Community Needs Assessment Report 2021 Community Action Program of East Central Oregon
This report was prepared for Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) by Alyssa Alexander Amber Henderson Sean Ruud CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 1
CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 2
Table of Contents Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Purpose & Service Area .................................................................................................................................... 5 Programs & Services ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Board of Directors ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Community Action Network ............................................................................................................................. 6 Community Needs Assessments ....................................................................................................................... 6 CAPECO's Community Needs Assessment ........................................................................................................ 6 Community Profile ................................................................................................................................................ 7 Service Area ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 Gilliam County ................................................................................................................................................... 7 Hood River County ............................................................................................................................................ 8 Morrow County ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Sherman County ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Umatilla County ................................................................................................................................................ 9 Wasco County ................................................................................................................................................. 10 Wheeler County .............................................................................................................................................. 10 Survey ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Acknowledgement .......................................................................................................................................... 11 Methodology .................................................................................................................................................. 11 Responses ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 Key Findings ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 Gilliam County ................................................................................................................................................. 13 Hood River County .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Morrow County ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Sherman County ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Umatilla County .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Wasco County ................................................................................................................................................. 15 Wheeler County .............................................................................................................................................. 16 Focus Group .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Staff ................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Board of Directors ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Recommendations .............................................................................................................................................. 19 CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 3
Sources ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Appendixes ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Appendix A – Survey Responses ......................................................................................................................... 23 Appendix A.1 – Gilliam County ....................................................................................................................... 24 Appendix A.2 – Hood River County ................................................................................................................. 66 Appendix A.3 – Morrow County ................................................................................................................... 108 Appendix A.4 – Sherman County .................................................................................................................. 150 Appendix A.5 – Umatilla County ................................................................................................................... 180 Appendix A.6 – Wasco County ...................................................................................................................... 225 Appendix A.7 – Wheeler County ................................................................................................................... 269 Appendix A.8 – Staff Survey .......................................................................................................................... 309 Appendix A.9 – Board of Directors Survey .................................................................................................... 318 Appendix B – Focus Group Responses .............................................................................................................. 320 Appendix B.1 – Morrow County Focus Group Responses ............................................................................ 321 Appendix B.2 – Umatilla County Focus Group Responses ............................................................................ 324 Appendix B.3 – Wasco County Focus Group Responses ............................................................................... 338 Appendix B.4 – Wheeler County Focus Group Responses ............................................................................ 342 Appendix C – Services Inquired ........................................................................................................................ 343 Appendix D – Board of Directors Statement of Acceptance ............................................................................. 344 CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 4
