Submitted by Healthy Children’s Fund
In Whatcom County, certain communities are considered “underserved,” meaning they have limited access to basic services and resources that others may take for granted. These communities often face barriers that make it hard to access health care, childcare, education, housing and even food.
What is an underserved community?
An underserved community may be defined by a range of factors, including income level, geographic location or social factors like racial or ethnic background. As an example, some people in rural parts of Whatcom County, such as Sumas, Deming and Maple Falls, live far from medical clinics, making it hard to access health care services when they need them.
Addressing the needs of underserved communities is a priority for the Healthy Children’s Fund because the barriers people living in those communities experience can impact their overall health, well-being and life opportunities. Caring today, shaping tomorrow—that is the purpose of this fund.
Low-income challenges
Low-income households, too, often struggle to access affordable housing and health care. Children in these families may experience housing insecurity, which can impact learning. They may not have consistent access to preventive health services, such as check-ups and vaccinations, which can lead to more serious health issues over time.
Language barriers
Language and cultural differences can also contribute to a community being underserved. For instance, people who speak Spanish, Punjabi, Ukrainian or Russian as a first language or who have different cultural practices may not find social services that respect or accommodate their needs. This can prevent a pregnant woman from receiving help from a doula during childbirth or from a family enrolling their child in preschool.
Transportation limits
Another factor is transportation. In some parts of Whatcom County, such as Blaine, Birch Bay, Ferndale, and Custer, public transportation options are limited, making it difficult for people without reliable vehicles to reach better-paying jobs, daycare centers, grocery stores and other essential services. This lack of mobility can trap people in cycles of poverty or limit their opportunities for employment and education.
Lack of childcare
Did you know that 88% of surveyed Whatcom County business owners reported childcare barriers to affect their employees’ work performance? Childcare shortages impact a person’s ability to work full-time or switch jobs to improve their financial security. HCF is addressing this issue by working to increase the number of high-quality childcare slots in our communities, especially in outlying areas. The fund is also exploring ways to decrease the cost of early learning and care for both families and providers—a challenge for parents in the Bellingham area where child care may be available but not affordable.
Taxpayer dollars bridge gaps
The Healthy Children’s Fund is a voter-approved initiative that supports young children and their families in Whatcom County. Through HCF, we are working to bridge these gaps by financially supporting programs that target the specific needs of underserved communities.
By funding services for pregnant women, parents and children from birth to age five, HCF aims to create equal opportunities for families to thrive, regardless of their background or income level. Reducing barriers for underserved communities strengthens the entire county, creating a more supportive and equitable place for everyone.
If you’d like to learn more, read the Healthy Children’s Fund Implementation Plan or subscribe to our newsletter for occasional updates about newly funded programs and services for Whatcom County children and families.
