JACKSON, Mich — A Jackson mother is facing significant financial challenges while trying to provide for her one-year-old daughter amid rising costs of essential baby items.
- Parents spend an average of $20,000 on a baby in the first year, according to a recent study.
- Prices for baby essentials like formula and diapers have increased by 2% due to recent tariffs.
- The mother has been without stable housing for over three months while caring for her child.
WATCH: Jackson mother shares struggles of raising a child while facing homelessness
Ramona Jackson considers herself a proud mother who has fallen on financial hard times in Jackson.
"It's good, but life is a struggle," Jackson said.
The Jackson resident has been without stable housing for months, making it increasingly difficult to provide necessities for her one-year-old daughter, Romona.
"That's been going on for about 3 in the half months... I am trying to find help but its hard," Jackson said.
Rising costs of baby essentials have compounded her challenges.
"With the prices going up, its just hard," Jackson said.
According to a recent study by BabyCenter.com, parents spend an average of $20,000 on a baby during the first year. The study also indicates that prices for essential items like formula and diapers have risen by 2% since recent tariffs were implemented.
For Jackson, this economic reality has forced difficult choices.
"Diapers, I could only afford one pad a day for her, or try my best and find people who have the pack of diapers and borrow it from there," Jackson said.
After our conversation, I provided Jackson with additional resources to help with her situation. Despite her current challenges, she remains hopeful while acknowledging the difficulties.
"I had her and I didn't know it was going to be this hard... its a struggle, you just gotta find your way out of this," Jackson said.
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