I am a single mother of two 7 & 3 yrs old. I am currently living at home with my mom (unfortunately), working two part time jobs and going to school part time. I am looking to relocate. I cant afford to live in this area (Washington,DC Metropolitan Area) and the job market isn't that great. If I were to move out on my own in my current state I would need some form of housing assistance which isn't what I want and it is near impossible to get without being on a waiting list.
I say all of that to say this if anyone could help me with what steps I need to take to relocate. I have started saving, apartment and job hunting in the new state but for those who have done if you could suggest any helpful tips to help would be very welcomed.
When I had to move out as a single mother I looked for another single mother with a baby to be roommates with.
My daughter, in a similar situation, was able to get into "Affordable Housing." Acceptance is based on income. It's subsidized housing, which is different than what I think you're calling housing assistance. It's not section 8 or low income housing. I think it's a Federal program. Here's a web site describing the program. http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/...
I would stay with your mom as long as you can. Get your savings built up and finish your degree. The job market will open up big time with the degree. My grandparents live in Silver Spring and I live a little more than an hour south of that in MD, so I know how expensive it is here. It sounds like you are really doing everything you can to make things work, and I applaud you for that!
Really though, don't make life harder on yourself. Stay where you can get help as long as you need it, but be keeping your eye on the end goal of getting you and the kiddo's on your own.
Can I ask wh you want to relocate? Is it only the job market?
I am very serious about education so I am going to tell you exactly what I would do in your situation.
Find a university that has full housing. Get an admittance form and apply at tons of University's. Only ones that have full housing!
I lived on campus the whole time I went to college and all my utilities were paid, phone, cable, everything I needed was paid before I received a cent of my financial aid.
Did you get that?
I had NO housing BILLS after I received my financial aid money. I only had to buy normal stuff like groceries and gasoline, car insurance, etc....those things I paid for 6 months in advance when possible. That way the next bill on them came due when I got more financial aid.
This is a great way to get an education and you don't have to ever move out as long as you are a full time student or working at the university.
I got full financial aid, full food stamps, full medical care for the kids through the state medical program and full coverage for myself through the student health center. I got on the waiting list for low income housing in the new city and within a year or so I got it. My rent went from $348 per month, all bills paid, to $16 per month, all bills paid. Seriously.
There is nothing like not working while going to school and being able to have your time free where you can actually study and make good grades.
I enjoyed going to school and working on my studies without those outside influences.
Any university in the USA would be a new adventure for your family. There is so much to experience in the world.
So right now, get your taxes done and then start sending out tht financial aid package sent in. Once you find out if you get some aid start sending off to different universities to find where you'll be accepted and can live on campus. I think you will find that you can start a whole new life this way and it is at minimal cost.
Once you've picked a place to go, contact their human resources/human services department, explain your situation, ask if a case worker can call you, and see what your options are.
In some states, you have to be a resident for -x- number of months before you can apply for assistance. That's one thing to consider. There are places where that isn't the case.
And there's nothing wrong with accepting housing assistance and food stamps, medical, etc, whatever you need...while you are working, going to school, trying to improve you life, etc...don't feel ashamed of it.
It may be that you need to save up enough to MOVE someplace first, find a job, and then apply for whatever assistance you need. I would recommend saving at least three months worth of money (to pay for rent, utilities, food, gas, everything), so you have something to fall back on in case you don't immediately find a job.
Start in a cheap apartment...once things are working well, you can always move up to something better if you can afford it.
Waiting lists are tough right now. I know in my town, the HRA quit taking applications for section-8 housing because the waiting list is currently over two years.
Good luck!
I'd suggest calling the assistance office wherever you plan on moving and talk to someone. There are many places that can help besides an assistance office. Different churches offer help too. Just explain your situation and let them know you're looking for help.
