If you are pregnant and homeless in Florida, you are not alone. There are Florida agencies, both public and private, who can help you. You can arrange for temporary housing. In addition, you can access social programs to help you with long-term housing and personal expenses.
You may consider adoption, which can include the payment of living expenses during pregnancy and for a period after birth.
Facing Pregnancy and Homelessness in Florida
If you are facing homelessness, know that there is housing assistance for pregnant mothers in Florida. Some organizations provide care for people in your situation. Reach out to these organizations and ask for help. In addition, you may qualify for government programs that provide cash benefits, housing help, medical care, and other assistance.
Immediate Shelter and Housing Options
Solve Homes provides residential housing at no cost during pregnancy. In addition, case managers can help you address your situation, provide counseling, and coach you with parenting, childbirth preparation, and financial planning.
In addition, Good Counsel has a list of homes for pregnant women in Florida. These homes have multiple locations in Florida and are run by various organizations. While each program has its criteria, they exist to provide housing, safety, and support to women who are expecting.
There are multiple programs to help you address homelessness. The Healthy Families Florida Program and the Homeless Prevention Grant Program can help in a stressful life situation, including homelessness. These programs can provide emergency support, including help to pay past due housing costs.
Some shelters are not specifically geared toward pregnant women. Be sure to check that shelter information is up to date.
Accessing Free Healthcare and Prenatal Services
Mothers who receive prenatal care are more likely to have a healthy baby. You may be eligible to receive free healthcare as a pregnant woman.
Qualifying expectant mothers can receive Medicaid during pregnancy and for 12 months after. If you are pregnant and homeless, you may qualify if your net income is equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Assets aren’t counted, and you don’t need proof of citizenship or a Social Security Number.
If you need immediate care, Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PEPW) can provide immediate access. PEPW can provide temporary Medicaid. The Qualified Designated Provider can determine your eligibility date. Benefits may extend for one month or until you can make a full application for Medicaid.
In addition to Medicaid, the Florida Healthy Start program can help. The program provides education and counseling and can connect you with resources.
Financial Assistance and Food Programs
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) can provide cash benefits. Even if you don’t have other children, a pregnant person may qualify for TCA. Benefits may begin in the third trimester with a doctor’s work restriction or in the ninth month of pregnancy.
Pregnancy can qualify you for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. You may qualify for a domestic violence diversion program if you are a pregnant woman needing financial assistance and are transitioning to independence from a domestic violence situation.
Considering Adoption: How It Can Provide Stability
If you are looking for assistance for pregnant mothers in Florida, one thing that you may be considering is adoption. Adoption can provide stability in multiple ways.
When you choose adoption, you select the adoptive parents and prevent removal through child protective proceedings. DCF intervention can result in the placement of the child with someone you don’t know and haven’t approved of. However, with adoption, you are in control of your child’s future.
In addition, in Florida, adoptive parents can pay for your living expenses during pregnancy.
Prospective adoptive parents can pay for your living expenses throughout your entire pregnancy and for up to six weeks after birth. This can include your rent, utilities, transportation, phone, toiletries, insurance, and clothing. It can also include prenatal care for you and your child. This support can provide stability and a plan for your child’s future.
See Florida Statutes § 63.097 for a list of approved expenses.
Contact an Experienced Adoption Resource
If you are pregnant and homeless in Florida, you are looking for options and considering your options. We understand. At Gulf Coast Adoptions, our team members spend hours talking to expectant mothers for free. If you’d like to learn more about adoption, we invite you to contact us. Learn about your options from our caring and experienced team members. Ask questions and get advice with no judgment.