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Chances are you are either losing your mind trying to figure out how to work from home with kids around, or out of a job altogether and terrified about the future.
You are not alone. I am in it with you, as are tens of millions of other single moms around the globe. The thing about single moms is that 100% of us have been through some serious real life in the past. You got through that mess, and you will get through this one, too. The upside is that everyone else is in a similar situation, so the social-pariah factor that single moms often deal with is less this time around. That is a powerfully good thing.
Below is a list of 12 hardship grants for single mothers and also 5 resources to help you shore up your finances.
Wealthysinglemommy’s grant for single moms: $500 Monthly Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom, no strings attached.
The Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant has one goal: Give a hand to single moms struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness and loneliness.
1. You're a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Here are links to sources of emergency cash and other resources for single mothers that could help get you through this crisis:
Grants for single moms to buy a house
College grants for single moms
Single Mom Stimulus Grant Winners:
Beautiful update: I have received a total of $7,000 in anonymous donations from *four* sources, boosting the number of grants we were able to distribute by 14!
For example, this email is from a mom who asked to remain anonymous, and financed two bonus emergency grants that were distributed:
My husband and I are expecting a small stimulus check. We didn't expect one based on our income, and given that we are both lucky enough to keep our jobs and be able to do them from home, we've decided we'd like to donate it and sponsor two single moms for $500 each. If this were a few years ago I'd be in a very different position, and my husband remembered my struggle when we were dating plus what it would have been like for his single mom when he was a kid.
The grant was originally weekly. All told, since March 26, 2020 we have given out $30,000 (updated April 25, 2022).
Maria Caudillo Delgado, in Austin, Texas, came to the U.S. from Mexico fleeing gang violence when she was 17, now she has three kids ages 8, 4, and 8 months old. She's currently a Legal Permanent Resident here but wants to take citizenship classes and learn English to be able to help her kids in their own education. She just began renting her own apartment in January, was sustainably working in housekeeping but due to COVID-19 they furloughed most hotel workers. The money would help her pay her rent during this crisis and help her focus more on the future rather than worry about the present. Maria is a client of the family shelter Posada Esperanza.
Marquita Thomas, Wilmington, Del. mom of two, who lost her social services admin job to cancer, then a school bus admin job to coronavirus.
Ida Ndoye, a Bronx, New York mom of two: “I need the $500 now to buy diapers and food for my children for the next weeks, until I can get a response for food stamps.
“I used to work as a nanny in Greenpoint (Brooklyn). Due to the pandemic, my employers are now working from home. Being a full-time nanny, they offered me two weeks pay to help until things resume to normal. That was back on March 12th. Not being a citizen, I won’t receive any part of the stimulus check. I am thankful for the food pantry in my neighborhood which helps me with food and few diapers here and there for my infant.”
Bailey MacIntosh, mom of one, in Dayton, Ohio: “My father, who was a main source of help, committed suicide a few years ago. My stepfather is fighting a rare salivary gland cancer, and I am trying to take the strain off my mother. I am a certified chef, and I do independent contract work at a catering company that is now closed due to Covid-19. I tried to get unemployment but because I am an independent 1099 employee I am ineligible, leaving me with 0 income. Anything will help right now.”
Jasmine Isby, mom of one, Tupelo, Miss.: “Currently, no daycares or schools are open due to Covid-19 and my son isn’t able to watch himself, he’s only four years of age. My job [manufacturing] is forcing parents in this predicament to take a leave of absence with no pay and no eligibility to obtain unemployment and rent is almost due along with a light bill.”
Adonai Foster, mom of four in Beloit, Wisc.: “I'm behind on rent and bills and it's only me and my kids — and which one graduates in June of 2020. I'm a crew member at KFC, and due to Covid my hours were cut, so it's hard to stay a float working only 20 hours a week for $9.50 per hour.”
