 

For mortgage loans, you’ll apply directly through an approved lender. 

Down payment assistance can be given as a grant that doesn’t have to be repaid, or a deferred, forgivable second lien loan that only has to be repaid if you sell or refinance within three years. Homebuyers choosing the loan option can benefit from lower interest rates and, therefore, a lower monthly mortgage payment.

Qualifications: 

Homebuyers must be eligible for a TSAHC mortgage loan program to receive down payment assistance. TSAHC offers two loan programs:

Homes for Texas Heroes Program: Individuals in specific community service professions qualify for this program:

  • Full-time public school educators (teachers, teacher aides, school librarians, school counselors, and school nurses)
  • Police officers and public security officers 
  • Firefighters and EMS personnel
  • Veterans or active military
  • Correction officers and juvenile corrections officers
  • Nursing faculty and allied health faculty

Candidates need a minimum credit score of 620 and must meet the program’s income requirements.

Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program: Candidates for this program also need a minimum 620 credit score and income within the program’s limits (same as above). Prospective Texas homeowners who do not have a “hero” profession necessary to qualify for the Homes for Texas Heroes Program should apply for this program.

How to get help: 

Before applying, you can take an eligibility quiz to find out if you qualify. If you do, the website will provide contact information for participating lenders.

Homeless assistance in Texas 

The following programs help homeless 

Permanent Supportive Housing Program

The Permanent Supportive Housing Program helps people who are currently homeless or who may become homeless find affordable permanent housing. The program can also assist with job readiness and independent living skills to prevent homelessness in the future.

Qualifications: 

A Texas HHS-approved local mental health authority or behavioral health authority determines individual eligibility.

How to get help: 

Search for your local mental health or behavioral health authority to find out if you qualify. A representative can help you submit your application.

Supportive Housing Rental Assistance Program

Similar to the Permanent Supportive Housing Program, this program helps individuals with temporary house-related funds, such as utilities and rent payments. It is for people who are already homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Qualifications:

Texas residents must be eligible for mental health services with their local mental health or behavioral services authority. Some applicants may also need to apply for Section 8.  

How to get help:

Speak to your mental health or behavioral services authority representative about applying or locate your local agency to determine your eligibility. 

More housing help: 





Transportation help for low-income families in Texas

Texas provides several transportation resources that eligible single moms can use for free or low-cost rides to work, school, or doctor’s appointments.

Free and low-cost transportation

Learn more about the following free and low-cost transportation programs in Texas:

Medical Transportation Program

Medicaid recipients in Texas may qualify for free nonemergency medical transportation for themselves and their children by taxi, bus, or public transportation. Participants can call for a ride at least two business days before their appointment.

The program can also pay for gas to and from medical appointments and meals and lodging needed for children’s appointments.

Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in Medicaid, Children with Special Health Care Needs, or Transportation for Indigent Cancer Patients
  • Qualifying medical appointment

How to get help:

Texas public transit

Texas has 76 public transit agencies serving its metropolitan, urban, and rural areas. Listed below are those with free and/or low-cost fares:

B Metro

  • Covers: Brownsville
  • Offers: $1 general fare, $0.50 fare for people with disabilities, $0.75 fare for students, children under 6 ride free

Beaumont Transit

  • Covers: Beaumont
  • Offers: $0.75 fare for children 6-18, free fare for children five and under

CityLink

  • Covers: Abilene
  • Offers: On-demand ride scheduling, free connecting transfers, $1 fare for youths age 5-18, free fare for children 4 and under

Concho Valley Transit

  • Covers: Tom Green County
  • Offers: Free Medicaid rides, children under 6 ride free, adults with disabilities can get reduced fare for $0.50

Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority

  • Covers: Nueces County, San Patricio County
  • Offers: $0.75 single-way fare, $1.75 day passes, $0.10 reduced fare for people with disabilities during off-peak hours or $0.25 for peak hours, free rides for students from pre-K to 12th grade

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

  • Covers: Dallas and its 12 surrounding cities
  • Offers: Half-price fares ($1.25 for single ride or $3 day passes) for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities 

Gulf Coast Transit District

  • Covers: Brazoria County, Galveston County
  • Offers: $1 one-way fare, $0.50 fare for students

El Aguila Rural Transit System

  • Covers: Webb County
  • Offers: $1 one-way fares, $0.50 fares for students

El Metro Transit

  • Covers: Webb County
  • Offers: Children under 5 ride free, $0.75 fare for children 5-11

EZ-Rider

  • Covers: Ector County, Midland County
  • Offers: $1 fare for youth 6-18 and students with ID, seniors ride for $0.60, and free rides for children 5 and under

Falls Ride

  • Covers: Wichita Falls
  • Offers: Free rides for children under 7, $0.75 fares for children 7-18, seniors 65 and over, Medicaid card holders, and adults with disabilities

Island Transit

  • Covers: Galveston
  • Offers: One-way reduced fares of $0.50 rides for students, seniors, disabled persons, and Medicaid card holders, and children under 6 ride free with an adult

Longview Transit

  • Covers: Longview
  • Offers: $3 all-day passes, reduced fares of $0.65 fare for children 6-14 and $0.60 for seniors, disabled persons and Medicare recipients, and children 5 and under ride free 

Metropolitan Transit Authority 

  • Covers: Harris County
  • Offers: Free fares for children 5 and under riding with an adult and reduced fares for seniors 70 and over veterans, jurors, and METROLift riders

Panhandle Transportation

  • Covers: The counties of Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, and Wheeler
  • Offers: Free pre-scheduled rides based on availability for medical appointments, recreation, shopping, and social services

Port Arthur Transit

  • Covers: Port Arthur
  • Offers: Free rides for children 5 and under, $0.75 fare for K-12 students, seniors, disabled persons and Medicare card holders

Sun Metro

  • Covers: El Paso
  • Offers: Free rides for children 5 and under, $0.50 fare for seniors and disabled persons, and $1 fare for students and children 6-18

The Hop

  • Covers: Bell County, Coryell County
  • Offers: One-way rides for $1, and monthly passes for $25

Tyler Transit

  • Covers: Tyler
  • Offers: $1 fares for riders 12 and up, $0.50 fares for children 6-11 and people with disabilities, free rides for children 5 and under 

Valley Metro

  • Covers: Lower Rio Grande Valley
  • Offers: $1 fares for students, free rides for children 7 and under

Via Metropolitan Transit

  • Covers: Bexar County
  • Offers: Reduced fares ($0.65) for elementary, middle, and high school students and people with disabilities, free rides for children 4 and under, free transfers, monthly passes as low as $19

Texas transportation providers

The Texas Department of Transportation maintains lists of all Texas transit agencies:

Vehicle donation and car repair help in Texas

Look to these resources if you need a vehicle or assistance getting your vehicle repaired in Texas:

God’s Garage

God’s Garage combines ministry with charity by gifting women in need donated vehicles or repairing their vehicles for free. Many of the women God’s Garage helps are single moms who are struggling financially.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom, widow, or wife of a deployed military member
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Do not own a vehicle title if applying for a donated car
  • Own the title to a vehicle if applying for repairs

How to get help:

Autocare Haven

Autocare Haven is a charity operated by donation that offers free auto repair to single parents and low-income families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Anyone receiving assistance can have their car repaired through a vetted mechanic in Autocare Haven’s network.

Qualifications:

  • Proof of auto insurance
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Verifiable income
  • Live in Dallas County, Denton County, Collin County, Tarrant County, or Rockwall County

How to get help:

If you’re ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit Express is a quality lender:

  • Better Business Bureau rating of A+
  • In business since 1999
  • For new or used cars
  • Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
  • Pre-approval within 30 seconds

24 hours to a car loan with Auto Credit Express >>

Electric bill assistance in Texas

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

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) in Texas

CEAP is Texas’s version of LIHEAP, a federal program that helps eligible households pay their heating and cooling bills. The program pays funds directly to the household’s energy company to help with electric bills in Texas. 

Qualifications:       

  • Resident of Texas
  • Meet the income threshold for the program:
Family Size150% of FPL
1$21,8870
2$29,580
3$37,290
4$45,000
5$52,710
6$60,420
7$68,130
8$75,840
More than 8 peopleAdd $7,710 for each additional person

How to get help:

Visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website. Click ‘Utility Bill Payment Help.’ Fill out your city or county, and click ‘Find Help’ to locate your nearest agency to apply. Or, call 2-1-1 Texas at 877-541-7905.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Texas

Texas WAP helps low-income families reduce their energy bills by weatherizing their homes. The program can provide electric bill assistance in Texas by providing services like caulking, weather-stripping, replacing worn-out heating units, and completing energy audits.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Texas
  • Meet current income guidelines based on family size:
Family Size100% of FPL150% of FPL200% of FPL
1$14,580$21,870$29,160
2$19,720$29,580$39,440
3$24,860$37,290$49,720
4$30,000$45,000$60,000
5$35,140$52,710$70,280
6$40,280$60,420$80,560
7$45,420$68,130$90,840
8$50,560$75,840$101,120
Families with more than 8 personsAdd $5,140 for each additional personAdd $7,710 for each additional personAdd $10,280 for each additional person

How to get help:

Visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website. Select ‘Weatherization’ and fill out your city or county to find your local agency for application assistance. You can also dial 2-1-1 or call 877-541-7905.

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Texas

Single moms in Texas may qualify for assistance with medical and dental care through the following programs: 

Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service Program

Women who do not qualify for Medicaid and other low-cost medical services may get help from this program for prenatal health and dental services. Qualifying children can also receive affordable child health and dental services.

Qualifications: 

  • Texas resident
  • Must not be eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or other healthcare plans
  • Women must be carrying a pregnancy or be no more than three months postpartum
  • Youth must be 21 or younger
  • Income should be at or below 185% of FPL

How to get help: 

  • Call 800-222-3986
  • Visit the 2-1-1 Texas website or call 877-541-7905

Dental Hygiene Clinics and Schools

Some dental hygiene clinics and schools in Texas offer free or low-cost dental care to the public, such as the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas.

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic or school sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Contact your nearest Texas dental clinic or school for information.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Texas

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 Texas by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

Some healthcare resources also include opioid detox Texas services and recovery support.

Texas Medicaid

Medicaid is one of many health care-related Texas programs for low-income families, providing medical coverage and services for eligible adults and children. The state offers a few variations of its Medicaid program for parents and families:

  • Children’s Medicaid – Covers well-child visits, routine immunizations, vision and hearing care, and other typical health services for children, including dentist visits
  • Health Insurance Premium Payment Program – Pays premiums for a job-related health insurance plan for families with at least one person on Medicaid
  • Medicaid for Parents and Caretakers – Allows low-income parents or caretakers who care for a child on Medicaid to receive Medicaid benefits
  • Women-Focused Medicaid – Covers services for women, such as prenatal care, cervical screenings, and care for women with breast or cervical cancer

Qualifications:

How to get help:

Apply for benefits or find a local office on the Your Texas Benefits website, or call 2-1-1.

