Why single moms?
Children in families headed by a single mother have much higher poverty rates than do children in other families: 41% versus13% in 2004. Statewide, 37% of single mother-headed households live in poverty, making up nearly one-quarter of California’s poor.In San Mateo County, there are more than 13,000 single mothers with children under five, and 36% of them live in poverty. In the past five years in San Mateo County, food costs have gone up 15% and health care costs have climbed 30%. As of March 2007, the average two-bedroom, one-bath apartment rental in San Mateo County cost $1,643 per month. Child care costs $1,663 or more per month for two children. These combined costs far exceed what a low-wage worker can afford. A single mother of two children must earn $78,894 annually to be economically self-sufficient. WANDA members believe that low-income single mothers are a strategic investment in building a stronger community. When women are healthy and economically self-sufficient, familie
