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housing assistance in north dakota

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025


Main Points

  • Emergency housing help is available through Community Action Agencies and HUD-approved shelters across all 53 North Dakota counties
  • Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) help pay up to 70% of rent, but waiting times range from 6-15 months depending on location
  • NDHFA homebuyer programs offer down payment assistance up to $15,000 and below-market interest rates
  • LIHEAP utility assistance provides up to $1,100 for heating bills and $1,000 for cooling costs
  • Income limits vary by county – most programs serve families earning 30-80% of area median income
  • Multiple programs can be combined for maximum assistance, but funding is limited

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance or contact North Dakota Seek at (701) 235-7335 available 24/7.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact your local Community Action Agency for crisis utility assistance up to $500.

Need rent help now? The pandemic-era ND Rent Help program is winding down, but contact ND Housing Help for current emergency rental resources.

In danger? North Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Call 2-1-1 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Emergency Housing Assistance

North Dakota Housing Help

North Dakota Housing Help serves as a one-stop resource for housing assistance. This program connects families to various housing programs including emergency rental assistance, utility help, and supportive services.

What it covers:

  • Connection to emergency rental assistance programs
  • Utility assistance referrals
  • Housing counseling services
  • Case management support

How to apply: Visit the ND Housing Help website or call (701) 328-1907.

Reality check: As of August 2025, the pandemic-era rental assistance programs are ramping down due to federal funding expiration. The state served over 56,000 people since May 2021 but new applications are limited.

Community Action Agencies Emergency Assistance

North Dakota has eight Community Action Agencies serving all 53 counties. These agencies provide emergency assistance including rental help, utility payments, and basic needs support.

Services available:

  • Crisis intervention for utility shut-offs
  • Emergency rental assistance (amounts vary by agency)
  • Security deposit assistance
  • Emergency food and clothing
  • Transportation assistance

Contact: Visit Community Action Partnership of North Dakota to find your regional agency.

Processing time: Emergency assistance is typically processed within 1-3 business days for crisis situations.

2-1-1 North Dakota

Call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1northdakota.org for immediate referrals to emergency assistance in your area. Available 24/7 with multilingual support.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families pay rent in the private market. Families typically pay 30% of their income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remainder up to Fair Market Rent limits.

Income Eligibility (2025)

Source: HUD Income Limits 2025

Family Size Very Low Income (50% AMI) Extremely Low Income (30% AMI)
1 person $28,300 $16,980
2 people $32,350 $19,410
3 people $36,400 $21,840
4 people $40,400 $24,240

Note: These are statewide non-metropolitan averages. Income limits vary by county. Check with your local Public Housing Authority for exact figures in your area.

Current Waiting Times (2025)

Source: Affordable Housing Hub North Dakota Section 8 Data

Location Wait Time Status
Fargo 6-12 months Open
Bismarck 9-15 months Varies
Grand Forks Variable Check status
Rural areas 3-9 months Most open

Application process:

  1. Contact your local Public Housing Authority
  2. Complete application when waiting list is open
  3. Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards, and rental history
  4. Complete eligibility interview and background check
  5. Wait for voucher availability
  6. Attend voucher briefing and receive Housing Choice Voucher
  7. Find qualifying rental unit within 60-120 days
  8. Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: According to current data, North Dakota has 22 open Section 8 waiting lists as of 2025, but many housing authorities periodically close their lists when they become too long. Households spend an average of 9 months on waiting lists before receiving vouchers.

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025

Area 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
Fargo-West Fargo $723 $932 $1,276 $1,539
Bismarck $698 $895 $1,194 $1,442
Grand Forks $630 $812 $1,115 $1,347
Non-metro areas $576 $742 $1,019 $1,230

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area.

Public Housing

Public housing developments are owned and operated by local housing authorities. Rent is typically 30% of adjusted income.

Major housing authorities:

Homeownership Programs

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Programs

NDHFA offers several first-time homebuyer programs to help single mothers achieve homeownership.

