Inequalities of Experiences for Multigenerational Families Due to COVID-19 in Marin County, California
Location
Online I Session 4C
Start Date
April 2021
Major Field of Study
Global Public Health
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor(s)
Michaela George, Phd
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected low income communities of color across the country. However, the impact the virus has brought upon low-income families in Marin County, California, who have experienced unexpected financial emergencies due to COVID-19, is still unknown.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using Community Action Marin’s database, which includes families experiencing financial emergencies and times of crisis, parents seeking affordable early childhood care, and supporting the food needs of low-income households. Participants took part in a 27 question questionnaire that focused on COVID-19 and the effects surrounding low income communities in Marin County due to state mandated guidelines.
Results: Preliminary results have shown that in the last month, about 50% of participants self reported financial negative impacts due to COVID-19. Over 40% reported that they have worried about how they will pay for housing/rent, how they will buy groceries, and how they will pay for household utilities and necessities. When asked about the importance of services needed for their personal living situations during these times, over 30% of participants believe financial support, mental health support, and healthcare support are extremely important, while more than 50% of participants believe food/grocery and housing support are extremely important.
Conclusion: These findings aims to contribute in the efforts to not only acknowledge the inequities low income families and communities of color face due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, but also understand how local non-profit organizations can better support their communities in times of need and areas that still need improvement such as financial and food assistance, childcare services, and job opportunities.
Inequalities of Experiences for Multigenerational Families Due to COVID-19 in Marin County, California
Online I Session 4C
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected low income communities of color across the country. However, the impact the virus has brought upon low-income families in Marin County, California, who have experienced unexpected financial emergencies due to COVID-19, is still unknown.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using Community Action Marin’s database, which includes families experiencing financial emergencies and times of crisis, parents seeking affordable early childhood care, and supporting the food needs of low-income households. Participants took part in a 27 question questionnaire that focused on COVID-19 and the effects surrounding low income communities in Marin County due to state mandated guidelines.
Results: Preliminary results have shown that in the last month, about 50% of participants self reported financial negative impacts due to COVID-19. Over 40% reported that they have worried about how they will pay for housing/rent, how they will buy groceries, and how they will pay for household utilities and necessities. When asked about the importance of services needed for their personal living situations during these times, over 30% of participants believe financial support, mental health support, and healthcare support are extremely important, while more than 50% of participants believe food/grocery and housing support are extremely important.
Conclusion: These findings aims to contribute in the efforts to not only acknowledge the inequities low income families and communities of color face due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, but also understand how local non-profit organizations can better support their communities in times of need and areas that still need improvement such as financial and food assistance, childcare services, and job opportunities.