Singe Mom Needs an Affordable Apartment

Hello,
I wish you lots of luck in your apt seacrh. Things have gotten really pricey here in the Boston area. I agree with you. Have you checked Somerville? Malden? Medford? Sometimes you can find something a bit lower in those towns. Also, I recommend looking in the Boston Globe on Sundays or on the web at www.boston.com Also check www.craigslist.com Perhaps you have already tried these avenues. Also, you may want to look in smaller, local "town" newspapers. I will ask my friends if they know of any good, resonably priced apartments. Best of luck to you and your little one!

A.

A.,

Get the one bedroom apartment that you can afford. Your child is an infant. No court is going to take her away from you unless you are unfit. Sharing a bedroom with your infant daughter is NOT abusive or neglectful.

We have to live within our means and I am sure the court understands that. More importantly, is your daughter clean, safe, loved and well nourished? These are the most important factors.

Don't be intimidated by the father. If he is such an undesirable part of your life and is not supportive of you caring for BOTH your and your his daughter than he is simply angry and controlling and you should avoid all conversation and contact with him.

Expedite the court case and have them establish child support and visitation. Communication directly with him will likely only result in more frustration for you.

If you can find the resources and your baby's father is willing, counseling may help you to work together for the sake of your daughter. Best wishes and God bless you and your little one.

J. L.

First I want to tell you don't listen to him. He can say anything to scare you. If you are worried about court you can call and ask questions. Also go and apply for child support. Child support and custody are two differnt things so you will have to sign up for them separate.

as for the apartment since you want to be close to watertown I can't help but there are listings on craigslist and I saw an affordable unit in the Metro today for Everett.

Like one other mom said it is good to sign up for housing they usually go by your income so research some of the buildings in your area that may be under Watertown housing assistance.

A.,

Another option could be a 1 bedroom where the baby sleeps in the bedroom and you sleep on a pull out couch in the living room. You can store all your clothes in the closet and have a dresser in the bedroom as well but this way you don't have to spend more money. It's not ideal but if a 1 bd is all you can afford it might be the solution.

Good luck,
L. M

Craigslist has apartments my friends use it all the time!

I'm sorry, I can't help with the apartment search. However, I wanted to suggest that you apply for WIC. Then, you may be able to afford more for your housing. I know formula alone is insanely expensive. I'm on WIC, and it has been a lifesaver. We can actually go out to eat once a month because of it!

Trust me I know how hard it was to find a two bedroom i could afford. It took me 3 yrs to find one that was 1000 in the area I wanted to be in. First thing when you are looking check out some 1 bedrooms because some have space to actually convert to two bedrooms. the reason it is not listed as a two bedroom is maybe the second room is to be the dining room or the spare room does not have a closet. The other thing to do to help you as a single mom is apply for housing. They will help you pay for a portion of the rent to make it affordable for you. say they pay 800 a month for you then you only have to pay a few hundred on your own.

Good luck.