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housing assistance in wyoming

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Wyoming

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in Wyoming

Last updated: August 2025

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


Main Points

  • Emergency rental assistance is available through Community Action Agencies across all 23 Wyoming counties
  • Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) help pay up to 70% of rent, but waiting lists average 7 months statewide
  • USDA rural home loans offer below-market interest rates with no down payment for eligible rural areas
  • LIEAP utility assistance provides up to $2,176 for winter heating bills and $550 for crisis assistance
  • Income limits vary by program – most serve families earning 50-80% of area median income
  • Multiple programs can be combined for maximum assistance

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call Wyoming 211 at 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance and shelter referrals.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact your local Community Action Agency for crisis utility assistance up to $550.

Need food assistance right now? Find your county’s food resources at No Hunger Wyoming.

In danger from domestic violence? Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (307) 755-5481 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Emergency Housing Assistance

Community Action Agencies Emergency Assistance

Wyoming has Community Action Agencies serving all 23 counties that provide emergency rental assistance, utility help, and basic needs support. These agencies are your first line of defense against homelessness and often have faster processing times than federal programs.

What they typically cover:

  • Emergency rental assistance (amounts vary by county)
  • Security deposits for new housing
  • Utility payments and deposits
  • Emergency food and clothing
  • Transportation assistance

Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 1-2 weeks for emergency situations.

Major Community Action Agencies:

Community Action of Laramie County

Community Action Partnership of Natrona County

  • Serves: Natrona County (Casper area)
  • Website: capnc.org
  • Phone: (307) 235-9200
  • Address: 200 N Center, Casper, WY 82601

Campbell County CARE Board

  • Serves: Campbell County (Gillette area)
  • Address: 500 S. Gillette Ave, Gillette, WY 82716

Reality check: Community Action funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served. Don’t wait if you’re facing eviction – apply immediately. Each county may have different assistance amounts and eligibility requirements.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

The Emergency Solutions Grant program is administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services and provides funding for homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing services.

What it covers:

  • Rental assistance for homeless or at-risk families
  • Security deposits and first month’s rent
  • Emergency shelter costs
  • Housing search and placement services
  • Case management and supportive services

Who’s eligible: Families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, with priority given to those with children and extremely low incomes.

How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency, as they often administer ESG funds locally. You can also call the Wyoming Homeless Services Program at (307) 777-7564.

Wyoming 211 Information and Referral

Wyoming 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service available 24/7. Call 2-1-1 from anywhere in Wyoming to get connected with local emergency assistance, shelter, food pantries, and other resources.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government’s largest rental assistance program. In Wyoming, very low-income 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 $27,550 $16,530
2 people $31,450 $18,870
3 people $35,400 $21,240
4 people $39,300 $23,580

Note: These are statewide averages. Income limits are higher in areas like Jackson and Teton County. Check with your local Public Housing Authority for exact figures.

Priority groups:

  • Families experiencing homelessness
  • Families with disabilities
  • Elderly households (62+)
  • Families paying more than 50% of income for rent

Application process:

  1. Check if waiting lists are open at Affordable Housing Online
  2. Contact your local Public Housing Authority
  3. Complete application when waiting list opens
  4. Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards, and rental history
  5. Complete eligibility interview and background check
  6. Wait for voucher availability
  7. Attend voucher briefing when called
  8. Find qualifying rental unit within timeframe given
  9. Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: According to recent data, households spend an average of 7 months on waiting lists before receiving a voucher in Wyoming. Many housing authorities periodically close their waiting lists when they have more applicants than they can serve. Currently, only 3 Wyoming housing authorities have open waiting lists.

Major Wyoming Housing Authorities

Wyoming Housing Commission

  • Serves: Multiple counties statewide
  • Website: Check HDS Queue system for waiting list status
  • Important: Their waiting list is currently CLOSED as of August 2025

Housing Authority of the City of Cheyenne

Public Housing

Public housing developments are owned and operated by local housing authorities. Rent is typically 30% of adjusted income, and utilities may be included.

