Adequate housing, a lack of living wage jobs and the need for better nutritional opportunities.
Those were the top three findings from a survey by the North East Community Action …
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Adequate housing, a lack of living wage jobs and the need for better nutritional opportunities.
Those were the top three findings from a survey by the North East Community Action Corporation.
The Community Needs Assessment is a tri-annual study of social service, community health and public housing needs in Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, St. Charles, Shelby and Warren counties.
It provides NECAC with a compass in determining the development of new programs and services and is a requirement of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Earlier this year, questionnaires were sent to NECAC clients, community groups, faith-based organizations, private businesses, schools, health care agencies, political officeholders and others.
There were 52 questions covering a variety of topics, such as housing, health, transportation, employment and education. The results reflect a wide range of opinions and suggestions. The 814-page report was completed after months of preparation.
“The Community Needs Assessment is a valuable tool for us to use in assisting people in our 12 counties,” said NECAC County Services Programs Director Linda Fritz. “The data will greatly aid NECAC in formulating programs to help address community needs.”
NECAC continues to address housing needs with programs such as the Aspire Partnership. The agency and its partners, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department and the Carpenters Union District Council of Greater St. Louis, will build one-bedroom homes that will sell for around $37,000 in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa.
NECAC has developed a new program called Expand Your Employability, which will be available this fall. It’s designed to help people without a high school diploma or GED develop their job skills.
On the nutrition front, NECAC is launching the “Feed Your Neighbor” program. Well-stocked food pantry boxes will be set up throughout the agency’s 12 counties to offer anyone in need a chance to get free nutritious foods donated by other residents.
