Single parent walks child in park — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Image by: Kichigin
Florida has been ranked as the third worst state for single parents in a recent survey by experts at Lending Tree.
Margaret Grace raised five children on her own for fifteen years while working three jobs and juggling one income. The Orlando mother went through something that cannot even be described as difficult.
“I was like, we have a roof over our head but no power. We would have power but no food,” Margaret said.
Lending Tree analyzed the numbers and took into account ten factors, including workplace safety, affordability, and income. Being a single parent in Florida is more difficult than in most states, claims Lending Tree.
Why? Low earnings. The average income for a single parent is a little over $46,000, according to Lending Tree. Rent and mortgage rates are also expensive.
Florida’s lack of paid family leave is another factor keeping it at the bottom of the list.
“They have no backup in case something goes wrong. And they need to help their kid. They don’t have a spouse or a significant other to lean on,” Matt Schulz with Lending Tree said.
The need is so tremendous, but One Heart for Women and Children serves as a safety net and a resource for a lot of people, especially single parents who depend on the group for food, clothing, and job placement services.
“Eighteen single moms have already called us today looking for a place so they’re not homeless,” Stephanie Bowman with One Heart for Women and Children said. “The resources are all full.”
Now that she has received assistance from One Heart for Women and Children, Margaret wants to help others. Pass on the love, pass on your heart, and pass on any assistance you can, she advises.
California was named the best state for single parents, coming in at number one. Vermont and Massachusetts came after it.
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William is the Managing Editor at FloridaInsider.com. His years of experience in journalism, broadcasting and multimedia include roles as a Writer and Web Producer. He graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science and Communication.