THE PLIGHT OF EXTREMELY POOR PUERTO-RICAN AND NON-HISPANIC WHITE SINGLE MOTHERS

Using data from a case-control study of family homelessness in Worcest er, Massachusetts, this analysis compares the economic, psychosocial a nd health characteristics of 159 Puerto Rican and 170 Non-Hispanic Whi te poor, single mothers. When compared to Non-Hispanic Whites, the Pue rto Rican mothers had more children, less education, fewer work experi ences, fewer social supports, and more English language problems. Alth ough the absolute rates were high in both groups, Puerto Rican mothers had experienced less violence and suffered fewer mental health proble ms, with the exception of major depression, than Non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, Puerto Rican mothers were less likely to use traditional health services. These findings suggest that to escape poverty, Puerto Rican mothers need a unique combination of educational opportunities (including English as a Second Language), job training, and child care .