Texas Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 

Texas has its own version of the national CHIP program, which provides affordable health coverage for children in families with income higher than the typical Medicaid threshold. CHIP covers the same services as Medicaid, including dental visits, routine health care, and services for children with disabilities or special needs. 

Families receiving CHIP do not pay premiums for services.

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Texas resident
  • Child must be 18 or younger, though some children with disabilities may qualify up to age 20
  • Meet income guidelines based on family size:
Family Size (including adults and children)Monthly Family Income
1$1,510
2$2,034
3$2,559
4$3,083
5$3,607
6$4,132
7$4,656
8$5,180
Each additional person$525

How to get help: 

Apply for CHIP or find a local office on the Your Texas Benefits website, or call 2-1-1. 

Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies

Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies offers free resources for parents or soon-to-be parents to prevent preterm births and help babies have a healthy first year. The program connects parents to community education and support programs, like breastfeeding support services and affordable health care for babies. 

Qualifications: 

Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies makes resources available for parents, employers, health care providers, and agencies. Each program has its own process to determine eligibility.

How to get help: 

Search for programs of interest on the Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies website.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Texas

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

Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Previously known as food stamps, USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) gives eligible Texas families funds to buy food. The benefits reload to an issued Lone Star Card each month for families to buy fresh produce, meat, pantry items, and other eligible food and drinks from brick-and-mortar or online stores accepting SNAP benefits.

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items. 

Qualifications:

Texas parents qualify if they have eligible children in the home and meet the income guidelines shown below. Qualifying individuals 16 and older may be required to have a job or be looking for work to maintain benefits.

Family SizeMaximum Monthly Income
1$1,869
2$2,518
3$3,167
4$3,816
5$4,465
Each additional person$649

How to get help: 

Apply for benefits on the Your Texas Benefits website or call 2-1-1 for assistance.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas

Texas WIC provides education and resources for pregnant women and women with young children. Through the program, moms can receive breastfeeding support, nutrition advice, and healthy foods for themselves and their babies or children through age 5. 

Qualifications:

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child younger than 5 and qualify based on income may be eligible for WIC. Women can qualify for the program if they or their children already qualify for Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP benefits. More on the income guidelines for WIC.

How to get help: 

Apply on the Texas WIC website, call 800-942-3678, or use the website to find a local WIC office.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

Eligible public school children can receive free or reduced-price nutritious lunches and breakfasts at their schools through these programs. Meals must meet federal guidelines for nutritional value. 

Texas schools are required to participate in the School Breakfast Program if at least 10% of their students qualify for these affordable meal programs based on income. 

Qualifications: 

Eligible households have income within the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

How to get help: 

Contact your child’s school for more information or call 877-TEX-MEAL.

Texas Summer Meal Program

The Texas Department of Agriculture provides free, nutritious meals to children 18 and younger or children with disabilities up to age 21 when they’re on summer break from school. 

Qualifications: 

Family income must meet the following guidelines:

How to get help: 

Call 877-TEX-MEAL to find a Summer Meal Program near you.

Find a tutor using your Texas education funds:

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program launches for the 2026–27 school year with a $1 billion budget and an estimated 90,000 students in year one. Families can use TEFA funds to pay for approved educational expenses, including personalized online tutoring. Learner is an approved tutoring provider for the TEFA program, making it easy for Texas families to put their education funds toward 1:1 academic support. Learner is an approved tutoring provider for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program.

Texas food banks

Food banks distribute food to Texas families in need. 

Qualifications: 

Each food bank sets its own eligibility requirements.

How to get help: 

Visit the Texas Health and Human Services website to find a local food bank.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Texas

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Texas:

Texas Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start provides free preschool for children ages 3 to 5 from families meeting income guidelines. Pregnant women and families with children under 3 can receive services for their children from Early Head Start in Texas. 

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: 

Texas Child Care Solutions

Texas Child Care Solutions connects parents with resources to help them afford child care. Parents can use the website to find quality child care providers, browse educational information, and apply for financial help for child care.

Qualifications:

  • Be on or transitioning from public assistance, or
  • Have or need protective services
  • Have a child under 13
  • Meet income requirements, which vary by location

How to get help:

Contact your local Workforce Solutions Office.

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Texas

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

Get a GED in Texas

Texas residents who are 18 or older can pursue a GED in place of a high school diploma. Some 16 and 17-year-olds may also qualify if they have permission from a parent or guardian or are in the care of the state. 

The complete Texas GED test costs $145 for a computer-based exam or $169 with an online proctor. The test is broken into reasoning through language arts, math, science, and social studies. Test-takers must score at least 145 on each subject to pass.

Grants and scholarships in Texas

The Texas Comptroller oversees Texas finances, like budgeting and taxes. Learners can find state-specific grants and scholarships through its website to help pay for college. 

Prospective students can also fill out the FAFSA for federal financial aid and check with their school’s financial aid office for information on school-sponsored grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Jeremiah Program

Jeremiah Program operates in several states including out of Austin to offer grants and other support to low-income single mothers committed to earning a college degree.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Texas

Workforce programs in Texas provide training and assist with employment:

Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment Benefit Services

Unemployment benefits serve Texas residents who have become unemployed or laid off for circumstances outside of their control. 

Qualifications: 

  • Texas resident 
  • Unemployed, laid off, or had hours reduced
  • Earned and worked a minimum amount during a specific period
  • Able and willing to continue looking for suitable employment

How to get help: 

Apply through the Texas Workforce Commission website.

American Job Centers in Texas

The American Job Center Network is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. The agency helps people in Texas and across the country find jobs and develop their skills through job training and career counseling. 

How to get help: 

  • Search for a location on the American Job Center website
  • Call 877-872-5627 
  • Email info@careeronestop.org 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Texas

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

Gracewood

Gracewood is a charity that supports single moms and their children who find themselves in a crisis situation. The charity offers residential and counseling services to help women get back on their feet.

Qualifications: 

  • Must be 18 or older and have at least one child under 18 in their full-time care
  • Not be involved in a CPS case
  • No criminal history
  • Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation
  • Current job or be able to work or attend school

How to get help: 

Submit an application on Gracewood’s website or call 713-988-9757.

The Salvation Army of Texas

The Salvation Army has locations across the United States, including Texas. The charity organization helps local communities and families with multiple kinds of support, including:

  • Disaster relief
  • Shelter for domestic abuse situations
  • Rent 
  • Utility payments
  • Holiday gift help
  • Food 
  • Life skills
  • Religious or spiritual support
  • Job training
  • After-school programs

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army location in Texas has its own services and determines eligibility for each of its services and programs. 

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

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Catholic Charities of Texas

Catholic Charities is a faith-based charity that helps individuals and families in need across Texas and in other states. The organization provides: 

  • Counseling
  • Financial services
  • Immigration services
  • Disaster response services 

Qualifications: 

Eligibility varies for each Catholic Charities office.

How to get help: 

Visit the Catholic Charities website of the branch closest to you to find contact information:

United Way of Texas

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

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

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Houston, Texas

Get help from the following resources geared toward single moms in Houston, Texas:

Emergency cash assistance in Houston

If you’re in need of cash assistance in Houston to pay for your housing, clothing, or food, these resources can help:

Harris County Recovery Assistance

The Memorial Assistance Ministries of Houston offers a $1,500 one-time payment to families experiencing a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The money can be used to pay rent, utilities, or other basic necessities.

Qualifications:

  • Harris County
  • At least 18 years old
  • Financial hardship resulting from the pandemic
  • Enrolled in public assistance program or income at or below 60% of area median income
  • U.S. citizen

How to get help:

  • Call 281-982-4357
  • disasterhelp@mamhouston.org

Prince of Peace (POP) Houston’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program

POP Houston provides cash assistance to help pay for housing or utilities for families experiencing financial hardship. Applicants must complete an interview before receiving assistance.

Qualifications:

  • Live in one of these zip codes: 77070, 77069, 77066, and 77064
  • Financial hardship due to unexpected emergency

How to get help:

  • Call 281-982-4357
  • disasterhelp@mamhouston.org

Housing help in Houston

Get help from the following housing-related programs in Houston, Texas:

Harris County Community Services Department Rental Assistance

Harris County residents who have experienced a temporary inability to pay their rent or who have fallen behind on their rent may qualify for a one-time rental assistance payment. Payment amounts vary by household.

Qualifications:

  • Valid state or federal ID and social security card
  • Income at or below 80% of Harris County median income
  • Live in Harris County
  • Proof of income
  • Head of household
  • Current lease or mortgage
  • Proof of financial need

How to get help:

  • Call 713-578-2000

Houston Homebuyer Assistance

Houston offers homeownership financial assistance of up to $50,000 to first-time homebuyers. The assistance is in the form of a no-interest loan that’s forgiven after five years as long as the homeowner remains in the home for the full five years. Applicants must complete a homebuyer education class through a HUD-approved agency.

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer
  • Home with Houston property taxes
  • Income at or below 80% of area median income

How to get help:

Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP)

DAP provides up to $23,800 for down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers in Harris County. 

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer
  • Meet income limits
  • Harris County home
  • Maximum purchase price of $261,000 for an existing home or $268,000 for new construction
  • Live in home for five years for awards up to $14,999, or 10 years for higher awards
  • Minimum credit score of 580

How to get help:

  • Call 713-578-2000

Medical and dental care help in Houston

Find free dental care in Houston through the following program:

Houston Health Department Dental Services

The Houston Health Department provides basic and preventative dental services to children and adults from six months old to 21 years old. The program helps families schedule appointments with partnered dental clinics and provides educational resources to maintain healthy teeth.

Qualifications:

  • Have Medicaid, CHIP, or no dental insurance
  • Six months through 21 years old

How to get help:

  • Call 832-393-5427

Food help in Houston

These resources can provide you and your family with food in Houston, Texas:

Houston Food Bank

Houston Food Bank provides several programs for families in Houston to get nutritious ingredients and meals:

  • Backpack Buddy: This program brings sacks of food to participating schools in the Houston area, allowing eligible children to take home food for the weekend.
  • Food Scholarship: Eligible families can get a food “scholarship” to get up to 60 pounds of food twice a month.
  • Kids Cafe: Kids Cafe provides healthy snacks and meals for free to low-income children at partnered community sites.
  • School Market: School Market works with area middle and high schools to teach students how to eat and serve nutritious food.
  • Curbside Food Pickup: Families can visit the Community Resource Center for a curbside food pickup to get the food they need.

Qualifications:

  • Varies by program

How to get help:

  • Call 713-223-3700

West Houston Assistance Ministries

West Houston Assistance Ministries has a food pantry with food distribution once a week for families in need. Families can use the drive-through service or visit a monthly food fair where the first 200 families receive free food.

Qualifications:

  • Customers must be registered for assistance

How to get help:

Employment help in Houston

Look to these resources if you need help finding a job or training for a career in Houston, Texas:

Turnaround Houston!

