I receive dozens of emails weekly from women who are living with family, temporary housing, without transportation or reliable child care or employment and facing rising costs of everything. Employment is precarious and child care even less so.
The world is not set up for parents, much less single parents.
You need cash – not complicated programs – and studies1 find that cash serves poor people best. I want to be part of that movement.
Below is a list of grants for single mothers from charities and private organizations. Note our warning about any ads that promise government cash grants for single moms. The government does not give grants to single parents. This post outlines government programs that low-income parents, families and individuals may qualify for.
Keep reading to learn more about legitimate hardship grants for single mothers — from private charities, businesses and individual donors (including this site’s own Kickass Single Mom $500 Grant).
- Wealthysinglemommy’s $500 Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant
- Modest Needs Grant
- American Legion Family Emergency Grants
- Financial assistance from American Red Cross Hero Care Center
- Financial hardship grants from Bill Pulte Foundation
- Colleges and Universities
- CORE Grant
- Grant help from Justice Federal Credit Union Foundation
- Union Plus Grants
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Unmet Needs Program
Transportation grants for single moms
Community and government grants for single moms
Grants for single moms to buy a house
College grants for single moms
Hardship grants for single mothers
Hardship grants offer cash money to address dire needs and emergency situations. The money often comes quickly to those in need and does not require repayment.
Here are some hardship grants to apply for:
Wealthysinglemommy’s $500 Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant
Update: the $500 cash grant is now annual, but still given to a single mom, no strings attached.
The Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant has one goal: Give a hand to single moms struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness and loneliness. We have gifted more than $50,000 since 2020.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You’re a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Apply:
Jump to list of past grant winners
Modest Needs Grant
Modest Needs, founded in 2002, is a nonprofit with a goal to provide short-term financial help to working families who go through hardships at no fault of their own.
The organization serves families who may be one or two paychecks away from being homeless, aren’t often eligible for government assistance and just need an act of kindness to help them get over a financial hump. These one-time grants, on average, are between $750 to $1,250.
Modest Needs offers two self-sufficiency grants:
- Emergency help: This covers any unexpected or emergency expenses from medical care not covered by insurance to a broken refrigerator
- Monthly bill help: This grant helps people who cannot pay a bill due to a circumstance that was beyond their control, like losing pay for staying home with your sick child and being unable to pay the electric bill as a result
These grants offer one-time help to ease the burden of single parents and low-income families.
To be eligible, you must be:
- At least 18, employed, and a legal resident of the United States or Canada
- Applying for yourself or someone in your home
- An active bank account holder or you have filed federal taxes in the past two years
- Able to access a computer with internet so you can check your email and the Modest Needs website daily during your application period
- Able to access a scanner and fax machine to send documents to support yoru grant request
- The holder of a legal rental lease (if renting) signed by your landlord and yourself that shows the monthly cost of your rental
- The primary source of income for your household must come from employment, child support, veteran’s benefits, or retirement income
Apply for a Modest Needs grant.
American Legion Family Emergency Grants
The American Legion offers three grants to help emergency funding for single mothers and its members who experience natural disasters and other financial emergencies:
- American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF) Grant – Helps active members of the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion. Grant awards up to $3,000 are available to address immediate needs in the wake of a natural disaster.
- American Legion Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) Grant – Offers up to $2,400 of financial help to active members of the AEF who can’t pay rent or utilities, are navigating a natural disaster, or have other dire money needs.
- American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Grant – Up to $1,500 of cash assistance available for active American Legion members or active duty service members who are raising children 17 or younger (20 if still in high school or with a disability). Funds are for housing costs, food, and health expenses.
Learn more about American Legion grants or apply.
Financial assistance from American Red Cross Hero Care Center
The Hero Care Center of the American Red Cross works with Military Aid Societies to help qualified service members get a hardship grant or a loan. The center is available 24/7/365.
To qualify, you must be one of the following:
- Active duty service member in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard
- Activated member of National Guard or Reserve unit
- Immediate family member of an active duty service member or activated National Guard or Reserve member
- Veteran (retired service member) or spouse/widower of a veteran
Request help by calling 877-272-7337 or text GETHEROCARE to 90999 to get the app.
Financial hardship grants from Bill Pulte Foundation
Bill Pulte was a billionaire home builder who set aside millions of dollars to help people in need. His son, also named Bill Pulte, is a philanthropist who frequently gives away money on X (formerly known as Twitter) and heads the Bill Pulte Foundation, a family-run organization that provides grants to people going through hardships to help pay for:
- Housing costs
- Utility bills
- Medical needs
- Funeral costs
Preference is given to people who have fallen on hard times because of events outside of their control, such as a weather-related disaster, being robbed, or receiving a diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness or disease.
To apply, you’ll need to share your story and also verify how much money you need to handle your hardship.
