In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected people of color in underserved communities(1). Previous studies have reported that approximately 46% of adult members of households lost their job on a national scale (1).  The purpose of this research study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 in the South Bay communities of Los Angeles and evaluate the need for public assistance. Using convenience sampling, in-person surveys were conducted in San Pedro and Wilmington which are “hotspots” for low COVID vaccination uptake. Thirty-seven total surveys were collected and analyzed. Locations included vaccine clinics, food pharmacy, Farmers’ Market, and Community Health Worker Outreach Program. 

The data from this study captured several financial difficulties and concerns such as, reduced wages and/or hours, mandatory unpaid leave, inability to pay rent, inability to pay for utilities, and received support from local institutions. Other hardships that were observed included access to childcare, uninterrupted education, access to wifi, and impact on the child's mental health. Overall, we found that 41% of participants had someone in their household who had wages or hours reduced or took mandatory unpaid leave. Additionally, 62% of those surveyed received support from their local schools, food banks, churches etc.

The findings from this data illustrate the desperate need of local institutions to provide the assistance necessary to marginalized communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Delta Variant becomes more prevalent in the South Bay communities, it is imperative to research further possible forms of services and resources that can be provided to communities of color.