As recently reported in the Press Enterprise, a new study commissioned by the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) paints a stark picture of well-being in our region. The research, conducted by UC Riverside, found that a majority of our neighbors are finding it difficult to get by. In fact, IE residents are struggling.
The report, “Insights on Vital Conditions in the IE,” shows that 53% of Inland Empire residents are “struggling” and another 6% are “suffering” when it comes to essential needs like health care, housing, education, and economic opportunity. The data confirms what many of us see every day: people are being forced to make difficult choices, such as delaying medical care because of the cost.
A companion study, “Women & Well-Being through the Lens of Vital Conditions,” also found sobering results, with 58% of women surveyed across Riverside and San Bernardino counties reporting they were “struggling”. The reports frame the urgent need for a stronger social safety net in the IE, emphasizing that essential, interlocking conditions—like affordable and accessible healthcare, educational attainment, and better jobs—are necessary for people to reach their potential and for the region to thrive.
While the numbers are troubling, they also give us a focused direction. These data point to the most critical barriers our communities face and offer a roadmap to guide our investments where they can deliver the most transformative impact.
A Call to Action for the Inland Empire
Michelle Decker, IECF’s President and CEO commented on the significance of the findings, saying: “These reports remind us why that work is so critical and reveal an Inland Empire in need of and ready for investment to thrive.
One of the most interesting statistics in the report is the shift we see in a person’s sense of belonging from ‘bonding capital’ versus ‘bridging capital.’ No surprise, when we cross boundaries and identities and create a sense of belonging where difference exists, we have an almost double effect of a sense of belonging. In other words, embracing difference and diversity makes us feel better and makes our communities stronger. This is an urgent message for these times. Both reports frame the urgent needs for a stronger social safety net in the IE, one that helps people find their footing and move incrementally but persistently towards thriving.”
We encourage you to read the full article to understand the challenges and opportunities ahead for the Inland Empire.
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