Apply for a Bill Pulte Foundation grant.
Colleges and Universities
Check with your school to find out if they offer hardship programs for current students or alumni. Many colleges and universities have established grants and emergency funds to provide financial support to help current and former students navigate hard times — or can connect you with local charities.
For example, Glenville State University in West Virginia offers hardship grants to students with overwhelming circumstances that keep them from being able to keep a roof over their head or get food or medical care.
Search “student hardship fund” and the name of your school to find possible grant opportunities.
CORE Grant
The Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) organization provides financial assistance grants to help families pay rent or a mortgage, get much needed medical supplies, buy food, pay for childcare, and more.
This assistance is only for short-term help. You must be a food and beverage service employee with children to be considered for a grant. Grant award amounts are determined case-by-case.
In 2022, 58% of CORE grant recipients were single moms and 3% were single dads.
Grant help from Justice Federal Credit Union Foundation
The Justice Federal Credit Union Foundation (JFCU) helps people who fall on hard times through no fault of their own. The financial grant is intended to provide temporary help for the recipients. Grant amounts range from $250 to $3,000.
Apply for a JFCU hardship grant.
Union Plus Grants
Are you a member of a union? You may be eligible for a grant from Union Plus, a nonprofit created by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
To be eligible, you must be experiencing a hardship and have one of the following:
- Union Plus mortgage
- Union Plus credit card
- Union Plus personal loan
- Union Plus supplemental insurance
These grants cover everything from benefits to pay essential bills to financial help to keep your home.
Learn more about Union Plus hardship help.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Unmet Needs Program
If you are a service member on active duty, veteran, or eligible dependent and experience a financial hardship, you may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Unmet Needs program.
The program helps pay for necessary expenses, such as:
- Housing expenses
- Vehicle expenses
- Utilities
- Childcare
- Medical expenses
All funds are paid directly to the landlord or service provider. Grant award amounts vary, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. The hardship must be directly related to military service and through no fault of the service member. Apply for a VFW hardship grant.
20+ ways to get free money to help pay bills
Need money now? 15 ways to get free money instantly
Transportation grants
Lack of transportation is one of the biggest challenges for low-income people. We created these databases of resources to start:
Free cars for single moms
Free car repairs
Free tires
Free roadside assistance
Free gas
Free local transportation
For example, SparkHope Automotive (formerly Hands of the Carpenter) is a faith-based nonprofit that provides working single moms with reliable transportation. Through the Transportation Low Cost and Lift UP programs, you can get discounted repairs and access to a reliable car to get to work. This program serves seven counties in Colorado and is open to working single moms with dependent children.
After participating in TLC, you can apply for the Lift UP program which provides:
- Discounted car care for up to three years
- Vehicle placement for cars that are beyond repair
- Vehicles for working moms that don’t have a car
- Car education to ensure the car stays in good working condition
Community-based grants
Check your area for community-based grants aimed at helping low-income families or people facing an immediate hardship. To get started, you can search: “hardship grants near me.”
Here are a few programs we found to give you an idea of what’s available:
- In Richmond, Virginia, the Family Crisis Fund offers a one-time grant of up to $2,500 to help Richmond residents pay bills rent or cover a down payment for a new home3
- The Crisis Assistance Ministry offers rent and utility bill assistance to help residents in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina who are experiencing financial difficulty4
- Memorial Assistance Ministry in Harris County, Texas offers a one-time payment of $1,500 for eligible residents to help pay for emergency expenses.3
Check out our state-by-state guides for single-mom programs in your state:
Government grants for single mothers? (A warning)
The government doesn’t offer grants to individuals to help with buying food or to pay for housing expenses, so beware of advertisements that promise as much.
Government grants are available for businesses, nonprofits, schools, state/local governments, and other eligible organizations through Grants.gov, but not to individuals.
However, the government offers benefit programs through Benefits.gov like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Learn more about EBT cash benefits, EBT discounts and freebies, and how to use your EBT card on Amazon.
To find all programs you may be eligible for, try using the federal government Benefit Finder tool.
Grants for single moms to buy a house
The government has programs to help you buy your first home, including help with down payment assistance and closing costs in the form of grants and affordable interest rate loans.
Some programs include:
- Community Development Block Grant
- Fannie Mae Community Seconds
- HUD Public Housing Authority Housing Choice Ownership
- Homeowner Assistance Fund
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- HUD Good Neighbor Next Door
Learn more about these programs and eligibility guidelines by reading about first-time homebuyer grants.
More on government housing programs and grants for single mothers
College and education grants for single moms
If you are pursuing your first degree or going back to college, there’s likely a grant or scholarship to help you with tuition, fees, and expenses like books or equipment.
