Housing Assistance for Single Moms: 11 Programs That Help Pay Rent and Find Emergency Housing

The rent is due, your children need groceries, and your bank balance is nowhere close to covering everything.

You have already delayed purchases, cancelled subscriptions and stretched every dollar. Yet the numbers still refuse to work. Now you may be wondering how long you can keep your apartment—or where you and your children will sleep if you lose it.

First, understand this: needing housing help does not make you irresponsible or unsuccessful. One lost job, medical emergency, separation, childcare problem or unexpected car repair can push a one-income household into crisis.

However, housing assistance for single moms can be difficult to navigate. There is no single national application that automatically finds every available benefit. Some programs help with monthly rent, while others provide emergency shelter, subsidized apartments, security deposits, utility assistance or temporary cash support.

Therefore, the strongest approach is not to apply for one program and wait. Apply through several channels at the same time.

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This guide explains where single mothers can find legitimate housing assistance, how the major programs work, what documents to prepare, what to say when calling for help and what to do when waiting lists are closed.

Table of Contents

Need Housing Help Right Now? Start Here

Your first step depends on how urgent your situation is. Use the table below to find the right starting point.

Your current situation	What to do first	What to request
You and your children have nowhere safe to sleep tonight	Call 211 or your local homeless-services hotline	Family shelter intake, coordinated entry and emergency placement
You are leaving an abusive home	Contact a confidential domestic violence service from a safe device	Safety planning, emergency shelter and relocation assistance
You received eviction or court papers	Contact legal aid and local rental-assistance programs immediately	Eviction defense, rent relief and landlord mediation
You are behind on rent but have not received court papers	Call 211, your local community-action office and housing department	Homelessness prevention and emergency rental assistance
You need permanently lower rent	Contact every housing agency serving your area	Section 8, public housing and project-based housing
You can pay rent but cannot afford a deposit	Contact coordinated entry and local charities	Security-deposit and move-in assistance
Your electricity or gas may be disconnected	Contact your utility provider and local energy-assistance office	Shutoff prevention, payment plans and energy assistance

If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911. A normal housing application is not designed to handle an active emergency.

Is There Special Housing Assistance for Single Moms?

Most federal housing programs are not exclusively reserved for single mothers.

Instead, eligibility is generally based on household income, family size, citizenship or eligible immigration status, disability, age, homelessness, domestic violence and local housing priorities.

A single mother with dependent children may qualify as a family. Furthermore, extremely low income, homelessness, displacement, disability or domestic violence may qualify the household for a local preference.

A preference can sometimes move an applicant ahead of people who do not meet that priority. However, it does not guarantee immediate housing or approval. Every local housing agency establishes its own selection rules within program requirements.

Do not reject yourself before applying.

Working does not automatically make you ineligible. Living temporarily with relatives does not always disqualify you. Likewise, you do not necessarily need to be sleeping outside before requesting homelessness-prevention assistance.

Explain your situation accurately and allow the program to determine whether you qualify.

11 Housing Assistance Programs for Single Moms

The following options serve different needs. Some provide long-term rental support, while others are designed for emergencies or temporary financial problems.

1. Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, helps eligible low-income households rent homes in the private market.

A voucher may be used for an eligible apartment, townhouse or single-family home. The local housing agency pays a portion of the approved rent directly to the landlord, while the family pays its calculated share.

The tenant’s portion is often based around 30% of adjusted monthly income. However, the exact amount depends on household income, deductions, utility responsibilities, the agency’s payment standard and the rent charged for the selected home.

If you choose a home costing more than the payment standard, you may have to pay the difference. When initially leasing a home, the tenant’s share generally cannot exceed 40% of adjusted monthly income.

How to apply for a housing voucher

Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally. You must apply through a public housing agency with an open waiting list.

Do not stop after contacting the office in your city. Search for every housing agency serving your county, neighboring counties and any other location where you could realistically live.

Ask each agency:

Is the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list open?
Can I apply online?
Can nonresidents join the waiting list?
Do you use local preferences?
Are project-based vouchers managed separately?
How will you contact selected applicants?
Must I update or renew my application periodically?
Can I join a notification list for future openings?

Applying to multiple waiting lists is important because one agency may have a closed list while another is accepting applications.

