On April 7, we celebrate the World Health Organization’s World Health Day 2021, an international campaign dedicated to building a fairer and healthier world and spreading awareness around health disparities that impact families everywhere. 

Everyone deserves to live a healthy life, but some people can do so more easily due to the economic and environmental situations in which they were born. Countless inequalities persist in our society, stemming from everything from lack of employment and income opportunities to food and water insecurity, to a parent’s ability to create a stable living environment for their children. These inequalities can also exacerbate health issues that tragically lead to unnecessary illness and death. 

At Ruth’s House, we are committed to combating the inequalities that impact mothers and children—both today on World Health Day and every single day of the year. We are working to provide a safe and stable living environment for young single mothers and their children where we can give women rest, encouragement, education, and support as they build thriving, independent futures for generations to come. By supporting their mothers’ well-being, we will also empower young children with the tools they need to grow, learn, and live up to their full potential.

Since children experience the world through their caregivers and their environment, a child’s housing situation plays an essential role in their health and safety.  Studies show that a child’s living environment impacts their physical, emotional, social, behavioral, and intellectual capacities, ultimately affecting their health as adults. Additionally, children raised in a nurturing and stable home environment are far more likely to avoid adverse experiences such as abuse and neglect; benefit from improved physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes; and face fewer health inequities throughout their lives.  

By offering single mothers a safe living environment and ongoing encouragement, we will provide them with the love, care, and stability they need to nurture and support their children.  Mothers will receive education and support, helping them better understand the environmental risks present in their homes and equipping them to keep their children healthy. And when mothers are equipped and supported, they can better equip and support their children. 

This World Health Day, let’s come alongside mothers and children. Let’s do our part to make great childhoods happen by creating awareness around childhood health inequities. And let’s give families the resources and education they need to create safe and healthy living environments for themselves and their children.

We are ready to step boldly into our next season—opening a physical home where young single mothers and their children can find support, encouragement, and community. We hope Ruth’s House will be a safe and stable home where families can build bright futures—and we invite you to join us. 

Help us open our doors and create a healthy home for young families by partnering with Ruth’s House as a monthly donor.