Some grants, like the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant awards up to $4,000 per school year to undergraduate students who demonstrate a financial need. Many opportunities like this one start with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
There are also tons of grants and scholarships that are state-based, unique to a field of study, or specifically for women pursuing higher education.
Take a look at 41 grants and scholarships for single moms and 16 scholarships for women.
Is it worth it to go back to school in your 30s or 40s?
Organic Formula Shop
Netherlands-based Organic Formula Shop provides a $2,000 scholarship to single parents in the U.S. currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. The one-time scholarship is paid directly to your school and is for any field of study. All GPAs are considered.
To qualify, you must be:
- A single parent
- Enrolled at a two-year, four-year, vocational, or technical school
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Willing to write an essay about why you are pursuing higher education
When the 2024 deadlines are available, we will update them for the fall and spring semester.
Apply for the Organic Formula Shop single parent scholarship.
Databases of grants for single moms
SingleMothersGrants.org
This is a deep resource of hardship grants for single mothers, financial aid, emergency cash, financial assistance and other help for single mothers and their children.
Grantspace.org
This site has a comprehensive list of grants for individuals, artists, small businesses and nonprofits — including hardship grants for single moms.
Other ways to find helpful and free resources for low-income families and individuals:
Kickass Single Mom Grant Winners:
Beautiful update: To date, I have received a total of $7,000 in anonymous donations from *four* sources, boosting the number of grants we were able to distribute by 14!
For example, this email is from a mom who asked to remain anonymous, and financed two bonus emergency grants that were distributed:
My husband and I are expecting a small stimulus check. We didn’t expect one based on our income, and given that we are both lucky enough to keep our jobs and be able to do them from home, we’ve decided we’d like to donate it and sponsor two single moms for $500 each. If this were a few years ago, I’d be in a very different position, and my husband remembered my struggle when we were dating plus what it would have been like for his single mom when he was a kid.
The grant was originally weekly. All told, since March 26, 2020 we have given out more than $50,000 (updated Feb. 25, 2025).
Jasmine Holmes is a medical assistant and student in Merriville, Ind. — and mom of four. She asked for help with basic bills and daycare for her youngest child.
Brittney Gregory, a caregiver and mom of five in Frankfort, Ind., said she’d use the $500 for home repairs “get what my kids need for school.”
Stacey Morgan, a home cleaner in Port St. Lucie, Fla., is mom of four. “Despite all the hours spent trying to support my family I am still failing and I hardly even see my kids at this point.”
Tabitha Sheffield is a mom of two and caregiver to a niece. She lives in Granbury, Tx. “I was a real estate agent, but due to a car accident where something flew out of the back of a truck and hit me, I had surgery on my hands and haven’t worked a few months. Hopefully I will eventually be able to work again.”
Demisha Kennedy, a mom of two who works as a cashier in Hinsdale, Il. “My apartment caught on fire Tuesday at midnight and me and my kids are homeless.”
Janine Porter, in McDonough, Ga., is a mom of nine. “I lost my contract for an administrator for a foster care agency in July 2023. I started a tax business October 2023. I am now a tax preparer and trying to grow my business.”
Maria Caudillo Delgado, in Austin, came to the U.S. from Mexico fleeing gang violence when she was 17. Now she has three kids ages 8, 4, and 8 months old. She’s currently a Legal Permanent Resident here but wants to take citizenship classes and learn English to be able to help her kids in their own education. She just began renting her own apartment in January, was sustainably working in housekeeping but due to COVID-19, they furloughed most hotel workers. The money would help her pay her rent during this crisis and help her focus more on the future rather than worry about the present. Maria is a client of the family shelter Posada Esperanza.
Marquita Thomas, Wilmington, Del. mom of two, who lost her social services admin job to cancer, then a school bus admin job to coronavirus.
Ida Ndoye, a Bronx, New York mom of two: “I need the $500 now to buy diapers and food for my children for the next weeks, until I can get a response for food stamps.”
“I used to work as a nanny in Greenpoint (Brooklyn). Due to the pandemic, my employers are now working from home. Being a full-time nanny, they offered me two weeks pay to help until things resume to normal. That was back on March 12th. Not being a citizen, I won’t receive any part of the stimulus check. I am thankful for the food pantry in my neighborhood which helps me with food and few diapers here and there for my infant.”
Bailey MacIntosh, mom of one, in Dayton, Ohio: “My father, who was a main source of help, committed suicide a few years ago. My stepfather is fighting a rare salivary gland cancer, and I am trying to take the strain off my mother. I am a certified chef, and I do independent contract work at a catering company that is now closed due to Covid-19. I tried to get unemployment but because I am an independent 1099 employee I am ineligible, leaving me with 0 income. Anything will help right now.”
