The cost of living in the state of California is among the highest in the country. Because of this, single mothers in this sunny coastal state will often face many financial struggles and hardships. The good news is that the state does offer many resources and helpful programs for single moms who need a little assistance with raising their children properly and keeping up with bills.

• Childcare: If a single mom doesn’t have a qualified and safe location to leave her children, it is impossible for her to find and hold down a job. California’s welfare program, CalWorks, offers assistance to those in need, helping them find and pay for reputable child care. This is a temporary program aimed towards helping families recover after they have dealt with difficult circumstances. CalWorks offers access to a wide array of quality child care programs, helping families transition into a more stable situation. Once the children are old enough to be in school, a single mom can look for something like a babysitting swap situation, or an after school child care program.

• Healthcare: Single moms in California realize that it is a major struggle trying to find and purchase proper health insurance on their kid’s behalf. This can be true, even if their income puts them above the Medicare guidelines. This is why California offers the CaliforniaKids Healthcare Program. This organization is run as a non-profit and offers healthcare choices for children aged 2 to 18. Other families could qualify for the Medicaid program through the state, or for the SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program).

• Food and Household Supplies: Lower income families in California may be able to qualify for a food stamp program. In addition, mothers that are breastfeeding, children who have yet to reach their fifth birthday and pregnant women can obtain supplemental food supplies through the California WIC program. The state also works with a large food bank network as well, providing less expensive household goods and food to the state’s single mothers, as well as needy families.

• Transportation: California’s prominent public transportation entity, Caltrans, offers a discounted option for single mothers who need to get around town.

• Rental Assistance: California’s DHCD (Department of Housing and Community Development) controls twenty different programs designed to help community leaders and businesses develop housing choices for single moms and needy families throughout the state. Furthermore, HUD also provides a housing voucher program and rental assistance to help moms and low income families pay for their mortgage or rent.