Tanika Hunter, mom of one in Baltimore, Md.: “I have been out of work since mid-March; I have been denied for food stamps and I live in a school district that does not have enough laptops to provide the students. My honor roll student has to rely on doing homework from my cell phone. She has vision problems and it is extremely hard for her to see the work. I do not want her grades to slide due to lack of resources.”
Tanya Domingos, mom of two, formerly a waitress, in Fall River, Mass.: “I get unemployment but that barley gets me through. I got kicked off SNAP because of my unemployment benefits so money is getting tighter. I don't drive so I have to pay for taxis, and my son is autistic so he has special appointments he has to go to.”
Vinneshia Covington, mom of two, Burlington, S.C.: “We recently moved cities, so for the first time in 6 years my children and I can have a home again. I got a job at Hardee's part-time. I walk 2 hours every day to and from work but it's worth it to finally be a little out the water, but I need help with bills.”
Christina Mills, mom of 1, Knoxville, Tenn.: “I am a foster mom of a precious 6-year-old son. I am now in the process of adopting him and we are both very excited! Finances have been tight as I rely on Social Security benefits. I do work as a petsitter, that came to a screeching halt with the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Jessica Morgan, mom of 3, Pennsgrove, N.J.: “My children are 5, 2 and 4 months and I am struggling to afford all their necessities. Due to Covid-19, I can not work because it is not safe for me or my children for me to work as a self-employed housecleaner.”
Andrea Weed, mom of 1 in Puyallup, Wa., lost her new business as a home daycare provider when the virus hit: “With the $500, I can pay for groceries and clothes for my 5-year-old.”
Brandi Snyder, mom of 4 in Council Grove, Kan., a store room attendant who lost her job: “I can't seem to get ahead because I never seem to make enough money, and I've been struggling so long that it feels like I can't breathe! If I could just get even a little bit of help I know we'll be OK, and maybe I can even be someone that my children will be proud of someday!”
Jasmine Sanders, mom of 1 in Las Vegas, is out of work as a Uber and Lyft driver: “I need to pay rent, keep our lights on, and have my car I order to get around. I have no income coming in at all and it’s so stressful.”
Tiara Jenkins, mom of 1 in Iowa City, Iowa: A para-educator who was laid off in March, she wrote: “Starting a summer job as a traveling CNA, but my car's transmission needs replacing to get back and forth or I won’t be able to keep this job.” Her Facebook profile name is “Tiara HighlyMotivated Jenkins.”
Da'Janee Chaney, Bronx mom of a newborn wrote: “I need $500 to help pay for my backed-up utility bills, get summer clothing for myself and my baby, and to get at least a big pack of diapers and some baby wipes. I'm currently in a job-placement program, I'm looking to get my GED and then go to college.”
Erikka Johnson, expecting mom with two daughters in Grand Rapids, Mich., whose hours as a direct-care worker were reduced: “I'm facing eviction due to working very low hours. With everything going on my girls and I can't afford to be homeless.”
Amanda Scott, mom of three in Oxford, Miss., lost her work as an office manager and waitress to Covid-19: “I'm raising two teenage boys and a 7-year-old daughter alone, but I'm giving it my best. All three need new clothes just in case school starts back. I'm trying the hardest I have ever to keep a roof over our heads and keep moving forward.”
Kay Zuanshi, 19, Starbucks barista in Greenville, S.C. “I'm raising a 7 month old independently. COVID has made it impossible to pay bills alone, as my hours have been cut drastically.”
Olivia Jeffers, mom of 5, and a chef in Hephzibah, Ga. “I have been unable to provide the basic necessities to maintain my home, or support my children being that I am unable to work and my vehicle is holding me back due to lack of maintenance and funds.”
Ashley Pratt, mom of 2, Pittsburg. “I am a single mom of two struggling to get unemployment after my job as an insurance appointment setter was eliminated. I don't have a drop of gas in my car or a dollar to my name. I'm literally going to McDonald's to steal napkins for toilet paper.”
Sharae Dillingham, mom of 4 in Indianapolis. “My car broke down and i just moved to this city. I lost my job.”