Turnaround Houston! is a free resource for Houston workers offering job training, counseling, social services, and tattoo removal to prepare people to work. The program also hosts job fairs with top companies in Houston.

How to get help:

SERJobs

SERJobs is a workforce training center with a Houston location providing free webinars, workshops, apprenticeships, and job search assistance to workers.

How to get help:

  • Call 713-773-6000
  • Email info@serjobs.org

Transportation help in Houston

This charity transportation program assists people in Houston, Texas:

Houston Ground Angels

Houston Ground Angels is a volunteer transportation service that provides free rides to people in Houston to get back and forth to their medical appointments. 

How to get help:

Charity organizations in Houston

These charities help single moms in Houston, Texas:

Gracewood

Gracewood provides life skills training, shelter, clothing, food, and parenting support to single moms and their children who are facing homelessness.

Qualifications:

  • At least 18 years old
  • At least one child under 18
  • Not pregnant
  • No criminal history or CPS cases
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Able to work or attend school

How to get help:

RaiseUp Families

RaiseUp Families offers financial assistance for families to meet their basic expenses, like rent and food, while attending school or getting on their feet financially. The HandUp program lasts nine months, providing guidance, training, and support through an individualized care plan. Then, families can participate in an after-care program for up to two years to help them maintain a healthy financial status through support groups and financial education.

Qualifications:

  • Difficulty paying rent or basic necessities
  • Legally able to work
  • No drug or alcohol abuse or domestic violence
  • Legal guardian of a child
  • Live in Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, or Harris County

How to get help:

Mother’s Help Foundation

Mother’s Help Foundation is dedicated to helping single moms in Houston get the services and assistance they need for their families through the following:

  • Diaper and wipes drives
  • Giveaways of baby products
  • Donation events
  • Shared living affordable homes with all-inclusive rent and counseling services

Qualifications for housing help:

  • Low income
  • On the verge of homelessness or in a domestic violence situation

How to get help:

  • Call 832-865-2363
  • Email mothershelpfoundation@gmail.com

Help for single moms in San Antonio, Texas

Browse the following resources available for single moms in San Antonio, Texas:

Emergency cash assistance in San Antonio

The following program helps needy families in San Antonio, Texas, with emergency cash and other services:

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Texas Council

This organization helps families in the San Antonio area who have low income and are at risk of becoming homeless. In addition to providing food, clothing, and basic necessities, the organization helps the neediest families with emergency cash assistance based on their needs. Families with children under five have priority.

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 150% of the FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 210-225-7837

Housing help in San Antonio

Consider the following resources if you need help buying or repairing your home in San Antonio:

Green and Healthy Homes

Green and Healthy Homes assists parents who are homeowners in San Antonio with energy-efficient improvements and repairs on their homes. The program pays for eligible upgrades.

Qualifications:

  • Own a home in San Antonio built before 1978
  • At least one child under 5
  • Clear property title
  • Current with property taxes
  • Income at or below 80% of area median income

How to get help:

Opportunity Home

Opportunity Home offers affordable two or three-bedroom homes to middle-income families in San Antonio who are first-time homebuyers. 

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer
  • Primary residence
  • Income at or below 60-80% of area median income
  • Resident of Bexar County

How to get help:

Homeownership Incentive Programs (HIPs)

San Antonio’s HIP programs help homebuyers in San Antonio with the purchase price of their homes.

HIP 80 is for lower-income individuals and families, with a two-person household making no more than $56,200. The program pays up to $30,000 toward the down payment of an existing home costing $244,000 or less or a new home purchased for $257,000 or less.

HIP 120 allows higher income, with the max income for a two-person household set at $84,300. This program pays up to $15,000 for the down payment on a $283,200 or less existing home or a $301,200 new construction home.

Qualifications:

  • Purchase a home in San Antonio
  • Meet income guidelines
  • Put at least $500 down
  • Qualify for a mortgage through a participating lender

How to get help:

Electric bill help in San Antonio

The program below can help you pay for your electric bill in San Antonio, Texas:

Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP)

REAP pays eligible households up to $400 per year, based on their income, to help pay their utility bills. Households can apply for assistance twice per year.

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 125% of FPL
  • Live in San Antonio or Bexar County
  • Are 60 and over, disabled, require equipment for critical care, or have at least one child under 16 years old living at home

How to get help:

  • Call 210-207-7830 if you live in San Antonio
  • Call 210-335-3666 if you live in Bexar County

Medical and dental care help in San Antonio

If you’re in need of affordable medical or dental care, get help from the following resources:

UT Health Student Run Clinic

The UT Health Student Run Clinic is a teaching clinic for medical students in which students learn while providing quality medical care for adults and children. Students visit clinics around the San Antonio area to provide basic medical, dental, and dermatological care. 

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Contact your participating clinic 
  • Call 210-567-0795

El Bari Community Health Center

El Bari Community Health Center provides free primary care services for adults, including chronic disease management and specialist referrals.

Qualifications:

  • No medical insurance
  • Have low income

How to get help:

  • Call 210-888-0671

San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic

This dental clinic operates from donations to offer free dental services for adults, like exams, fillings, cleanings, and extractions. 

Qualifications:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Bexar County resident
  • Income at or below 100% of FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 210-220-2300

Food help in San Antonio

This resource helps San Antonio residents get the food they need for their families:

San Antonio Food Bank

The San Antonio Food Bank hosts food distributions for needy families, has a mobile food unit to bring food to food deserts, provides nutrition education for healthier meals, and operates farmers markets for low-cost, fresh food. The food bank also provides job training to help community members support themselves financially.

Children can also benefit from the food bank’s programs, like its Back Pack Program, which sends at-risk youth home with fresh food on weekends and holidays, and the Summer Food Service program which offers fresh meals to children throughout the summer break.

Qualifications:

  • Varies by program

How to get help:

  • Call 210-431-8326

Child care help in San Antonio

These programs offer financial assistance for child care in San Antonio:

Our City Cares

Our City Cares is an emergency child care program in San Antonio for parents who are facing an emergency, like becoming the sudden guardian for a child or being at risk for homelessness. The program pays for temporary child care throughout the situation.

Qualifications:

  • Live in San Antonio
  • Qualifying emergency

How to get help:

  • 210-230-6343

Child Care Subsidy

San Antonio’s Child Care Services Division manages subsidies to help Bexar County and surrounding area residents pay for child care. Subsidies are based on a sliding scale according to income. For example, a single mom with one child making $2,000 a month would pay $75 a month for her child’s daycare. 

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 85% of state median income
  • Live in Bexar County or a surrounding area
  • Child under 13
  • Single parent who is working or attending school

How to get help:

  • Call 210-230-6300

Education help in San Antonio

If you’re enrolled in or interested in attending college but need financial help, look to the following resources in San Antonio:

San Antonio Education Partnership (SAEP)

SAEP awards a scholarship to San Antonio college students who attend a participating school:

  • Northwest Vista College
  • Palo Alto College
  • St. Philip’s College
  • San Antonio College
  • Texas A&M University at San Antonio
  • University of Texas at San Antonio
  • UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • Our Lady of the Lake University
  • St. Mary’s University
  • Trinity University
  • University of the Incarnate Word

The scholarship is $300/semester for students attending a community college, $425/semester for a public university, and $750/semester for a private university.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrate a financial need via the FAFSA
  • Enrolled in a participating college full-time
  • 95% attendance rate
  • Overall 80 grade average
  • Graduate from participating high school

How to get help:

  • Call 210-207-8198

UTSA Bold Promise 

The University of Texas at San Antonio provides four years of tuition-free schooling to qualifying first-time college attendees. The tuition assistance covers tuition and mandatory fees.

Qualifications:

  • Live in Texas
  • Family income up to $70,000
  • Graduated in top 25% of high school class
  • Enroll full-time
  • Admitted to UTSA

How to get help:

  • Apply and get admitted to UTSA
  • Call 210-458-8000
  • Email onestop@utsa.edu

Employment help in San Antonio

These resources can assist you in finding work or brushing up your skills for a new career in San Antonio, Texas:

Ready to Work San Antonio

This program is funded by the San Antonio government to help residents learn the skills necessary to find and maintain employment. Ready to Work San Antonio offers the following:

  • Child care and transportation connections
  • Job interview preparation
  • Personalized career plan
  • Career coaching
  • Financial coverage for courses
  • Professional development opportunities

Qualifications:

  • At least 18
  • Live within San Antonio
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Income at or below 250% of FPL

How to get help:

Workforce Solutions Alamo

This agency offers job searches, virtual training, and hiring events for people in and around San Antonio, Texas. Some workers may also qualify for a child care subsidy through the agency to help them pay for child care while working or training.

Qualifications for child care assistance:

  • Live in one of the following counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Karnes, Medina, McMullen, Wilson
  • Child under 13
  • Working or training at least 25 hours a week
  • Income at or below 85% of state median income

How to get help:

  • Contact a career center
  • Call 210-438-0581 for career help
  • Email info@wsalamo.org
  • Call 210-230-6300 for child care assistance

Transportation help in San Antonio

If you’re in need of help commuting to work in San Antonio, check out the following program:

Alamo Commutes

Alamo Commutes provides free transportation to residents in Bexar, Comal, Kendall, and Guadalupe Counties so that they can get to and from work. The organization customizes commute plans for everyone who signs up, giving them reliable and affordable transportation to continue working. 

You can also get emergency rides home for unexpected events for free up to four times a year. 

How to get help:

  • Call 210-227-8651
  • Email aampo@alamoareampo.org

Charity organizations in San Antonio

Several charities exist in San Antonio, Texas that can help single moms and their children:

Valor Never Alone

Valor Never Alone’s mission is to help single moms get and stay on their feet through financial assistance for gas and food, counseling services, and mortgage and rent assistance. 

How to get help:

Guadalupe Home

Guadalupe Home is operated by the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. The home provides shelter and parenting and skills training for pregnant women and mothers and guides them toward finding jobs that will support their families.

Qualifications:

  • 18 or older
  • Homeless or at risk of being homeless
  • Pregnant or have at least one child under the age of three
  • Willing to complete high school or get a GED
  • Employed or seriously seeking employment

How to get help:

  • Call 210-476-0707

Seton Home

Seton Home assists teen mothers and their children in the San Antonio area receive supportive services, like tutoring, school enrollment, childbirth education, life skills training, financial literacy education, and child development screenings.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified resident
  • Pregnant or have a child under 36 months

How to get help:

  • Call 210-533-3504
  • Email info@setonhomesa.org

Driving Single Parents

Driving Single Parents is a San Antonio charity that gifts vehicles to parents in need. Vehicles are donated or sponsored by area partners. 

Qualifications:

  • Single parent
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Be able to afford insurance
  • Need a vehicle for work or training
  • Live in Bexar County

How to get help:

Fairweather Family Lodge

Fairweather Family Lodge operates 20 efficiency apartments for single moms who have a disability and face homelessness to get adequate and reliable shelter. The charity also assists with case management, life skills training, and meeting children’s educational needs.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom with a disability
  • Experience chronic homelessness

How to get help:

  • Call 210-431-6466
  • Get a referral from your Coordinated Entry agency

Magdalena House

Magdalena House provides transitional homes for single moms and their children who have escaped domestic violence situations. In addition to housing, the program provides basic necessities and therapy services.

Qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 with no more than three children under 8 years old 
  • Mom who is a domestic violence or human trafficking survivor, aged out of foster care, or involved in a CPS reunification plan
  • Little to no income

How to get help:

  • Call 210-561-0505
  • Email info@maghouse.org

Help for single moms in Dallas, Texas

These resources are geared toward residents of Dallas, Texas:

Emergency cash assistance in Dallas

Get help paying your bills or buying the food, clothing, and basic necessities you need with the following programs that serve Dallas residents:

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) Welfare Assistance

DCHHS provides temporary financial assistance to those who cannot currently work and are struggling to pay their bills. The money can go toward their housing, utilities, transportation, or food needs.

Qualifications:

  • 18 years or older
  • Dallas County resident
  • U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Not receiving housing assistance
  • Limited income and resources

How to get help:

  • Call 214-819-1800

​Social Services & Support Program

Dallas’s Office of Community Care offers this program to residents in need of temporary financial assistance to pay for rent or utilities. 

Qualifications:

  • Live in Dallas
  • Temporary financial crisis

How to get help:

  • Schedule an appointment with a caseworker by calling 214-670-8416

Saint Vincent de Paul North Texas Financial Assistance

Saint Vincent de Paul North Texas is a volunteer organization that provides temporary financial assistance to families in need. The money can be used toward rent or utilities.

How to get help:

Housing help in Dallas

The following program offers financial help for Dallas residents looking to purchase a home in the city:

Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)

DHAP helps homebuyers with low to moderate incomes buy a home in the Dallas area by providing up to $60,000 in financial assistance toward the purchase of the home. The assistance is a second mortgage on the home that’s forgiven after a certain number of years of the homeowner remaining in the home, which varies by loan.

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 80% of area median income
  • U.S. citizen or lawful resident
  • Employed for at least six months
  • Two months of mortgage payments in savings and contribution of at least $1,000
  • Debt-to-income ratio 45% or lower

How to get help:

  • Call 214-670-3644
  • Email dhaploans@dallascityhall.com

Medical and dental care help in Dallas

Consider using these clinics to get free and affordable health care services in Dallas, Texas:

Agape Clinic

The Agape Clinic is a donor-supported medical clinic in Dallas, Texas, that provides primary care to adults and children in need. The clinic doesn’t require patients to meet certain income or qualifying guidelines for care.

Qualifications:

  • None, although the clinic suggests a monetary donation of $50

How to get help:

  • Call 972-707-7782

The Doctor Spot Free Health Clinic

The Doctor Spot is a mobile unit that offers free medical care to children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including:

  • Sick and wellness visits
  • Immunizations
  • Obesity screenings
  • Asthma management
  • Sports physicals
  • X-rays
  • Basic laboratory tests

Qualifications:

  • Uninsured children 0-18

How to get help:

  • Call 972-834-2473

ICNA Relief Medical Clinic Dallas

This medical clinic is open every Saturday to give Dallas residents free primary care, specialty care, and psychiatric and counseling services.

Qualifications:

  • Age 18-64
  • Uninsured
  • Income at or below 250% of FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 469-291-7411
  • Email dallasclinic@icnarelief.org 

Food help in Dallas

Contact this program if you need food for your family:

North Texas Food Bank

North Texas Food Bank provides mobile food distribution to locations around the Dallas area to families in need, and families do not need to register to pick up food. The food bank also has a backpack program for school-aged children to take home food on the weekends and provides summer meals to eligible school children.

Qualifications:

  • Varies by program

How to get help:

  • Call 214-330-1396
  • Email info@ntfb.org 

Education help in Dallas

If you’re planning to attend college and live in the Dallas area, you may qualify for financial assistance to pay tuition from this program:

Dallas County Promise

Dallas County Promise gives tuition assistance to eligible students attending a participating college. The money varies by student and is attended to cover any gap between the amount of financial aid the recipient qualifies for and the amount of tuition they owe. The program can cover tuition for a student until they complete their degree.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Complete the Promise Path
  • Email student.success@dallascountypromise.org

Employment help in Dallas

This Dallas resource helps residents find and keep employment that can support their families:

Workforce Dallas

Workforce Dallas is an initiative to improve the skills of the Dallas workforce through education, training, and breaking down barriers that can prevent someone from finding and maintaining employment, like accessing reliable child care. 

The organization works with each individual enrolled in the program to provide a customized solution to help them find a job they qualify for and be a productive member of the workforce.

How to get help:

Charity organizations in Dallas

These charities in the Dallas, Texas, area offer several modes of help to single moms:

Helping Hands for Single Moms Dallas

This charity provides supportive services for single moms in Dallas who are trying to achieve financial independence. Services include:

  • Budgeting help
  • Auto repair financial assistance
  • Professional counseling
  • Some medical and dental care
  • Emergency cash assistance
  • Educational scholarships
  • Monetary help for holiday gifts
  • Tutoring or mentoring

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Live in Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, or Denton counties
  • At least one child under 11
  • Income at or below 150% of FPL
  • Single or divorced
  • At least one college semester and a 2.8 GPA
  • Participate in mandatory meetings

How to get help:

Hopeful Solutions

Homeless mothers with a mental health diagnosis or substance abuse problem and their children can get shelter and supportive services from Hopeful Solutions. The charity offers these programs:

  • Jump Start: This program gives needy moms and their children emergency housing for up to six months while they get on their feet. The program also provides life skills and vocational training. 
  • New Directions: New Directions helps moms become self-sufficient by offering financial literacy resources, case management, and rental assistance for a full year.
  • Out and About: This program provides socialization opportunities for enrolled moms and their children to enjoy community activities together.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom who is homeless or facing homelessness
  • Substance abuse or mental health diagnosis

How to get help:

The Gatehouse

The Gatehouse is a Christian charity that helps women support themselves and their children through education and career services.

Women can participate in the education track or career track. The education track gives moms and their children rent-free housing while they complete a college degree, plus a monthly stipend to pay for their necessities.

The career track also provides a rent-free space for women and their children to focus on working full-time while building up enough income to support themselves financially. The program includes weekly coaching sessions, skills classes, child care, basic medical care, and counseling services.

Qualifications for education track:

  • Single mom at least 21 years old
  • Dependent child at least one year old
  • U.S. citizen
  • Live in Dallas-Fort Worth metro area
  • Within two years of graduating with an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree
  • Currently enrolled in approved school (Parker University, Texas Woman’s University, or The University of Texas at Arlington) and have at least a 3.0 GPA
  • FAFSA approval
  • No active addictions
  • Valid driver’s license

Qualifications for career track:

  • Single mom at least 21 years old
  • With or without dependent child (children must be at least one year old, and no more than two children)
  • U.S. citizen
  • Live in Dallas-Fort Worth metro area
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Able and willing to work full-time
  • Not currently in school

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 817-912-0317
  • info@gatehousegrapevine.com

Help for single moms in Austin, Texas

If you live in Austin, Texas, and need financial assistance or support with housing, medical care, food, and more, check out these resources:

Housing help in Austin

The following options are available for Austin residents in need of help paying their rent or affording a new home.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Austin’s emergency rental assistance program provides money for rent to residents who are at risk of facing eviction due to not being able to afford their rent. 

Qualifications:

How to get help:

St. Austin Catholic Church and School Rent and Utility Assistance

This Austin-based church has rent and utility assistance drawings every week to help local residents pay their housing-related bills.

How to get help:

  • Attend services on Thursdays to be entered into the drawings
  • Call 512-477-9471
  • Email sacp@staustin.org

Down Payment Assistance

The City of Austin offers up to $40,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who are buying a home within Austin. The payment can also cover closing costs.

Qualifications:

  • Buying a home within Austin’s city limits
  • First-time homebuyer
  • Qualify for a mortgage loan through participating lender
  • Complete a homebuyer education course

How to get help:

GO REPAIR! Grant

The GO REPAIR! Grant provides up to $20,000 for homeowners to repair dangerous parts of their homes, like rotting floors or roofs.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 512-974-3100
  • Email hpdcs@austintexas.gov 

Home Rehabilitation Loan Program

The Home Rehabilitation Loan Program gives loans of up to $75,000 to eligible homeowners to make necessary home improvements to bring their homes to code, such as upgrading plumbing or electrical systems. The loan acts as a second mortgage loan but has 0% interest and no monthly payments and is partially forgiven when the home is sold.

Qualifications:

  • Home within Austin city limits
  • Income at or below 80% of area median income
  • Hasn’t undergone bankruptcy within two years

How to get help:

Plumbing Program

The Plumbing Program offers free funding for eligible plumbing repairs, like fixing toilets, sinks, or water heaters. Assistance can range up to $15,000.

Qualifications:

  • Austin Water customer
  • Single-family home
  • Primary residence
  • Income at or below 100% of area median income

How to get help:

  • Call 512-974-3100
  • Email hpdcs@austintexas.gov 

Electric bill help in Austin

Contact the following programs if you need help paying your electric or utility bills in Austin, Texas.

Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

The City of Austin offers an average of $560 in discounts on utility bills for low-income residents. The discount can go toward electric, water, and sewage charges.

Qualifications:

  • Participate in a qualifying assistance program, like SNAP, CHIP, or Medicaid
  • Income below 200% of the FPL

How to get help:

Plus 1 Program

Austin’s Plus 1 Program is for emergency financial assistance toward utility bills if you’re facing an unexpected financial hardship that affects your ability to pay your utilities.

Qualifications:

  • City of Austin utility customer

How to get help:

Medical and dental care help in Austin

Find free and low-cost medical and dental care in Austin through these organizations.

Volunteer Healthcare Clinic

The Volunteer Healthcare Clinic is a part-time medical clinic that runs by donation and provides primary care services and chronic disease management. The clinic assists both adults and children. Although not required, the clinic suggests a $10 donation per visit.

Qualifications:

  • Uninsured 
  • Income at or below 200% of the FPL
  • Live in Travis County
  • Valid ID

How to get help:

  • Call 512-459-6002, option 0
  • Email info@volclinic.org 

People’s Community Clinic

People’s Community Clinic provides free and low-cost healthcare and dental services to adults and children in Austin, Texas. Patients must make an appointment before visiting and will not be turned away due to their ability to pay. You’ll need to update your income information once a year.

The clinic offers numerous services, including pregnancy care, gynecology, chronic disease management, nutrition education, basic dental care, and laboratory services.

Qualifications:

  • Valid ID
  • Uninsured, Medicaid, or Medicare

How to get help:

Hope Clinic

Hope Clinic is a free healthcare clinic for refugees, immigrants, and underserved individuals and families in Austin. Children and adults are accepted. Patients must make an appointment to receive primary care services, but appointments are by donation only, with a suggested donation of $10.

