4 Ways to Help Single Moms
Chances are you know a single mom, whether it’s your sister, daughter, your own mom, or even you. While many single moms are single by choice, successful, and thriving, the fact remains that many are not. And while single motherhood is not a pathway to being poor, we know that of the 7.3 million families headed by working single mothers, over 2 million live well below the national poverty line and another 4.2 million are at risk.
The bottom line is that single moms are often the ones in charge of finding childcare and balancing the demands of work and home. Single moms are often less educated than single dads, and do not have the credentials to get high-paying jobs. Single moms typically make less money than single dads, and fewer than 17% of all single moms receive government assistance, even in the form of food stamps.
During this holiday season (and year-round), here are four things you can do to help the single moms in your life and single moms everywhere.
Be aware. A lot of people just aren’t aware of what single moms are up against. There are 10 million single mother-led families in America, which is three times as many as there were in 1960. These women are at increased risk of poverty and barely making ends meet.
These women need to work to food on the table, but childcare can be sky high. It’s been reported that weekly childcare expenses rose more than 70% between 1985 and 2011! It can cost up to $16,500 a year for childcare for just one child!
This is what we need to know about single moms and homelessness. Knowledge and awareness of this is a starting point.
Lend a hand. Think about the single moms you know and what they might need (but may never ask for): An offer to babysit or carpool, a night off, or a gift card to groceries. Maybe it’s just listening and showing encouragement, while they’re going to school or taking on extra hours. Many single moms shoulder most of the responsibility of childcare, and often without acknowledgement or thanks. Let them know you are there for them and they’re not alone. These women don’t need your pity. They just need your support.
Donate. If you want to help the greater population of single moms, explore the non-profits serving at-risk women in your area. I personally have been moved by the great work going on at Saint John’s Program for Real Change. This organization is dedicated to the “eradication of homelessness for each woman and child it serves.” Further, “When a family enters Saint John’s 12- to 18-month rehabilitative program, they are immediately encircled with structure, with mental health therapy, with alcohol and drug counseling, with parenting education, with budgeting classes, with healthy relationship training, AND with hands-on employment training.”
There are so many organizations like this out there doing great things for the most vulnerable among us. After visiting Saint John’s recently, I am supporting this non-profit because I saw personally the great work they’re doing there! Check out my Facebook Fundraiser, where I’m matching all donations up to $5,000 for a total gift to Saint John’s of $10,000! Give here!
Volunteer. If you’re not comfortable writing a check, know that your time and talent are just as valuable. Contact a non-profit organization that serves vulnerable women or the homeless and see what kind of volunteer opportunities are available. You may find they need your unique skillset, or that you have other gifts worth sharing. Reach out and see how you can help.
There are so many people in our world who need help. For me, as I continue to learn more about the plight of homelessness and about people who might not be homeless yet, but are precariously close, the more I want to make a difference.
Please join me this holiday season, and year-round in Believing in Big Change. Every action counts. Thank you!