Single Mothers Are Among the Most Economically Vulnerable Families in Los Angeles County
Research shows that single mothers face disproportionately high rates of poverty, housing instability, and financial hardship. Rising housing costs, childcare expenses, and limited economic opportunities can create significant barriers to long-term stability for women and their children.
SHE IS HOPE LA · Data in Context
Why We Are Needed
Statistics on Single Mothers in Los Angeles
Why This Matters
Housing Instability
Rising rents and limited affordable housing can leave families one unexpected expense away from losing their home
Childcare Barriers
The high cost of childcare can make it difficult for mothers to work, attend school, or pursue career opportunities.
Financial Obstacles
Limited savings, poor credit, and unexpected expenses can create long-term financial hardship.
Employment Challenges
Many single mothers balance work and parenting responsibilities while seeking stable, living-wage employment.
Food Insecurity
Many families struggle to consistently afford nutritious meals and other basic necessities.
Mental and Emotional Stress
The pressures of raising children alone while navigating financial challenges can take a significant toll on well-being.
What We See Every Day at She Is Hope LA
Based on 414 single-mother intake forms received through She Is Hope LA (Feb. 2023-Mar. 2024):
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77% reported an urgent need for housing.
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45% reported not having a safe place to stay.
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85% reported receiving no child support.
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64% reported experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
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57% reported needing job and income assistance.
Global to Local Statistics on Single Motherhood
Globally
Researchers estimate there are more than 100 million single-parent households worldwide, with the overwhelming majority led by women.
OECD Family Database
United States
About 25% of U.S. children live in single-parent households. Approximately 80% of single-parent families in the United States are headed by mothers.
U.S. Census Bureau
California
Roughly 34% of children in California live in single-parent homes. Additionally data consistently report that children in single-parent families experience significantly higher poverty rates.
America First Policy Institute/ KidsData California Stats
LA County
Approximately 33.3% of households with children in Los Angeles County are single-parent households.
U.S. Census Bureau /Federal Reserve FRED Data
Single Mother Majority
There are approximately 10–11 million single-parent families with children in the U.S., and the majority are single mothers
U.S. Census Bureau family and living arrangement reports.
Economic Vulnerability
Single mothers remain among the most economically vulnerable family groups in the country.
LAHSA 2025
Turning Support Into Stability
Every donation, partnership, and resource shared helps single mothers move from crisis toward stability. Our work focuses on connecting women and children to immediate support, long-term resources, and pathways to independence.
4,000+
Single moms supported.
800+
Wildfire fire survivors assisted.
1,200+
Emergency hygiene kits distributed
2.5
acres of land donated.
24,000+
Food and essential supplies provided
10+
families receive vehicular support.
What This Means for Families:
🏠 A mother avoids eviction and keeps her children housed
👶 A child has consistent access to food and essentials
💼 A parent gets connected to job opportunities and income support
💳 A family receives guidance to stabilize finances and credit
❤️ A woman escaping crisis is not alone in the process
These Are More Than Statistics
Behind every number is a mother doing everything she can to keep her family safe and stable.
With your support, she doesn’t have to do it alone.
Help us turn need into stability.