If you apply outside your current community, ask about residency and portability rules. A new voucher holder who did not live in the issuing agency’s jurisdiction when applying may be required to lease within that area during the first year.

What happens after you receive a voucher?

Receiving a voucher does not mean you have received an apartment. You must still find an eligible home before the voucher’s search period expires.

The housing agency will usually examine:

Whether the rent is reasonable
Whether the unit fits the approved bedroom size
Whether the landlord completes the required paperwork
Whether the property passes inspection
Whether your expected share is affordable under program rules

Begin searching immediately. If you cannot find an eligible home before the deadline, request an extension in writing before the voucher expires.

2. Public Housing

Public housing provides affordable homes operated by local housing agencies. Available properties may include apartments, townhouses and single-family homes.

Rent is generally calculated using household income and program rules, making public housing a potential long-term solution for single mothers who cannot afford market rent.

Public housing and Section 8 are not the same program. More importantly, they may not use the same waiting list.

Apply for both whenever possible.

Some agencies maintain one general public housing list. Others require separate applications for individual properties, locations or bedroom sizes.

Before applying, ask:

Must I choose specific properties?
Can I join more than one property list?
Are any bedroom sizes available sooner?
Does the agency use local preferences?
How often must I update my information?
Is there a separate application for public housing and vouchers?

Never assume every public housing development has the same waiting time. A popular location may have a long list, while another suitable property may have fewer applicants.

3. Project-Based Voucher Housing

Project-based voucher assistance is attached to a particular apartment or development.

With a regular Housing Choice Voucher, the tenant searches for a participating home. With project-based assistance, the subsidy remains connected to the designated property.

This difference can create another opportunity for a single mother seeking affordable housing. Some project-based properties maintain waiting lists that are separate from the general Section 8 list.

Contact your local housing agency and individual affordable-housing properties. Ask whether they offer:

Project-based voucher units
Separate property waiting lists
Family-sized apartments
Applications accepted directly by the property
Preferences for homeless or displaced families

If you move out of a project-based unit, the rental assistance normally remains with that property. Depending on the applicable rules and availability, eligible tenants may later request tenant-based assistance after meeting program requirements.

Do not turn down project-based housing simply because the subsidy is initially tied to the apartment. It can provide stability while you rebuild your finances.

4. Privately Owned Subsidized Apartments

Some privately managed apartment communities receive government support in exchange for offering reduced rents to qualifying households.

These properties are not always managed through the main housing authority. Therefore, you may need to find participating developments and apply to each one directly.

Rent structures vary. In some properties, a tenant’s rent is based on income. In others, the apartment has a reduced fixed rent, but the applicant must earn below a specified limit.

When contacting a property manager, ask:

Is rent based on my income or set at a reduced amount?
What income limits apply to my household size?
Are utilities included?
Is the waiting list open?
Can I apply directly to this property?
Is there an application fee?
Which bedroom sizes are available?
How often must applicants update their information?
Are there separate lists for subsidized and nonsubsidized units?

Apply to several properties. A single application leaves your housing future dependent on one waiting list.

5. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Apartments

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties offer apartments at rents restricted for qualifying households.

These apartments are often less expensive than comparable market-rate housing. However, the rent is not necessarily calculated as a percentage of your personal income.

Instead, properties typically establish income limits and restricted rents based on the area, apartment size and affordability level assigned to the unit.

That distinction matters. A single mother may meet the property’s income limit but still find the monthly rent unaffordable.

Before paying an application fee, ask for:

The exact monthly rent
Estimated utility costs
Required minimum income
Maximum household income
Security-deposit amount
Application and screening fees
Available bedroom sizes
Current waiting time
Credit and rental-history requirements

A tax-credit apartment can be an excellent option for a working single mother who earns too much for deeply subsidized housing but cannot afford normal market rent.

6. Emergency Family Shelter and Coordinated Entry

If you and your children do not have a safe place to sleep tonight, a Section 8 waiting list will not solve the immediate problem.

Contact 211 or your community’s homeless-services system and ask for family shelter intake and coordinated entry.

Coordinated entry is a local process used to assess people experiencing—or at risk of—homelessness and connect them with available housing services.