FirstHome Program

The FirstHome program provides below-market interest rate loans for first-time homebuyers.

Benefits:

  • Below-market interest rates
  • Down payment assistance available through DCA program
  • 30 and 40-year loan terms available
  • $500 minimum out-of-pocket investment required

Eligibility requirements:

  • Must not have owned a home in the last 3 years
  • Must meet income and purchase price limits
  • Must occupy home as primary residence
  • Must take homebuyer education class

Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance (DCA)

The DCA program provides up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

Features:

  • Up to $15,000 assistance
  • Can be combined with FirstHome loans
  • Deferred payment loan (no monthly payments)
  • Must remain in home for specified period

Start Program

The Start program provides 3% of the loan amount as assistance at closing.

Details:

  • Assistance equals 3% of first mortgage amount
  • Credit applied at closing
  • Slightly higher interest rate than FirstHome
  • Cannot be combined with other down payment programs
  • $500 minimum out-of-pocket investment required

Single Parent Program

Special consideration: Single parents with at least one dependent child residing in the home 50% of the time may be eligible for special programs.

USDA Rural Housing Programs

Section 502 Direct Loans

USDA Section 502 provides no down payment loans for rural areas.

Benefits:

  • No down payment required
  • Below-market interest rates
  • Payment assistance available
  • Up to 38 years to repay

Eligibility:

  • Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area
  • Income at or below low-income limits
  • Unable to obtain conventional financing
  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

Section 504 Home Repair

This program helps very low-income rural homeowners repair their homes.

Available assistance:

  • Loans: Up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years
  • Grants: Up to $10,000 lifetime limit (must be 62+ years old)
  • Combined assistance: Up to $50,000 total

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. The program is administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services.

Benefits Available (FY2025)

Source: North Dakota LIHEAP Clearinghouse Data

Benefit Type Amount Availability
Regular Heating $6-$1,100 October 1 – May 31
Cooling $1-$1,000 Year-round
Crisis Up to $500 Year-round
Weatherization Varies Year-round

Income Eligibility (60% State Median Income)

Source: LIHEAP Income Guidelines FY2025

Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 person $38,988
2 people $50,988
3 people $62,988
4 people $74,988
5 people $86,988

How to apply: Apply online through the Self-Service Portal or contact your local Human Service Zone office.

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for utility account holder
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent utility bills
  • Proof of income for all household members 18+

Processing time: LIHEAP applications are accepted year-round, with heating assistance available October through May.

Reality check: In FY 2024, LIHEAP served 14,165 households for heating, 811 for cooling, and 330 for crisis assistance. Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Utility Company Assistance Programs

Operation Round-Up Programs

Many North Dakota electric cooperatives offer Operation Round-Up programs where customer donations provide emergency assistance:

  • Nodak Electric Cooperative: Customer donations assist with food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and emergency services
  • Capital Electric Cooperative: Charitable Trust provides assistance to qualified individuals and organizations
  • Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative: Customer donations fund assistance for individuals, families, and community projects

Specialized Housing Resources

Homeowner Assistance Fund (ND Help for Homeowners)

ND Help for Homeowners provides assistance to homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

What it covers:

  • Past due mortgage payments
  • Property taxes and insurance
  • Utilities and other housing-related costs
  • HOA fees and assessments

Eligibility:

  • Must be at risk of housing instability due to financial hardship
  • Must have experienced hardship after January 21, 2020
  • Income limits apply

Contact: Call (701) 328-1907 or email haf@nd.gov

Reality check: This program has specific funding limits and eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted with complete documentation.

Opening Doors Program

Opening Doors provides households with rental barriers the opportunity to access housing.

