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Affordable housing needs tops United Way’s
While a new community assessment report finds that 93 percent of those surveyed describe Chittenden County as an "excellent" or "good" place to live, there are still many challenges facing the county in the areas of affordable housing, medical care, child care and drug and alcohol abuse treatment.
The report, released this week by United Way of Chittenden County, is the third in a series of community needs assessment surveys conducted by the local United Way,
Fletcher Allen Health Care and Macro International. The telephone survey of 420 Chittenden County residents was conducted in May 2000.
Topping the list of perceived needs in the community is affordable housing, which has risen from fourth on the list in 1995 to the number one priority in 2000. Affordable housing is considered difficult to obtain by one-in-five respondents, the report says. Also on the top-five list of perceived problems, alcohol abuse, affordable medical care, livable wage and drug abuse.
"Nearly half the respondents, about 48 percent, consider the lack of affordable housing to be a very big issue. We know the lack of it has led to a dramatic increase in the need for homeless shelter for families, temporary housing and assistance paying for back rent and deposits," Weber said. "It’s particularly of concern for people between the ages of 25 and 55." Affordable, quality childcare led the list of top-five services most difficult to obtain in the county. More than 40 percent of those surveyed said they had difficulty finding childcare. Also on the top five list: affordable housing, health care, accessible transportation and food to meet basic nutrition. Leading the list of services most used and needed was programs for youth, both before and after school activities and recreation programs. Mental health services, services for people with disabilities, employment services and affordable, quality child care were also cited among the top five most used/needed services.
The survey, last conducted in 1995, is used by United Way, social service organizations, government and businesses, to help steer funding decisions, planning, resource allocation and resource development. "The thing to remember is that the study does not necessarily portray the entire picture for each issue," Weber pointed out. "The survey is designed to help us gain a better understanding of the Chittenden County residents’ practices, knowledge and attitudes toward these issues." The study, done in conjunction with Fletcher Allen Health Care, also looked at respondents’ difficulty in receiving health care. While 93 percent of those surveyed said they have a primary care physician and 88 percent of those had seen their doctor in the last year, 28 percent reported concern about paying for their health insurance. People under 25 were the most likely to report concerns about paying for health insurance, with 45 percent responding "yes." Additionally, 28 percent of respondents under 25 reported they did not have medical insurance.
Worries over paying for medications also surfaced in the survey, particularly with persons earning less than $15,000 annually and those under 25 and over 65. The United Way Needs Assessment 2000 report also found that while livable wage is a top concern countywide, only 14 percent of those surveyed believe that someone in their household is under employed. That number is down from 26 percent in 1995.
And finally, approximately nine-in-10 people surveyed said they feel safe in their neighborhood; that people in the community try to resolve difference peacefully; and that in time of need, people in the community will help. That remained consistent with the 1995 survey.
A printed copy of the report is available at the United Way of Chittenden County, 95 St. Paul St., Suite 200, Burlington, or by calling 864-7541.
Community Needs Assessment 2000 report
By Monica Weber, United Way’s Allocations and Agency Relations Director
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