Jasmine Isby, mom of one, Tupelo, Miss.: “Currently, no daycares or schools are open due to Covid-19 and my son isn’t able to watch himself, he’s only four years of age. My job [manufacturing] is forcing parents in this predicament to take a leave of absence with no pay and no eligibility to obtain unemployment and rent is almost due along with a light bill.”
Alisha Wilson, mom of one, Westminster, Calif.: “My work hours as a home health aid have been severely reduced to just 12 hours/week. I spent all of my stimulus check playing catch up on bills and buying food, diapers, and wipes. My bank balance is currently negative and I am unable to receive assistance from anyone I know as they are in similar situations due to the virus.”
Adonai Foster, mom of four in Beloit, Wisc.: “I’m behind on rent and bills and it’s only me and my kids — and which one graduates in June of 2020. I’m a crew member at KFC, and due to Covid my hours were cut, so it’s hard to stay a float working only 20 hours a week for $9.50 per hour.”
Tanika Hunter, mom of one in Baltimore, Md.: “I have been out of work since mid-March; I have been denied for food stamps and I live in a school district that does not have enough laptops to provide the students. My honor roll student has to rely on doing homework from my cell phone. She has vision problems and it is extremely hard for her to see the work. I do not want her grades to slide due to lack of resources.”
Tanya Domingos, mom of two, formerly a waitress, in Fall River, Mass.: “I get unemployment but that barley gets me through. I got kicked off SNAP because of my unemployment benefits so money is getting tighter. I don’t drive so I have to pay for taxis, and my son is autistic so he has special appointments he has to go to.”
Vinneshia Covington, mom of two, Burlington, S.C.: “We recently moved cities, so for the first time in 6 years my children and I can have a home again. I got a job at Hardee’s part-time. I walk 2 hours every day to and from work but it’s worth it to finally be a little out the water, but I need help with bills.”
Christina Mills, mom of 1, Knoxville, Tenn.: “I am a foster mom of a precious 6-year-old son. I am now in the process of adopting him and we are both very excited! Finances have been tight as I rely on Social Security benefits. I do work as a petsitter, that came to a screeching halt with the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Jessica Morgan, mom of 3, Pennsgrove, N.J.: “My children are 5, 2 and 4 months and I am struggling to afford all their necessities. Due to Covid-19, I can not work because it is not safe for me or my children for me to work as a self-employed housecleaner.”
Andrea Weed, mom of 1 in Puyallup, Wa., lost her new business as a home daycare provider when the virus hit: “With the $500, I can pay for groceries and clothes for my 5-year-old.”
Brandi Snyder, mom of 4 in Council Grove, Kan., a store room attendant who lost her job: “I can’t seem to get ahead because I never seem to make enough money, and I’ve been struggling so long that it feels like I can’t breathe! If I could just get even a little bit of help I know we’ll be OK, and maybe I can even be someone that my children will be proud of someday!”
Jasmine Sanders, mom of 1 in Las Vegas, is out of work as a Uber and Lyft driver: “I need to pay rent, keep our lights on, and have my car I order to get around. I have no income coming in at all and it’s so stressful.”
Tiara Jenkins, mom of 1 in Iowa City, Iowa: A para-educator who was laid off in March, she wrote: “Starting a summer job as a traveling CNA, but my car’s transmission needs replacing to get back and forth or I won’t be able to keep this job.” Her Facebook profile name is “Tiara HighlyMotivated Jenkins.”
Da’Janee Chaney, Bronx mom of a newborn wrote: “I need $500 to help pay for my backed-up utility bills, get summer clothing for myself and my baby, and to get at least a big pack of diapers and some baby wipes. I’m currently in a job-placement program, I’m looking to get my GED and then go to college.”
Erikka Johnson, expecting mom with two daughters in Grand Rapids, Mich., whose hours as a direct-care worker were reduced: “I’m facing eviction due to working very low hours. With everything going on my girls and I can’t afford to be homeless.”
Amanda Scott, mom of three in Oxford, Miss., lost her work as an office manager and waitress to Covid-19: “I’m raising two teenage boys and a 7-year-old daughter alone, but I’m giving it my best. All three need new clothes just in case school starts back. I’m trying the hardest I have ever to keep a roof over our heads and keep moving forward.”
Kay Zuanshi, 19, Starbucks barista in Greenville, S.C. “I’m raising a 7 month old independently. COVID has made it impossible to pay bills alone, as my hours have been cut drastically.”
Olivia Jeffers, mom of 5, and a chef in Hephzibah, Ga. “I have been unable to provide the basic necessities to maintain my home, or support my children being that I am unable to work and my vehicle is holding me back due to lack of maintenance and funds.”
Ashley Pratt, mom of 2, Pittsburg. “I am a single mom of two struggling to get unemployment after my job as an insurance appointment setter was eliminated. I don’t have a drop of gas in my car or a dollar to my name. I’m literally going to McDonald’s to steal napkins for toilet paper.”
