Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Where to start

Use the path that matches your most urgent need. You can work on more than one path at the same time. For a wider overview of help by need, see ASMOM’s housing help overview and local resource guide.

Quick reference table

Emergency shelter and short-term rent help

For shelter, start with 2-1-1 or CARES. North Dakota’s homeless response system uses Coordinated Entry to connect people with shelter, rapid rehousing, prevention, and other help when available. Tell the intake worker the full picture: your children’s ages, whether you are pregnant, whether you are fleeing violence, whether you have an eviction notice, and where you can safely receive calls.

The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency lists federal Emergency Solutions Grant and state North Dakota Homeless Grant programs. These funds usually go to shelters and agencies, not straight to families. That means you often get help by working with a local provider instead of filling out one state grant form. Start with NDHFA homeless grants and ask 2-1-1 who handles intake in your county.

Community Action agencies can also be important. The CAPND network says North Dakota has seven Community Action Agencies serving all 53 counties. Agencies may help with housing stabilization, Energy Share, weatherization, basic needs, or referrals. Not every agency has rent money every day, so ask what is open now and what documents are needed.

Section 8, public housing, and subsidized apartments

For long-term rent help, the main programs are Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and subsidized apartment communities. A Housing Choice Voucher, often called Section 8, helps low-income households rent from a private landlord. HUD says the voucher program helps low-income families, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market through local Public Housing Agencies. Start with the HCV tenant guide and your local housing authority.

Eligibility depends on household size, income, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and local rules. HUD updates income limits by county and metro area, so do not rely on a random statewide number. Use HUD income limits and ask the housing office to check your household size.

Public housing and many subsidized apartments are different from a voucher. The help is tied to the property, and each property may have its own list. You can search for affordable properties through the HUD Resource Locator or use USA.gov housing search for plain instructions. For general Section 8 background, ASMOM also has Section 8 basics.

Waiting lists can be confusing. Some are open until further notice. Some open for only a short time. Some give preferences for homelessness, local residency, disability, domestic violence, veterans, or families with children. Apply to more than one list if you can, and keep a record of every login, confirmation number, and deadline.

LIHEAP, weatherization, and utility help

North Dakota LIHEAP helps eligible families with heating and weatherization costs. The state says LIHEAP may help with natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, coal, wood, weatherization, furnace cleaning or repair, emergency assistance, and cooling device costs or repair. Applications are accepted year-round. You can use the SSP application, request a paper application, or contact a local office.

If the Self-Service Portal is hard to use, the state says you can contact the Customer Support Center or visit a local Human Service Zone office. Human Service Zones help people access SNAP, TANF, heating assistance, Medicaid, child care assistance, and referrals. Use Human Service Zones to find your county office.

Utility help is often linked to other needs. If your heat bill is high, also ask about weatherization. If you are behind on rent because of utilities, ask 2-1-1 and Community Action if any short-term housing stabilization funds are open. For more bill help ideas, see ASMOM’s help with bills guide.

Homeowner and homebuyer help

If you already own your home and are behind on housing costs, check Help for Homeowners. North Dakota HHS describes this as assistance for qualifying homeowners at risk of housing instability due to past-due mortgage, utilities, property taxes, insurance, fees, and related costs. The page lists income, hardship, property, and document rules, and the program may change as funding changes. Confirm the portal status before you apply.

If you want to buy a home, start with NDHFA homeownership. NDHFA says its programs require a $500 out-of-pocket cash investment and that the home must be your principal residence. Its HomeAccess program may fit some single parents with at least one dependent child living in the home at least half the time. DCA and Start may provide down payment and closing cost assistance through eligible loans, but you must work with participating lenders and meet program rules.

USDA Rural Development may help in rural areas. The Section 502 Direct Loan program helps low- and very-low-income applicants buy safe housing in eligible rural areas and may offer payment assistance. The Section 504 repair program can help very-low-income rural homeowners repair or improve their homes; grants are limited to homeowners age 62 or older. Review USDA direct loans and USDA repair help before assuming a home purchase or repair is out of reach.

For mortgage issues, also read ASMOM’s mortgage help guide and ask a HUD-approved housing counselor about foreclosure prevention.

Documents to gather before you apply

Different programs ask for different proof. Gather what you can, then apply even if one item is missing. Ask the worker how to submit missing proof and what deadline applies.

What to do if you are denied, delayed, or ignored

Ask for the decision in writing. The letter should explain the reason, the deadline to appeal, and where to send proof. If you do not understand the reason, ask the office to explain it in plain words. If your file is delayed, ask what exact document is missing and how to upload or deliver it.

For legal issues, Legal Services of North Dakota may help low-income North Dakotans and older adults with civil legal problems. Start with Legal Services or the court resource page. This article is not legal advice, and eviction deadlines can move fast.

Benefits and housing problems often overlap. If rent is the emergency but food, child care, or child support is part of the stress, review ASMOM’s SNAP food help, WIC food help, Medicaid help, child care help, and child support help guides.