The search for housing and housing assistance can feel daunting, especially when you are pregnant. You may be concerned about where you will stay once your baby is born or how you can get connected to resources in your area. If you are feeling overwhelmed by this, you’re not alone. Many women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy are feeling the same way. The good news is that there are care services you may be eligible for.
Various grants and programs are available to pregnant women nationwide through federal and state governments, local non-profit organizations, and local charities. Each program offers different assistance options with varied eligibility requirements.
Government Housing Assistance Programs
A good place to start if you are pregnant and want to get connected to local resources is the WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children). Also, check out the Benefits Finder tool to see what assistance you may be eligible for. Your local WIC office can help get you referrals to other agencies as needed.
You can also find affordable housing through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Housing vouchers and the Section 8 Housing Program helps low-income families with rental expenses and can assist in finding housing. Get on the list as soon as you can. The wait lists for public housing tend to be long, so it is important to get your name on that list when you can. There is also Housing Counseling available through HUD that can help those eligible with their housing needs.
If you are currently homeless and pregnant, there are shelters that will accept pregnant women, even if you have other children.
Housing Assistance through Non-Profit Organizations and Charities
Maternity Housing
Maternity homes don't have a flattering history; however, they've changed a lot since the 1980s. Now it is common to find maternity homes run by upstanding people who really just want to help you get back on your feet.
Some maternity homes are privately owned, some are funded by grants from the government, and some may be run through non-profit organizations. Maternity homes provide housing and other resources for pregnant mothers. This is a temporary housing solution for pregnant women and some allow you to stay for an extended period after birth while you are locating long-term housing.
Non-profit Organizations and Charities
Many local organizations like the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities offer emergency housing assistance and other support to pregnant women and families. You can google housing assistance in your local area to find out more about the organizations in your area that offer support. You may have to make a few calls to see what you may be eligible for.
Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself
There are a lot of fantastic housing resources online. However, some people prey on women looking for housing. To insure your safety, here are something to keep in mind.
Unethical Adoption Agencies
As you search online for housing assistance for pregnant women, some common Google advertisements that you may see are “homeless & pregnant?” or “pregnancy financial assistance”. Be cautious of the advertisements as they may link directly to adoption agencies or families who are looking to adopt a baby.
If adoption planning is something you want to explore, check out She Might’s guide on 5 Things to Look For in An Adoption Professional. Leah, a birth mom and advocate, shares tips on how to find the right adoption professional for you.
Human Trafficking
Unfortunately, there is also the threat of Human Trafficking. A tip to protect yourself online is to ensure that you are on a legitimate website. When you click on a link, make sure the URL doesn't change to something else. There is a "lock" on the front of the URL bar and it will change to red or show as "unlocked" if it is an unsecured site.
If something feels “off” or you have a gut feeling, trust your intuition. Be cautious of anyone offering financial assistance for pregnant women with no strings attached.
Remember the Goal: Safe Housing for You and Your Family
These programs are in place to help you during this unexpected season. Whether you are a single mother or you have a partner, it never hurts to apply. The worst they can say is no!
Talk with your friends and family. There may be someone willing to help and allow you to stay with them temporarily. The thought of staying with your parents or other family members after your baby is born may be challenging, but you can determine whether or not this is a good idea for you and your family by exploring the pros and cons of the situation.
Remember that housing arrangements can be temporary. Just because you may live somewhere less than ideal now doesn’t mean you’ll have to live there forever. As long as you’ve secured a safe place to live, feel encouraged that you are doing right by yourself and your baby, and that you have the power to find even better housing in the future.