Pros:

  • Lower cost than Section 8 in some areas
  • On-site management and maintenance
  • Some properties offer supportive services

Cons:

  • Limited locations throughout Wyoming
  • Long waiting lists
  • Less choice in neighborhoods

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025

Area 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
Casper $675 $825 $1,089 $1,289
Cheyenne $699 $849 $1,142 $1,342
Laramie $657 $847 $1,089 $1,289
Rock Springs $573 $729 $967 $1,167

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

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

LIEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills through the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

Benefits Available (2025-2026 Season)

Source: Wyoming LIEAP Program and LIHEAP Clearinghouse Data

Benefit Type Amount Range Crisis Amount
Regular Heating $49 – $2,176 Up to $550
Weatherization Up to $12,000 N/A

Application periods:

Income eligibility: Households with income up to 60% of Wyoming’s state median income. Priority given to households with elderly (60+), disabled, or children under 5.

Processing time: Regular applications typically processed within 2-3 weeks. Crisis assistance applications are handled within 18 business hours.

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for utility account holder
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent utility bills showing past due amounts or disconnect notices
  • Proof of income for previous month for all household members 18+

How to apply: Applications are only accepted online at lieapwyo.org during the application period. For assistance, call (800) 246-4221 or email lieapinfo@wyo.gov.

Wyoming Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps reduce energy costs for low-income households by making homes more energy efficient. Services are provided at no cost to eligible applicants.

Services include:

  • Insulation installation and upgrades
  • Air sealing and weatherstripping
  • Heating system repairs and replacements
  • Water heater improvements
  • Health and safety improvements

Savings: Households typically save 10-35% annually on home heating bills.

Eligibility: Same income guidelines as LIEAP. Priority given to elderly, disabled, and homes with children under 5.

Homeownership Programs

USDA Rural Development Programs

Section 502 Direct Home Loans

The USDA Section 502 program helps low-income families buy homes in rural areas with no down payment required.

Key features:

  • No down payment required
  • Fixed interest rates (rates vary, check current rates with USDA)
  • Payment assistance available to reduce monthly payments
  • Up to 33-year terms (38 years for very low-income applicants)

Eligibility requirements:

  • Income at or below low-income limits for the area
  • Unable to obtain conventional financing
  • Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area (check eligibility at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov)
  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

Wyoming USDA Rural Development Contacts:

  • Statewide: (800) 670-6553
  • State Office: 100 East B Street, Room 1005, Casper, WY 82601

Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants

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

Available assistance:

Grant eligibility: Must be 62 or older and very low-income. Grants must be repaid if property is sold within 3 years.

Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) Programs

WCDA has been Wyoming’s leading resource for housing finance for almost 50 years. They offer several homebuyer programs:

Programs available:

  • Low-interest first-time homebuyer mortgages
  • Down payment assistance programs
  • Homebuyer education and counseling
  • Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs

Contact WCDA: (307) 265-0603 or visit wyomingcda.com

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

Council of Community Services (CCS) – Gillette

The Council of Community Services operates emergency and transitional housing in Campbell County.

Services include:

  • Emergency homeless shelter
  • Daily meals through soup kitchen
  • Food pantry assistance
  • Case management services
  • Housing assistance programs

Contact: (307) 686-2730 Address: 114 S 4J Road, Gillette, WY 82716

Reality check: CCS is currently facing federal funding cuts and launched a fundraising campaign in May 2025 to offset $188,000 in lost federal hunger program funding. Services may be impacted by funding limitations.

Cooperative Ministry of Emergency Assistance (COMEA) – Cheyenne

COMEA provides emergency shelter and transitional housing services in Laramie County.

Emergency services:

  • 5-day emergency shelter stays
  • Basic needs: bedding, meals, showers, toiletries, clothing
  • Case management for first-time residents

Transitional Living Program:

  • Studio apartment rentals for 6-24 months
  • Residents pay portion of monthly income as rent
  • Case management and independence planning

Contact: Check current contact information through Wyoming 211 as websites may have changed

Seton House – Casper

Seton House assists single mothers and their children facing homelessness.

