The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on women's rights in Contra Costa County, California. With schools closed and limited child care options, many women were forced to leave the workforce to care for their children, leading to a particularly severe impact on their access to affordable housing. According to a recent report commissioned by the State Assembly, 25% of California women are “severely rent-burdened” and spend more than half of their income on housing expenses, compared to 20% of men. This data highlights the systemic inequities that have caused women to be disproportionately affected by the issue of housing affordability in the state.
The East Bay section of the East Bay United Community Coalition (EUCCC) serves the needs of professionals in the central Contra Costa area, which is largely concentrated in Walnut Creek. Unfortunately, many women in this region are facing “unsafe” housing costs and are at risk of becoming homeless due to their inability to pay rent. To address this issue, organizations such as the YWCA in Sacramento are continuing their century-old tradition of providing women with safe and comfortable places to live. It is clear that access to affordable housing is essential for protecting women's rights in Contra Costa County. Without it, many women will be unable to provide for themselves and their families.
To ensure that all women have access to safe and secure housing, it is important for local governments and organizations to work together to create solutions that address this issue. This could include increasing funding for affordable housing initiatives, providing rental assistance programs, and expanding access to social services.