Qualifications:

  • No health insurance
  • Live in Austin area

How to get help:

  • Call 512-766-9979
  • Text 512-768-8609
  • Email guptexas@gmail.com

St. David’s Foundation Mobile Dental Program

This mobile dental program includes nine vehicles that travel to schools within the Austin area to provide needy students with free dental care. The program also assists adults with basic dental care if they’re referred by a community agency.

Qualifications:

  • Children: Attend participating school and have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian
  • Adults: Receive a referral from a community agency

How to get help:

  • Call 512-879–6231
  • Email sdfdental@stdavidsfoundation.org 

Food help in Austin

These food-focused programs can help you and your family get groceries.

Central Texas Food Bank

Central Texas Food Bank provides fresh food and produce to needy families monthly through its Fresh Food for Families program, which distributes food to local food banks. It also runs school backpack programs and summer food programs for school-aged children to get healthy food on the weekends and during summer break. Additionally, single moms can enroll in the Home Delivery Program to receive a box of groceries each month.

Qualifications:

Children in participating schools can take advantage of the backpack and summer food programs. For the Home Delivery Program, households must have a food need and a child aged 0-18. 

How to get help:

Hope Food Pantry Austin

Hope Food Pantry Austin runs food drives to donate groceries to needy families in the Austin, Texas area. The pantry is open every Thursday and Friday and the first Saturday of each month from 9-10:30 AM. 

How to get help:

  • Email info@hopefoodpantryaustin.org 

Employment help in Austin

Get help searching for a new job or training for a new career in Austin, Texas, through this agency.

Workforce Solutions Capital Area 

Workforce Solutions Capital Area has free online training and hosts events and workshops to help people find jobs and build skills for future employment. It can also connect workers to apprenticeships to help them gain on-the-job experience. 

This organization also provides childcare scholarships to cover some or all of the costs of childcare for low-income families while the parent works or attends school.

Qualifications for childcare assistance:

  • Live in Travis County
  • Single parent working or training for at least 25 hours weekly
  • Meet income guidelines (no more than $54,601 for a family of two)

Anyone needing help finding a job or training for employment can qualify for other employment assistance. 

How to get help:

  • Apply online or call 512-597-7091 for childcare scholarships
  • Call 512-485-3734 for employment services

Transportation help in Austin

Utilize the following transportation service with low-cost and free rides in Austin, Texas and its surrounding areas: 

CARTS

CARTS provides public transportation in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson counties. Children under 12 ride free, and people with disabilities can pay fares as low as $1. 

CARTS also offers free rides to and from medical-related appointments for people on Medicaid.

How to get help:

  • Email info@ridecarts.com
  • Call 512-478-7433

Charity organizations in Austin

These Austin-based charities can support single moms with various services.

Caritas of Austin

Caritas of Austin helps people in the Austin area who are at risk of homelessness by providing food, education and employment services, and housing support. Some clients may qualify for transitional housing until they can support themselves and their families.

Qualifications:

  • Client of Caritas

How to get help:

  • Call 512-479-4610

Saint Louise House

Located in Austin, Saint Louise House assists single moms and their children with affordable subsidized housing, utility assistance, and case management services to help them support their families.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom at risk of homelessness

How to get help:

  • Email an application to admissions@saintlouisehouse.org 
  • Call 512-326-2774

Austin Diaper Bank

The Austin Diaper Bank gives needy moms diapers and wipes for their children. 

How to get help:

SAFE Austin

SAFE Austin is an organization dedicated to helping people escape from abusive and violent situations. Families can get affordable housing, life skills education, employment help, parental support, and counseling.

How to get help:

  • Call 512-267-7233

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in Utah struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

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.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Utah

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

Family Employment Program in Utah

The Family Employment Program includes Utah’s cash assistance program for families with children. Single parents can get financial help and tools to help them train for a job or get better employment. They work closely with employment counselors throughout the program.

A qualifying single mom with two children can get up to $662 in cash assistance each month for up to 36 months.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Utah resident
  • Meet income guidelines — no more than $1,050/month for a family of three
  • Participate in work requirements

How to get help:

Apply online with MyCase.

More emergency cash help in Utah: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Utah

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

Utah Community Action Rent and Deposit Assistance

Utah Community Action offers cash assistance for people who can’t afford to pay their rent or who need affordable housing. The program can pay for rent or a deposit on a rental. Applicants may qualify for multiple months of assistance depending on the situation and funding available.

Qualifications:

  • Utah resident
  • Have a lease or are able to sign one
  • Financial crisis     

How to get help: 

Apply online with Utah Community Action.

Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Utah

Section 8 in Utah gives families vouchers to pay rent for designated homes and apartments. Eligible families have incomes of 50% or less than the AMI.

Qualifications:

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Utah

If you need help buying a home in Utah, these programs can help: 

Utah Homeowners Assistance

Utah Homeowners Assistance gives money to families in need who own a home and are having trouble paying their mortgages. Homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in aid and do not need to repay the money.

Qualifications:

  • Owns primary residence in Utah
  • Financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Behind on mortgage payments
  • Income at or below 150% AMI or 100% of the U.S. median income (whichever is greater) 

How to get help: 

Utah Homeownership Programs

Utah offers the following programs for single moms who need an affordable mortgage loan to buy a home:

  • FirstHome: This mortgage loan is for first-time homebuyers with credit scores of at least 660 buying a home within purchasing limits.
  • HomeAgain: Single moms who don’t qualify for FirstHome may qualify for this program without purchasing limits. It also requires a 660 minimum credit score.
  • Down Payment Assistance: Homebuyers using one of these loan programs can also apply for down payment assistance to get up to the minimum down payment amount for their home purchase.

Qualifications:

  • Buy a home in Utah within purchase limits
  • Meet income guidelines
  • Meet all requirements from participating lender

How to get help: 

Contact a participating lender.

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in Utah

Shelter the Homeless provides shelter, affordable housing, and resources for people who are homeless in Utah. 

How to get help: 

  • Call the Homeless Connections Hotline at 801-990-9999
  • Email info@homelessutah.org 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Utah

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

Home Energy Assistance Target Program (HEAT) in Utah

HEAT gives families money toward their water and energy bills. The program includes both regular assistance and crisis assistance for families in an emergency financial hardship. Single moms with a child age 6 or under can apply early each year starting October 1, while other households can begin applying on November 1. 

HEAT participants who are customers of Rocky Mountain Power can also qualify for an extra discount on their bill through the Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP). Dominion Energy also gives a one-time bill credit to HEAT participants.

Qualifications:       

  • At least one U.S. or qualified citizen
  • At least one adult in the home
  • Responsible for paying the home’s energy costs
  • Income at or below 150% of federal poverty level

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Utah

WAP gives eligible families an average savings of about $583 annually toward energy-efficient upgrades for their homes. Some of the upgrades include: 

  • Insulation installation
  • HVAC system repair
  • Duct sealing
  • Pressure testing

Qualifications:

Families must have an income at or below 200% of FPL.

How to get help:

Contact your nearest WAP agency. 

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Utah

Single moms in Utah can get help paying for their dental and medical bills with these programs.

Salt Lake Donated Dental Services

This program offers free and discounted dental services to needy families in Utah every weekday. People with income at or below 100% of the FPL can receive free dental care. People can get discounted services if their income is at or below 200% of the FPL.

How to get help: 

  • Call 801-972-2747
  • Email treatment@donateddental.org

University of Utah Dental Services

The University of Utah’s participating offices offer up to 30% off the price of dental services when you get them through a resident or up to 50% off when using a student dentist. The school provides a full range of services, including oral health screenings, denture fittings, and surgeries. 

How to get help: 

Contact a participating dental clinic.

Utah Medicaid for Families

Medicaid provides affordable health coverage to families in Utah. The program also offers transitional assistance with up to 12 extra months of coverage if your income increases and exceeds the income limits.

Pregnant women can also qualify for a separate Medicaid program if their income is at or below 139% of the FPL.

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. or qualified citizen
  • Utah resident
  • Dependent child in the household
  • Meet income limits

How to get help: 

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Utah

CHIP in Utah is a Medicaid program for children of families that do not qualify for traditional Medicaid because of their income. The program pays for: 

  • Well visits
  • Prescriptions
  • Emergency room visits
  • Most other health care needs

The program has different income limits based on the child’s age. Children with household incomes higher than the limits may still qualify for the Child Medically Needy program, but the family may have spend-down requirements.

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. or qualified citizen
  • Utah resident
  • Qualifying dependent child in the household
  • Meet income limits

How to get help: 

Maliheh Free Clinic

The Maliheh Free Clinic in Salt Lake City provides free medical services to people in need, including pediatric care, dental services, and diagnostics. 

Qualifications: 

  • Uninsured
  • Income at or below 200% of FPL

How to get help: 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Utah

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

Utah 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 in retail food stores to purchase food, including:

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

Click here for a list of what you can and cannot buy. A family of three in Utah can get up to $740 in SNAP benefits each month.

Qualifications:

  • Utah resident
  • U.S. citizen 
  • Register for work requirements
  • Gross monthly income at or below 130% of FPL
  • $2,500 or less in resources

How to get help: 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Utah

WIC helps moms feed themselves and their children nutritious food. The program gives electronic benefits for moms to pay for eligible food and infant formula. Moms can also get help with breastfeeding, nutrition support, and developmental resources for their children. 

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 parents of children under age of 5 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: 

School Nutrition Programs in Utah

Utah helps schools across the state provide healthy and nourishing meals to children through several programs. Utah participates in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, which provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible children. 

Utah students in after-school programs can also get snacks or small meals through the Afterschool Snack Program. Utah schools can also participate in the Special Milk Program and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to help students access these necessary foods. 

Qualifications: 

  • Attend a participating school
  • Income at or below 185% of FPL for most programs

How to get help: 

  • Contact your child’s school for more information
  • Call the director of Child Nutrition Programs at 801-538-7755
  • Text FOOD to 877-877

Summer Food Service Program in Utah

SFSP gives eligible school children meals during their school’s summer break.

Qualifications: 

Children must be 18 or younger. Participating sites can determine their own requirements for meals.

How to get help: 

Utah Food Bank

Utah Food Bank helps people across the state of Utah feed their families, whether they need temporary assistance or are experiencing a food emergency. The organization also sponsors mobile food pantries and programs that help children access food.

How to get help: 

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Utah

Single moms can get help from these Utah programs for child care while they go to work or school.

Child Care Assistance in Utah

Utah’s child care subsidy helps families pay for child care. Single moms can get assistance if they work or go to a training program intended to help with employment. 

Families can also receive the subsidy if they need to put their child in a child care program while they actively search for work. Some households will have a co-payment each month, depending on their income. 

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. citizen
  • Utah resident
  • Child under 13
  • Up to 85% of state median income
  • Actively looking for or participating in work or training

How to apply: 

Apply online with MyCase.