Who qualifies:

  • Have intellectual, developmental, physical, or behavioral health conditions
  • Youth exiting foster care system
  • Have housing barriers (poor credit, rental history, criminal conviction)
  • Willing to participate in supportive services

Benefits:

  • Helps overcome rental barriers
  • Provides coverage for landlords against damage or lost revenue
  • Must be referred by participating care coordination agency

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

North Dakota has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, but resources are available:

Available support:

  • All housing assistance programs listed above are available regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Contact 2-1-1 North Dakota and specifically ask about LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers
  • HUD’s Office of Fair Housing provides protection against discrimination

National resources:

  • National LGBTQ Task Force: Housing discrimination information
  • SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Senior housing resources

Tribal-Specific Resources

North Dakota is home to several Native American tribes with specific housing resources:

Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara)

MHA Nation LIHEAP: Special LIHEAP program for tribal members

  • Serves tribal members within 12-mile radius of Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
  • Excludes mineral rights income from eligibility calculations
  • Crisis assistance available year-round

HUD Indian Housing Programs: Available to enrolled tribal members

  • Indian Housing Block Grant programs
  • Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program
  • Contact HUD’s Office of Native American Programs at (800) 955-2232

Spirit Lake Nation

Tribal housing programs: Contact Spirit Lake Housing Authority for available programs

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Housing services: Available on North Dakota portion of reservation

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families face unique challenges including limited transportation and fewer service providers.

Specialized resources:

Transportation assistance:

  • Contact local Community Action Agencies for transportation vouchers
  • Some counties offer public transportation or medical transport services

Reality check: Rural areas may have longer waiting times for services and fewer housing options, but USDA programs specifically target these communities.

Single Fathers

While this guide focuses on single mothers, single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access the same programs:

All housing assistance programs described above are available regardless of gender Additional resources:

  • National At-Home Dad Network: Support groups and resources
  • Single Father Network: Online community and local meetups
  • Contact 2-1-1 North Dakota for father-specific support groups

Resources by Region

Fargo-West Fargo Metro Area

Red River Valley Community Action

  • Emergency Services: Utility assistance, emergency food
  • Transitional housing for homeless youth ages 18-24
  • Phone: (701) 746-5431

Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Public housing properties
  • Homeownership programs

Emergency shelter: Contact 2-1-1 for current emergency shelter availability

Bismarck-Mandan Area

Burleigh County Housing Authority

  • Section 8 vouchers (check current waiting list status)
  • Public housing programs
  • Phone: Check website for current contact information

Community Action Partnership

  • Emergency assistance programs
  • LIHEAP applications
  • Basic needs support

Grand Forks Area

Grand Forks Housing Authority

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
  • Multiple managed properties
  • Payment standards: 1BR $860, 2BR $1,082, 3BR $1,516
  • Phone: (701) 746-2545

Red River Valley Community Action

  • Emergency services and case management
  • Utility assistance programs
  • Transitional housing services

Rural/Western North Dakota

Great Plains Housing Authority

  • Serves Dickey, Eddy, Sargent, Foster, Logan, Wells, and Stutsman Counties
  • Housing Choice Voucher programs
  • Main office: Jamestown, ND

Oil field regions: Contact local Community Action Agencies as housing costs can be significantly higher in oil-producing areas

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait for Section 8 in North Dakota?

According to current data from North Dakota housing authorities, waiting times vary significantly by location:

  • Fargo: 6-12 months average wait time, waitlist currently open
  • Bismarck: 9-15 months average, status varies
  • Grand Forks: Variable timing, check current status
  • Rural counties: 3-9 months, most waitlists are open

Many housing authorities periodically close their waiting lists. Check current status before applying.

Can I get help if I’m working but still struggling with rent?

Yes! Most programs have income limits rather than requiring unemployment. For example, a single mother with two children can typically earn up to about $36,400 annually and still qualify for very low-income housing programs. LIHEAP serves families earning up to 60% of state median income, which is $62,988 for a family of three.

What if my landlord won’t accept Section 8?

North Dakota does not have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse Section 8 vouchers. However, many do accept them. Contact your housing authority for lists of participating landlords, or search HUD’s housing database.