Depending on your location, circumstances and available resources, you could be referred to:

Emergency family shelter
Temporary motel assistance
Transitional housing
Rapid rehousing
Homelessness-prevention assistance
Permanent supportive housing
Security-deposit assistance
Housing-focused case management

Beds and funds may not be available when you first call. If that happens, ask three questions:

Where should I call next?
When should I check again for an opening?
Can I complete coordinated entry or join a placement list today?

Use this phone script:

“Hello, I am a single mother with ___ children. We do not have a safe place to sleep tonight. We stayed at ___ last night, but we cannot remain there. I need family shelter intake, coordinated entry and any emergency placement available in my ZIP code. If you cannot place us, please tell me which agency I should contact next.”

Do not simply ask whether the organization “helps single moms.” Describe the actual emergency. Clear details allow the representative to identify the correct service.

7. Rapid Rehousing

Rapid rehousing helps families experiencing homelessness move into permanent rental housing.

Unlike long-term rental subsidies, rapid-rehousing assistance is normally temporary. Its purpose is to remove immediate barriers, help the family enter a home and support a transition toward paying rent independently.

Depending on the local program, assistance may include:

Apartment-search help
Application fees
Security deposits
First month’s rent
Short-term rental assistance
Moving expenses
Landlord negotiation
Utility deposits
Case management

Rapid rehousing is often accessed through coordinated entry, an emergency shelter or a participating local organization. Direct applications may not be accepted.

When speaking with an intake worker, ask specifically about rapid rehousing. A general request for “housing grants for single mothers” may not lead to the correct referral.

8. Local Emergency Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention

The nationwide pandemic-era emergency rental assistance program is no longer a continuing federal benefit. However, cities, counties, states and nonprofit organizations may operate their own rent-relief or eviction-prevention programs when funding is available.

These local programs may help with:

Past-due rent
Limited future rent
Utility arrears
Late charges
Security deposits
Moving costs
Landlord mediation
Eviction-related legal assistance

Funding can open and close quickly. Apply as soon as you realize you cannot pay—not after the situation reaches its final deadline.

Prepare to provide:

Your lease
A rent ledger
Proof of household income
Identification
An eviction or late-rent notice
Information about the financial emergency
Contact information for your landlord
Utility statements, when applicable

Use this call script:

“I am a single mother with ___ children, and I am behind by $___ in rent. I received a notice dated ___. I am still living in the apartment and want to prevent eviction. Are any homelessness-prevention, rent-arrears or landlord-mediation programs currently accepting applications?”

Submitting a rent-relief application does not necessarily stop an eviction case. Continue responding to court documents and contact legal aid immediately if a case has been filed.

9. Domestic Violence Housing Assistance

A single mother escaping domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking may qualify for confidential housing and safety services.

Possible assistance includes:

Confidential emergency shelter
Safety planning
Transportation to a safe location
Transitional housing
Rapid rehousing
Relocation assistance
Legal advocacy
Help obtaining protective orders
Emergency transfers from assisted housing

If an abusive person monitors your phone or computer, use a safer device whenever possible. Avoid saving plans, addresses or phone numbers where they could be discovered.

You do not necessarily need visible injuries before seeking help. Emotional abuse, threats, stalking, financial control and forced isolation can also create a dangerous housing situation.

When calling, say clearly that the housing crisis involves domestic violence or stalking. Describing it only as a relationship problem may prevent the representative from recognizing the confidential services or legal protections that could apply.

If you already live in federally assisted housing, ask about emergency-transfer rights and protections against being denied or evicted because of abuse committed against you.

10. Transitional Housing for Single Mothers

Transitional housing provides temporary accommodation combined with services intended to help residents move toward stable, independent housing.

Some programs specifically serve single mothers, pregnant women, young parents, survivors of domestic violence or families experiencing homelessness.

Support may include:

Temporary furnished or unfurnished housing
Financial coaching
Employment preparation
Education assistance
Childcare referrals
Transportation support
Parenting resources
Counseling
Savings requirements
Permanent-housing preparation

Transitional housing is usually local. A program operating in one city may not accept applicants from another area, and participation requirements can be strict.

Ask:

Which families qualify?
How long can residents remain?
Is there rent or a program fee?
Can I continue working or attending school?
Are there age limits for children?
Is childcare available?
Must applicants be referred by another organization?
What happens when the program ends?

