If you’re pregnant and in need of financial support, there are resources for you. At CompassCare, we can provide information about family services to support you through this time. We consider it our obligation to help pregnant women understand that they have options and support, and we strive to empower you with information and referrals to meet all your needs.
Resources for Pregnant Women in an Immediate Crisis
If you are in an immediate crisis, such as if you are temporarily in need of housing, there are resources available. The Catholic Charities of NY offers a listing of emergency housing options, food resources, family support, assistance for immigrants and refugees, and more. You can also check out the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter in New York City. This organization can connect you to resources so that you can find a place to sleep, meals, and housing transition services. For non-emergency needs, and for information on available NYC programs and resources, call 311.
Pregnant women also have access to programs such as the NYC Nurse-Family Partnership and WIC. The Nurse-Family Partnership connects income eligible first time mothers to a free nurse who can provide information and guidance throughout pregnancy until the child’s second birthday. WIC provides women, infants, and children with benefits for food and nutrition needs. Their Vendors Listing includes groceries, pharmacies, and farmers’ markets.
Safe Families NYC connects the community to local churches with the goal of keeping children safe and families together. There’s also an entire division of New York social services for parents called Children’s Aid NYC. This program strives to stabilize families and includes a resource for Intimate Partner Violence.
For childcare needs, the Salvation Army has programs and locations throughout the city. Avail NYC offers parenting support through classes, mentorship, and resourcing.
The Father’s Heart Ministries, a soup kitchen open Saturday mornings, also offers legal advice, ESL and GED classes, and social service referrals. If you need help with material resources for your baby like diapers, blankets, and clothes, we are able to put you in contact with several agencies that provide maternity and baby supplies. You can contact us to learn more.
Healthcare Assistance for Pregnant Women
There are many healthcare assistance programs in New York that are designed to help you. For medical care, there are:
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for these programs often depends on the program, income level, family size, and specific circumstances. The application process is designed to be accessible, with online portals and local offices ready to assist applicants in navigating the requirements.
Child Support
Your child has two parents. Even if you were never married, you are not legally obligated to incur the total cost of raising a child alone. This is especially true if you’re in a financially strenuous situation. If only one parent is living with the child, the other parent may be legally required to contribute funds. Child support, which can be attained through a legal process, may be an option available to you. This is not intended to be legal advice. Seek legal assistance.
How do I emotionally process financial hardship through pregnancy?
Financial hardship is extremely difficult. We consider it our job to help you understand that you have options and support available to you, even during financial hardship through your pregnancy and motherhood. The fact of the matter is that there’s a lot of people who want to help, starting with us. Contact us today.