Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in District of Columbia

Where to start

Start with the problem that could harm your family first. A shelter crisis, eviction case, voucher question, utility shutoff, and home purchase each have a different office.

Quick reference: first calls

Family shelter and emergency housing

The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center is the central intake office for DC families seeking homeless services. DC Department of Human Services says family applicants generally must be District residents, have minor children or adult dependents in their care, or be pregnant in the third trimester, and have no other safe place to stay.

Virginia Williams can assess the family and make referrals to Short-Term Family Housing. These sites may offer a private room or apartment-style space, housing search help, work and mental health referrals, and activities for children. A referral is not automatic. Staff must first review the family’s situation.

Bring identification, birth certificates for family members, proof of income, and proof of DC residency when available. If a document is missing, still contact the center and ask what other proof may be accepted. The documents checklist can help you build a folder before an appointment.

Rent help and eviction prevention

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) may help some DC households with overdue rent, late fees, certain court costs, a security deposit, or first month’s rent. Basic DHS rules include DC residency, income below the program limit, and either being at least 30 days behind on rent or needing deposit and first-month help for a move.

The most important current fact is that DHS has paused new ERAP appointment scheduling while it processes existing appointments. The ERAP status notice should be checked before calling or traveling to an office. A paused appointment system does not mean you should ignore a rent notice or court case.

Legal help for tenants

The Landlord and Tenant Resource Center gives free legal information to people who do not have a lawyer. The Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network may provide information, advice, or representation. Help depends on the case and available staff.

The Office of Tenant Advocate also helps DC tenants understand landlord disputes and rental rights. OTA lists (202) 719-6560 for phone intake. For another legal path, Legal Aid DC intake lists (202) 628-1161, while Bread for the City handles some housing and subsidized-housing cases for residents with low incomes.

Housing vouchers and public housing

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, often called Section 8, helps eligible households rent from private landlords. A participant usually pays a share based on household income, and DCHA pays the approved housing assistance amount to the landlord.

DCHA says it is not accepting new Housing Choice Voucher applications and the waiting list is closed. It also says there is no current plan to reopen the list. If an opening is announced later, DCHA says it will share the notice through its website, social channels, and local media.

If you are already on a waiting list or have a voucher, use the DCHA voucher answers to check the rules. Call (202) 535-1000 or use RentCafe to update your address, phone, email, income, or family details. Missing a notice can affect your case.

Public housing has a separate waiting list from the voucher program. A list of buildings does not prove that an application is open or that a unit is available. The DCHA property list can help you see locations, while the DCHA service centers handle many applicant and participant questions.

For plain-language help with voucher terms, payment shares, inspections, and waitlists, read ASMOM’s Section 8 guide.

FY 2026 voucher payment standards

These figures are maximum payment standards used in rent review. They are not cash paid to a family, and they do not guarantee that DCHA will approve a unit or rent. The unit must still pass inspection and rent-reasonableness review.

The current payment standards page was updated by DCHA on June 1, 2026. Ask your housing specialist how the standard, utility allowance, bedroom size, and rent reasonableness affect your case.

Search for affordable rentals

DC Housing Search is the District’s free listing tool for rental and for-sale homes. You can search by neighborhood, ward, ZIP code, accessibility need, and price. A listing is not the same as an approval, subsidy, or available voucher.

Before paying an application fee or deposit, confirm the property manager’s name, the unit address, the full monthly cost, which utilities you must pay, and whether the unit accepts your subsidy. Do not send money to a person who will not show the unit or provide a written lease.

If you move from shelter or an unsafe home, ask your case manager about beds and basic household items. ASMOM’s furniture help guide gives more places to check.

Utility help can protect housing

DC’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can provide a one-time energy benefit to eligible households. For FY 2026, the regular benefit ranged from $200 to $1,800, and some qualifying households could receive emergency help up to $500 after the regular benefit.

However, the DC LIHEAP page now says FY 2026 applications are closed. Applications filed on or before June 3, 2026 are being processed as Utility Discount Program applications. Applications filed after that date are reviewed for UDP only.

The Utility Discount Program is still available for eligible households. The utility bill must be in the applicant’s name. Apply online or by mail, or call 311 or (202) 737-4404 for status help. Do not hand a LIHEAP or UDP application to an unapproved third party.

For help planning for the next LIHEAP season and other utility programs, see ASMOM’s utility assistance guide. If phone or internet service is blocking applications, the phone and internet guide lists other low-cost options.

Homebuying help in DC

The Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) is for qualified first-time homebuyers. It is not emergency rent help. HPAP can provide an interest-free subordinate loan and closing-cost assistance for a house, condo, or cooperative unit in DC.

The HPAP program page lists a maximum of $202,000 in gap financing and up to $4,000 more for closing costs. The amount depends on income, household size, assets, need, and available funds. FY 2026 applicants are served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Start with a housing counselor. The HPAP application steps explain how a community organization reviews the application before sending it to the program administrator. Current applicants must follow every deadline in their Notice of Eligibility or Notice to Proceed.

Documents to gather

Programs do not all ask for the same papers. Keep copies of anything you submit and write down the date, office, worker’s name, and confirmation number.

Other help that may protect rent money

Housing may be easier to keep when other bills are lower. The SNAP food guide covers food help, while the Medicaid and CHIP guide covers health coverage. Families paying for care can also check the child care guide.

For cash assistance, use the TANF guide. For nearby nonprofits, food, shelter, and case management, use ASMOM’s local 211 guide and ask 211 what is open in your ZIP code today.