MAHALA HOUSE
Moms-in-the-Middle Grant Program
Our programs provide direct support to single caregivers
How It Works
*Note: The application window for this phase of the pilot program is closed. Please check back for updates.
The “Moms-in-the-Middle” grant program provides no-strings-attached direct funds to single mothers that identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and/or Persons of Color in Santa Cruz County. These grants are meant to help with unavoidable, yet unexpected expenses that can cause immense financial stress.
The application period opens on October 15, 2021 and will continue on a rolling basis during this pilot phase.
Follow the steps below to check your eligibility and apply.
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Apply
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Wait for confirmation
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Receive funds if eligible
Eligibility Guidelines
Be a single mother
Serve as the sole primary provider (“head of household”) for your family
Provide unpaid care to at least one child no older than 18-years-old
Child(ren) must live with you full-time and be in your legal care
Identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and/or Person of Color (BIPOC)
Reside in Santa Cruz County
Apply during the open application starting in October 15, 2022
Step 1: Apply
After checking your eligibility, use our simple application form to apply to the “Moms-in-the-Middle” grant program.
Step 2: Wait for Confirmation
After submitting the application, you will be informed if you qualify for the “Moms-in-the-Middle” grant program.
Using a lottery system, up to 30 individuals will be selected for a $300 grant that will be disbursed via a VISA gift card.
Step 3: Recieve Funds
Based on your application, we will contact you to distribute the funds to you via a VISA gift card.
This money can be used towards unexpected expenses that can arise when taking care of loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if I qualify for the “Moms-in-the-Middle” grant program?
Check your eligibility based on the guidelines listed above. After applying to the program through our simple online form, you will be notified if you qualify to receive a grant.
If you have any questions regarding the eligibility criteria or about the application form, reach out to us info@mahalahouse.org
How do I apply?
After checking your eligibility, follow the steps listed above to use our simple online form to apply to the program.
How would I receive money if I’m eligible for a grant?
All grants will be given as a $300 VISA gift card. Eligible recipients will receive their gift card through email or in-person at a designated pick-up spot.
Why single mothers?
For the Moms-in-the-Middle Grant program, we are focusing on single mothers because of the particular set of challenges that come from caring for children and providing for them financially. We place a high value on the effort it takes for single moms to maintain the well-being of the family on their own. Moreover, there are few resources that exist to support single moms simply because they are responsible for taking care of everyone and everything with no backup.
UPDATED: Is this program only for BIPOC single mothers? Can I qualify if my children are BIPOC even though I am not?
UPDATED: While we know that many racial identities can co-exist within a family, at this time the pilot is only single mothers that identify as BIPOC. This is in recognition of the historical and societal inequities that disproportionately impact the livelihoods of women of color, specifically Black and Indigenous women.
As we evolve, our hope is to provide programming and support to all Mahalas — any single individual providing unpaid care to a loved one.
If I receive a grant, what can I use the money for?
You can use the funds in any way that will help you provide for your family. This could look like replacing a flat tire on your car, buying new school supplies for your children, covering the cost of an unplanned medical appointment.
These $300 grants via Visa gift card are meant to help eligible recipients have agency in addressing unexpected expenses that arise when caring for their families.