Housing Assistance in Maryland
Life is a flow, but it might be a bit more complicated and challenging for disadvantaged people. People may have lots of issues going on in their lives, yet vulnerable groups seem to have more burdens on their shoulders. One of these groups is single mothers. Being a single mother requires more responsibility and more work compared to many people. Even though social and cultural problems can be tough, surviving financially is a lot more difficult considering single mothers. Hence, housing assistance is vital for single moms and their children. They need safe, affordable, and trustworthy housing. If you are a single mother living in Maryland, it means that you have several opportunities in your neighborhood. Here are the lists of programs that can help your household financially.
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)
The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) was created in the light of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009. The main objective of HPRP is to assist homeless people and those who are about to become homeless in Maryland. This is a useful institution for single mothers since they can help with utility bills and moving fees. HPRP also provides cash assistance for rent for up to 18 months. If you and your children find yourselves on the street all alone, HPRP should be on top of your list. They can settle your family in a motel or a permanent house. The main eligibility for this program is that your family should not gain over 50 percent of regional income. To see the other criteria, please visit https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/hprp/.
The Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
The Single Room Occupancy is helping with housing assistance. As a single mother, if you need a home, you can apply to The Single Room Occupancy. They help you to find a home and pay 70 percent of your rent if you are qualified. These homes generally consist of one bathroom/kitchen or both with small rooms. The landowners apply to SRO, and they decide whether the house is suitable or not for homeless people. To find out more details about this program, please visit https://www.mcvet.org/index.php/services/housing/94-single-room-occupancy.
Unemployment Insurance in Maryland
Single mothers who have worked in Maryland throughout the 2 to 18 months and have worked with a minimum wage paycheck, it means that they are eligible for this opportunity. Last but not least, you should prove that you did not quit your job on your own. If they can apply for Unemployment Insurance, they can get financial assistance. It could be a good chance for single mothers to use financial assistance for their housing. If you are wondering for more details about Unemployment Insurance, find out more at
https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) can assist single mothers by paying their utility bills and cooling fees. If you are a single mother and having difficulties paying your bills, MEAP pays your bills in the name of your family. Furthermore, MEAP can provide you with a new refrigerator and bakery if it is necessary. To learn more about this program, find out more at https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/how-do-you-apply/.
Temporary Cash Assistance
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is funded by the federal government for those who are having financial difficulties. Single mothers who need cash assistance for their household can consider applying to this program. Please visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/temporary-cash-assistance/ for more information.
Maryland Rental Allowance Program
Maryland Rental Allowance Program is another program that has been funded by the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development. The state of Maryland distributes financial assistance among different types of local organizations. These local organizations provide their share to low-income households who have no home or need financial assistance for their home. Single mothers can apply to this program and get financial support for up to 12 months. To find more information on RAP, please visit https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/maryland_rap_rental_allowance_.html.
The Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG)
The Emergency Shelter Grant runs a program that local authorities and institutions can transform available properties to be used by homeless people. Different local centers apply to ESG to have financial assistance for their neighborhood. These shelters have been used as temporary nighttime accommodation for homeless people or families who were evicted from their homes. In both cases, single mothers can reach out to The Emergency Shelter Grant in order to find the nearest shelter. Keep in mind that you and your children can live in these shelters for up to 30 days. To find out more information, please visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/HousingDevelopment/Pages/sthgp/default.aspx.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities in Maryland mostly offers housing programs for low-income or divorced single mothers. If you are a single mom who needs an urgent shelter or home, you can communicate with your local catholic charities, or please visit https://www.catholiccharities-md.org/.
CoAbode
CoAbode is a nongovernmental national organization that also has a branch in Maryland that offers rental assistance to single mothers. This organization is especially both psychologically and financially helpful for single mothers since they support each other. If you need someone who understands the process that you are going through, another single mother that had similar life experiences will be on your side while searching home for your family. In some cases, both single mothers may share the same home. If you need both psychological and housing assistance, find out more at https://coabode.com/.
Bethesda Cares
Bethesda Cares is a local volunteer organization that helps homeless people or people who are about to lose their homes. Bethesda Cares does not only help with low-income single mothers’ financial issues but also helps to avoid eviction. If you would like to learn more about Bethesda Cares, please visit https://bethesdacares.org/.
Interfaith Works
Interfaith Works is another local institution in Maryland that helps single mothers with rent and housing support. If you are considering applying, please check this link for details https://www.iworksmc.org/.
The Congregation and Community Emergency Support
The Congregation and Community Emergency Support is a charity-based organization that helps single mothers on different issues including eviction prevention, food, utility bills, and clothing. Single mothers can find help on a vast scale. Please check this website https://www.infomontgomery.org/search-results/?taxonomyCode=in:DD,ND,DM,NL,NS,DT,NT,BV for more information.
Mid-County United Ministries (MUM)
Mid-County United Ministries (MUM) offers various help for those who are in need. Single mothers can apply to this program specifically for cash assistance, rent assistance, eviction prevention, and utility services. Since it is a local non-governmental organization, they also have thrift shops in Maryland that you can have clothes if you or your children need them. If you are a single mother with a little child, you can ask for baby stuff, free belongings, or even for Christmas goods. MUM offers single mothers a wide range of goods. If you wish to apply, please visit https://mumhelp.org/.