Services:

  • Fully furnished apartments for families
  • Educational programs and life skills training
  • Case management and empowerment services
  • Learning center and children’s programs
  • Up to 30 apartments available

Contact: (307) 234-7404

Domestic Violence Housing

Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence

  • 24/7 Hotline: (307) 755-5481
  • Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, safety planning
  • Statewide network of domestic violence programs

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

Wyoming has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, but these resources provide affirming support:

Local resources:

  • Contact Wyoming 211 and specifically ask about LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers
  • University of Wyoming LGBTQ+ Resource Center: May have referrals for supportive housing

National resources:

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

Tribal-Specific Resources

Wind River Indian Reservation

The Wind River Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, has specific housing resources:

Wind River Housing Authority

  • Serves tribal members on the reservation
  • Provides affordable rental housing and homeownership programs
  • Contact: (307) 332-6355

HUD Indian Housing Programs

  • Available to enrolled tribal members nationwide
  • Contact HUD’s Office of Native American Programs: (800) 955-2232

Tribal TANF Programs

  • Both tribes operate their own TANF programs with housing assistance components
  • Contact tribal social services departments directly

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

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

Transportation assistance:

  • Contact local Community Action Agencies for gas cards or transportation vouchers
  • Some agencies provide transport to essential appointments
  • Volunteer driver programs available in some counties

Service delivery:

  • USDA Rural Development programs specifically serve rural areas
  • Mobile services available from some Community Action Agencies
  • Telehealth and virtual support services increasingly available

Internet access for applications:

  • Public libraries offer free internet and computer access
  • Some Community Action Agencies assist with online applications
  • Wyoming LIEAP assistance line can help with online applications

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:

Resources by Region

Southeast Wyoming (Cheyenne-Laramie Area)

Community Action of Laramie County

  • Emergency rental assistance, utility help, case management
  • Crossroads Healthcare Clinic for homeless and low-income families
  • Phone: (307) 635-9291
  • Website: calc.net

Housing Authority of the City of Cheyenne

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing
  • Currently accepting applications (check current status)
  • Website: cheyennehousing.org

Central Wyoming (Casper Area)

Community Action Partnership of Natrona County

  • Emergency services, transitional housing, case management
  • Phone: (307) 235-9200
  • Website: capnc.org
  • Address: 200 N Center, Casper, WY 82601

Seton House

Northeast Wyoming (Gillette Area)

Council of Community Services

Campbell County CARE Board

  • Community Services Block Grant programs
  • Address: 500 S. Gillette Ave, Gillette, WY 82716

Northwest Wyoming (Cody-Powell Area)

Wyoming Department of Family Services Field Offices

  • Contact local DFS office for area resources
  • Statewide toll-free: (800) 457-3659

Southwest Wyoming (Rock Springs-Green River Area)

Contact Wyoming 211

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

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

According to current data, households spend an average of 7 months on waiting lists before receiving a voucher in Wyoming. However, wait times vary significantly:

  • Urban areas (Cheyenne, Casper): 6-18 months
  • Rural areas: 3-12 months
  • Statewide average: 7 months

Currently, only 3 Wyoming housing authorities have open waiting lists. Many periodically close when overwhelmed with applications.

What if my income is too high for very low-income programs but I still struggle with rent?

Look into these options:

  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties: Serve families up to 80% Area Median Income
  • Community Action emergency assistance: Some agencies help working families in crisis
  • USDA rural programs: Have higher income limits than HUD programs
  • WCDA programs: First-time homebuyer programs with moderate income limits

Contact Wyoming Community Development Authority at (307) 265-0603 for programs serving moderate-income families.

Can I get help if I’m living in my car or staying with friends?

Yes, you’re considered homeless under federal definitions. This actually gives you priority status:

  • Priority for Section 8: Homeless families receive preference
  • Emergency Solutions Grant: Specifically designed for homeless families
  • Rapid rehousing services: Available through Community Action Agencies
  • Immediate shelter: Call Wyoming 211 for emergency shelter referrals

What if I have bad credit or past evictions?