Britney Robertson, Houston nurse and mom of 1: “Although it is great that places are closing or making adjustments to help curve the spread of Covid, closing is not an option for hospitals. This money would help with childcare which has proven to be difficult due to childcare facilities closing and the fear of contracting Covid from others.”
Evangellene Torres, Jacksonville, Fla., mom of 2 who cares for her mom, who has Lupus: “I had to take a leave of absence when someone tested positive for Covid-19. Taking care of a 1-year-old and a 6-year-old, and my mom with health issues is a lot. I currently work at Home Depot and they cut my hours to 16 hours per week. I’m running out of options.”
Tiffany Hunter, Cocoa, Fla, nurse and mom of 3: “I have been furloughed due to the rise of Covid cases at my facility. On top of that I have to quarantine due to the fact I am Covid-positive. I have applied for unemployment and I have my daughter, my mother and also my nephew that moved with us 3 months ago due to his mother losing their place. The DCF worker has not been responding since they placed him with us, therefore we get no assistance as of now. I need help, the bills are still rolling in, and I have no income to pay them. I feel like I am losing control.”
Nicole White, mom of 3 in Akron, Ohio: “Had to stop work as a cleaner when our country hit a Level 4. I have 3 kids, and 2 have disabilities. I've been fighting for social security for two years now. My parents passed when I was young so I have no one to turn to.”
Francine Simplice, Jacksonville, Fla. “My son has 8 allergies at age 2 and I need help with money to buy food. I don't qualify for assistance. I'm also pregnant and the father left me. I worked in customer service, but I'm on disability because if postpartum depression.”
Ashanti Durham, mom of 1 in Los Angeles, who lost work as a special ed paraprofessional substitute: “I am currently homeless in need of basic necessities for my 2-year-old. Also need money for apartment application and or security deposit for apartments.”
21 parent control apps for 2022
Juanita Madden, pregnant mom of 2 in Nashville whose hours as a dog groomer were slashed: “I've had loss of income due to Covid, found out I was pregnant then recently my fiance passed away and I'm trying to do everything myself. This would help me keep my hope that things will get better.”
Patrice Marlow, North Charleston, S.C., mom of 3 lost work when Covid closed the restaurant where she was a server, and her income was limited by lack of child care.
Connie Papayani, mom of 5 and medical biller in Islip Terrace, N.Y. “My landlord needs his house back by October and I had less than $200 in income in June and July. No money in savings. Feeding kids on food stamps.”
Chianae Tihoe of Oakland Park, Fla., single mom of one who last her job as a Victoria's Secret manager due to store closure. “I'm behind in rent and being harassed with eviction,” she said. “Unemployment benefits in Florida are $119 per week that you may or may not get.”
Shakayla Johns, mom of two in New Orleans, who is unable to work as a hair stylist during lockdown. “I’m struggling every single day. My fridge is empty, I don’t get any type of assistance from the government, my electricity bill is past-due $1,000, and I’m afraid when Covid is over I’m going to loose everything.”
Renita Stokes, Grand Prairie, Texas mom of three. “I just moved my kids from Memphis to Texas in June, and then I got laid off due to Covid. I've been trying to figure out what to do. I've been denied for SNAP and trying to figure out what to do. Everything has been extremely overwhelming.”
Kaytee Currie, of Baytown, Texas, is a mom of two and caretaker of the elderly. “Any money I can get goes towards an apartment or rental home so my kids and I don't have to crash at family members' houses.”
Kenyetta Jones, mom of 2 in Savannah, Ga., who lost hours at a supermarket when the pandemic hit. “I need a place for my kids and me. I’m only 22 taking care of twins and sick parents with a minimum wage job.”
Ashley Watkins, mom of 3 in Declo, Id. “I was a babysitter, gig worker, freelancer. Now I am unemployed and trying to compete for work with millions of others and losing. I'm behind on every single bill I have. I don't even have enough money to winterize our home.”
