Suburban safety net service providers and the Latino community

Abstract

Within the last forty years, the Latino population in the United States has increased incrementally. Moreover, in the most recent decade, Latinos have been found to migrate with relative speed and number to suburban spaces. Poverty is also on the rise in suburban communities. Thus, the demographic landscape of suburbia is shifting and consequently, requires shifts in the provision of resources, particularly by the safety net provider community. This study examines the scope of safety net providers in suburban Chicago to reveal the extent to which they are prepared to provide services to the suburban, low income, Latino population. Data reveals that differences exist across the suburban safety net provider community in how they choose to serve the Latino population. Recommendations to improving service delivery to this clientele are provided.