Mother’s Day. A day devoted to the women are a strong influence in shaping the lives of children. In many homes, Mom is the anchor of the family. Many people can relate to getting the “mom look” and know you needed to stop whatever mischief you were doing. My own Mom was a force of nature. Standing 5’3” she knew exactly how to manage her nine children with a snap of her fingers.

As a family program, we see lots of Moms who face their challenges as they work to stabilize their children. In 2024, 65% of our clients were moms with children. Moms trying to work, raise the children, stay healthy and find affordable housing.

Studies show that mothers are disproportionately more likely to stay home when their children are sick, even when both parents have similar access to paid leave. One study found that 74% of moms stay home when their kids are sick, compared to 40% of dads. If Mom is working, this means a reduction in wages, affecting the family’s ability to sustain housing.

A significant number of homeless mothers lack a high school diploma, with some data indicating 53% falling into this category. This lack of a high school diploma can be a major factor contributing to homelessness, as studies show that youth without a diploma are more likely to experience homelessness as adults. The lack of a high school diploma directly impacts a mom’s employment opportunities, which in turn, impacts her ability to maintain her housing.

The head of household moms entering our program come cautious and hesitant. It can take a few weeks to convince them that they are strong enough to be self-sufficient. We work diligently on budget, partnering with local financial institutions who help them realize where their money is going and how to better manage it so they can pay all the bills and learn to save for emergencies and better housing options in the future. Recently, two moms exited the program with certifications gaining solid steady employment and are focused on saving to buy homes. The pride they feel is contagious!

One day is not enough to thank our moms for their tireless commitment to their children. We each need to express our gratitude daily for their love and support. Yes, even when they give you the “mom look”!