Utah 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: 

Find a Head Start program in your area. 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Utah

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

Live Your Dream Scholarship in Utah

Live Your Dream is a Utah-based charity that provides scholarships for single moms who wish to pursue a college degree, bootcamp, or technical school. Scholarships are awarded in the spring and fall for:

  • Tuition (up to $3,000)
  • Class fees (up to $1,000)
  • Books (up to $500)

The application deadline for the 2024 winter/spring semester scholarship is Nov. 1, 2023.

Qualifications:

  • Utah resident who is a single mom, widowed, divorced, or separated (divorce is almost final)
  • Custodial parent or guardian with physical custody of at least one dependant child (18 and under or over 18 and still in high school)
  • You are the only adult in your home unless you live with relatives
  • You have a high school diploma or GED
  • You are enrolled in a degree program at a college or university, attending technical school, bootcamp, or any other educational program to increase your earning potential
  • You have completed or are completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and can demonstrate financial need 

How to get help:

Career and Education Assistance in Utah

For single moms pursuing a college degree, Utah may pay for testing fees, tuition, books, tutoring, and other related services. 

How to get help:

Adult Education in Utah

Utah residents who want a high school diploma equivalent can take the GED test. The test has four sections covering: 

  • Language arts
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social studies

Each section costs $30, but the Department of Workforce Services can help test-takers pay for the full exam. 

Anyone 18 or older can take the GED test in Utah, and 16 and 17-year-olds can take the exam with permission from their school district.

How to apply: 

Grants and scholarships in Utah

Utah offers several scholarship and grant programs to people attending a college or university in the state, including:

  • Opportunity Scholarship: Eligible students can receive up to $1,000 per semester for four semesters
  • Single Parent Project gives cash assistance to qualified single moms and dads
  • Utah Promise Scholarship: This scholarship goes to students at Utah’s public colleges and universities and some private institutions, paying up to the total cost of tuition for two years
  • Technical College Scholarship: Utah technical college scholarship students can get up to the full cost of their tuition paid
  • Higher Education Success Stipend Program: This grant is for students with financial need who are attending a Utah school

Visit the Utah System of Higher Education for information about each scholarship and grant program and how to apply.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Utah

Workforce programs in Utah provide training and assist with employment:

Utah Unemployment Benefits

Utah single moms who have lost a job or had their hours reduced can apply for unemployment benefits. Utah pays unemployment benefits each week you’re without a job or suitable employment. 

Qualifications: 

  • Utah resident
  • Unemployed, laid off, or had a reduction of hours
  • Earned at least $4,800 in the base period
  • Available for full-time work

How to get help: 

Utah Department of Workforce Services

Anyone in Utah who wants to find a job or train for a better job can use the resources offered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services. The website has free help to find a job, redo a resume, find an apprenticeship program, or learn new skills. 

How to get help:

Visit the Utah Department of Workforce Services website. 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Utah

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

Utah Girls Love You

Utah Girls Love You helps single moms and their children get clothing, food, and other necessities. The charity also helps moms learn life skills, find shelter, and get the services and items they need to support their families. 

How to get help: 

  • Call 801-899-2692
  • Email jazmine@utahgirlsloveyou.org 

Open Doors 

Open Doors offers families domestic violence support, counseling, respite care, and case management. 

How to get help: 

Call 801-773-0712 for the Clearfield office or 801-771-4642 for the Layton office.

The Salvation Army of Utah

Utah residents can find Salvation Army locations in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Vernal, and St. George. The Salvation Army helps families with:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Housing assistance
  • Spiritual guidance
  • Disaster programs
  • Education
  • Employment help
  • Emergency financial assistance

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army location has its own requirements for its programs and services.

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your nearest location.

United Ways in Utah

The United Way provides resources necessary to their local communities, such as:

  • Health clinics
  • Youth events
  • Financial assistance
  • Senior services
  • Child development
  • Clothing and shelter

How to get help: 

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in Vermont struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

We also put together resources specifically for:

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

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.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Vermont

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 Vermont

Reach Up — Vermont’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. 

The amount paid out varies depending on household income. A Benefits Program Specialist (BPS) will determine the amount of your benefit. Generally, an eligible family of three can receive up to $1,384 a month in cash assistance. However, exact amounts depend on location and specific family circumstances. See full income guidelines.

For those who only need help for up to four months, Vermont also offers the Reach First program. Reach First is aimed at helping families get through short-term financial issues by providing cash assistance.

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults. Children being taken care of by a relative may qualify for longer coverage. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent Vermont resident
  • Pregnant and/or have children under 18  
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Gross income must be less than 80% of AMI
  • Children under age 5 must be up to date with immunizations
  • Children ages 6 to 18 must attend school, and parents/caretakers must attend school conferences

How to get help:

Vermont Reach Up Programs

Vermont has several programs to help parents gain access to better opportunities:

  • Reach Up: Monthly cash help for basic necessities and support to help you define and reach goals for education, career, housing, finances, and more
  • Reach Ahead Pilot: Helps former Reach Up or Post-Secondary Education (PSE) recipients transition to the workforce and offers help to pay for child care, food, and fix any barriers to work (such as providing car repairs or work clothes)
  • Reach First: Short-term financial help and support (four months or less)
  • Vermont MOMS: Virtual stress management classes for moms that offer gift cards for class attendance

Qualifications:

  • Each program has its own eligibility requirements, call the number below for more details

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Vermont: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Vermont

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

Rental assistance in Vermont

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

Emergency Housing

Those who have lost their housing due to a catastrophic situation may be eligible for emergency housing in a hotel for 28 to 84 days. Length of stay is determined by your situation. 

Catastrophic events include: 

  • Natural disasters, such as fire or flood
  • Fleeing domestic violence 
  • Constructive or court-ordered eviction that is not your fault 

Qualifications: 

One of the following must be true:

  • Age 65 or older
  • Pregnant in third trimester 
  • Child/children age 6 or younger 
  • Qualify with at least 4 points
    • Disabled veteran (1 point)
    • Active Family Services case (1 point)
    • SSI or SSDI applicant (1 point)
    • Child/children between the ages of 7-17 (2 points)
    • Discharged from a 48-hour inpatient hospital stay within the last 30 days (2 points)
    • Over 18 years old and discharged from DCF custody within the last 3 years (1 point)
    • Reach Up recipient
    • Individual on probation or parole with Dept of Corrections (1 point)

How to get help: 

Transitional Housing

The Department for Children and Families provides up to 18 months in a hotel for qualifying Vermont residents who experienced financial hardship or job loss because of COVID-19. 

Qualifications:

  • Vermont resident 
  • Gross income under 80% of AMI 
  • Have not received any other federal funds to pay for expenses 

How to get help: 

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: 

Mortgage assistance in Vermont 

If you need help buying a home in Vermont, these programs can help: 

Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s Homeowner Assistance Program provides grants of up to $30,000 per household toward: 

  • Overdue mortgage payments
  • Utility bills
  • Property taxes
  • Property association charges

Qualifications:

  • Applying for expenses related to your primary residence, located in Vermont
  • Experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic:
    • Job loss
    • Reduction in income
    • Increased costs due to illness or the need to care for a family member 
  • Have an income equal to or less than 150% of AMI                                   

How to get help: 

VHFA Mortgage Programs 

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency offers a variety of mortgage programs for homebuyers in the state. The programs are offered through local VHFA Participating Lenders:

MOVE

This mortgage program has VHFA’s lowest interest rate and a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loan. Other benefits include: 

  • Down payments 0% to 5% (determined by lender)
  • Down payment and closing cost assistance available
  • Up to $825 savings on Vermont Property Transfer Tax at closing

MOVE MCC

This mortgage program offers a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loan. Other benefits include

  • Down payment 0% to 5% (determined by lender)
  • Down payment and closing cost assistance available
  • Up to $825 savings on Vermont Property Transfer Tax at closing
  • Annual Federal tax credit up to $2,000 with the MCC

ADVANTAGE

This mortgage program offers a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loan. Other benefits include

  • Down payment 0% to 5% (determined by lender)
  • Down payment and closing cost assistance available
  • Up to $825 savings on Vermont Property Transfer Tax at closing

Qualifications: 

  • Minimum credit score of 640 (higher minimum scores may be required by some lenders)
  • No homeownership within prior 36 months if purchasing in: Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Grand Isle, or Windsor County 

How to get help: 

Vermont Housing down payment assistance

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency also helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





ASSIST Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance includes: 

  • 0% interest loan with no monthly payments
    • The loan is repaid when the property is sold 
  • Maximum loan amount $10,000 or $15,000 based on income (lender will determine)

Qualifications: 

These loans are not available as standalone assistance but in conjunction with VHFA’s programs listed above: Move, Move CC or Advantage. 

  • Borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must be true first-time homebuyers

How to get help: 

Vermont First Generation Homebuyer Program 

First-time homebuyers in Vermont may be eligible for a $15,000 grant for down payment and closing costs. Eligible borrowers can also combine this grant with VHFA ASSIST to receive up to $30,000 in assistance. Funding for the grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.

Qualifications: 

  • All borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must be true-first time homebuyers and at least one borrower must have: 
  • Parents or legal guardians who do not currently own a home
  • Been placed in foster care at any time in their life
  • Minimum credit score of 640 (higher minimum scores may be required by some lenders) 
  • No ownership within prior 36 months, if purchasing in: Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Grand Isle, or Windsor County 

How to get help: 

Homeless assistance in Vermont 

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following program: 

Agency of Human Services 

The main goal of the Agency of Human Services is to prevent Vermont residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. AHS and community partners help provide housing stability and reduce homelessness though: 

  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual agencies and programs. 

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Transportation help for low-income families in Vermont

Single moms in Vermont can take advantage of multiple resources offering free or affordable transportation.

Free and low-cost transportation

The following programs offer free or low-cost rides to eligible families in Vermont.

Guaranteed Ride Home

If you carpool to work and your ride falls through or you need to leave early, the Guaranteed Ride Home program can help. Use any public transportation you need to get home, and the program will reimburse your travel fees up to $70. Claims usually take up to six weeks to process.

Qualifications:

  • Carpool to or from work
  • Have an unexpected change of plans affecting your carpool 

How to get help:

  • Call 800-685-7433
  • Email GoVermont@vermont.gov 

Commuter Co-Op

Commuter Co-Op allows you to organize a carpool for work or school transportation using a vehicle provided by the state of Vermont. You can keep the vehicle at home or a shared space for all carpool participants to share. Each participant pays a share of the monthly fee, which is usually about $100 split among each rider.

Qualifications:

  • Have a commuter group organized

How to get help:

  • Call 201-320-8300
  • Email joseph.a.traina@ehi.com 

Free Wheelin’

Free Wheelin’ is a free transportation program for rural travelers in the Waitsfield, Fayston,

Moretown, and Warren areas. Contact the company to get a free ride to shopping areas, medical appointments, and social services. Rides are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Rides are available to anyone who needs transportation and calls ahead to reserve a ride.

