By: Carlina Rivera, NYC council member representing the 2nd Council district and Co-chair of the Women’s Caucus.

It is impossible to overstate how the pandemic has disproportionately burdened mothers in America, with a particularly devastating impact on Black and brown women. As COVID-19 cases spike, more women of color lose their jobs. As child care centers remain closed and schools stay remote, more mothers take on the additional responsibilities of teacher and caretaker during the workday.

For the millions of mothers raising their children in or near poverty, the consequences are even more dire. They are facing impossible choices between putting food on the table, taking their clothes to the laundromat, or getting their kids the tech they need for remote learning. As the end to state and federal eviction moratoriums looms, many are living on the brink of homelessness.