Single Parenting Support Group

Today being raised by a single parent is not uncommon. About three in ten children live in a single parent home. The most common type of single parent home is one with only a mother. However, single father homes are the fastest growing type of family situation; 60% growth in the last ten years alone.

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Children's Health & Parenting
/ Single Parenting Support Group

Future Single Parent & Public Assistance.

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have worked all my life and supported one son without help from public assistance. I had an established job, home, car then.

But now I'm in the position, where I don't have alot because of my circumstances of moving to another country.

I'm back home in California, with absolutely nothing and currently almost 6 months pregnant with my unborn son. the father and I never married after a 3yr relationship.

Asking for public assistance is just another thing that attacks my self-esteem and pride, so far I have secured medi-cal for my pregnancy and counseling so I can cope with all the changes.

I've been looking for a job but it seems no one really wants to hire someone that is pregnant.

I don't even know what kind of public assistance is available for me now and when my son is born.
deleted_user
deleted_user
You should be able to get other assistance through health and human services. Also go to your local WIC office and apply there. WIC helps with food items for you during pregnancy and for the baby after he is born, it is a national orginization . Health and Human Services should be able to help with foodstamps and housing assistance. They will also help with job search info.
If I can do it at 59+ and on disability, You can do it. And if there is anything I can help with just ask

Bob
deleted_user
deleted_user
thanks Bob.

I will see if about the job search assistance.

As for the housing assistance, when I asked, they gave me a list of shelters, something I don't think is very good for mental well-being.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am a single mother of two. Both of my daughters were born in Brooklyn NY. Hospital helped me get medicaid for me and my daughters and wic. After that I called the City and asked for housing assistance because at the time my rent was 1250.00 and I wasn't able to pay that plus feed my family. I got housing assistance and some food stamps. I know it is tough to go and beg for help. I felt so humiliated waiting at line to apply for food stamps but I had to give up my pride for my daughters. They don't know how many nights I cried and how tough it was living in NY (now we live in Va and I dont need any government help since it is so affordable) Good luck to you and stay tough for your kids
deleted_user
deleted_user
thanks aquadrop.. my son is now a young adult that no longer lives with me. It's just this little one and me. But this situation is different since I'm starting from scratch.

I remember raising my son wasn't so hard because I had a good job to take care of us.

I have to give my pride up for now, which is one of the hardest thing for me to do. I feel like crying in front of them when asking for help.

I only hope that someone hires me soon.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think its a little easier to have one child at home. Are you still pregnant? If you are why would you try to go to work right away? I know it is hard to be single parent and dealing with money issues. But there is help if you need it. Public assistance can help you with rent food and also some extra cash. After your son is 3 months old then PA will help you get job if you cant do it on your own. Oh and another thing is that while you receiving PA you can also sign up for some school or training and PA will pay for it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
aquadrop, I will ask about the programs you suggested. PA doesn't consider me homeless or needing help with housing, since I live temporarily with my sister.. it seems I have to actually be homeless for them to give me help in those areas.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't remember exactly if PA will help if you live with a family member but if I were you I would blow things a little bit out of proportion. Im not telling you to lie but just to stretch the truth :) You could tell them that yeah you live with your sister but she cant be supporting you because her financial situation or whatever and because her house is to small to fit you and your newborn. I don't know. Thats just my two cents :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
i just want to say as a mum from the uk that i am so proud of you all over there. We are lucky enough to have financial and housing support where our rent is paid in full if we dont work. this is great as you can stay at home and look after your children as a lone parent we have that choice. but it brings its own problems, we have far to many people getting pregnant for more money, more bedrooms and even as a reason to not work. I take my hat off to all of you having to worry about all the big stuff as wll as thinking of your children. i think that you all do a really good job even if it does mean taking a few hand outs while you get on your feet it never is long term.
jody0385
jody0385
Look into Section 8 in your state. They will help get you into your own place even though you currently live with your sister. Sometimes (usually) there is a waiting list, but they WILL allow you to stay with your sister until your name comes up on the list. Granted they won't be helping you at your sister's but at least you'll be on a list waiting for help... Possibly she can house you until then. That will also allow you time to find a job. I'm not sure what city/county you are in, but just google Housing help or section 8 help in your city or county. It should pull something up to let you know where to go.
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