Jessica Fail, mom of 6 in Molino, Fla. “I had a bad car accident and was out for a while, during which the company moved overseas. At the same time my marriage was ending so myself and my children moved in with my granny so we could rebuild our lives and I could keep an eye on her. I am trying to find a job but my car needs a new tire. I also have no way to get the kids winter clothes.”
Shavon Anthony, mom of two in Fayetteville, N.C. “I work full-time as a CNA. I do home health. I work by the hour. I have only one client. If he gets sick and ends up in the hospital, I don't get paid. My client is sick and back in the hospital again, so I'm not getting paid. I have no savings.”
Nika Porter, mom of 6 in Madison, Wisc. “I was an assistant manager for McDonald's for 9 years, but I lost my job due to the pandemic because I had no one to watch my children because school shut down. If it weren't for those new eviction laws we would be homeless right now.”
Charlee Stones, mom of 2 boys, ages 2 and 2 months, in Ely, Nevada. “I just paid rent for December it was the last of my savings. I'm not sure what I'm going to do for January or other bills. I am a custodian at a hotel and casino, and lost my job when Covid hit, and am now struggling to find child care. I am lucky they are holding my job for me, but as of now I have no income and bills are piling up.
Elizabeth Cargle, mom of 4 boys in Hogansville, Ga. “I recently become homeless and I am trying to keep my little family together. I was working in retail at a Family Dollar but they closed the store due to Covid.”
Tiffany Miller, mom of 1 in Fort Lee, N.J. who also cares for her mother. “I was a bartender and I lost my job because of Covid. I learned to sew and for awhile I was selling masks and now I make kids tshirts for birthdays but I'm still looking for a real job. I pretty much gave up on paying for unimportant bills but I need to pay my rent and I need to make sure I have internet and electric so my daughter can attend virtual school.”
Bailey Peterson, mom of a baby, in Wilmont, Wisc., whose hours as a server have been cut due to COVID: “I’m a new mom doing the best I can for my baby by myself and I’m not able to afford child care for all the days I work, let alone anything else the baby needs. I could really use the extra help, as my child’s father is incarcerated and unable to contribute anything.”
Kya Johnson, Indianapolis mom of 1 says: “My child and I are currently being evicted and have nowhere to go, no cosign, no anything to get us in a new place. My job is working from home for myself and making crochet garments to sell.” See her creations here.
Elizabeth Barden, a Philadelphia mom of 3 wrote: “I need to be able to continue to provide for my family. We had an electrical house fire on January 30th, 2021 and lost everything. I work as a bus attendant. My job was important when school was open but since the pandemic, everything has been rough.”
Angel Heston, mom of one in Shelby, N.C., is an Amazon Fulfillment Center picker, an essential employee. “My son and I are living in an Extended Stay Hotel that I pay $358/week for, until I get my tax refund. We are literally a few dollars from homelessness every week, and a lot of time go without things we need, just to have a roof over our heads.”
Lorena Moreno, mom of three in Houston. “My rent is due today, though the office gives me till the 3rd to pay it without late fees. “Last year I lost my insurance job due to having COVID while I was 4 months pregnant with my little one. When I was finally negative they did not want to hire me back because I was already 5-6 months pregnant. I tried applying everywhere but due to my pregnancy nobody would call me back. I also did side gigs as a vocalist, but due to the protocols from COVID I hardly had any gigs.”
Chiquita Jackson, mom of two in Palm Beach, Fla. where she is a bus operator. “I have to move out of my apartment because it was ordered not safe for me and my kids by my local city my landlord was served with violations.”
Chaya Sanchez, mom of two in Tucson, Ariz., who also cares for her brother and her mom who is struggling with cancer and stopped working as a Door Dash driver and house cleaner to care for her kids and mom during the pandemic. “I really need the money because I'm stressed thinking how can I get money for rent, child care and household expenses. With my mom sick and brother not having work it's hard.”
Brandy Pearson, mom of 6 and receptionist in Memphis, Tenn. “I am behind on rent and have an eviction notice, they went up on my rent and it is too much for me. I am trying hard to keep my 2 sets of twins and 2 older girls under a roof.”
