Think about this:
Typically when a 2 parent family home has an unexpected happening like a washing machine go out, they go searching for a new washer. They find the one they like and they buy it.
But that's not at all what happens to most single parent family homes. Most single parent family homes live paycheck to paycheck. So they usually wait a couple days hoping the issue isn't major or call a service company to come look at it. When the washer doesn't fix on it's own and the service company bids 1/2 the cost to fix it, their next thoughts are where can they pull the money from. Many times a bill or 2 will get unpaid causing an uphill spiral.
Average washing machine repair cost: $150-$500
Average utility cost in the US: $429.33
When a washing machine suddenly breaks down, what will the single parent do? There are 3.46 million households with a single female head of household living BELOW the poverty line. If she is faced with paying her utilities or paying for a repair, what can she do? What if the machine is beyond repair? That is now well over $500 plus the cost of having a repairman look at the machine.
Think about this:
When a 2 parent family homes car has a tire blowout, they typically pull over, call the tow company, and have a mechanic shop put on a new tire.
When a single parent family homes car has a tire blowout, they're in a tough spot. They most likely don't have roadside assistance on their car insurance or a mechanic on hand to help. They typically have to wait for a friend or family member come meet them and put the spare tire on their car. Some will be out of a car until they can afford to get a simple tire blowout replaced.
Average tire replacement cost in 2022: $194
Average monthly cost of gasoline spent in 2021: $179
A simple tire blowout can cause a lot of stress on a single parent though. On the side of the road, they are waiting for help from a family member since they probably don't have roadside assistance coverage. They are trying to entertain their kids as they wait or might be frantically calling someone to pick their kids up from school or daycare while they look at their options to get the spare tire put on. Unfortunately, they'll more than likely drive on that spare tire longer than recommended by the manufacturer. The cost of a tire replacement is more than they'll spend on gasoline this month, what can they do?
Think about this:
It's a beautiful moment when a family can get their family pictures taken by a professional photographer. It's a unique experience and having their childrens images printed is so neat to look back on. This service usually costs about $300-$500. Many 2 parent families do this at least once a year. However this cost is typically too much for a single parent and the wishful memory fades as time passes. And when they see the cool photos of other families, the pain hurts deep knowing they just can't afford it.
Average used car monthly payment in 2021: $488
Estimated cost of family photos: $300-500
Simply put, most single parents will forego family photos so they can stay on top of paying a bill like their car payment because the need for a vehicle outweighs the desire for a precious memory. Understandably.
At provision419, we have been in these very situations, we understand the struggle is real. And that's where we want to help! That's why we're here!
We want to step-in and be there for similar situations like these for single parents. We want to lift them up so the financial burden of life happenings don't force them to struggle or juggle priorities.
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Help us, help single parents and allow their children to feel that sense of stability that 2 parent family home children often have, something these kids rarely even feel!