Introduction Purpose & Service Area The purpose of Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) is to assist people to become independent, healthy, and safe in Oregon’s Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties. In addition, CAPECO envisions the success of every youth, adult and senior to eliminate poverty and promote independence through education, employment, and the sharing of resources that move individuals from surviving to thriving. CAPECO’s Core Values include • Image - We serve our community in a positive, innovative, accountable and fiscally responsible manner in an inviting atmosphere which upholds the public trust and fulfills our mission. • Integrity - A personal commitment to do what is right morally, ethically and professionally. • Attitude - We exhibit positive, respectful, confident and non-judgmental behavior towards others. Our success is a reflection of our attitude. • Customer Service - We aspire to provide our customers with prompt, courteous, consistent and resourceful services. We treat each individual with dignity, fairness and respect. Customer service is not a department, it is an attitude. Our customers are the essence of our existence. • Professionalism - We exemplify the highest standard of professionalism. We strive to set an example by maintaining a high level of knowledge in our respective fields and conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects positively on the company. Programs & Services CAPECO focuses on four key social service needs in East Central Oregon. These needs include: • Community Services • Energy • Enterprise Development • Area Agency on Aging Services Include: • Independent Support Services • Food & Nutrition • Housing & Homeownership • Energy • Weatherization • Youth • Emergency Programs and services are provided for income eligible individuals or households who meet specific requirements. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 5
Board of Directors Gilliam County Commissioner Sherrie Wilkins Morrow County Commissioner Melissa Lindsay Mike Pearson Public Sector Public Sector Low Income Sector Umatilla County Commissioner George Murdock, Chair Public Sector Aaron Treadwell, Secretary/Treasurer Cindy Timmons, Vice Chair JueJue Withers-Lyons Wheeler County Sherian Asher Low Income Sector Private Sector Private Sector Low Income Sector Community Action Network CAPECO is part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies where help is provided to change people’s lives, embody the spirit of hope, improve communities, and make America a better place to live. Community Action Agencies care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Community Needs Assessments The Community Needs Assessment is a process conducted by all Community Action Agencies every three years to determine the underlying causes and conditions of poverty within the community they serve and identify the available resources to address the unmet needs of the community’s most vulnerable residents. It is the first phase of the Results Oriented Management and Accountability cycle, grounding and guiding the work to develop and implement programs and services that lift families and communities out of poverty. CAPECO's Community Needs Assessment The results of CAPECO’s Community Needs Assessment will help our Board of Directors create a strategic plan to initiate and/or support programs and services for our communities in relation to these six goals: 1. Low-income people become more self-sufficient. 2. The conditions in which low-income people live are improved. 3. Low-income people own a stake in their community. 4. Partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people are achieved. 5. Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results. 6. Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 6
Community Profile Service Area CAPECO’s service area is found on the ancestorial lands of the Wasco and Wishram People, Tenino People, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation who were forcibly removed and continue to claim and be stewards of the land today. CAPECO serves a seven-county area in the north and eastern portions of Oregon: Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler County. All CAPECO programs and services are provided to community members of four counties – Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler. In the three remaining counties of Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco, CAPECO provides Area Agency on Aging programs and services exclusively. CAPECO’s total service area covers 11,977 square miles, is comprised of 40 established cities or communities, and has a combined population of approximately 148,000. The drive from east to west covers approximately 200 miles. From the northernmost point to the southernmost point the drive is about 185 miles. Because of the vast differences in geography and climate, industries within this area vary widely and include raising and producing agricultural products, energy production, tourism, and recreation. Three of the counties within CAPECO’s service area are also the three least populated counties in Oregon: Gilliam, Sherman, and Wheeler. Hood River County (533 square miles) is next to the smallest Oregon county in area, second only to Multnomah County (431 square miles). Gilliam County Gilliam County sits on the Columbia Plateau which houses the junction of John Day and Columbia Rivers. The economy centers around agriculture with wheat farms and cattle ranches that have been sustained since settlement of the area and hosts a steadily growing wind energy industry. Arlington, located in the northern part of the county, and the county seat of Condon, found in the middle of the county, are the most populous areas. Gilliam County Population Condon Arlington Race Asian Black or African American 1,995 35.6% 31.5% 0.5% 0.2% Native American/Alaska Native 1.5% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.6% White Alone Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Median Household Income Poverty Rate Employment Rate CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 5.4% $47,500 10.4% 52.1% 7 87.6%
Hood River County Situated midway between the rainforest climate of Western Oregon and the arid desert of Eastern Oregon encompassing the scenic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River County offers a diverse economy that is traditionally made up of agriculture, high-tech, professional, healthcare and sports recreation. The city of Hood River serves as the county seat. Hood River County Population Hood River Race Asian Black or African American 23,977 33.1% 1.6% 0.2% Native American/Alaska Native 1.1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.2% White Alone Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Median Household Income Poverty Rate Employment Rate 62.3% 7,148 $65,679 8.5% 45% Morrow County Morrow County has more than one million acres of gently rolling plains and broad plateaus. Morrow County became one of Oregon’s fastest growing areas in terms of population, personal income, and agricultural and industrial development. The Port of Morrow, second largest in the state in terms of tonnage, serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Rim markets. This rich agricultural land can be roughly divided into three occupational zones—increasing amounts of irrigation farming in the north, vast fields of wheat yielding to cattle ranches in the center, and timber products in the south. Heppner serves as the county seat with Boardman being the most populated city. Morrow County Population Heppner Boardman Race Asian Black or African American 12,186 9.7% 31.4% 0.3% 0.5% Native American/Alaska Native 1.4% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander <0.1% White Alone Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Median Household Income Poverty Rate Employment Rate 54.2% 40.9% $54,269 14.5% 57.2% CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 8