Paige McGriff, mom of 2 in Oskaloosa, Ia., says her hours working as a server at a pizza restaurant have been cut from 30 hours per week, to 14 hours. “I am struggling to pay my $750 rent (2.5 months past due and utilities while I continue to stay on the waiting list for Section 8 housing. Since my kids' father was fired from his job 3 months ago, I haven't been receiving child support, which contributed to a big part of my monthly income. I am unable to work more because I do not have childcare available in my area due to the massive surge of the Delta variant and my kids' father refuses to help care for the kids so that I can work more.”
Demetria Mayo, a mom of 5 in Huntington, W. Va., says while she has help through living in low-income housing, she needs help finding a car for work since her work as a hair stylist has been reduced. “I'm a good mother,” she wrote in her application.
Jessica Lark, mom of 2 in Gainesville, Ga., caregiver for her infant daughter who has cystic fibrosis and short gut syndrome. She wrote: “I'm not able to work because my daughter requires a lot of attention. She spent 10 months of her life in the hospital. I need a 4-door car to get her to her doctor's in Atlanta. My daughter, son and I are currently staying in one small bedroom at my mom’s house.”
Shawnika Miller, mom of 3 in Columbus, Ohio: “​​I am mom to three children and detail cars for work. Each morning, I walk my kids .8 miles to and from school, plus a mile to the grocery store with a wagon. I detail cars while the kids are in school with the baby since I have no help to watch him. I struggle to get enough work to keep all bills paid, but my kids are so amazing and they know mom does everything to make it happen.”
Rachael Geurts, mom of 2 in Modesto, Calif., lost her warehouse job because of COVID: “On top of COVID, I fractured my elbow and can barely use my right arm, which puts me out for my main areas of work. I have past due bills and rent and a 4-year-old about to start Head Start who needs a backpack and supplies. My 13-year-old girl needs new clothes.”
Nicole Rudolph, mom of 4 in La Center, Ky., who ​​cleans and sanitizes houses: “I'm struggling to provide for my children's needs and pay the bills. I have two kids in diapers and a baby girl on the way that I have to provide diapers for as well. My two older kids need internet service to be able to do homework at home on their computers because of COVID.”
Kaylee Baker, mom of 6 in Oil City, Pa., caretaker for her oldest daughter who has several special needs and requires 24/7 care: “We're almost out of necessary daily hygiene products with five girls in the house. We ran out of laundry soap and garbage bags three weeks ago.”
Aaquasha Jones, mom of 1 in Pittsburgh, Pa., who also takes care of her younger sisters. “I lost my mother, brother, and grandma three months apart from each other. I’m dealing with social anxiety and depression while also trying to start real estate school and become a doula while raising my daughter and little sisters. This money will help me get caught up on bills and lighten the load while I’m in between jobs.”
Ashley Gonzalez, mom of 2 in Brooklyn, N.Y., who works at McDonald’s and attends school full time at Brooklyn Community College. “My car broke down and unfortunately I currently work paycheck to paycheck. My car is the only way I’m able to take my kids to school and get to school and work on time. Please if I could show desperation through a message, I would.”
Jekera Scott, mom of 3 in College Park, Ga., who babysits to make ends meet with her kids in tow. “We are literally checking out of a hotel that I pay for on a daily basis. I just need to get at least a day ahead so I can start saving.”
Bethany Price, mom of 3 in Gulfport, Miss., who does online grocery shopping at her local Walmart Supercenter from 5 AM to 2 PM Sunday through Thursday. “I'm trying to get a home for my children, mother and myself. We were evicted due to the pandemic and currently living with my sister and her family. There are 15 people in our household.”
Jacyntha Todd, mom of 3 in Greensboro, N.C., who works through a temp agency as a quality auditor at a computer company. “I’m struggling to make ends meet and pushing myself at work to work as much overtime as they allow. My car payment and rent are late, and I am spending a lot of money on gas right now because my daughter's doctors appointments are in another county. I have applied for food stamps, but I think if they count my overtime as my income, I make too much to qualify.”