Sharae Dillingham, mom of 4 in Indianapolis. “My car broke down and i just moved to this city. I lost my job.”
Britney Robertson, Houston nurse and mom of 1: “Although it is great that places are closing or making adjustments to help curve the spread of Covid, closing is not an option for hospitals. This money would help with childcare which has proven to be difficult due to childcare facilities closing and the fear of contracting Covid from others.”
Evangellene Torres, Jacksonville, Fla., mom of 2 who cares for her mom, who has Lupus: “I had to take a leave of absence when someone tested positive for Covid-19. Taking care of a 1-year-old and a 6-year-old, and my mom with health issues is a lot. I currently work at Home Depot and they cut my hours to 16 hours per week. I’m running out of options.”
Tiffany Hunter, Cocoa, Fla, nurse and mom of 3: “I have been furloughed due to the rise of Covid cases at my facility. On top of that I have to quarantine due to the fact I am Covid-positive. I have applied for unemployment and I have my daughter, my mother and also my nephew that moved with us 3 months ago due to his mother losing their place. The DCF worker has not been responding since they placed him with us, therefore we get no assistance as of now. I need help, the bills are still rolling in, and I have no income to pay them. I feel like I am losing control.”
Nicole White, mom of 3 in Akron, Ohio: “Had to stop work as a cleaner when our country hit a Level 4. I have 3 kids, and 2 have disabilities. I’ve been fighting for social security for two years now. My parents passed when I was young so I have no one to turn to.”
Francine Simplice, Jacksonville, Fla. “My son has 8 allergies at age 2 and I need help with money to buy food. I don’t qualify for assistance. I’m also pregnant and the father left me. I worked in customer service, but I’m on disability because if postpartum depression.”
Ashanti Durham, mom of 1 in Los Angeles, who lost work as a special ed paraprofessional substitute: “I am currently homeless in need of basic necessities for my 2-year-old. Also need money for apartment application and or security deposit for apartments.”
Juanita Madden, pregnant mom of 2 in Nashville whose hours as a dog groomer were slashed: “I’ve had loss of income due to Covid, found out I was pregnant then recently my fiance passed away and I’m trying to do everything myself. This would help me keep my hope that things will get better.”
Patrice Marlow, North Charleston, S.C., mom of 3 lost work when Covid closed the restaurant where she was a server, and her income was limited by lack of child care.
Connie Papayani, mom of 5 and medical biller in Islip Terrace, N.Y. “My landlord needs his house back by October and I had less than $200 in income in June and July. No money in savings. Feeding kids on food stamps.”
Chianae Tihoe of Oakland Park, Fla., single mom of one who last her job as a Victoria’s Secret manager due to store closure. “I’m behind in rent and being harassed with eviction,” she said. “Unemployment benefits in Florida are $119 per week that you may or may not get.”
Shakayla Johns, mom of two in New Orleans, who is unable to work as a hair stylist during lockdown. “I’m struggling every single day. My fridge is empty, I don’t get any type of assistance from the government, my electricity bill is past-due $1,000, and I’m afraid when Covid is over I’m going to loose everything.”
Renita Stokes, Grand Prarie, Texas mom of three. “I just moved my kids from Memphis to Texas in June, and then I got laid off due to Covid. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do. I’ve been denied for SNAP and trying to figure out what to do. Everything has been extremely overwhelming.”
Kaytee Currie, of Baytown, Texas, is a mom of two and caretaker of the elderly. “Any money I can get goes towards an apartment or rental home so my kids and I don’t have to crash at family members’ houses.”
Kenyetta Jones, mom of 2 in Savannah, Ga., who lost hours at a supermarket when the pandemic hit. “I need a place for my kids and me. I’m only 22 taking care of twins and sick parents with a minimum wage job.”
Ashley Watkins, mom of 3 in Declo, Id. “I was a babysitter, gig worker, freelancer. Now I am unemployed and trying to compete for work with millions of others and losing. I’m behind on every single bill I have. I don’t even have enough money to winterize our home.”
Jessica Fail, mom of 6 in Molino, Fla. “I had a bad car accident and was out for a while, during which the company moved overseas. At the same time my marriage was ending so myself and my children moved in with my granny so we could rebuild our lives and I could keep an eye on her. I am trying to find a job but my car needs a new tire. I also have no way to get the kids winter clothes.”
Shavon Anthony, mom of two in Fayetteville, N.C. “I work full-time as a CNA. I do home health. I work by the hour. I have only one client. If he gets sick and ends up in the hospital, I don’t get paid. My client is sick and back in the hospital again, so I’m not getting paid. I have no savings.”
Nika Porter, mom of 6 in Madison, Wisc. “I was an assistant manager for McDonald’s for 9 years, but I lost my job due to the pandemic because I had no one to watch my children because school shut down. If it weren’t for those new eviction laws we would be homeless right now.”