Read the rules carefully. A good transitional program should create a realistic path toward permanent housing—not merely postpone another crisis.

11. Rural Rental Assistance

Single mothers living in eligible rural communities may find affordable apartments through rural housing programs.

Participating properties may offer reduced rents or rental assistance to qualifying tenants. Availability depends on the property, household income, location and available funding.

Do not assume “rural” means living on a farm or far from civilization. Some small towns and communities outside major metropolitan areas may qualify.

Contact participating properties directly and ask about:

Family apartments
Current vacancies
Income restrictions
Rental assistance
Waiting-list procedures
Security deposits
Utility responsibilities

Before relocating for cheaper housing, calculate the entire cost of living there. Lower rent can be cancelled out by unreliable transportation, limited childcare, fewer jobs or long trips to medical appointments.

Other Benefits That Can Make Rent Easier to Pay

Housing assistance does not always arrive as a rent check.

Reducing other household expenses can protect money for rent and prevent homelessness.

Energy Assistance

Energy programs may help eligible households pay heating or cooling bills, restore disconnected service or prevent a shutoff.

Apply before service is disconnected whenever possible. Inform the agency if your household includes an infant, someone with a disability or a person with a temperature-sensitive medical condition.

Temporary Cash Assistance

Eligible low-income families with children may receive temporary cash benefits. Program names, benefit amounts, time limits and work requirements vary by state.

Ask whether your state also provides emergency payments, diversion assistance, relocation help or security-deposit support.

Childcare Assistance

Childcare assistance can help a mother remain employed or attend approved education and training. Even if the benefit does not pay rent directly, reducing childcare expenses may free hundreds of dollars for housing.

Food Assistance

Food benefits can reduce grocery costs and protect rent money. Do not ignore food assistance because your immediate fear is housing. A complete stability plan must reduce pressure across the household budget.

Weatherization Assistance

Weatherization improvements may reduce future energy expenses by addressing insulation, air leaks and other efficiency problems in eligible homes.

Renters may need the property owner’s participation, so ask about requirements before applying.

Can a Single Mom With No Income Get Housing Assistance?

Yes, a single mother with no income may qualify for certain programs. However, having no income does not guarantee immediate housing, a free apartment or priority over every other applicant.

You may be asked to complete a zero-income declaration and explain how your household currently pays for food, transportation, clothing and other necessities.

Programs may also ask about:

Cash assistance
Child support
Unemployment benefits
Disability benefits
Contributions from relatives
Informal or temporary work
Savings and other assets

Answer honestly. Failing to disclose income or household support can lead to denial, repayment demands or loss of assistance.

Even households with no income may face minimum rent, utility charges, security deposits or other costs. If you receive subsidized housing and cannot afford the required minimum rent, ask about a financial-hardship exemption.

A mother with no income should pursue several resources simultaneously:

Emergency shelter or homelessness prevention
Public housing and voucher waiting lists
Cash assistance
Food benefits
Childcare assistance
Energy assistance
Employment support
Child-support services, when appropriate and safe

The goal is not merely to obtain an apartment. It is to build enough financial stability to remain housed.

How to Apply for Housing Assistance as a Single Mother

A strong application strategy requires organization, persistence and honest documentation.

Step 1: Identify Every Housing Agency You Can Use

Search for agencies serving your city, county and nearby jurisdictions.

Ask each one about:

Housing Choice Vouchers
Public housing
Project-based vouchers
Affordable properties
Waiting-list notifications
Local preferences
Emergency referrals

Do not assume your city has only one relevant agency.

Step 2: Apply to Multiple Programs

Apply for every suitable option instead of trying to predict which one will respond first.

Your active applications might include:

Three housing authorities
Five project-based properties
Six subsidized apartment communities
Two tax-credit properties
One local rent-relief program
One transitional housing program

More legitimate applications create more possible routes to stable housing.

Step 3: Create a Housing Application Folder

Gather commonly requested documents before an opportunity opens.

You may need:

Government-issued identification
Social Security cards or numbers
Birth certificates
Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status
Pay stubs
Bank statements
Tax returns
Benefit letters
Child-support records
Custody documents
Your current lease
A rent ledger
Eviction notices
Utility shutoff notices
Proof of homelessness
Disability-related documents, when applicable
Landlord contact information

Keep copies of everything. Do not surrender original documents unless an authorized office specifically requires them through a secure process.

