Poverty, homelessness, obesity are growing problems for families
By Kathleen Wilson,
kwilson@VenturaCountyStar.com
September 14, 2006
One in five Ventura County families is living in poverty or near it as the housing market has forced more youngsters into shelters, a report issued Wednesday says.
Called "Growing Up in Ventura County," the 30-page report found that many children face major issues in dealing with obesity, homelessness and substance abuse.
Among the findings:
n The number of homeless families is growing, with single mothers heading 85 percent of these households. Children under 6 made up more than half of the 120 children living in shelters this year.
n Almost 30 percent of children are overweight, and most do not meet physical fitness standards, although the rates are improving. Latino children are particularly likely to be overweight and in poor physical condition.
n County high school students often abuse drugs and alcohol, yet the area lacks enough programs for prevention, intervention and treatment. Substance abuse also is found in most families reported for child abuse and neglect.
The report issued by the Community Commission for Ventura County focuses on childhood obesity, homelessness and substance abuse because they were three concerns identified by the group three years ago.
County Supervisor Kathy Long presented the report along with Presiding Juvenile Court Judge Donald Coleman at a news conference Wednesday.
Long said she was struck by the findings on homelessness even though she is active in the county effort to end it.
"I'm startled that we're continuing to see increasing numbers of children with single parents living on the streets," she said.
The research also shows that the emphasis on obesity, which has become a hot issue nationwide, is needed, she said.
Long said she considered the report a blueprint for action.
"The goal is to take this out now to the cities, to community-based organizations, to faith-based organizations, to anyone who will help, and get people to work with us."
The report portrays Ventura County in terms that are no surprise to many residents: low unemployment, a high median income and housing vacancy rates of 1 percent to 2 percent.
High housing costs are forcing young families out of the area, the report says.
Researchers also found sharp disparities in child poverty among cities.
Child poverty rates averaged 5 percent to 9 percent in the affluent communities of Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and Simi Valley, but nearly 20 percent in Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Santa Paula.
Ventura stood in the middle at 13 percent.
Obesity and the Homeless