Charlee Stones, mom of 2 boys, ages 2 and 2 months, in Ely, Nevada. I just paid rent for December it was the last of my savings. I’m not sure what I’m going to do for January or other bills. I am a custodian at a hotel and casino, and lost my job when Covid hit, and am now struggling to find child care. I am lucky they are holding my job for me, but as of now I have no income and bills are piling up.
Elizabeth Cargle, mom of 4 boys in Hogansville, Ga. “I recently become homeless and I am trying to keep my little family together. I was working in retail at a Family Dollar but they closed the store due to Covid.”
Tiffany Miller, mom of 1 in Fort Lee, N.J. who also cares for her mother. “I was a bartender and I lost my job because of Covid. I learned to sew and for awhile I was selling masks and now I make kids tshirts for birthdays but I’m still looking for a real job. I pretty much gave up on paying for unimportant bills but I need to pay my rent and I need to make sure I have internet and electric so my daughter can attend virtual school.”
Bailey Peterson, mom of a baby, in Wilmont, Wisc., whose hours as a server have been cut due to COVID: “I’m a new mom doing the best I can for my baby by myself and I’m not able to afford child care for all the days I work, let alone anything else the baby needs. I could really use the extra help, as my child’s father is incarcerated and unable to contribute anything.”
Kya Johnson, Indianapolis mom of 1 says: “My child and I are currently being evicted and have nowhere to go, no cosign, no anything to get us in a new place. My job is working from home for myself and making crochet garments to sell.” See her creations here.
Elizabeth Barden, a Philadelphia mom of 3 wrote: “I need to be able to continue to provide for my family. We had an electrical house fire on January 30th, 2021 and lost everything. I work as a bus attendant. My job was important when school was open but since the pandemic, everything has been rough.”
Angel Heston, mom of one in Shelby, N.C., is an Amazon Fulfillment Center picker, an essential employee. “My son and I are living in an Extended Stay Hotel that I pay $358/week for, until I get my tax refund. We are literally a few dollars from homelessness every week, and a lot of time go without things we need, just to have a roof over our heads.”
Lorena Moreno, mom of three in Houston. “My rent is due today, though the office gives me till the 3rd to pay it without late fees. “Last year I lost my insurance job due to having COVID while I was 4 months pregnant with my little one. When I was finally negative they did not want to hire me back because I was already 5-6 months pregnant. I tried applying everywhere but due to my pregnancy nobody would call me back. I also did side gigs as a vocalist, but due to the protocols from COVID I hardly had any gigs.”
Chiquita Jackson, mom of two in Palm Beach, Fla. where she is a bus operator. “I have to move out of my apartment because it was ordered not safe for me and my kids by my local city my landlord was served with violations.”
Chaya Sanchez, mom of two in Tuscon, Ariz., who also cares for her brother and her mom who is struggling with cancer and stopped working as a Door Dash driver and house cleaner to care for her kids and mom during the pandemic. “I really need the money because I’m stressed thinking how can I get money for rent, child care and household expenses. With my mom sick and brother not having work it’s hard.”
Brandy Pearson, mom of 6 and receptionist in Memphis, Tenn. “I am behind on rent and have an eviction notice, they went up on my rent and it is too much for me. I am trying hard to keep my 2 sets of twins and 2 older girls under a roof.”
Paige McGriff, mom of 2 in Oskaloosa, Ia., says her hours working as a server at a pizza restaurant have been cut from 30 hours per week, to 14 hours. “I am struggling to pay my $750 rent (2.5 months past due and utilities while I continue to stay on the waiting list for Section 8 housing. Since my kids’ father was fired from his job 3 months ago, I haven’t been receiving child support, which contributed to a big part of my monthly income. I am unable to work more because I do not have childcare available in my area due to the massive surge of the Delta variant and my kids’ father refuses to help care for the kids so that I can work more.”
Demetria Mayo, a mom of 5 in Huntington, W. Va., says while she has help through living in low-income housing, she needs help finding a car for work since her work as a hair stylist has been reduced. “I’m a good mother,” she wrote in her application.
Jessica Lark, mom of 2 in Gainesville, Ga., caregiver for her infant daughter who has cystic fibrosis and short gut syndrome. She wrote: “I’m not able to work because my daughter requires a lot of attention. She spent 10 months of her life in the hospital. I need a 4-door car to get her to her doctor’s in Atlanta. My daughter, son and I are currently staying in one small bedroom at my mom’s house.”
Shawnika Miller, mom of 3 in Columbus, Ohio: “I am mom to three children and detail cars for work. Each morning, I walk my kids .8 miles to and from school, plus a mile to the grocery store with a wagon. I detail cars while the kids are in school with the baby since I have no help to watch him. I struggle to get enough work to keep all bills paid, but my kids are so amazing and they know mom does everything to make it happen.”
