Hard times preceded the recession for a significant number of Bay Area families.  Even before the global economic crisis, having a job was not a guarantee of adequate income: 86% of Bay Area households with incomes below the Standard had at least one worker. 

United Way’s report, “Struggling to Make Ends Meet,” released today, reinforces the plight of the Bay Area’s working poor by revealing that local families require three full-time, minimum wage jobs to pay for basic necessities, when measured by the California Self-Sufficiency Standard. 

The report indicates higher education continues to be a key indicator to achieving self-sufficiency.  Nearly 60% of 168,556 Bay Area households headed by someone who did not complete high school have incomes below the Standard, compared to 15% of householders with a Bachelor’s degree or at least some college.

“This report raises important questions about how we can better serve the thousands of low-wage workers and families who were already struggling before the recession, whose situations are undoubtedly more precarious now,” said Anne Wilson, CEO of United Way of the Bay Area.  “While United Way continues to support programs that provide emergency food, rent and utility assistance, we are also working hard to build pathways out of poverty for hardworking families, to ensure they are not left behind in the economic recovery.  Low-wage workers must have access to education and training opportunities that will enable them to earn higher wages, advance up career ladders, support their families, and contribute to our region’s success over the long term.”

A press release and the full report are available here.

Media clips:

San Francisco Chronicle Editorial, “Poor are educated and employed.”

KQED Radio News – Audio clip of Cy Musiker’s interview with United Way’s Lorne Needle.

KPFA’s Letters to Washington  - Audio clip, advance to the 48:30 minute mark in the show.

San Francisco Chronicle, “20% of families in Bay Area struggling”

Marin Independent Journal, “Marin’s working poor face major hurdles”

Times-Herald, “Just making ends meet is hard for area families, report finds”

CBS-5, “Education Key To Earning Living Wage”

SF Appeal, “Three Minimum Wage Salaries Necessary To Meet Expenses In Bay Area”

ABC-7, “1-in-5 households can’t afford basic needs”