What’s Putting Single Mothers at Risk?

Homelessness, poverty, lack of education and support, and ongoing responsibility: These are issues that affect men and women across the country. And in general, challenges don’t discriminate. Yet, statistics show women — especially single moms — experience issues not faced by their male counterparts. At a time when awareness of equal rights has never been more visible, social injustices are still rampant.

As a result, more and more women are on the streets or at risk of eviction, or experiencing mental health issues and poverty, or both. Here’s a look at what’s going on, and why our collective awareness and action about the problem is imperative.

What’s creating at-risk women?

Women across the board face challenges even before motherhood enters the picture.

Less ROI. While more women than ever in our history are pursuing higher education, the reality is that the payoff for more schooling is still not equal. Reports show that even when they enroll in the same institution, degree level, and major, female students, on average, see lower returns than their male peers on their educational investment.

Lower income. This reduced ROI often means lower income. The gender pay gap is real. Sources indicate the actual percentage figure varies based on the geographic location, race and job roles, but the bottom line is that women earn between 49 cents to 80 cents on the dollar compared with white men. While the range is broad, even on the high side, it’s a disparity that has a trickle-down effect to other income-related issues, including safe and affordable housing, health care, transportation and opportunities for health and wellness.

Greater risk. Poorer environments and less access to resources can compound into greater risks for mental health issues, substance abuse and physical health problems. Added stress and anxiety can lead to addiction, which is a key contributor to homelessness across genders.

And when women become moms….

Single mothers face all these challenges compounded with those of motherhood. And there are many single moms out there. Statistics show 24% of the 75 million children in the US under age 18 live in a single-mom family.

Moreover, 4.24 million single mothers live below the poverty line compared to 404,000 single fathers.

Plus, the costs of raising children quickly add up. Women are more likely than men to absorb all parenting responsibilities. And, they’re doing it with little money — only 15% of women are working full-time earning only two-thirds as much as single fathers. At the same time, only 39% of single moms receive child support from their children’s fathers.

Working toward solutions

Being a single mom doesn’t automatically mean women are at risk. Strong, independent women are thriving every day, and living full, healthy, clean lives for themselves and their children. Yet, for every success, there are other women in jeopardy.

As an advocate for recovery, wellbeing, and preventing homelessness, I see addressing this population as part of a bigger-picture solution to ending homelessness. I see a need to unite women and make sure they have the best possible tools, skills and platforms to provide for and lead their families, communities, countries.

I look forward to sharing news with you on new endeavors to empower women to solve worldly problems. In the meantime, there are things we can all do to acknowledge these social inequities and build up these women.

The first is to just recognize the challenges of at-risk single mothers. Read the statistics and see where disparities are happening. From there, notice if the women and single moms you know are struggling. This doesn’t necessarily mean charity. It means extending a kind word, a helping hand, or a gesture of encouragement. Also, our world needs plenty of volunteers.

My work through Believe in Big Change involves helping people know that the secret to having it all is believing you already do. I encourage everyone to think of their mothers, sisters and daughters in their lives and the factors that could make them at-risk. Then join me in believing that Big Change is possible for everyone, and we all have permission to dream.

For more insights on recovery and helping others reach their full potential, check back often for new blogs and podcasts.

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Steve Pomeroy is a visionary, homelessness prevention advocate and accomplished entrepreneur and business leader. Steve is the founder and CEO of Believe in Big Change, an online community focused on substance abuse recovery and positive mental health.

Check out his website here or follow him on Facebook.

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