Coneia Batey, mom of 2 in Nashville, Tenn., who works as a cashier at Wendy's and is a nursing student at Nashville State Community College. “I'm a single mother who is literally doing it all. Although I'm employed, unfortunately the pay isn't enough to cover all my bills, diapers, food, and gas, plus I have work that needs to be done on my vehicle.”
[Previously, this was a monthly $1,000 Kickass Single Mom Grant, which celebrated single moms doing incredible things in the world. You're still doing incredible things in the world, but the world is very different today, so the program changed.]
Grants for single moms to buy a house
Operation HOPE Home Buyers Program helps low-income home buyers through FDIC-approved loans, down payment assistance and first-time buying assistance.
The Chenoa Fund is a government-chartered organization that provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for those with a FICO Score of 620 or higher. If your income is less than 115% of your area’s median income, and you make your mortgage payment on time for 36 months, the mortgage is forgiven. If you make more than 115% of your area’s median income, the downpayment assistance must be repaid.
Community Seconds is a Fannie Mae-approved second mortgage that allows you to use the funds available from state and local governments as well as housing nonprofits to put together a down payment, get help with closing costs and even complete minor renovations.
HomePath properties are Fannie Mae-owned homes offered to the public at a discount after the previous owner defaulted on a Fannie Mae-owned mortgage. These mortgages come with low down payments, renovation loan eligibility and closing cost assistance of up to 3% of the home’s purchase price.
More on government housing programs and grants for single mothers
How to sell a house for cash fast (and without a Realtor)
College grants for single moms
First, check Sallie Mae's database of grants, emergency cash and scholarships for single moms and women. The site has 6 million programs with rewards totaling $30 billion.
Ford Opportunity Program helps single moms who live in Oregon or Siskiyou County in California pay for up to 90% or $40,000 per year.
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting offers scholarships of up to $16,000 aimed at women who are primary sources of support for their families. Single moms definitely meet that criteria.
Bernice Murray Scholarship for single parents who are residents of Vermont, demonstrate financial need, and will use the funds for child care expenses. Up to $4,000
Bethel Foundation Grace Scholarship Fund for single mothers are part- or full-time students, for up to $1,500 per semester.
Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship at the University of Utah for students enrolled in the university’s College of Education or Department of English. $1,000 to $2,000.
Should parents help their children pay for college?
Databases of grants for single moms
This is a deep resource of hardship grants for single mothers, financial aid, emergency cash, financial assistance and other help for single mothers and their children.
This site has a comprehensive list of grants for individuals, artists, small businesses and nonprofits — including hardship grants for single moms.
Other ways to find helpful and free resources for low-income families and individuals in this post.
Whether you’re looking for a free gift for Christmas or other holidays, a child’s birthday party or you want to reward your kids for a good semester at school, there are ways to get free toys all year long.
We put together a list of easy ways to get free toys for kids at any time. The best part? You don’t even have to leave your home to get toys from some of the free toy programs on this list. Plus, you might even be able to get paid for sharing feedback about the toys you receive.
Other ways to find helpful and free resources for low-income families and individuals:
Help for single moms: 16+ resources
Scholarships for single moms
Best jobs moms can do from home
Free and low-cost prescriptions
Government assistance for single moms
10+ charities that help single mothers
Tutoring and homework help
Free or low-cost after school programs
Free or cheap dental care
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Wealthysinglemommy.com founder Emma Johnson is an award-winning business journalist, activist, author and expert. A former Associated Press reporter and MSN Money columnist, Emma has appeared on CNBC, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, TIME, The Doctors, Elle, O, The Oprah Magazine. Winner of Parents magazine’s “Best of the Web” and a New York Observer “Most Eligible New Yorker," her #1 bestseller, The Kickass Single Mom (Penguin), was a New York Post Must Read. As an expert on divorce and gender, Emma presented at the United Nations Summit for Gender Equality and multiple state legislature hearings. More about Emma's credentials.