Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Where to start

Work on the most urgent problem first, but do not wait on only one program. Shelter, rent funds, vouchers, and affordable apartments use different applications.

The national housing help overview explains common housing programs. The application documents checklist can help you prepare before several offices ask for the same records.

Quick housing help table

Emergency shelter and short-term rent help

North Dakota has one statewide Continuum of Care. Its homeless response system uses CARES to help people reach shelter, rapid rehousing, prevention, and other services when available. The state homeless page explains how public funds support local shelters and service agencies. Families usually apply through a provider, not through one direct state grant form.

When you call 2-1-1, ask for a CARES access point in your area. Be ready to say where you stayed, when you must leave, how many children are with you, and whether anyone has a disability or urgent health need. Tell the worker if you are leaving domestic violence, but share only what feels safe on that phone.

Community Action agencies serve all North Dakota counties. The Community Action network can help you find the agency for your county. Services may include homeless support, case management, rental help, deposits, utility help, weatherization, or referrals. Not every office has money for every need, so ask what is open now.

For more local supports, use the North Dakota community guide and the national Community Action guide.

Eviction and legal help

A landlord cannot legally remove a North Dakota tenant without a state district court order. Eviction is a fast court process, so do not ignore a notice even while you look for rent money. Read the papers, note the hearing date, and keep proof of rent payments and messages with the landlord.

Legal Services intake accepts applications online, by phone, and at offices. People under age 60 can call 1-800-634-5263 during posted intake hours. Help depends on income, the type of case, staff capacity, and legal priorities. Applying does not promise representation.

This article is not legal advice. Do not withhold rent, move out, change locks, or skip court based only on general online information. Ask legal aid about your facts. The North Dakota legal guide lists other civil legal starting points.

Section 8, public housing, and property-based help

A Housing Choice Voucher, often called Section 8, helps an eligible household rent from a private landlord. Public housing is owned or managed by a housing authority. Project-based assistance stays with a certain apartment. The federal voucher tenant guide explains the basic differences.

North Dakota has many local public housing agencies. Use the HUD authority list to find offices serving your city or county. Call each office before applying because waiting lists may be open, closed, limited by bedroom size, or open only for certain properties.

Eligibility often depends on household income, family size, citizenship or eligible immigration status for federal assistance, and local screening rules. Income limits vary by county and household size. The HUD income limits are updated each year, but the housing authority makes the final decision.

Apply to more than one list when possible. Update every office when your phone number, address, email, income, family size, or disability needs change. The Section 8 guide has more plain-language help.

Affordable apartments and rental barriers

The affordable rental list includes properties that received North Dakota Housing Finance Agency support. Search by city, then call the property about rent, income limits, bedroom sizes, fees, voucher acceptance, and current openings. NDHFA warns that its list does not confirm vacancies.

You can also use the HUD Resource Locator to find housing authorities, affordable properties, and homeless resources. Call property managers directly because online tools may not show the latest opening.

The renter resources page lists certain NDHFA properties and referral-based programs. Ask whether a program fits your needs and how to apply.

Regional starting points

North Dakota housing systems are local. Use this table as a call plan, then confirm the current list status with the office.

Transportation can make rural applications harder. The North Dakota transportation guide may help you find rides or local services while you complete housing steps.

LIHEAP, weatherization, and utility help

North Dakota’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible renters and homeowners with part of their energy costs. The state LIHEAP page says applications are accepted year-round. Help may include heating costs, emergency energy needs, furnace work, weatherization, chimney services, and certain cooling devices or repairs.

For the 2025-2026 benefit year, household income must generally be at or below 60% of North Dakota’s median income. The state lists limits by household size and explains that tribal LIHEAP programs may serve members living on reservations. Confirm the limit for your household before applying.

You may apply online, by paper, by mail, or through a Human Service Zone. The state asks for income proof, heating bills, a lease for renters, and certain paid-expense records. If you have an emergency, contact the Customer Support Center instead of waiting for a normal review.

The North Dakota utility guide covers more bill-help paths. The national LIHEAP guide explains common application and denial issues.

Homeowner, repair, and homebuyer help

ND Help for Homeowners may provide up to $40,000 for an eligible household. The homeowner eligibility page says applicants must have had a COVID-19-related financial hardship, meet the income rule, and own and live in the North Dakota property as a primary home. Covered costs may include a past-due mortgage, property taxes, insurance, certain fees, utilities, or lot rent. Approval and the amount depend on the full application.

If you want to buy a home, the NDHFA homebuyer page lists FirstHome, HomeAccess, North Dakota Roots, DCA, and Start. HomeAccess can fit a single parent with a dependent child living in the home at least half the time. NDHFA programs require a $500 cash investment and use lender, income, property, and education rules.

The current homebuyer limits took effect June 15, 2026. FirstHome and HomeAccess income limits are $105,730 for households with fewer than three people and $121,590 for households with three or more. The single-family purchase-price limit is $500,000. These are program maximums, not proof that a household can afford or qualify for that loan.

In eligible rural areas, USDA direct loans may help low- and very-low-income applicants buy a safe home. The USDA repair program offers loans to qualifying very-low-income homeowners. Grants are limited to qualifying homeowners age 62 or older and must remove health or safety hazards.

Documents and information to gather

You do not need every document before making an emergency call. For applications, gather what you can and ask what may be used when a record is missing.

What to do if help is denied or delayed

Ask for the decision in writing. Look for the reason, the rule used, the appeal or review process, and the deadline. Save the notice, envelope, emails, screenshots, and proof you submitted.

If an office says a document is missing, ask for the exact document name, the accepted forms, and the final date to send it. If a housing list closes, ask whether your old application remains active and when the office may announce another opening.

For a voucher denial, termination, eviction, discrimination concern, or homeowner legal problem, contact legal aid quickly. The benefits problem guide explains how to request written reasons and protect deadlines.