Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Utah

Where to start in Utah

Pick the path that matches the problem you have now. Shelter, rent aid, Section 8, public housing, utility help, and legal services use different offices and applications.

For help beyond housing, ASMOM’s Utah assistance guide covers food, health, child care, cash aid, and other state resources.

Quick Utah housing help

Current program status

This status was checked on July 14, 2026. Recheck before applying because funds and waiting lists can change without much notice.

DWS Emergency Assistance

The Emergency Assistance program gives short-term help to some families who may lose housing or utilities because of a crisis beyond their control. It may cover rent, a security deposit, a mortgage payment, or utilities.

As of July 14, 2026, the state lists maximum payments of $450 for one month of rent, $700 for one mortgage payment, and $300 for utilities. The payment is available once in a 12-month period for an eligible household.

The household must have at least one dependent child under age 18 living at home. It must also meet income and asset rules. The state says one payment must be enough to solve the immediate crisis, and the family must show how it will pay future rent, mortgage, or utility bills.

Use the DWS assistance portal to start an application and manage the case. Save the confirmation and respond quickly if DWS asks for more proof.

Other short-term provider funds

DWS also funds TANF Family Housing through approved local providers. It may support deposits, rent, utility costs, mortgage payments, or back payments after a provider finds a one-time crisis. This is not one direct statewide cash application, so ask 2-1-1 or Community Action which local provider handles it.

ASMOM’s Utah emergency guide gives more starting points for urgent family needs.

Shelter and local housing help

Utah’s Office of Homeless Services does not place people directly. Its homeless services page tells people seeking help to contact 2-1-1 for a provider near them.

When calling, explain where you slept last night and what will happen tonight. Say whether children are with you and whether you need a family shelter, domestic violence shelter, motel referral, transport, or help avoiding homelessness.

Community Action agencies may offer rent or deposit help, utility programs, weatherization, budgeting support, or local referrals. Use ASMOM’s Community Action guide to prepare questions before you call.

Section 8 and housing authority waitlists

The Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8, helps an eligible household rent from a private landlord. Public housing and project-based vouchers are different. They are tied to a housing authority or property.

Salt Lake County

The Housing Connect status page says its Housing Choice Voucher, project-based voucher, Rental Assistance Demonstration, and public housing lists are closed and not accepting applications as of July 14, 2026.

Housing Connect does not provide emergency housing. Check its affordable properties and return to the status page for future openings.

Utah County

The Utah County application page says its Section 8/HCV and Mainstream 5 waiting lists reopened on June 1, 2026. It also says its owned-housing waiting lists remain open. A separate portal is used for each path.

If you need a paper application or disability accommodation, the authority lists 801-373-8333. Check whether Provo or another local housing authority also serves your location.

Other Utah areas

Use HUD’s housing authority locator to find public housing agencies. Ask each authority which lists are open, whether local preferences apply, and how to request a reasonable accommodation.

ASMOM’s Section 8 guide explains waitlists, inspections, rent shares, and common voucher scams.

Affordable rentals without a voucher

Some properties have reduced rents or income limits even without a portable voucher.

Use the HUD Resource Locator to find possible housing and nearby public housing agencies. HUD warns that the locator does not show current vacancies or manage property waiting lists, so call each property yourself.

Utah Housing Corporation also has a multifamily project map showing housing developments around the state. Use it to build a contact list, not as proof that a unit is open.

HEAT, utilities, and weatherization

Utah’s HEAT energy program helps eligible low-income households with home energy costs. Income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, the household must pay home energy costs, and at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.

The program year runs from October 1 through September 30 or until federal funds are gone. Households with a person age 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a child under age 6 may apply beginning October 1. General applications begin November 1. This means the program is in its application period on July 14, 2026, if funds remain.

If a shutoff is close, contact a local HEAT office and ask about crisis help. Bring energy bills, proof of all household income from the prior month, and other documents the office requests.

Ask for a referral to the weatherization program, which may reduce energy use and improve safety. ASMOM’s Utah utility guide and LIHEAP guide explain more ways to deal with energy bills.

If food costs are pulling money away from rent, use ASMOM’s Utah SNAP guide for a separate food-benefit path.

Eviction, legal help, and discrimination

This section gives general information, not legal advice. If you receive an eviction notice or court papers, read them right away and get help. Do not assume that an aid application will stop a court case.

The Utah Courts tenant page explains the eviction process and links to self-help resources. Take pictures of the housing problem and save your lease, notices, payment records, repair requests, and messages.

Utah Legal Services provides plain-language eviction information and may screen eligible people for legal help. Contact help quickly because court deadlines can be short.

If you believe a landlord, seller, or lender treated you unlawfully because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, family status, disability, or another protected reason, use the Utah fair housing page to review the complaint process.

ASMOM’s Utah legal guide gives more state legal resources. If abuse is involved, use the Utah safety guide from a safe device when possible.

Help for homeowners and buyers

If you own the home

Contact the mortgage servicer as soon as a payment may be late. Ask about loss mitigation or a repayment plan.

If you want to buy

Utah Housing Corporation’s homebuyer program page lists current mortgage and down payment options, including deferred assistance. These programs are loans tied to a mortgage, not automatic grants.

For eligible first-time buyers purchasing a newly built, never-occupied home, the new-construction program may provide a loan of up to $20,000. The official page lists a purchase-price cap of $450,000 and says funds remain available until depleted. A buyer must qualify for a Utah Housing mortgage through a participating lender.

CDCU down payment help may be available to approved buyers as a deferred loan, with terms based on the funding source. Funding is limited, so complete counseling and ask what is open before making an offer.

ASMOM’s Utah homebuyer guide explains purchase programs and the difference between a grant, deferred loan, second mortgage, and shared-appreciation help.

Documents to gather

Keep paper and secure digital copies in one folder. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you organize the file.

What to do if help is denied or delayed

Read the notice and find the exact reason. Common reasons include a closed list, missing proof, income limits, an uncovered cost, or no funds.

• Ask for the decision and review instructions in writing.
• Send missing proof through the method named by the agency.
• Save every confirmation, email, letter, and case number.
• Ask when you may reapply or check the list again.
• Ask 2-1-1 whether another agency covers the same need.
• Contact legal aid when housing or court deadlines are involved.

ASMOM’s denied benefits guide explains how to organize notices and follow up. Each housing authority, court, DWS program, and charity has its own review rules.