A New Chapter: Moving Help for Low-Income Households
Each year, 13% of Americans find themselves moving.
Moving is a stressful process for anyone. In fact, it’s one of the most stressful events we may face in life. Not only is it overwhelming, but moving is also expensive, and getting the money together can seem impossible.
You may need a truck or trailer, boxes, and movers, among other things. These expenses present a challenge for any family, but especially for low-income families. Luckily, there’s moving help for low-income households.
If you’re currently struggling with finances, we’re here to give you some suggestions with this helpful guide.
Charity and Grant Assistance
There are organizations across the United States that can potentially provide moving help for low-income households. We’re here to shed some light on these organizations. Though it may take some persistence, there’s a good chance you can find some help with your move with a little legwork.
To apply for most grants, you’ll need proof of low-income. Read instructions carefully as you research different grant opportunities. Missing crucial instructions will lower your chances of receiving financial aid.
Remember it never hurts to ask for help whenever the opportunity presents itself. Even if you aren’t sure a charity or organization will help you, reach out.
You’d be surprised how many people are willing to donate money, time, and other resources.
Here are a few organizations that may be able to help with your move.
The Salvation Army
Since 1865, the Salvation Army has been lending helping hands to those in need. No matter your ethnicity, religion, or gender, you can receive assistance from this organization. They provide help with moving expenses.
Unfortunately, not everyone who applies for their grants can receive them due to limits on their resources, but it’s definitely worth a try.
Submit all required documentation in your grant application. You can use their search page to find a location nearest to you.
If you do receive a grant, you’ll want to hold on to any receipts and documentation from the move. This includes receipts for a moving truck, security deposit, and all transportation costs.
Modest Needs
For one-time grants, turn to Modest Needs. A major part of their organization is their Self-Sufficiency Grants.
These grants are for those living below the poverty level and individuals facing the possibility of houselessness. Many moves for low-income families are sudden with little to no warning. Look to Modest Needs if you find yourself in this situation.
If you’re someone living alone, an emergency responder, or a teacher, you’ll receive special consideration.
The YWCA
Focusing on women’s empowerment and the abolishment of racism, the YWCA offers assistance to low-income women. They heavily gear themselves towards women leaving home due to domestic violence situations and single mothers.
You’ll need to live close by a YWCA to receive assistance. They often work with other charities within the area to provide moving resources. In the case of a domestic abuse emergency, you can also call their hotline at 202-467-0801.
Use your zip code to find the Y closest to you.
Catholic Charities
This organization aims to rid poverty within the US. If you’re struggling with housing and other moving expenses, look at their housing programs.
They own and operate thousands of housing units across the country and work heavily with immigrants, the elderly, and formerly houseless individuals.
Catholic Charities also operates thousands of re-housing beds for temporary shelter.
Start by finding the nearest agency either by your current home or near to your future home. They often work with other local organizations to provide moving assistance.
211.org or Calling 211
By either visiting 211.org or calling 211, you’ll be put into contact with local helpful resources that can help you with housing and utilities.
United Way is this program’s supporter, which aims to help low-income families and individuals.
If you call 211, you’ll be connected with an operator to lead you to local resources. This number is helpful in any case of one-time emergencies.
FEMA’s Federal Relocation Assistance Program
Have you recently experienced major home damage due to a natural disaster? Contact FEMA to receive relocation assistance to find safer permanent housing or temporary lodging.
To receive help, your home must be uninhabitable due to a natural disaster. You’ll be required to explain the natural disaster and damage that occurred in your assistance application.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD offers grants through their homelessness prevention and re-housing program. Apply today if you’re facing eviction or cannot continue to pay rent for your current living situation.
To see if you qualify for assistance, reach out to your local emergency shelters or begin by clicking here. HUD provides funding to local agencies and shelters.
If you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, HUD has great resources. Unlike some of the other organizations listed here, they also have no religious affiliation.
Other Grant Opportunities
Beyond the above-mentioned programs and organizations, there are various other ways to receive low-income help for moving.
You’ll have to do some digging, and never forget to keep your eyes peeled for assistance offered specifically within your community.
Digging for other grant opportunities can be as simple as searching “low-income grant assistance” online, or you might try chatting with friends within your area about any opportunities they’ve seen.
Are you without a computer or internet? Check with your local public library about free internet access, or see if you qualify for Lifeline.
If You’re Working, Reach Out to Your Employer
Many companies offer relocation assistance for their employees. Speak to a supervisor if you’re staying with the company when you move as they may have some suggestions for assistance.
If they cannot directly provide financial resources, your company could have other helpful local connections.
Even receiving free boxes or easy access to a moving truck can take a load off your back.
Look to Local Churches and Community Organizations
Churches and community organizations around your area may be able to offer free moving help for low-income families.
While they may not be able to give you money, there may be other resources available, from boxes to moving help.
Connect with members of these organizations or reach out directly to a church’s administration close to you. Be transparent in explaining your situation.
Connect With University Organizations
On any given university campus, there’s a collection of philanthropic organizations looking to give back to the community around them. It will take digging to find contact information for these different organizations, but the help is worth it.
See if your local college has an organization geared specifically towards aiding low-income or houseless individuals within the area.
If not, ask an organization if they can connect you with any other local contacts.
A great place to start when looking for helpful organizations is a college’s student center. Most university campuses have central areas where administrative employees can direct calls to the correct departments. Google your local university’s student center for contact information.
When you call, you don’t have to explain your situation fully. It can be as simple as saying something like, “I’d like to learn more about community-based service organizations on your campus and how one might apply for receiving help.”
They’ll most likely transfer your call to someone who oversees philanthropic organizations for further help.
Help for People With Disabilities
Check with local government-funded organizations or at USA.gov about resources for people living with disabilities.
If you’re unsure where to start on a local level, contact a community center or City Hall to inquire about their connections with organizations that focus on accessibility and financial assistance.
You can even chat with employees at places around you, such as soup kitchens frequently visited by low-income families.
Dig Through Facebook
One of the most powerful tools we have today is Facebook. You’re able to connect with those in your community through group pages and the marketplace.
Check to see if there are group pages geared towards low-income individuals within your area. People share websites, local resources, and organization contacts. You may even be lucky enough to find a few individuals who are willing to volunteer for your move on their own time.
While on Facebook, click on the search bar at the top of the page. Start by searching phrases as “low-income moving help” or “local moving help.” Facebook will then pull up a list of possible options.
You might notice specific groups on Facebook geared towards helping local low-income families. Specific business pages may also pull up. Use the group post discussion and messaging features to connect with people.
Find Moving Help for Low-Income Families and Individuals
Many low-income families and individuals face frequent problems of houselessness, eviction, and property destruction. Costs to relocate quickly add up.
If you need financial aid, make sure to reach out to the organizations mentioned above for moving help for low-income families.
Several official charities, such as the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, offer moving assistance. You should also check with local churches and universities about programs they have available.
Most of all, hang in there and remember you won’t be moving forever, though it might seem that way sometimes. Moving turns out to be a positive change in the lives of many people. With any luck, it will be one for you as well.
If this article about moving help for low-income households was helpful to you, you may qualify for free wireless service through the federal Lifeline program. Apply today.