Rachael Geurts, mom of 2 in Modesto, Calif., lost her warehouse job because of COVID: “On top of COVID, I fractured my elbow and can barely use my right arm, which puts me out for my main areas of work. I have past due bills and rent and a 4-year-old about to start Head Start who needs a backpack and supplies. My 13-year-old girl needs new clothes.”
Nicole Rudolph, mom of 4 in La Center, Ky., who cleans and sanitizes houses: “I’m struggling to provide for my children’s needs and pay the bills. I have two kids in diapers and a baby girl on the way that I have to provide diapers for as well. My two older kids need internet service to be able to do homework at home on their computers because of COVID.”
Kaylee Baker, mom of 6 in Oil City, Pa., caretaker for her oldest daughter who has several special needs and requires 24/7 care: “We’re almost out of necessary daily hygiene products with five girls in the house. We ran out of laundry soap and garbage bags three weeks ago.”
Aaquasha Jones, mom of 1 in Pittsburgh, Pa., who also takes care of her younger sisters. “I lost my mother, brother, and grandma three months apart from each other. I’m dealing with social anxiety and depression while also trying to start real estate school and become a doula while raising my daughter and little sisters. This money will help me get caught up on bills and lighten the load while I’m in between jobs.”
Ashley Gonzalez, mom of 2 in Brooklyn, N.Y., who works at McDonald’s and attends school full time at Brooklyn Community College. “My car broke down and unfortunately I currently work paycheck to paycheck. My car is the only way I’m able to take my kids to school and get to school and work on time. Please if I could show desperation through a message, I would.”
Jekera Scott, mom of 3 in College Park, Ga., who babysits to make ends meet with her kids in tow. “We are literally checking out of a hotel that I pay for on a daily basis. I just need to get at least a day ahead so I can start saving.”
Bethany Price, mom of 3 in Gulfport, Miss., who does online grocery shopping at her local Walmart Supercenter from 5 AM to 2 PM Sunday through Thursday. “I’m trying to get a home for my children, mother and myself. We were evicted due to the pandemic and currently living with my sister and her family. There are 15 people in our household.”
Jacyntha Todd, mom of 3 in Greensboro, N.C., who works through a temp agency as a quality auditor at a computer company. “I’m struggling to make ends meet and pushing myself at work to work as much overtime as they allow. My car payment and rent are late, and I am spending a lot of money on gas right now because my daughter’s doctors appointments are in another county. I have applied for food stamps, but I think if they count my overtime as my income, I make too much to qualify.”
Coneia Batey, mom of 2 in Nashville, Tenn., who works as a cashier at Wendy’s and is a nursing student at Nashville State Community College. “I’m a single mother who is literally doing it all. Although I’m employed, unfortunately the pay isn’t enough to cover all my bills, diapers, food, and gas, plus I have work that needs to be done on my vehicle.”
Dee Weber, mom of 3 in Window Rock, Ariz., who works at a school in administration, running events and fundraising for school programs. Her hours were reduced to part time during COVID and have not been reinstated. “I am having a hard time paying for gas to work daily. I also need to buy bigger clothes for my children while also trying to support my mother who just had surgery a few days ago.”
Maybelin Espinoza, mom of one from El Salvador, now living in Brooklyn, N.Y. “I need the money because I can’t work right now. I had an accident that requires me to be in recovery for at least eight months.”
Fatima Pineda, mom of one from El Salvador, now living in Brooklyn, N.Y. “I really need the money for food and clothes and to help pay my rent. I also really need help paying my phone bill.”
Brittany Cannon, mom of 3 from Inverness, Fla., who works as a Daycare VPK teacher with Head Start. “I’m a single mom of three girls who are growing rapidly and they really need new clothes and shoes. Money is tight especially with Christmas and birthdays approaching when my checks just barely cover my bills.”
America Copeland, mom of 2 from Dallas, Ga., who works as a special education paraprofessional in a high school. “I get paid once a month with three kids, and it’s very hard. Gas by its self is difficult, on top of bills, rent, and school fees for each child.”
Brittany Lacy, mom of 3 from Elizabethtown, Ky., who works at a vape shop but is going to school for cosmetology. “I have to buy food for all of us, pay bills to make sure we have a roof over our heads, plus electric, water, and gas, and I’m so stressed because to be honest. I don’t even know how I’m going to pay any of it.”
Adnelis Albizu, mom of 3 from Kearny, N.J., who works as a social worker, connecting people with the resources they need. “I need help to pay my electricity bill. I don’t make enough money, and I’m not allowed to do overtime like I used to before.”
