Hey mamas! Help is just a click or call away. The Single Mom Resource Directory connects you to hundreds of organizations in Allegheny County, offering everything from housing and healthcare to transportation and legal services. You can search categories to find exactly what you need for your family to not only survive but also thrive. Currently, 77 percent of impoverished households in Pittsburgh are headed by single moms. Most have an average of eight basic needs, however, no one organization can meet them all. The resource directory helps mothers, especially those experiencing poverty, easily navigate these complex systems. Moms may be single, but they are not alone.
Single Mom Resource Directory
In 2019, the Women and Girls Foundation teamed up with Single Mom Defined to host Femisphere Codeswitch, a hackathon to create apps to support single moms. More than 30 single mothers worked collaboratively with web developers and coders during the event and generated several app ideas. Moms later determined that an app was the first step in meeting their needs. Over the next year, Single Mom Defined held focus groups to develop the software solutions further.
Participants desired a comprehensive resource directory with both online and offline features. The directory would allow moms to search for services, find resources, and leave Yelp-type reviews. Mapping out bus, walking, and driving routes was also important. Moms also wanted a blog where they could read single mom success stories and learn about agencies through other single moms’ eyes. Motor Mouth Multimedia, the parent company of Single Mom Defined, combined all of the ideas and developed a directory, which launched in 2020.
The single mother resource directory is a one-stop-shop for a busy parent who needs phone numbers, emails, and information. From childcare to cash assistance, the directory helps me find resources I never knew existed, like Jeremiah’s Place, an organization that provides emergency childcare. ~ Mercedes | Pittsburgh, PA
Connected Moms To Resources
The resource directory is broken down into 18 categories, from wellness to childcare to summer activities and more. The directory is easy to navigate by clicking on the category needed or by using the search option. In addition to the website, Single Mom Defined spotlights directory listings in a weekly newsletter and on its blog. Resources are also shared in the Facebook group of more than 2,000 moms. Administrators host a #ResourceWednesday segment to take a deep dive into the service and introduce moms to the organizations’ leaders and offerings. Mom can ask questions, share their experiences, and participate in ongoing conversations.
There is nothing like being able to go to one place to find what I need to navigate systems. I don’t have to go all over the place to find everything from doctors to daycares. ~ Cherrell | Pittsburgh, PA
Directory Supporters
The Single Mom Resource Directory is currently supported by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, The Pittsburgh Foundation, and Motor Mouth Multimedia. Current and new listings of the resource directory are shared through the Single Mom Defined website, social media, and weekly newsletter. The directory also shares upcoming initiatives and events that support single moms in the community.
The directory supports my family by sharing many options for resources and services. It gives me a better understanding of what’s available, making it easier to receive the support we need. ~Duprene | Pittsburgh, PA
Join The Resource Directory
If you would like to add your organization to the resource directory, visit Single Mom Defined and scroll down to Resource Directory. Fill out this form to request to be added, or this form to update a current listing.
