Homeless Assistance for Single Mothers: Shelter, Housing, and Help for You and Your Kids

Homeless assistance for single mothers by need

Most help reaches families through local nonprofits and county offices, but it is funded by federal programs with set rules. This table shows where to turn for each need.

Finding a family shelter tonight

Dial 211, say you are a mother with children and have nowhere to stay tonight, and give your children’s ages. Family shelters keep parents and kids together. Some are run by the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, rescue missions, or city agencies. The USAGov emergency housing page lists other ways to find shelter.

If shelters are full, ask:

• To be put on every waiting list
• Whether the county offers motel vouchers for families
• Where the nearest warming or day center is
• When to call back, and who to ask for

Some shelters have rules about older boys or limits on stays. Ask about these up front so your family is not split. For more options, see our guide to emergency shelters for women and children.

Safe shelter when you are leaving abuse

If you are leaving an abusive partner, a domestic violence shelter is often the safest choice. Locations are kept confidential. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is free, confidential, and open 24 hours at 1-800-799-7233, by text (START to 88788), or by online chat. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter, even in another county.

Federal housing rules under the Violence Against Women Act, in 24 CFR 5.2005, say you cannot be denied or evicted from covered housing programs because you are a survivor. If you already have a voucher or public housing, ask about an emergency transfer. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

How coordinated entry works

Each area’s homeless system uses one front door, called coordinated entry. You answer a short assessment, and the system matches families to shelter, rapid re-housing, transitional housing, or longer-term housing based on need. You can usually reach it by dialing 211 or visiting a family intake center. Ask for the name and number of the staff person handling your case, and keep your phone number current so they can reach you when a spot opens.

Rapid re-housing and a path to your own place

Rapid re-housing helps families move from a shelter or the street into a rental quickly, then pays part of the rent for a time. Under the federal Emergency Solutions Grants rules in 24 CFR part 576, short-term help covers up to 3 months, medium-term help covers 4 to 24 months, and the total cap is 24 months in any 3-year period. Programs can also help with a security deposit, application fees, and utility deposits.

A case manager will help you find a unit, talk to landlords, and plan for when the help ends. Because rent help is temporary, it pays to also apply for longer-term options, such as Section 8 and public housing waiting lists. Our guide to housing for single moms explains vouchers, tax credit apartments, and the Family Unification Program.

Food for you and your children

SNAP (food stamps) does not require a permanent address. You can use a shelter’s address or ask the office how to get mail. Under 7 CFR 273.2, some households must receive benefits no later than the seventh day after applying. This is called expedited service.

Find your office in the SNAP state directory, and estimate benefits with our SNAP calculator. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, recently gave birth, or have children under 5, apply for WIC too. Federal WIC rules in 7 CFR 246.7 include people living in shelters and other homeless facilities. Food banks and school meal programs can fill gaps while applications are processed.

Health coverage and cash help

Children in low-income families are usually eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, and many mothers qualify too, especially during pregnancy and after birth. You can apply through your state Medicaid office or HealthCare.gov, any time of year.

TANF gives monthly cash help to low-income families with children. Federal rules generally limit adults to 60 months of federally funded help, and many states set shorter limits and work requirements. Some states also have one-time diversion payments that can cover a deposit or first month’s rent. Ask the county office about both.

Keeping your kids in school

The McKinney-Vento Act protects children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate place to live, including those in shelters, motels, cars, or doubled up with others because of lost housing. Under 42 U.S.C. 11432, schools must enroll your children right away, even without records or proof of address, and can keep them in their school of origin with transportation provided.

Every school district has a homeless liaison. Tell the school office you are homeless and ask for the liaison by name. They can help with free school meals, supplies, and referrals to local housing help. The National Center for Homeless Education explains who qualifies.

Child care while you work or look for housing

Child care can be the difference between keeping a job and losing one. Each state runs a child care subsidy program funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund. Federal law in 42 U.S.C. 9858c calls for procedures that let homeless children enroll while the family gathers documents, and a grace period for immunization records. Federal rules in 45 CFR 98.46 also require states to give priority to children experiencing homelessness. Find your state’s program at ChildCare.gov.

Head Start and Early Head Start provide free early learning for young children, and children experiencing homelessness are eligible regardless of income under 45 CFR 1302.12. Ask your school liaison or 211 for the nearest program.

Faith and community programs for families

Family Promise works with local volunteers and congregations in more than 200 communities to offer prevention, shelter, and help getting back into housing for families with children. Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and local churches may also help with motel nights, a deposit, diapers, or clothing. See our guide to churches that help the homeless. Programs and openings vary, so call ahead.

Is it safe to live in my car with my kids?

Many families spend some nights in a car, and it is not something to be ashamed of. If you must, choose a well-lit place where parking is allowed, crack a window for air, never run the engine with the car closed in, and keep doors locked. Some cities run safe parking lots for people living in vehicles; ask 211. A car is best treated as a short bridge while you keep calling shelters and coordinated entry, because the system can only help if it knows you need a place.

Mistakes that slow down help

• Calling only one shelter instead of asking to be on every list
• Waiting to apply for SNAP until you have an address
• Missing calls from coordinated entry because your phone number changed
• Not telling the school, which can open doors to more help
• Paying anyone who promises to move you up a housing list

What documents do I need to apply?

Expect to show photo ID, Social Security numbers for the people applying, proof of income for the last 30 days, and proof of where you live, plus any paper that shows the emergency itself. Our document checklist explains what counts for each item and what to do if something is missing. If you don't have everything yet, apply anyway and ask the office how long you have to bring the rest.

Your plan for the next 7 days

1. Dial 211 for a family shelter and coordinated entry. Call the DV hotline if you are leaving abuse.
2. Apply for SNAP and ask for expedited service.
3. Apply for WIC, Medicaid, and TANF.
4. Tell your children’s school and meet the homeless liaison.
5. Ask about child care and Head Start priority for homeless families.
6. Ask about rapid re-housing and get on Section 8 and public housing lists.
7. Keep a folder with your documents and the names of everyone you speak with.

Related guides

• Government assistance for homeless people
• Emergency hotel voucher for tonight
• Emergency shelter for families
• Teenage housing assistance

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Programs, openings, and rules vary by state and county. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not a government agency or shelter provider. If you are in danger, call 911.