- 1). Sign up for WIC -- the Women, Infants and Children program. This organization is set up in all 50 states and provides pregnant mothers and mothers with children under the age of 5 with vouchers for free milk, cheese, peanut butter, eggs, cereal and much more. WIC will even provide mothers with formula if they are not breastfeeding.
- 2). Apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) at your local Social Services office. TANF provides a monthly cash stipend for low-income families, as well as single moms who have no income at all. This money can be used to pay the rent. While you are at the Social Services office, you can also apply for food stamps and help with the utility bills through their energy assistance programs. Oftentimes, this is done all on one application.
- 3). Find a food bank near you and stop in during their operating hours to request food. Some food banks only distribute food once per month, and others are open once per week. You can use the food bank even if you were approved for food stamps. One program may not meet the entire needs of the family so it is best to utilize both.
- 4). Sign up for rental assistance. Many counties have a waiting list for rental assistance, but the sooner you get your name on the list, the sooner you can begin receiving help. Depending on your county, you may get help for some or all of your rent.
- 5). Contact churches in your area to see if they would be willing to help. Many churches have a benevolence fund set up to help individuals and families in need. Most likely you won't get a monthly check, but you may be able to get help with a month or two of rent. This can help tide you over until the other programs kick in. The church may also have a food pantry.
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