How to get help:

  • Call 802-249-3427

Vermont Medicaid transportation

Vermont offers non-emergency medical transportation to households who have Medicaid. These free rides can bring you back and forth to medical appointments, whether they’re for yourself or your children. Some of Vermont’s public transit systems, including Tri-Valley Transit and Rural Community Transit, provide a service known as Dial-A-Ride, which includes transportation for Medicaid recipients.

Rides should be scheduled ahead of time, and your medical provider or caseworker can help you with scheduling.

Qualifications:

  • Medicaid recipient
  • In need of reliable transportation

How to get help:

  • Call 802-728-3773
  • Contact your Medicaid caseworker

Vermont public transit

Vermont has eight public transit systems. Those offering free or affordable rides are listed below.

Advance Transit

  • Covers: Upper Valley area
  • Offers: Free rides for all with Monday through Friday service

Green Mountain Transit

  • Covers: Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, Winooski, Milton, Hinesburg, and some areas of Colchester
  • Offers: Free rides on the 116 Commuter, free rides for children under 6, fares as low as $1 for children 6-17 

Marble Valley Regional Transit District

  • Covers: Rutland and surrounding areas
  • Offers: Free rides for children 6 and under, fares as low as $0.50 for adults

MOOver!

  • Covers: Windham and Southern Windsor counties
  • Offers: Free rides for all riders

Rural Community Transit (RTA)

  • Covers: Northeast Kingdom and Lamoille County
  • Offers: A few free shuttle routes operating throughout the day in areas like Lyndonville, Newport, and East Burke, Dial-A-Ride for Medicaid recipients 

The Green Mountain Express

  • Covers: Bennington County area
  • Offers: Free rides for Medicaid recipients

Tri-Valley Transit

  • Covers: Addison, Orange, and Northern Windsor counties
  • Offers: Free fares for all riders, Dial-A-Ride for Medicaid recipients 

Vermont transportation providers

The Vermont Public Transportation Association has an interactive map allowing you to see what public transportation provider services your area. Visit the map and click on the city or town you live in to find your public transportation provider.

Vehicle donation and car repair help in Vermont

The following organizations can help you get a free vehicle in Vermont:

Good News Garage

Good News Garage is a charity with programs for Vermont families in need of reliable transportation.

The Wheels to Work program gifts vehicles to families participating in Vermont’s Reach Up program, which helps families become more financially independent. A Reach Up caseworker must identify an individual as having a need for a vehicle donation and send their request to Good News Garage.

The Ready to Go program offers free minivans to families in need so that they can work, go to school, or bring their children to school or daycare. Recipients typically come from referrals through the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division.

How to get help:

  • Contact your caseworker
  • Call 2-1-1

Free Charity Cars 

Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program. 

Qualifications:

  • Be a resident of the U.S.
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Have a genuine need for a vehicle 
  • Have access to a Computer and Internet Service
  • Sign up for an online account 
  • Complete an online application for a vehicle
  • Have the financial means to pay for the fees, including the tag, title, emissions, insurance, etc.
  • Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle if awarded 

How to get help:

If you’re ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit Express is a quality lender:

  • Better Business Bureau rating of A+
  • In business since 1999
  • For new or used cars
  • Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
  • Pre-approval within 30 seconds

24 hours to a car loan with Auto Credit Express >>

Utility bill assistance in Vermont

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

Vermont Gas Customers

The Department for Families and Children offers a 20% discount off monthly natural gas bills for qualifying families.

Qualifications:       

  • Residential Vermont Gas customers only
  • Have gross monthly household income at or below 185% of FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 800-775-0516
  • Fill out and print this application
    • Mail your application and supporting documents to: ADPC – Economic Services Division, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500

Green Mountain Power Customers 

The Department for Families and Children offers a 25% discount off monthly electric bills for qualifying families. You may be forgiven a past-due bill if you are new to the program. 

Qualifications:       

  • Residential Green Mountain Power customers only
  • Have gross monthly household income at or below 185% of FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 800-775-0516
  • Fill out and print this application
    • Mail your application and supporting documents to: ADPC – Economic Services Division, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500

Water Assistance Program

This program helps Vermont residents with: 

  • Past-due water bills 
  • Back charges and fees associated with late payments 
  • A one-time future payment based on certain factors:
    • Household income
    • Water/wastewater expense as percentage of total income
    • Number of household members
    • Whether the household includes a child under 6, adult over 60, or person with a disability

Qualifications:       

Priority will be given to those households whose water/wastewater has been disconnected or is at risk of being disconnected.

How to get help:

  • Call 800-339-6433
  • Fill out and print this application
    • Mail your application and supporting documents to: ADPC – Economic Services Division, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500

Fuel Assistance Program

This program helps pay a portion of your home heating bills — whether you own your home or rent, pay for heat directly or as part of rent. Get a list of fuel dealers. 

Qualifications:       

Must have gross monthly household income at or below 185% of FPL.

How to get help:

Vermont Crisis Fuel Assistance

If you are running out of heating fuel and cannot afford to buy more, reach out to Vermont Crisis Fuel Assistance for help. Eligible families can get financial help to purchase fuel or pay for electricity if your heating system uses it. You can also get support with payment plan negotiations payment plans and working with your energy provider to avoid gas or electric shutoff.

Applications are accepted starting November 27, 2023.

Qualifications:

  • Household income at or below 200% of the FPL
  • Going through a heating crisis

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Installing carbon monoxide detectors
  • Removing mold
  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency

On average, the program in Vermont makes about $10,000 worth of improvements per home, adds about 1,500 square feet of insulation and reduces drafts by 40%. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Resident of state of Vermont
  • Household income meets the income limits.
  • An active Fuel Assistance household
  • Someone in your household gets Supplemental Security Income
  • An adult in your household received either Reach Up, Reach First, or Post-Secondary Education in the past 12 months

How to get help:

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 Vermont

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:        

Children’s Integrated Service 

Children’s Integrated Service (CIS) provides early intervention, family support, and prevention services that help ensure the healthy development and well-being of children, from before birth up to age 5.

Support services include: 

  • Health and well-being throughout pregnancy and postpartum
  • Growth progress — including speech, language, movement, vision, and hearing — from birth to age 3
  • Positive social and emotional development for children up to age 5 
  • Help finding quality child care

Qualifications: 

Parents with children under the age of 5 can contact your local CIS Coordinator to see if your family is eligible. 

How to get help: 

Contact your local CIS Coordinator. 

Vermont Health Connect 

Vermont Health Connect, the state’s health insurance marketplace, offers medical, prescription and dental coverage. Dental benefits are included for both adults and children with Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur coverage. Learn more about the Vermont Health Connect plans below, or use this plan comparison tool. 

Vermont Medicaid 

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Vermont, the program’s benefits include:

  • Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) – Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation for medical needs
  • Long-term Care (LTC) – Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
  • Dental – Covers all dental services for children and adults

Here is a list of covered services and copays. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Vermont
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Household income below 133% of FPL

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

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

How to get help: 

Dr. Dynasaur 

Dr. Dynasaur — Vermont’s version of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is for children who don’t qualify for Medicaid based on household income. Dr. Dynasaur provides low-cost or free health coverage for children, teenagers under age 19, and pregnant women. 

The program covers numerous services, including: 

  • Outpatient hospital care you get without being admitted to a hospital
  • Emergency services 
  • Hospitalization 
  • Pregnancy, maternity and newborn care 
  • Mental health and substance abuse services 
  • Prescription drugs 
  • Preventative and wellness services 
  • Dental and vision 

Some services may have limitations, see the list here. 

Qualifications: 

  • Child under age 19 with household income below 312% FPL, OR
  • Pregnant with income below 208% FPL

How to get help: 

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Vermont

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 Vermont by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Vermont

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

Farm to Family 

Farm to Family helps Vermont families buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Those eligible may get $30 in coupons that can be used at participating farmers markets and farm stands.

Qualifications: 

You may be eligible one of two ways: 

  • Enrolled in the Department of Health’s WIC Program 
  • Household income is at or below the household income limits —— $3,551 for a family of three

How to get help:

Apply at special Farm to Family sessions in your area by calling your local health office. 

3SquaresVT

3SquaresVT offers money every month to eligible Vermont families to buy food at stores and farmers markets. The money is deposited on the Vermont EBT Card if you are under 65. If over 65 or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), funds are deposited into your bank account.

Qualifications:

  • Gross household income is 185% or less of the FPL or you have children and receive the VT Earned Income tax credit

If your household income exceeds 185% of the FPL but you have a person living with you that is over 60 or has a disability, you should still apply. Your application may be approved based on your household’s level of need.

How to get help:

Vermont 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 to purchase food in retail food stores, including:

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

Qualifications:

  • Vermont resident
  • Gross household income is less than 185% of FPL
  • Have children and get the VT Earned Income Tax Credit 
  • Live with a person or persons age 60 and over
  • Live with a person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself)

How to get help: 

Apply for benefits at your local district office.  

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 parents of children under age of 5 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 or visit your local WIC office 
  • Call 800-464-4343
  • Email wic@vermont.gov 

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 the Vermont Agency of Education to apply.

  • Call 802-828-1130
  • Email aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov 

Vermont’s Summer Food Service Program

The Vermont Agency of Education serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, l parks and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Find a location near you at the USDA Summer Food Service Program website.

Vermont food banks

Food banks in Vermont 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 Feeding Vermont website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Vermont

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Vermont:

Child Care Financial Assistance Program 

The Child Care Financial Program offers subsidies to help families pay for child care. The amount paid and for how many hours varies. 

Qualifications: 

How to apply: 

Contact your local Community Child Care Support Agency. 

Vermont 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: 

Contact your local Head Start or Early Head Start to apply. 

Universal Prekindergarten 

This program provides access to publicly funded prekindergarten education for Vermont students. 

Qualifications: 

A child is considered eligible for 10 hours of prekindergarten if the child is age 3, 4, or 5 by the date established by the district of residence.

How to get help: 

  • Call 802-828-1130
  • Email aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov 

More child care help:

Education help for single moms in Vermont

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

Get a GED in Vermont

If you are at least 18 years old in Vermont, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with written consent from a parent or guardian.

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

You have two options for taking the test in Vermont: 

  • Online at-home test – $36 per subject
  • In person at a test center – $30 per subject

Vermont Post-Secondary Education (PSE)

The PSE program can give you monthly cash payments, mentorship, and help with child care, school supplies, and transportation to pursue an undergraduate college degree.

Qualifications:

  • Vermont resident with college acceptance
  • Parent of minor dependent children who live with you
  • Household income under 150% of the FPL
  • Working no more than 20 hours per week

You’ll also need to be able to pay for tuition. If you cannot afford tuition costs, contact the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.