Step 4: Track Every Application

Create a simple table containing:

Information to record	Why it matters
Program or property name	Prevents confusion
Application date	Proves when you applied
Confirmation number	Helps staff locate the application
Contact person	Makes follow-up easier
Phone number and email	Keeps communication organized
Status-check instructions	Prevents unnecessary calls
Update deadline	Protects your place on the list
Username information	Prevents loss of online access
Documents submitted	Helps resolve missing-document claims

Save confirmation emails and take screenshots of completed online applications.

Step 5: Keep Your Contact Information Updated

A housing agency may remove you from a waiting list if it cannot reach you.

Report changes to your:

Mailing address
Phone number
Email address
Household size
Income
Disability status, when relevant
Housing situation

Do not assume updating one program updates every application. Contact each agency and property separately.

Step 6: Follow Up Without Harassing the Office

Ask how and when applicants should check their status.

Some programs discourage frequent calls but require annual or periodic updates. Follow the official process and record every response.

Use this script:

“Hello, I applied for ___ on ___, and my confirmation number is ___. I am calling to confirm that my application remains active and that you have my current contact information. Are there any documents, updates or deadlines I need to address?”

Step 7: Appeal an Incorrect Denial

Read the entire denial notice immediately.

The notice should explain why the application was denied and how to request a review or hearing. Deadlines can be short.

Possible errors include:

Income assigned to the wrong person
Missing documents that were already submitted
Outdated household information
Incorrect criminal-history information
Failure to consider a disability-related accommodation
Notices sent to an old address

Submit your response in writing and keep proof that it was delivered.

How to Find a Landlord After Receiving a Housing Voucher

A voucher has an expiration date, so begin your housing search immediately.

Ask the Housing Agency for Leads

Request a list of landlords or properties that have recently participated in the voucher program. Also ask whether the agency offers housing-search assistance.

Understand the Payment Standard

Before viewing homes, learn the payment standard for your approved bedroom size. A property can be within the advertised voucher range but still be unaffordable after utilities are included.

Prepare a Rental Packet

Keep these items ready:

Identification
Proof of income
References
Voucher documents
Previous landlord information
Funds for permitted application fees
A short explanation of any correctable rental-history problem

Explain the Voucher Clearly

A landlord unfamiliar with the program may believe it creates unreliable payments. Explain that the housing agency pays its approved portion directly to the landlord after the lease, inspection and paperwork requirements are completed.

Avoid Homes Unlikely to Pass Inspection

Serious plumbing, electrical, heating, window, smoke-detector or structural problems can delay approval. Do not waste limited search time trying to persuade an owner to repair a severely neglected property.

Request an Extension Before the Deadline

If you are actively searching but cannot locate a suitable home, request additional search time in writing before the voucher expires. Include a record of landlords and properties contacted.

What to Do When Section 8 Waiting Lists Are Closed

A closed voucher list does not mean every housing option is closed.

Take these steps:

Register for official reopening notifications.
Ask about public housing separately.
Ask about project-based voucher properties.
Contact subsidized apartment communities directly.
Search for tax-credit apartments.
Apply through housing agencies in nearby jurisdictions.
Call 211 about homelessness prevention.
Request coordinated entry if you are homeless.
Contact transitional housing programs.
Apply for energy, food, cash and childcare benefits.
Check again regularly because waiting-list status can change.

Do not pay someone for a “special Section 8 application.” No broker can sell guaranteed approval or a place at the front of a legitimate waiting list.

Common Housing Assistance Scams Targeting Single Moms

Scammers know that housing emergencies create fear and urgency.

Be suspicious when someone:

Guarantees immediate Section 8 approval
Charges for access to a secret waiting list
Requests payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency
Refuses to provide a verifiable office address
Pressures you to pay before seeing a property
Requests banking passwords
Promises a government grant without an application
Contacts you through an unofficial social media account
Claims you must pay to keep your place on a waiting list

Application fees may be legitimate when applying to a privately managed property. However, verify the property, fee and application process before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Assistance for Single Moms

Housing programs differ by location, income and funding. These answers provide a reliable starting point, but the administering agency makes the final eligibility decision.

