JGAmerican Governments In 2014, approximately 37% of the homeless population consisted of families rather than individuals (Donley et al, 2017). In 2008, 81% of adults in homeless families were women (Welch-Lazoritz et al, 2015). Why is this a gendered issue? One might speculate on the unequal societal expectations placed on women as caretakers. In more measurable terms, studies have shown that 50% of homeless mothers are fleeing domestic violence (Guo et al. 2016). After fleeing, many women face prohibitive housing costs and a lack of social housing programs. This is especially true in expensive major cities. For example, in 2013, New York City and Los Angeles recorded the highest numbers nationally, at approximately 39,600 and 6,600 individuals in homeless families, respectively (Biel et al, 2014). The concentrated population of homeless families in these cities is evidence that although this is a national issue, the impact is localized. The most obvious infrastructural solutions to overall homelessness (like affordable housing) are likely to be addressed on a city or state level. However, economic assistance that is particularly beneficial to single mothers can also be found at the federal level.
How can individual cities address this issue? A common method is the implementation of emergency shelters for temporary assistance. Unfortunately, lack of access to laundry, bathing facilities, recreational spaces, and basic privacy along with lack of sufficient training for shelter employees can make emergency shelters unsuitable to the demands of childcare (Biel et al, 2014). Additionally, homeless mothers often struggle with substance use disorders, parenting, and physical and mental health problems (Guo et al. 2016). These issues greatly increase the difficulty in attaining economic security. A temporary emergency shelter may not provide the stability needed to overcome this obstacle. That isn’t to say that emergency shelters are totally ineffective, or that they should be done away with. Certainly, they have been a crucial safety net for many individuals and families in a transitory state of homelessness. But what measures can be taken to decrease family homelessness in the first place? Any sort of financial downturn can quickly result in the inability to afford housing for a family without savings. Reducing instances of family homelessness must involve alleviating the financial burdens for parents. This could be related to increasing overall state wages or providing affordable childcare. The clearest and most direct step, however, would be affordable housing. The Affordable Care Act provides some insight into the financial significance of federal programs for single mothers. For example, unmarried women experienced a 20% relative increase in private insurance coverage for childbirth under the ACA (Sofer, 2018). Of course, social welfare and federal tax increases are met with significant opposition. Additionally, some might see homelessness among veterans as a more pressing issue. Statistics for homelessness among veterans are dismal and deserve urgent attention. Luckily, many forms of assistance, like affordable housing, can be beneficial to multiple groups. As for support of federal welfare programs, opinions seem to be largely political. In an era of hyper-partisanship, it is important that we learn to investigate the impact of policies based on facts and data. The well-being of homeless women and children does not involve political affiliation. Election Impact: Although housing costs were a major issue in the recent elections in California, the narrative tended to highlight veterans and people with mental health issues rather than homeless mothers. For example, Proposition 2 was passed to allow California’s mental health funds to be allocated towards housing for the homeless. This will likely have a positive impact on homeless mothers, since many have mental health issues. However, a more focused campaign to provide, assistance for homeless women and children may result in more direct legislation. For example, social housing programs that prioritize homeless mothers could be a next step. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg has proposed a $40.5 million plan to fund shelters with a total of 781 beds, including a 54-bed shelter for women and children (Clift, 2019). This shows Steinberg’s awareness of homeless families and is an appropriate form of short-term assistance. It is unclear at this point whether Steinberg’s proposal will have support of the City Council. California Governor Gavin Newsom focused on the high cost of living during his 2018 campaign. During his term, the minimum wage is expected to continue to steadily increase to 15. He also campaigned on affordable housing and childcare, which are core issues for family homelessness. Federal funding for programs in California is less promising with a conservative President and Senate who are not likely to make accommodations for the liberal government in California. However, the 2018 midterm elections resulted in a new majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives. This is especially significant because the House is responsible for the passage of appropriation bills, which regulate government spending. This may work to limit punitive legislation from less California-friendly parts of the federal government. Many of the Democratic candidates for the 2020 Presidential election support Medicare for all. Like the ACA, this may provide a social safety net with a positive impact on single mothers.
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AuthorUndergraduate student generated content. Blog posting and updating done by Kristina Flores Victor, Assistant Professor of Political Science at CSUS Archives
March 2020
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