Judena Pierre, mom of 1 from Lake Worth, Fla., who works as a hairstylist. “I need the money to help with daycare expenses, groceries, and diapers for my daughter. It’s been extremely difficult to keep up with the bills with the economy being so inflated.”
KyePorshia Johnson, mom of 3 from Canton, Miss., who works for Amazon. “I’m late on my rent and about to get evicted with nowhere to go with 3 babies. I need extra money for groceries to continue to provide for them.”
Yolonda Bowen, mom of 1 from Indianapolis, Ind., who works as a Taco Bell shift lead. “I live with my sister with my daughter, and we both sleep on a twin-size mattress. I’m trying to do everything in my power to get us moved into our own space.”
Sheena Wagatha, mom of 5 from Newport, Mich., who works as a residential cleaner. “I am mother of 5 struggling to pay bills. I am always barely escaping shut off and constantly go without things to ensure my kids get what they need. I lost everything and started over, and my furniture is a mattress on the living room floor.”
Katelyn Levasseur, mom of 3 from Port Charlotte, Fla., who previously worked as a waitress but now sells scrap and other items on Facebook to pay for the hotel she lives in with her kids. “I lost everything in the hurricane. My daughter has cystic fibrosis, and DCF wants my kids to stay with my parents until I can obtain a house. My truck was totaled, so I have no transportation.”
Roshawna Roberts, mom of 3 from Valdosta, Ga., who works as a city school bus monitor. “Two weeks ago, I made up my mind to get out of an abusive relationship that had financially ruined me. I was also recently in a car wreck, which resulted in my car being totaled. Right now, I’m trying to start over from scratch.”
Macon Bedford, mom of 1 from Woodstock, Ga., who works as a manager at a Family Dollar store. “I am currently in a domestic violence shelter with my son, so I would use the money to pay my phone bill, apply to apartments, and pay for my son’s daycare.”
Bethany Loza-Diaz, mom of 1 from Groves, Texas, who works as a cashier. “I have a 3-year-old, and I need to get him some child care with transportation. We have no car, and he comes to work with me every day.”
Tanisha Briscoe, mom of 2 from Memphis, Tenn., who works in a warehouse. “I just recently moved back in with my parents after leaving an abusive relationship. I’m sharing a room and a queen-size bed with my two son’s who are 4 and 1½ years of age. I have no vehicle, and I just recently got a job after spending what feels like a year searching. I lost everything I owned in 2020 and have been trying my best to make up for it since then.”
Elyssa Moore, mom of 5 from Phoenix, Ariz., who works as a fraud analyst. “I currently do not make enough to pay my rent and recently got an eviction notice. I was denied rental assistance and have nowhere to go. I’m drowning and have been trying to get help but keep being told there’s no help at the moment.”
Jakkia Scott, a mother of 2 and braider from Artesia, Calif. “As a single mom working for myself, business is slow this time of year. I’m facing financial challenges right now, and this grant would greatly assist me with paying for rent, bills, and food.”
Elexsis Miller, a mother of 1 from Albuquerque, N.M., who works as a substitute teacher. “My bank account is in the negative and being sent to collections. My Medicaid and food stamps are on hold, and I have to buy groceries with an emergency expense taking my whole check for the next two weeks.”
Amarianna Page, a mom-to-be from Gainesville, Fla., who works at a psych prison. “I need the money because my job put me out of work ahead of schedule, and I’m on leave without pay. I have no idea how I’m going to pay my bills without any income. I don’t need much, just enough to keep me afloat for the next month.”
Lexus Kelsey, a mom of 1 and bartender from Noble, La. “I’ve been diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer that has spread to my lymph nodes. Doctor appointments, medicines, and child care have put me behind financially.”
Samone Bouie, a mom of 2 from Clarksburg, W.V., who works in customer service. “I have a 3-year-old and 1-year-old and struggle to buy food and clothing. I’m not eligible for government assistance.”
Lucy Smith, a mom of 1 from Scranton, Pa., who works as a Producer Relations Advisor for an insurance company. She also does DoorDash on the side. “I work two jobs and I’m almost four months behind on my rent because I needed to purchase a used car because my 19-year-old car died.”
[Previously, this was a monthly $1,000 Kickass Single Mom Grant, which celebrated single moms doing incredible things in the world. You’re still doing incredible things in the world, but the world is very different today, so the program changed. For more than five years, the $500 grant was gifted monthly. It is now annual.]
SOURCES
- “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
- “New Richmond program gives cash directly to people in need.” October 10, 2023. Axios Richmond. https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/10/richmonds-cash-assistance-family-crisis-fund
- “Emergency Financial Assistance.” Crisis Assistance Ministry. https://crisisassistance.org/programs/basic-needs/emergency-financial-assistance/
- “Disaster Relief” Harris County Recovery Assistance.” Memorial Assistance Ministries. https://www.mamhouston.org/hcra
