Research: The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Survivors of Color

Data from a study conducted earlier this summer shows that financial security enables safety by reducing the likelihood of returning to a harm-doer, and COVID-19-related financial insecurity is greatest among Black and Brown women survivors. The study also shows that survivors of color who are essential workers are especially at risk of facing serious food and housing insecurity. For example, our data show that, among survivors, 8 out of 10 essential workers of color are facing food insecurity under COVID-19 compared to 6 out of 10 white essential workers. A similar pattern is evident in housing insecurity and patterns of interruption to asset generating resources, such as education.

The stakes could not be any higher. Prior to 2020, survivors were already at the crossroads of multiple social disadvantages related to financial wellbeing and future life chances. Compared with the average American, survivors are four times more likely to have experienced material hardship (food and/or housing insecurity) in the past year. The multiplicative and compounding socio-economic effects of COVID-19 on survivors of color represent a call to action for social investment in survivors’ lives that cannot wait. Full research & data can be found here. Click below for the report and findings.