Housing Assistance in Connecticut

When there is only one source of income in a household, getting a decent place that’s safe for you and your kids can be challenging. This can be a major call-out for single mothers with neither good savings nor good jobs. In most cases, it comes at a cost of your own financial being. However, if you are a single mom living in Connecticut, you should know that there are lots of programs and grants from both the government and private-owned organizations that help you with housing assistance. These programs cover many options from paying housing bills to rent, utility bills, mortgage assistance, the list is numerous. This piece is highlighting these assistance programs in a bid to help single mothers and anyone in need with their housing-related needs. Here are some resources in Connecticut you can explore to get the help you need.

The Connecticut Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

The Connecticut Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is designed to help single moms find their own housing units within the private market. It also provides you with a variety of accommodation choices ranging from townhouses, single-family, and condos. As a matter of fact, single moms whether a U.S citizen or a non-U.S citizen with eligible immigration status can also indulge in this government-assisted program. Participation is not limited. Ensure you do not miss this benefit for anything. To learn more about this program, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/Rental-Assistance-Program.

Emergency Assistance of the Salvation Army

Low-income single moms and struggling families can receive help from the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is a popular institution that provides utilities across the country. They can help with basic needs such as heating bills, food, rent, and housing in Connecticut. However, there are dozens of centers that operate within Connecticut. To locate a Salvation Army center near you, please follow the link https://ctri.salvationarmy.org/SNE/.

Connecticut Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The winter season is mostly one of the troublesome times for low-income households in Connecticut. This program helps to reduce the risk of health and provides financial assistance for energy bills/cost of living. Single mothers who are not able to afford their household can apply to this program. The LIHEAP program works to provide households with one or more of the following types of assistance to help curtail costs.

• Energy crisis assistance
• Bill payment assistance
• Weatherization and energy-related home repairs

More so, to be eligible for this benefit program:

• You must be a resident of Connecticut.
• You must need financial assistance with home energy costs.
• You must also have annual household income taxes that are below 60 percent of the state median income.

If you would like to learn more about this program, you can find out more at https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Economic-Security/Winter-Heating-Assistance/Energy-Assistance—Winter-Heating/Apply.

Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program (EFPP)

The Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program (EFPP) program is available for families who are currently facing eviction due to the inability to pay their rents or mortgage arrears. Here, the EFPP provides you a mediator to help develop mutually agreed-upon solutions to certain problems that may arise such as back rents, repairs, housing code violations. Single moms who are at risk of facing a forced eviction can consider applying for this program. The EFPP prevents evictions through mediation and a rent bank. The rent bank provides funds to eligible families to help pay up the rent so as to avoid future occurrences. There are other operating community-based agencies working with the EFPP here in Connecticut. For more information, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/Eviction-Prevention.

Connecticut Down Payment Assistance Program

Residents who find it difficult to gain a home of their own can get help from the Connecticut Down Payment Assistance Program. This program helps low-income households achieve the house of their dreams. It provides a supplementary loan with below-market interest rates to eligible homebuyers who don’t have the funds needed to cover the down payments on a home.

Eligibility requirements

• You must prove that you don’t have the savings to pay the required down payments.
• You must have sufficient income to pay both loans.
• Last, you must pay a $200 application fee for the program and be ready to attend a three-hours homebuyer course before closing on the loan.

If you are interested in this program, please visit http://www.chfa.org/Homeownership/.

The Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut

The Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut is created and funded by the State of Connecticut. This is basically a hotline that aims to help low-income individuals who need legal guidance. Single mothers who are facing forced eviction or are having legal problems with their landlord can consider applying for this program. Single mothers who already have a legal case can be provided with a free legal attorney. If you are wondering about your legal rights or need any help with your legal case, please find out more at https://www.slsct.org/.

Connecticut Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)

The Temporary Family Assistance is funded by the federal government in Connecticut to provide financial support for people in need. Single mothers who lost their job or cannot find a job may apply to this program. If you are qualified, they provide cash assistance for your household. To get more information, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Economic-Security/Temporary-Family-Assistance—TFA.

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is a local office that plans mortgage payments of residents. They also offer reasonable payment assistance for low-income people who wish to have their first home. Single mothers who dream to have their first home for their family can apply to this program and can get affordable mortgage payments according to their financial situation. To get affordable mortgage assistance, please find out more at https://www.chfa.org/.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is funded by the federal government. The principal goal of this program is to help low-income families who are facing financial difficulties paying their heating bills during the winter months. Single moms whose revenue is under 60 percent of the state median income can apply to this program. Single mothers who have an elder family member, below the age of six or an individual who has a disability in your household are most likely to get utility assistance. If you are interested in this program, you can find out more at https://portal.ct.gov/dss/Economic-Security/Winter-Heating-Assistance/Energy-Assistance—Winter-Heating.

Home Front

Home Front in Connecticut is a local non-governmental organization that aims to help people in need. The primary aim of this program is to offer free home repair. This service is run by volunteer repairers in Connecticut. Single mothers who need home repair in their household can call this foundation. To learn more about Home Front, please visit https://www.homefrontprogram.org/drupal7/who-benefits.

2-1-1 Line

2-1-1 Line is a local non-profit service funded by the United Way of Connecticut and the State of Connecticut. The mission of this line is to provide comprehensive information for people in need. Single mothers who are having serious problems and do not know who to ask can consult this line. They present information about housing assistance, rent assistance, legal assistance, and utility bills. To learn more about their services, please follow the link https://www.211ct.org/.