How much help can I get with utility bills?

LIHEAP provides up to $1,100 for heating bills and $1,000 for cooling costs. Crisis assistance up to $500 is available year-round. Many electric cooperatives also offer Operation Round-Up programs for additional emergency assistance.

Can I buy a home in North Dakota as a single mother?

Yes! NDHFA offers several programs specifically designed for first-time homebuyers, including up to $15,000 in down payment assistance. Single parents with dependent children may qualify for special consideration. USDA also offers no-down-payment loans in rural areas.

What happens if I can’t pay my rent this month?

Contact your landlord immediately to discuss payment options. Then:

  1. Apply for emergency rental assistance through ND Housing Help
  2. Contact your local Community Action Agency
  3. Call 2-1-1 for immediate referrals
  4. Look into local food banks to free up money for rent

Are there programs specifically for Native American single mothers?

Yes! MHA Nation offers LIHEAP assistance to tribal members with special income calculation rules that exclude mineral rights income. HUD Indian Housing programs are also available to enrolled tribal members nationwide.

What if I have bad credit or a criminal background?

Many emergency assistance programs don’t check credit. For long-term housing, NDHFA’s Opening Doors program specifically helps people with rental barriers including poor credit or criminal backgrounds. You must be referred by a participating care coordination agency.

Can I get help moving from another state?

Section 8 vouchers are “portable” – you can transfer them between states. Contact your current housing authority to begin the transfer process. For new applications, you must meet North Dakota residency requirements, which vary by program.

How do I prove my income if I work multiple part-time jobs?

Keep pay stubs from all employers. If you’re paid in cash, get written statements from employers. For irregular income, housing counselors can help you calculate and document your average monthly earnings.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are common: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8 or public housing. As the Grand Forks Housing Authority warns, legitimate access to HCV waitlists never requires financial deposits.

Fake landlords: Be wary of rental listings requiring money before viewing the property. Always verify property ownership.

“Guaranteed” housing: No legitimate service can guarantee housing assistance or move you to the front of waiting lists.

Common Challenges

Limited funding: North Dakota is one of few states still operating emergency rental assistance, but pandemic-era funding is ending. Apply early and to multiple programs.

Rural transportation: Limited public transportation can make accessing services difficult. Ask about mobile services or transportation assistance.

Oil field housing costs: Western North Dakota housing costs can be significantly higher due to oil industry activity.

Winter weather: Heating costs are substantial. Apply for LIHEAP early in the season.

Tips for Success

Apply to multiple programs simultaneously: Don’t wait to be denied by one program before applying to others.

Keep organized records: Maintain files of all applications, documents, and correspondence.

Follow up regularly: Contact agencies monthly to check on application status.

Be honest about your situation: Programs are designed to help people in difficult circumstances.

Get help navigating the system: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for free assistance.

Additional Resources

North Dakota State Agencies

North Dakota Health and Human Services

  • TANF, SNAP, Medicaid applications
  • LIHEAP program administration
  • Housing assistance programs
  • Phone: (701) 328-2310

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency

  • Homeownership programs
  • Rental assistance administration
  • Homeless programs
  • Phone: (701) 328-8080

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

  • General housing information
  • Phone: (800) 569-4287
  • Website: hud.gov

USDA Rural Development

  • Rural housing and home repair programs
  • North Dakota State Office: (701) 250-4781

Legal Aid

Legal Services of North Dakota

  • Free legal help for housing issues
  • Eviction defense
  • Phone: (800) 634-5263 or (866) 621-9886

Community Resources

2-1-1 North Dakota

  • 24/7 referral service
  • Multilingual support
  • Dial 2-1-1 or call (701) 235-7335

Community Action Partnership of North Dakota

  • Regional emergency assistance
  • Energy programs
  • Basic needs support

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This North Dakota guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including North Dakota Health and Human Services, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, USDA, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official North Dakota Health and Human Services, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, USDA, and HUD sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287.

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