New Moms with Financial Struggles: Where to Get Help

Finding Hope, Resources, and Faith During Difficult Times

If you’re a new mom facing financial struggles, please know this first: you are not alone. The journey of motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when money is tight. Between the cost of diapers, formula, medical bills, and everyday expenses, it can feel impossible to make ends meet.

The good news? There is help available. Whether through government programs, Christian organizations, community resources, or the support of your church family, you don’t have to face this season alone. This guide will walk you through the many resources available to help you provide for your precious baby while finding strength in your faith.

You’re in Good Company: Joyce Meyer’s Story of Hope

Before becoming one of the world’s most influential Bible teachers, Joyce Meyer walked through her own valley of financial hardship as a young mother. Her story is a powerful reminder that God can bring beauty from ashes.

In the mid-1960s, Joyce found herself as a young mother with an infant son, trapped in a troubled first marriage. She has openly shared how she was severely depressed over her marriage and the couple’s dire financial situation. She couldn’t take care of herself and her baby, and with nobody to help her, she faced an impossible choice.

With few resources and an infant to care for, Joyce had to return to her parents’ home—a place filled with painful memories of abuse. She has described those days as a “living hell,” praying desperately: “Dear God, please let me be happy… someday.”

But God had a plan. Just months later, she met Dave Meyer, who would become her loving husband of over 55 years. Through her faith, Joyce learned that God was with her through every struggle—financial hardships, rejection, and heartbreak. As she often says: “What God orders, He pays for.”

Today, Joyce Meyer’s testimony reaches millions around the world. She openly shares: “God didn’t get me out of the situation when I was young, but He did give me the strength to get through it. He has taken what Satan meant for harm and turned it into something good.”

If you’re struggling right now, take heart in Joyce’s words: “If you’ll do what you can, God will do what you cannot do!”

Government Assistance Programs for New Mothers

Having a baby may qualify you and your family for several government benefits and resources. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to access these programs—they exist specifically to help families during challenging times.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

The WIC program is one of the most important resources for new mothers. This federal nutrition program helps low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children (birth through age 5) by providing nutritious food and vouchers, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for healthcare. You can apply at your local WIC office or visit wic.gov to find services in your area.

Medicaid and CHIP

Many families qualify for health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Many states now allow women to be covered by Medicaid for 12 months after having a baby. Visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-543-7669 for more information.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

TANF provides temporary financial assistance to help families get back on their feet. Benefits can be used for food, clothing, housing, utilities, and medical supplies. Pregnant women in their last three months of pregnancy typically qualify. Contact your local Department of Social Services to apply.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP provides low-income families with benefits to purchase groceries including bread, meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Apply at your local SNAP office or visit fns.usda.gov/snap.

Housing Assistance

If you’re struggling to find safe, affordable housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works with local housing agencies to help eligible families. The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) can help with rent in the private housing market. Visit hud.gov to find assistance in your area.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

This federally funded program helps low-income families with home energy costs, including heating and cooling bills, energy emergencies, and weatherproofing. Contact your local community outreach program or utility company to apply.

Christian Organizations That Help New Mothers

As believers, we are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Many faith-based organizations demonstrate God’s love through practical assistance. Here are some that specifically help mothers in need:

Catholic Charities

With over 160 agencies nationwide, Catholic Charities offers comprehensive support including financial aid for rent and utilities, food pantries, housing assistance, job training programs, pregnancy counseling, and family support services. Their mission is to transform lives in a respectful and dignified way. Visit catholiccharitiesusa.org to find services near you.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides much more than thrift stores. They offer emergency shelter and housing assistance, utility bill assistance, food distribution and meal programs, women’s shelters specifically for mothers and children, and their Pathway of Hope initiative helps break the cycle of poverty. Visit salvationarmyusa.org.

The Life of a Single Mom

Founded by Jennifer Maggio, a formerly homeless and abused single mother, this ministry has served over 1 million single mothers. They offer support groups in local churches across the nation, Single Mom University with 175+ online life skills classes, Christian-based case management and counseling, direct financial assistance when funding is available, and product distribution (diapers, toiletries, food). Visit thelifeofasinglemom.com.

Embrace Grace

This non-profit organization provides spiritual, emotional, and practical support to single women facing unexpected pregnancy. Their 12-week Embrace Grace program offers hope and belonging to expectant mothers, and their 20-week Embrace Life program helps single moms navigate life after baby. Churches nationwide host these programs, often including church-wide baby showers. Visit embracegrace.com.

Local Church Assistance

Don’t overlook your local church community! Many churches offer emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, food pantries and meal programs, clothing closets and baby supply donations, benevolence funds for families in crisis, childcare during church services and events, and practical help like car repairs or home maintenance. Reach out to churches in your area—even if you’re not a member. Most churches are eager to help those in need.

Other Denominations and Organizations

• Lutheran Social Services – Emergency shelters, financial support, housing programs, and mental health resources
• United Methodist Churches – Bill assistance, counseling, temporary housing, and food programs
• Episcopal Church – Meal services, financial assistance, and healthcare programs

Scripture for Your Journey: God’s Promises of Provision

When financial stress weighs heavily on your heart, turn to God’s Word for comfort and strength. These verses remind us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and promises to provide:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:31-33

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” — Hebrews 13:5

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” — Psalm 37:25

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” — 2 Corinthians 9:8

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'” — Mark 10:27

Practical Steps to Take Today

• Apply for multiple programs – Don’t limit yourself to one source of help. Apply for WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF if you qualify.
• Call 211 – Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local resources for housing, food, and emergency financial assistance.
• Reach out to local churches – Even if you’re not a member, call and ask about benevolence programs or community assistance.
• Join a support group – Organizations like The Life of a Single Mom can connect you with other mothers who understand your journey.
• Consider crowdfunding – Platforms like GoFundMe can help with unexpected expenses like medical bills or emergency needs.
• Gather your documents – Having ID, proof of income, proof of pregnancy or baby’s birth certificate, and proof of residence ready will speed up applications.
• Pray continually – Bring your worries to God. He promises to give wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).

A Final Word of Encouragement

Dear mama, if you’re reading this through tears of worry and exhaustion, please hear this: your struggle today does not define your tomorrow. Joyce Meyer went from a depressed young mother who couldn’t afford to care for her baby to a woman whose ministry reaches millions worldwide. Her story—and countless others like it—proves that God specializes in turning our darkest chapters into testimonies of His faithfulness.

Financial hardship is real and painful, but it is temporary. God sees you. He knows your needs. And He has provided resources—both practical and spiritual—to help carry you through this season.

As Joyce Meyer often says: “You may be going through a difficult situation, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. God has more for you.”

Take it one day at a time. Accept help when it’s offered. Lean on your faith community. And remember: the same God who provided manna in the wilderness, who multiplied loaves and fishes, who has sustained His children through every generation—He is your provider too.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

— Jeremiah 29:11

You’ve got this, mama. And more importantly, God’s got you.

For informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice.