Pregnant and Facing Housing Instability

If you’re pregnant and facing homelessness or housing insecurity, it may feel like your life is spiraling. Whether you’re escaping domestic violence, sleeping in a car, couch-hopping with friends, or unsure where your next meal will come from, you are in an incredibly vulnerable and difficult position.

Experiencing pregnancy under these conditions brings about emotional and physical stress that can be overwhelming. You deserve compassion, stability, and meaningful solutions. You are not alone.

This expanded guide will help you understand what options are available, offer step-by-step instructions on where to seek help, and present adoption as a compassionate, empowered choice when parenting isn’t possible. Our goal is to give you the information, encouragement, and tools you need to make confident, informed decisions.

Call 24/7 for Free Housing Help & Adoption Support
We’re here to help you explore all your options — with no pressure and no judgment.

Immediate Actions for Pregnant Individuals without Housing

Step 1: Call 2-1-1

The first step in getting help is often the simplest: dial 2-1-1. This confidential helpline is available nationwide and connects you to nearby services tailored to your location. Staffed 24/7, these trained professionals can guide you to housing, food, health care, and mental health services.

For pregnant individuals, 2-1-1 is a lifeline that cuts through confusion and gets you directly connected to what matters most.

Key Services through 2-1-1:

• Emergency and transitional housing
• Meals and food stamps/WIC application support
• Maternity clinics and prenatal care
• Transportation to essential services
• Crisis counseling and abuse intervention
• Specialized programs for young and teen moms

You can also text your ZIP code to 898211 or search resources at 211.org.

Step 2: Locate Maternity Homes and Specialized Shelters

If you’re pregnant and without housing, maternity homes can offer a safe and structured environment where you can focus on your health and future. These homes are designed to provide more than shelter—they offer dignity, resources, and stability.

Typical services include safe living spaces, access to food and hygiene products, case management, and referrals for prenatal care and mental health counseling. Residents may attend parenting or adoption classes, receive help finishing school or applying for jobs, and build a stable plan for post-birth.

Well-regarded maternity programs include Mary’s Shelter, Good Counsel Homes, Salvation Army Maternity Housing, and other faith-based nonprofits. These organizations can be reached directly or through 2-1-1.

Step 3: Prioritize Safety if You Are in Immediate Danger

If your living situation involves abuse, threats, or danger:

• Call 911 immediately
• Visit an emergency room for safe placement
• Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

Hospital social workers can help you find emergency housing, safety planning, and other services that are safe, confidential, and responsive to the urgency of your situation.

Understanding Maternity Homes: A Pathway to Safety and Stability

Maternity homes serve pregnant individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. These programs are often run by nonprofits and offer structured support with a deep understanding of pregnancy-related challenges.

Core Services:
Maternity homes typically provide a private or shared bedroom, meals, clothing, and transportation. They also offer prenatal medical referrals, mental health counseling, and parenting or adoption classes. GED preparation, college advising, and job training may also be part of the program.

Emotional support through group therapy or mentorship ensures you're not navigating this journey alone. Case managers help you create a plan to transition into stable housing after delivery.

How to Apply:
Most homes require proof of pregnancy and an interview. House rules may include curfews, participation in support programs, and community responsibilities. Many allow postpartum stays up to 6 months, helping new mothers recover, plan, and grow.

Examples of Trusted Programs:

• Mary’s Shelter
• Good Counsel Homes
• Catholic Charities
• Local transitional housing nonprofits

Choosing Adoption While Homeless or Housing Insecure

You do not need stable housing or employment to make an adoption plan. Adoption is a legal and empowering choice available to anyone, regardless of their current circumstances. Choosing adoption allows you to provide a secure and loving future for your child when parenting is not an option.

Adoption Facts to Know:

• You are always in control. You can choose the adoptive family and decide how open the relationship will be.
• It costs you nothing. Services like legal help, prenatal care, and counseling are free.
• Open adoption allows for updates and visits based on your comfort level.
• You will have access to counseling and emotional support during and after the process.

Important Reminder: Choosing adoption is not giving up. It is a thoughtful, loving decision made to prioritize your child’s well-being in a time of crisis.

How Our Agency Supports You

We are here to walk beside you. Day or night, you can reach out to our experienced staff for confidential, personalized support. We offer:

• Emergency shelter referrals and placement coordination
• One-on-one adoption planning with flexible options
• Legal representation to protect your rights
• Help getting to medical appointments
• Access to financial assistance for housing, utilities, food, and essentials (varies by state)
• Professional counseling and emotional support

You do not have to figure this out alone. Text or call us anytime to speak with someone who understands.

Financial and Emotional Support during the Adoption Process

Adoption agencies are legally allowed in many states to provide assistance for birth mothers. Once you connect with an agency, you may qualify for aid to help cover your basic and pregnancy-related needs.

Covered Living Expenses:
You may receive help paying for rent or shelter, utility bills, internet or phone access, food, clothing, and hygiene products. Additional support may include maternity clothing, vitamins, and personal care supplies to promote comfort and health.

Medical Costs:
Licensed agencies can cover prenatal care, ultrasounds, prescriptions, and provide transportation to medical appointments, helping ensure consistent, quality care.

Emotional Support Services:
Counseling and mental health support are provided before, during, and after placement. This can include therapy with licensed professionals, group support, and connection to other birth mothers.

Our role is to ensure that you are safe, emotionally supported, and financially stable throughout the adoption process.

Public Housing and Government Assistance Programs

1. HUD Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG):
Federal grants that fund emergency housing, rapid rehousing, and outreach to people facing homelessness. ESG helps individuals and families regain stability quickly.

2. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers:
This long-term housing support program helps low-income individuals afford rent in private homes. Apply early through your local Public Housing Authority due to high demand and long waitlists.

3. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families):
Provides monthly cash support for pregnant individuals and families with low income. It helps cover essentials like food, housing, and transportation.

4. Continuum of Care (CoC):
A network of community programs offering shelter, permanent housing, case management, and support for people at risk of homelessness. Prioritizes vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals.

To access these programs, visit HUD.gov or call 2-1-1 for local referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose adoption if I’m homeless?
Yes. Your housing status does not affect your right to create an adoption plan.

Can I change my mind?
Yes. You may change your decision any time before you sign final legal consent after birth.

Are there families who want to adopt my baby?
Yes. Many hopeful adoptive families are ready to welcome a child with love.

How quickly can I get housing?
Some emergency shelters offer placement within hours. Others may take 1–2 days.

Can I stay in my child’s life after adoption?
Yes. You can choose an open, semi-open, or closed adoption based on your comfort.

Can minors receive adoption support?
Yes. Teens can work with adoption professionals and receive housing and counseling.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

Navigating pregnancy without stable housing is one of the hardest things a person can face—but you are not alone. There are people and programs ready to support you with kindness, dignity, and practical help. Whether you need a safe place to sleep tonight or are thinking about adoption as a long-term plan, you have options and support.

Let us help you find shelter, create a plan, and take your next step.
Call us now at 1-800-Adoption— no pressure, no judgment, just help.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.