Assistance for Single Moms in Idaho

Updated: Mar 16, 2022

As a single mom, I can understand the heavy weight of carrying it all.

Being a single mother isn’t an easy job. Sometimes we pretend to have it all together when in reality our checking account is overdrawn, bills are piling up, and we are physically, spiritually, and emotionally exhausted.

On top of the normal stressors of being a single parent who knew a world pandemic was not expected to hit us all so hard As we all have seen or even experienced first hand it has caused housing problems for many families, especially single mothers. Of course, any changes to your finances can make it hard to find affordable housing, even in a great economy. That is why I have put together this list of assistance options for single moms to get some additional help to be able to get back on their feet.

Food Pantries and Banks

Several food banks and distribution centers operate in Idaho and are able to provide free food and groceries as well as other forms of non-financial aid, such as clothing, to low income single moms that qualify. 208-336-9643 to contact the Idaho Food Bank.

Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP)

Destined for single moms who either work or are attending school, this program helps lower-income families in Idaho pay for their child care costs. 208-455-7106 Idaho Housing and Finance Association

The fight against homelessness and housing discrimination is an uphill battle, and the federal government weighs in by funding the Idaho housing department’s endeavor to end homelessness and supply fair and affordable housing for the low-income population of the state. Assistance is given in the form of transitional or permanent housing, as well as grants to help with other costs like rent or mortgage down payment. Read more at:https://www.idahohousing.com/

Foreclosure and Mortgage Programs

Rent help or section 8 subsidies from several HUD-affiliated housing authorities may be offered to very low-income single moms, the elderly, or the homeless. 800-955-2232 for more information on section 8 housing vouchers.

Rental Voucher in Idaho

USDA Rental Assistance The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers various programs to help families find affordable homes in rural areas. A rural area is housing that is located outside of urban areas. These programs help low-income tenants who can't pay their full rent. They help by providing payments to the property owners on the renter's behalf.

To be eligible for these programs, you must be a low or very-low-income tenant in a rural area. This is a great option for single moms looking for a home in the country. You can use the USDA website to find affordable rural rentals in your area. Emergency Solutions Grant The Idaho Housing and Finance Association also administers an emergency solution grant scheme targeted at Idahoans who have lost employment aren’t earning enough to keep up with rent payment and as a result, they’ve found themselves homeless or they are at very high risk of being homeless. This program works on an eligibility and emergency basis, so citizens whose cases are extremely urgent will be given preference. Find out if you’re eligible here:https://www.idahohousing.com/homelessness-services-programs/emergency-solutions-grants/

Social Services and Case Assistance

Low-income single mothers can receive several resources from the Idaho Department of Health. Medical bills, rent, free food, energy bills, and other financial assistance are some forms of help that are being offered. 208-454-0421 to contact the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare.

Idaho Clinics Provide Free Health Care

A free, low-cost community or health care clinic is where state residents, regardless of income, should turn to when in need. Each center offers a wide variety of medical/dental services and there are dozens of these centers spread across the state, always willing to offer a helping hand.

A number of free or low-cost services and assistance are offered by the numerous dental centers and clinics that operate in Idaho.

Treatment, prescription medications, free medical care, and other support are offered to individuals in Idaho who either lack health insurance or that have limited coverage. For uninsured families government and non-profit-administered medical assistance is made available.

CHIP

This assistance program provides low or free health insurance to both working and non-working families in an effort to help them pay for their medical bills. 877-456-1233

Access Card

Administered in partnership with Idaho insurance carriers, the Access Card is a premium medical assistance program that is meant to assist single moms with buying health insurance for qualifying children. 208-238-1171.

Access to Health Insurance (AHI)

Employees of small businesses can enroll in employer-sponsored insurance with the help of this program that will also assist their families with health care needs. Call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Medicaid Eligibility Processing Center, toll-free at (866) 326-2485 for more information on this program.

Legal Programs and Advice

Pro-bono (free) advice can be provided by the many law firms and attorneys in Idaho for dealing with a large number of legal issues and concerns. Issues such as housing, predatory loans, government programs, and family matters, are all subjects on which single moms can get free legal advice. 208-336-8980 to contact the Administration Office of Idaho Legal Aid Services. Idaho Legal Aid Services

The vulnerable population like single mothers, the elderly and low-income citizens face continuous struggles on a daily basis, and some are completely out of their hands. For instance legal aid when it comes to housing contracts or eviction procedures. Those things require a well-trained professional attorney but the truth is a vast majority, if not the entire population who earns less than the average income in the area can’t afford an attorney. That’s where the Idaho Legal Aid Services comes in, they assist low-income individuals with all the legal aspects of their housing needs. Get in touch with them at: https://www.idaholegalaid.org/node/2170/contact-us

Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI)

The main goal of the TAFI program is to provide employment opportunities for single mothers In addition to supporting and encouraging both personal and family responsibility. Those who require more than government financial aid alone are the primary focus of this program. 208-334-5500

Self-Sufficiency, Government Grants and Employment Assistance

Community action agencies can assist with short-term needs by helping single moms apply for housing, energy bills, and more. Longer-term needs such as job training, employment counseling, and educational services are also being addressed. 800-458-2791 to contact the Family Self Sufficiency Program.

Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income single moms can receive help with paying their energy and heating bills in Idaho through the numerous assistance programs made available by local utility companies. Contact the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho at 208-375-7382 to get more information on how to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The Weatherization Assistance Program

Remaining in a home that isn’t properly equipped to deal with the harshest of weather conditions like extreme cold or blazing heat can be uncomfortable and at times even dangerous to your health. The only issue is weatherization can be costly, so most low-income folks go without it. The Weatherization Assistance Program lends a hand by providing grants and loans to help families and single moms keep the heat and aircon running in their homes. To qualify for the program, you have to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1849

Operation Roundup

Single mothers can get help with both paying utility bills and other basic needs through this assistance program that is offered by many utility companies. Needs such as clothing, rent, shelter, medical costs, food, education expenses, and utility bills are the type of needs this program addresses.

The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, has several centers located in Idaho. Job training opportunities and case management as well as financial help for basic needs such as rent, energy bills, and food, are some of the things this organization can provide to those in need including:

Homeless shelters for those without a place to stay
Housing for those recently evicted
Housing for those dealing with a domestic breakup, or any other housing crisis
Permanent supportive housing for elderly and low-income individuals

Women’s and Children’s Alliance

This is a transitional home program designed for women, single mothers, and children who are currently homeless for a number of reasons. The shelter has private room facilities and common areas like a kitchen and lounge. It’s a 120-day program in which residents are not only given shelter but they are counseled on how to get back on their feed. It’s also ideal for those fleeing any form of domestic violence. Get in contact at: http://www.wcaboise.org