Pregnant and Unemployed? 7 Great Options for Women in Missouri

Where do women turn when they find out they’re pregnant and unemployed? So you’ve just found out you’re pregnant – and you’re currently unemployed. It’s understandable that you might feel stressed and unsure of how you will take care of your baby, financially. Fortunately, there are many resources that could help you get back on your feet while in between jobs with a baby on the way.

Below are 7 options for women who are pregnant and unemployed in Missouri. These resources are aimed at providing for mom and baby’s basic needs to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe, stable home for both. Finding a job to provide for yourself and your baby is definitely a positive goal to pursue even after you become pregnant.

1. Unemployment Insurance

If you are between jobs and have not been able to find a new job yet – OR your hours were reduced, you should contact the Unemployment office to see if you qualify for unemployment benefits. You can read about the guidelines and contact the Missouri Department of Labor to explore your eligibility.

2. Low Income or HUD Housing Assistance

Some women that visit the Pregnancy Resource Center want to keep their baby but are concerned that they do not have sufficient or stable housing. If you’re staying with friends here and there, or can no longer pay your rent, there may be affordable options through federal housing programs. A list of affordable public housing opportunities in Missouri is available for those in need.

The Mountain Grove, Missouri Housing Authority (low income housing) can be reached at: (417) 926-3142. You can obtain HUD housing applications at Ozark Action. Call their Mountain Grove office at 417-926-5570.

3. Food Stamps / SNAP Benefits

Even working moms can find it difficult at times to afford groceries. And without a job, running out of food can quickly become a crisis. You can apply for Food Stamps / SNAP benefits in Missouri online to help ensure you have access to nutrition during your pregnancy.

4. Food Pantries

Food pantries can help to supplement for food stamps and are especially helpful for those who are unemployed. You can find a local food pantry by searching with your zip code. For those in the immediate area, the local food pantry in Mountain Grove can be reached at 417-926-5788.

5. Missouri Medicaid (MO Healthnet)

Most of the women we serve are eligible for the Missouri Medicaid program, MO Healthnet for Pregnant Women. This is an invaluable health resource especially if you are unemployed or under-employed. You can view the requirements and apply online. If you need to confirm your pregnancy, you can find out for sure with a free test at the Pregnancy Resource Center of Mountain Grove.

6. Maternity Homes

Missouri has several maternity homes that offer housing for pregnant women in emergency scenarios or for those who cannot secure housing through other resources. Below is a list of maternity homes closest to the Mountain Grove area:

• Pregnancy Support Center (Lebanon): 417-532-8555
• Lifehouse Maternity Home (Springfield): 417-720-4213
• Lori’s House (Branson): 417-779-9000
• The LIGHT House (Kansas City): 816-916-4434

7. Missouri Alternatives to Abortion Program

Many Missouri Pregnancy Centers participate in the Alternatives to Abortion Program. For clients who qualify, there may be extra resources to help women above and beyond those listed above. The purpose of this program is to ensure the needs of the mom and baby are met so that the woman does not feel a need to seek an abortion.

Assistance and Support

Losing a job or being unable to find a job after discovering you are pregnant can feel overwhelming. However, there are many agencies and caring organizations willing to help you through this time. At the Pregnancy Resource Center of Mountain Grove, we can assess your situation and find out if the Alternatives to Abortion program might benefit you. We are here to walk you through all of these steps. Contact us today and make an appointment to find out how the Pregnancy Resource Center can help you and your family find the assistance you need to thrive during pregnancy and beyond.