How to get help:

  • Call 800-479-6151

Vermont Job Link is a free service to help you find a job or educational programs to start a new career. Once you create a free account online, you can access:

  • Available jobs in your area
  • Opportunities for on-the-job training
  • Career counselors
  • Resume building wizard

Qualifications:

  • Available to all residents of Vermont

How to get help:

Vermont Works for Women

Vermont Works for Women offers free personal career support to help you choose a career, prepare for the job you want through activities like resume building, interviewing skills, and networking. If you are already working, this program can help you set career goals, advocate for yourself, and embrace professional development.

There are multiple educational opportunities for women and children such as community events, technology programs, and afterschool care. 

Qualifications:

  • Available to women in Vermont (must be at least 16)

How to get help:

  • Call 802-655-8900, extension 118
  • Email pruffner@vtworksforwomen.org

Grants and scholarships in Vermont

The Vermont Student Assistance Corp. helps people save, plan, and pay for education or career training. Here is a list of grants for Vermont residents. 

How to get help: 

  • Call 800-642-3177
  • Email info@vsac.org

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. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Vermont

Workforce programs in Vermont provide training and assist with employment:

Vermont Individual Career Advancement Network (ICAN)

You can get free support to find employment and learn new job skills through ICAN. From ICAN you can also receive assistance with:

  • Getting a job certification
  • Resume writing and interviewing skills
  • Job searches and hiring opportunities
  • Funds for child care, clothes, school supplies, and transportation
  • Meeting a monthly 3SquaresVT work requirement (if applicable)

Qualifications:

  • Recipient of 3SquaresVT

How to get help:

Vermont Unemployment Insurance

This program provides unemployment compensation to eligible Vermont workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Qualifications: 

  • Vermont resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Previously employed for the past 12 months
  • Earned a certain amount of wages
  • Actively looking for another job

How to get help: 

  • Call 877-214-3330

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

  • Search for a location on the American Job Center website
  • Call 877-872-5627 
  • Email info@careeronestop.org 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Vermont

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

The Salvation Army of Vermont

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

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Vermont

Catholic Charities assists with:

  • Housing
  • Utility assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Health care assistance

Qualifications: 

Each Catholic Charities branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

United Way of Vermont

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

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

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Burlington, Vermont

Single moms in Burlington, Vermont, can get housing, medical, food, and other types of assistance from these programs, resources, and charities:

Housing help in Burlington

These programs are specific to Burlington or Chittenden County residents to help with rent and homeownership:

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps families who are enrolled in the Section 8 program and is a client of the Burlington Housing Authority. Eligible households can get financial assistance from the program sent to an escrow account if their rent increases due to an income increase. 

At the end of the program, the recipient can receive all funds stored in the escrow account to use for whatever they need it for, like paying off debt or using it toward a home’s down payment.

Qualifications:

  • Participate in Section 8 program
  • Burlington Housing Authority client

How to get help:

  • Call 802-864-0538, ext. 269
  • Email scouture@burlingtonhousing.org 

The City of Burlington Homeownership Assistance

You can receive down payment assistance for a duplex you buy in Burlington, Vermont, if you meet the program’s criteria. Awards are usually $10,000 in the form of a no-interest, deferred loan. Although it’s not required to be a first-time homebuyer, the program gives preference to people buying their first homes.

Owners can’t increase the rent for the duplex within one year of closing on the loan and may not increase the rent by more than 3% each year for the next four years.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 802-652-4209
  • Email trawlings@burlingtonvt.gov 

Homeownership Option for Section 8 Recipients

The Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) gives recipients of Section 8 housing vouchers the opportunity to buy a home with a subsidy they can use toward their mortgage rather than rent. The amount of the subsidy depends on the household income.

Qualifications:

  • Eligible for Section 8
  • Buy a home within the BHA’s jurisdiction
  • Employed full-time for at least a year
  • Not own a home within the last three years

How to get help:

  • Call 802-864-0538

Electric bill assistance in Burlington

The following programs can help you pay for your electric bill in Burlington, Vt.:

Warmth Support Program

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity created the Warmth Support Program to help residents in Chittenden County and surrounding areas pay for their fuel or heating bills. The program can help you pay your utility bill or purchase bulk fuel for you if you experience a financial emergency affecting your ability to keep heat in your home.

Qualifications:

  • Running out of bulk fuel within 5-7 days
  • Financial emergency putting you in danger of having your utilities disconnected

How to get help:

  • Call 802-863-6248

Burlington Electric Department’s Energy Assistance Program

Burlington Electric Department gives eligible customers a 12.5% credit on their electric bill to make their bills more affordable.

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 185% of FPL
  • Burlington Electric Department customer

How to get help:

Medical and dental care help in Burlington

Do you need affordable medical or dental care in Burlington? Check out these resources that can help single moms and their children. 

Free Access Health Clinic

Free Access Health Clinic is located in Burlington, Vermont and provides the following services to eligible adult patients for free:

  • Primary care
  • Immunizations
  • Cardiology
  • Lab services
  • Radiology
  • Mental health
  • Infectious disease services
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Neurology

The clinic is open Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm by appointment only.

Qualifications:

  • Vermont resident
  • Adult 18+
  • Uninsured or underinsured
  • Income at or below 400% of FPL

How to get help:

Health Assistance Program (HAP) at University of Vermont Medical Center

HAP provides prescriptions to needy families for free and medically necessary procedures for low costs. Participants can also get help with some medical equipment and glasses.

Those who qualify for financial assistance for medically necessary procedures will be placed on a budget payment plan. Those with incomes below 200% of the FPL may receive services for free.

Qualifications:

  • Live in Vermont
  • Apply for Medicaid to determine eligibility
  • Income below 400% of FPL
  • Assets below $50,000

How to get help:

  • Call 802-847-6984
  • Email HealthAssistanceProgram@UVMHealth.org

Community Health Centers Burlington

The Burlington Community Health Centers branch provides affordable medical and dental services to needy families, including telehealth, prescriptions, mental health, primary care, lab services, and pediatrics. The center offers a sliding fee scale to patients with incomes at or below 200% of the FPL.

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 200% of the FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 802-264-8124
  • Email patientsupport@chcb.org

Food assistance in Burlington

These programs can provide you and your family with food in Burlington, Vt.:

Burlington Little Free Pantry Network

Burlington has several Little Free Pantry locations that offer free food and toiletries to anyone who needs them.

How to get help:

Sara Holbrook Community Center (SHCC) Food Pantry

SHCC hosts a food and essentials pantry during its office hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Residents can stop in to pick up produce, shelf-stable items, refrigerated items, and essentials, like bathing and grooming supplies. All Burlington families are welcome.

How to get help:

  • Call 802-862-6342
  • Email foodpantry@saraholbrookcc.org 

Feeding Chittenden

Feeding Chittenden provides a food pantry, grocery deliveries, a packaged meal program, a culinary training program, and a mobile food truck to help those in need of food throughout Chittenden County. Most programs are available to any residents in need, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How to get help:

  • Call 802-658-7939
  • Email eabaneto@cvoeo.org 

Child care help in Burlington

Get assistance with child care in Burlington with this program:

Early Learning Initiative Burlington

Burlington’s Early Learning Initiative manages a program called First Steps Scholarship, which gives financial assistance to families using a child care center or at-home daycare for their child or children. The scholarship amount ranges from $2,000-$6,000 and is made available to about 20 families each year.

Qualifications:

  • Burlington resident
  • Child not already enrolled in a high-quality daycare
  • Child at least 8 weeks and under 3 years old
  • Income at or below 80% of area median income

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 802-865-7533
  • Email kids@burlingtonvt.gov

Education help in Burlington

These education-focused programs offer financial assistance to help you begin or complete a degree in Burlington:

truED Tuition Discount at Champlain College

Employees of the City of Burlington can take advantage of the TruED Tuition Discount at Champlain College. This program provides 17% off undergraduate tuition and 50% off graduate tuition for employees, their spouses or partners, or their dependents.

Qualifications:

  • City of Burlington employee

How to get help:

  • Call 888-269-6523
  • Email champlainonline@champlain.edu 

Champlain College Single Parents Program

Located in Burlington, Vermont, Champlain College’s Single Parents Program aids students who are single parents by providing the resources they need to continue their education and reach their goals. Assistance may include free educational workshops, social activities, and financial assistance for emergencies.

Qualifications:

  • Champlain College student
  • Single parent

How to get help:

  • Call 800-359-0728

Transportation help in Burlington

This transit company offers affordable and free transportation in Burlington:

Green Mountain Transit (GMT)

Green Mountain Transit operates a free-fare bus in Chittenden County known as the 116 Commuter. Children under 6 also ride any form of GMT’s transportation for free, and children 6-17 ride for just $1. 

How to get help:

  • Call 802-864-2282

Charity organizations in Burlington

Burlington, Vermont is home to these charity organizations that can help single moms:

Lund

Lund works with low-income families in the Burlington area to support them in their parenting and financial needs. Services for needy families include job training, child development education, and connections to community resources, like financial assistance and stable housing.

Qualifications:

  • Low-income household
  • Parent

How to get help:

  • Call 802-864-7467

Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP)

JUMP is a Burlington organization providing emergency help to needy families. Those in need can get financial assistance, food, essentials, and gift cards to local thrift stores to buy clothing and other items they need for their families. JUMP also offers financial assistance for families falling behind on their utility bills.

Qualifications:

  • Have not received JUMP assistance within the last three months
  • Valid ID

How to get help:

  • Call 802-862-4501
  • Email jump@jumpvt.org 

Help for single moms in Essex, Vermont

If you’re a single mom living in Essex, Vermont, browse the following resources and assistance programs. Note that, because of the proximity between Essex and Burlington, Vermont, many of the resources covering Burlington residents may also be available to those in Essex, and vice versa, like medical clinics and food pantries.

Medical and dental care help in Essex

Contact the following health center for low-cost medical care in Essex, Vermont:

Community Health Centers Essex

The Essex branch of Community Health Centers allows eligible patients to pay for their medical services on a sliding fee scale. This branch provides basic medical, mental health, and psychiatry services Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 200% of the FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 802-404-1350

Food help in Essex

These food assistance programs can help you and your family find nutritious food for free in Essex:

Aunt Dot’s Place

Aunt Dot’s Place is a community food pantry for Essex and its surrounding areas. Families in need can visit Aunt Dot’s Place for food, pet supplies, and personal care items.

How to get help:

  • Call 802-662-5614
  • Email auntdotsplace@gmail.com 

First Congregational Church of Essex Junction’s Heavenly Food Pantry

The First Congregational Church of Essex Junction operates the Heavenly Food Pantry the second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month from 3 pm to 6 pm. Families in need can visit each time the food pantry is open to get pantry items and personal care items for free.

Heavenly Food Pantry can make deliveries in some cases for people who are unable to drive.

Qualifications:

  • Essex area resident
  • Proof of address

How to get help:

  • Call 802-878-5745 

Essex CHIPS

Essex CHIPS has a free food pantry with 24/7 access for families in need. The pantry houses clothing, school supplies, and personal care items in addition to shelf-stable food and is open to people in Essex and surrounding areas.

How to get help:

  • Call 802-878-6982
  • Email office@essexchips.org

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




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