What housing assistance can a single mom receive?

A qualifying single mother may receive a housing voucher, public housing, subsidized rent, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, deposit assistance, local rent relief, energy assistance or temporary cash benefits.

Do single mothers automatically qualify for Section 8?

No. Eligibility generally depends on household income, family size, citizenship or eligible immigration status and local program rules. Single motherhood alone does not guarantee approval.

How can I find emergency housing tonight?

Call 211 or your local homeless-services hotline and request family shelter intake and coordinated entry. If domestic violence is involved, contact a confidential survivor service from a safe device. Call 911 if you face immediate danger.

Is there free housing for single mothers?

There is no universal program that provides every single mother with a free apartment. Some emergency shelters do not charge residents, while subsidized programs can reduce rent significantly. Minimum rent, utilities or deposits may still apply.

Can a working single mom qualify for housing assistance?

Yes. Employment does not automatically disqualify you. Eligibility depends on total household income and the limits used by the program or property.

Can I get housing assistance with no job?

You may qualify, but zero income does not guarantee immediate approval. You may need to document your lack of income and explain how current expenses are being covered.

Can housing assistance pay a security deposit?

Some rapid-rehousing, homelessness-prevention, transitional and local charitable programs help with deposits or other move-in costs. Standard housing vouchers do not automatically cover every deposit.

Can I apply for Section 8 in another county or state?

You may apply to multiple agencies with open waiting lists. However, local preferences and first-year leasing requirements can affect where a new voucher may initially be used.

How long does it take to receive housing assistance?

Emergency services may respond quickly when space and funding are available. Voucher, public housing and subsidized-property waiting lists can take months or years.

Can I receive help before an eviction is filed?

Yes. Ask about homelessness prevention, local rental assistance and landlord mediation as soon as you fall behind. Early action gives programs more time to intervene.

Will applying for rent assistance stop an eviction?

Not automatically. Continue responding to every court notice and contact legal aid. An assistance application does not necessarily pause legal deadlines.

Can I get help if I am staying with relatives?

Possibly. Explain whether the arrangement is temporary, overcrowded, unsafe or about to end. The program will determine how your situation fits its eligibility rules.

Does child support count as income?

Child support received may be counted as household income. Report it accurately and provide the requested documentation.

Do I need good credit for subsidized housing?

Rules vary. A housing agency may approve assistance while a private landlord separately checks credit and rental history. Ask whether negative information can be explained or reconsidered.

What happens if my income changes after I receive assistance?

Report the change promptly. Your housing agency or property manager may recalculate your rent. Failure to report income can threaten your assistance.

Can a landlord refuse a housing voucher?

The answer depends on state and local law. Some jurisdictions prohibit discrimination based on lawful sources of income. Contact local legal aid or a fair-housing organization if you suspect illegal discrimination.

Can college students receive housing assistance?

Student eligibility can involve additional rules, especially for people under a certain age who are not veterans, married, parents or otherwise independent. A single mother attending college should still apply and disclose her full circumstances.

Are home-buying grants available for single mothers?

Home-buying assistance is generally based on income, location and first-time-buyer status rather than motherhood. Local programs may help qualifying buyers with down payments or closing costs, but they do not usually provide a completely free home.

What should I do if my housing application is denied?

Read the denial notice, identify the appeal deadline and request a review in writing. Submit documents showing why the decision is incorrect or why an accommodation should be considered.

How often should I check a housing waiting list?

Follow the agency’s instructions. Some lists require periodic updates or annual confirmation. Contacting the office too often may not help, but missing a required update can cost you your place.

Take the First Step Today

Searching for housing assistance while raising children alone can feel exhausting. You may call several offices and hear that funding is gone, the shelter is full or the waiting list is closed.

Do not let the first rejection become the end of your search.

If you have nowhere safe to sleep, begin with emergency family shelter and coordinated entry. If you are facing eviction, contact legal aid and local homelessness-prevention programs immediately. If your rent is permanently unaffordable, apply for vouchers, public housing, project-based housing and subsidized properties at the same time.

Keep records of every application. Save every confirmation number. Update your contact information. Follow up before deadlines.

Most importantly, do not feel ashamed about asking for help. Taking action to secure a safe home is not failing your children. It is protecting them.