If you are a single mother, it is often challenging to find safe and affordable housing for your family. There are national and state housing assistance programs that can help. Learn about these programs and explore your options.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works with property owners to offer reduced rent to low-income families. While subsidized housing assistance isn't limited to single-parent families, it's one of the most common rental assistance programs available to single mothers and their children.
How It Works
The government gives funds directly to apartment owners, who then decrease the amount of rent they charge to low-income tenants. This form of subsidized housing assistance is available for low-income families, as well as individuals, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Low-income single mothers looking to participate in HUD's subsidized housing program should begin by looking for an apartment on the HUD website.
Who Qualifies? To qualify for this type of rental assistance, you must earn no more than the HUD's current income limit, which varies by state and changes every year. To find the current income limit in your area, access the HUD's income limit tables.
Section 8 Vouchers
This type of housing assistance for single mothers and their children is similar to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's subsidized housing program, but it is run by individual states. State-sponsored housing gives single mothers an additional opportunity to find safe, secure, available housing—possibly without having to move to a new location. To find state-sponsored housing programs in your area, visit the Housing and Urban Development's local information page and select your state.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers low-income public housing to families in need. While public housing developments are supposed to be both decent and safe, this is often a less-desirable option for low-income families.
Pros and Cons
While HUD's public housing program has made strides in recent years, significant challenges exist for families looking for safe, secure housing.
Pros
HUD oversees public housing—and its landlords. This can mean that single mothers living in public housing have, in some cases, greater access to a landlord who can provide assistance with repairs when needed.
Some public housing communities offer family-friendly activities and parenting classes, as well as financial counseling.
Cons
It can be difficult to transition to other forms of low-income housing.
Many public housing communities are plagued with high crime rates.
To find HUD-sponsored public housing in your area, contact your state's Public Housing Agency directly.
Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD https://www.verywellfamily.com/housing-assistance-programs-for-single-mothers-2997420
Updated on June 09, 2020
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