We acknowledge that these terms are evolving and not always interchangeable and that the correct term is the term the person it refers to, the community it refers to, is most comfortable with. In this space, we will be using a variety of these terms. At times, Hispanic is used because that is the term that the Federal Government often uses to collect data. Other times, Latinx is used because that term has risen in popularity. At the same time, Latine use is rising in prominence due to linguistic authenticity.

Hispanic or people of Latin descent make up 18.9% of the U.S. population and are the fastest growing ethnic group in the country. While the U.S. benefits immensely from the contributions of its Hispanic (also referred to as Latinx or Latine) population, Hispanic people are also the 2^nd most discriminated against group following Black Americans. For many years, Hispanics in America were subject to similar segregation and violence as Black communities. In the 20^th century, Latine children were forced into segregated schools, often which were underfunded and lacked basic conveniences – like plumbing. Today, majority Black or Latinx schools are nearly twice as likely as majority white schools to be underfunded.

Latine people are also 3x less likely than white Americans to have health insurance. This disparity is due in part to a language barrier, but is also because of a lack of health insurance through an employer.

These and other issues contribute to Latine people being more likely to experience poverty than their white counterparts. In 2021, the median income nationally for Hispanic households was $57,981. In Whatcom County according to the 2023 ALICE Report, 57 % of Hispanic households struggle to make ends meet.