Don’t let this stop you from applying:

  • Community Action emergency assistance: Usually doesn’t require credit checks
  • USDA rural programs: Focus on ability to pay, not perfect credit
  • Section 8: Housing authorities may consider negative history but often allow explanations
  • Credit repair: Some Community Action Agencies offer financial counseling

Is rental assistance available if I’m facing eviction right now?

Yes, but act immediately:

  • Call your Community Action Agency today: They handle eviction prevention
  • Contact Wyoming 211: Can connect you with emergency rental assistance
  • Apply for LIEAP crisis assistance: If utilities are part of the issue
  • Seek legal help: Legal Aid of Wyoming at (877) 432-9955

Processing can take 1-2 weeks for emergency assistance, so apply before you receive an eviction notice if possible.

Can I combine different programs?

Yes, you can often layer assistance:

  • Use LIEAP for utilities while receiving Section 8 for rent
  • Get emergency assistance from Community Action while waiting for Section 8
  • Apply for SNAP and WIC while receiving housing assistance
  • Access weatherization services regardless of other assistance

Each program has its own eligibility requirements, but receiving one doesn’t disqualify you from others.

What if I work but my income varies seasonally or I have irregular hours?

You can still qualify:

  • Keep detailed income records for the past 12 months
  • Programs typically use average monthly income
  • Some programs consider your situation when calculating income
  • Community Action case managers can help document irregular income
  • Seasonal workers often qualify during low-income periods

How do I find landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers?

Wyoming doesn’t prohibit source of income discrimination, so landlords can refuse vouchers. Try these strategies:

  • Contact your housing authority for participating landlord lists
  • Use HUD’s housing search tools
  • Look for properties managed by larger companies, which often participate
  • Ask your case manager about landlord incentive programs
  • Consider LIHTC properties, which often accept vouchers

What happens if I need to move to a different county or state?

  • Section 8 vouchers are portable: You can transfer them between states
  • Contact your housing authority 30-60 days before moving: To begin portability process
  • Emergency assistance varies: Programs are county-based, so rules change
  • LIEAP transfers: Must reapply in your new county
  • Give yourself extra time: Transfers can take 30-90 days

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are increasing in Wyoming: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8 or public housing. Government programs are free to apply for.

Fake rental listings: Be especially cautious in tourist areas like Jackson. Never send money before seeing a property in person.

“Guaranteed” assistance: No legitimate service can guarantee you’ll receive housing assistance or skip waiting lists.

Common Challenges in Wyoming

Limited funding: Community Action Agencies are facing federal budget cuts, meaning less emergency assistance available.

Geographic barriers: Wyoming’s large rural areas mean limited service providers and long travel times to offices.

Closed waiting lists: Only 3 housing authorities currently have open Section 8 waiting lists.

Seasonal challenges: Heating costs in Wyoming winters can be extremely high, making LIEAP crucial for survival.

Tips for Success

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

Build relationships with case managers: They know about funding that becomes available and can advocate for you.

Keep organized files: Gather documents in advance – birth certificates, Social Security cards, pay stubs, utility bills.

Have backup plans: Apply for assistance in multiple counties if you’re willing to relocate.

Use Wyoming’s small-town networks: Local churches, libraries, and community centers often know about informal assistance.

Additional Resources

Wyoming State Agencies

Wyoming Department of Family Services

Wyoming Community Development Authority

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

USDA Rural Development

Legal Aid

Legal Aid of Wyoming

Crisis and Information Services

Wyoming 211

  • 24/7 information and referral service
  • Call: 2-1-1 from anywhere in Wyoming
  • Website: wyoming211.org

Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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 Wyoming guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Wyoming Department of Family Services, Wyoming Community Development Authority, USDA, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Wyoming Department of Family Services, Wyoming Community Development Authority, USDA, and HHS 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 call Wyoming 211 for referrals to local resources.

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