The Struggles of Single Caregivers: The Unseen Bias Women Face When Rebuilding Their Lives
As a former single mom, I understand the overwhelming pressure that comes with being the sole caregiver. Women, more often than not, bear the weight of caregiving. This is especially true for those who have faced abuse or difficult situations. This post is not just about me. It’s about the countless women who face these struggles. They fight quietly every day, doing their best to rebuild their lives while battling bias.
The Reality: Shelter Takes Priority
Imagine this: you’ve just left an abusive situation, or your partner did a midnight move. Suddenly, you are left to handle everything on your own. You’re the emotional anchor and the sole provider. If you have children, the burden is even greater.
You used to live comfortably with two incomes. Now, you are on your own. Suddenly, you are juggling food, transportation, school supplies, clothing, personal care, and more. Shelter becomes your number one priority. It’s no longer a choice—it’s about survival.
Why the Bias?
Why is there so much bias against women trying to rebuild their lives? The reasons are complex. They stem from outdated assumptions about women’s roles, financial independence, and responsibility.
Landlords and property managers often see single mothers as “risky” tenants. They assume women won’t be able to make rent. This bias ignores reality.
Women facing these challenges often prioritize shelter. They may choose rent over food because their children need a safe place to live. But society overlooks this resilience. It expects women to do everything alone, without support.
The Need for Empathy
To those who can make a difference—landlords, property managers, financial institutions—please offer empathy and understanding. Don’t make decisions based on outdated biases. Look at the individual’s ability to pay rent, their rental history, and their willingness to communicate openly.
Support doesn’t always mean a handout. It means giving someone the chance to rebuild, with dignity. Women working through hardships need space to heal and make the right decisions for themselves and their families.
The Bigger Picture: Changing the Conversation
Women, especially single caregivers, fight invisible battles. We need to see their strength and resilience, not judge them. Every woman deserves a chance to thrive.
The bias against women trying to secure housing is real. Let’s change the conversation. Let’s stop questioning their worth and start supporting them. Women deserve a fair chance to rebuild their lives, just like anyone else.
This blog post can serve as a reminder that the path to empowerment is often more challenging for women, especially single caregivers. It’s not about sympathy—it’s about respect and providing the opportunity to rebuild, without judgment. It’s time for a shift. Let’s give women the chance they deserve. Connect with a member of the Shannon Murree Group | Real Estate with Impact team for housing support. We are the only McGillivray Trusted Agents for Barrie, Innisfil and Orillia
