According to the U.S. Census more kids in Ohio live with a single parent than almost 20 years ago. Most of these homes are headed by mothers.  Single-parent households, especially those headed by women, are much more likely to be poor than two-parent families. Single fathers do better economically, and they also are more likely to have another helpful adult living with them — a girlfriend, mother or other relative. One-third of Ohio's single-parent households headed by a woman live in poverty. For a single mother under 18 with a child, the rate jumps to nearly 45 percent. A single parent with two dependent children must work 109 hours a week at minimum wage to try to meet the family’s basic needs. support a family. 

The national poverty rate for single-mother families was about 35% in 2016, nearly five times the rate for married-couple households (7%). Among children residing with a single mom, 40% lived in poverty — over three times the percentage for their peers in two-parent families (12%). 

Families headed by women of color fared even worse. About 40% of African American and Hispanic families led by a single mother lived in poverty, compared to about 30% of white and Asian families. Native American families headed by a single mother had the highest rate, at nearly 43%.

The negative and far-reaching consequences of growing up in poverty are well-documented, affecting children’s early development, health, academic achievement and economic prospects as an adult. In addition to the individual lost potential, the effects of child poverty extend to the entire nation: The United States loses an estimated $1 trillion annually in economic productivity and higher costs tied to health, crime and child homelessness and maltreatment.

Poverty affects us all. Be part of the solution: Help support Ohio families by volunteering at a local Helping Our Families home, donating resources to support our efforts and praying.