Sherman County Sherman County lies between the deep canyons of the John Day River on the east and the Deschutes River on the west in North Central Oregon. Six small towns — Biggs, Rufus, Wasco, Moro, Grass Valley, and Kent — supply basic services for the residents of the County. The county seat is Moro. The economy is based on wheat, barley, cattle, and tourism. Sherman County Population Moro Race Asian Black or African American 1,870 16.9% 0.4% 0% Native American/Alaska Native 1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.2% White Alone Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Median Household Income Poverty Rate Employment Rate 6.4% $51,071 13.4% 50.7% Umatilla County Umatilla County is the easternmost and most populated county in CAPECO’s service area. The most populous city is Hermiston, and the county seat is assigned to Pendleton. You will find Umatilla County sitting between the Columbia River in the north and the base of the Blue Mountains in the south. The economy centers around agriculture, food processing, forest products, manufacturing, and tourism. Umatilla County Population Pendleton Hermiston Race Asian Black or African American 80,075 21.4% 24.2% 0.9% 0.9% Native American/Alaska Native 3.8% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.2% White Alone Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Median Household Income Poverty Rate Employment Rate 66.8% 28.3% $60,425 14.5% 52.3% 86.1% CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 9
Wasco County Bordered by the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers, Wasco County was once the largest county in the area from which produced 17 other counties. The county seat, The Dalles was once famed as the town at the end of the Oregon Trail. Wasco County economy centers around agriculture, lumber, manufacturing, electric power, transportation, and tourism. Wasco County Population The Dalles Race Asian Black or African American 26,670 60.1% 0.9% 0.5% Native American/Alaska Native 4.2% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.7% White Alone Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Median Household Income Poverty Rate Employment Rate 70.1% 18.8% $53,105 11.6% 56.6% Wheeler County Wheeler County is as rugged and uneven as any Oregon county. The terrain varies widely from sagebrush, juniper, and rimrock to stands of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. Two national forests lie within the county, and Fossil, known for its deposits of prehistoric fossils, serves as the county seat. Wheeler County Population Fossil Race Asian Black or African American 1451 30.2% 0.6% 0.1% Native American/Alaska Native 1.8% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0% White Alone Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Median Household Income Poverty Rate Employment Rate 5.8% $40,926 14% 38% 86.6% CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 10
Survey Acknowledgement We are extremely grateful to the many community members, community partners, CAPECO staff and CAPECO board members who have taken time to participate in our Community Needs Assessment in October and November of 2021. Methodology The Community Needs Assessment is a large overall look at the needs of communities within CAPECO’s service area. With a large geographic area to cover it can be cost prohibitive to reach every community member and partner with one-to-one contact about the survey. Reaching community members and partners for their input in this Community Needs Assessment survey was done directly by email from contacts CAPECO currently holds, paid advertising, direct contacts with large employers, social media, websites, press releases, direct mailing, and fliers in public locations as well as to current clients. Due to COVID-19 restrictions no in-person events or information meetings were planned. Multiple methods of collecting information for assessment and analysis included focus groups, qualitative questions and quantitative questions to community members, community partners, CAPECO staff, and the CAPECO Board of Directors. Objective data from reliable sources has been included and gives a baseline to compare and contrast the input from the Community Needs Assessment surveys and focus group questions. With that in mind, a community’s perception carries weight and therefore balances the subjectivity of this report. The community member survey and focus group questions were made available to participants in English or Spanish. The Community Needs Assessment report and data, once accepted by the Board of Directors, will be made available to the public through CAPECO’s website. Social media will be used to direct people to CAPECO’s website where they can find the link to this report. Requests for copies of the survey and/or data will be provided a link to this report. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 11
Responses The general survey had a total of 384 responses from community members and is broken down by county here: County Gilliam Hood River Morrow Sherman Umatilla Wasco Wheeler Responses % of County Population 1.00% 20 18 43 6 246 45 6 The community partner survey had 51 responses. County Gilliam Hood River Morrow Sherman Umatilla Wasco Wheeler The focus group had 31 responses. County Gilliam Hood River Morrow Sherman Umatilla Wasco Wheeler Survey Questions and Responses • See Appendix A for survey responses from community members and partners • See Appendix B for responses from the focus group 3 4 4 0 0.08% 0.35% 0.32% 0.31% 0.17% 0.41% Responses % of County Population 0.15% 27 12 1 0.02% 0.03% 0.00% 0.03% 0.04% 0.07% Responses % of County Population 0.00% 0 0 3 0 22 5 1 0.00% 0.02% 0.00% 0.03% 0.02% 0.07% CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 12
Key Findings After analyzing data from the Community Needs Assessment surveys and responses from the focus group questions the following information came out as more unusual and/or interesting. Although CAPECO may or may not provide services in some of the domains that the survey and focus group questions touch on, they still apply - in that community members and partners live and/or work locally and have these observations about their community’s ‘needs.’ Our endeavor here, is to highlight domains where the qualitative and quantitative data portray an obvious or major community need along with strengths, challenges, and concerns. Gilliam County The top three household needs for community members, in the past year, were financial assistance, dental care, and heating/utility assistance. There is interest in financial literacy education in Gilliam County. Healthcare for vision, dental and ongoing or chronic conditions seem to be difficult to access. Over half of the respondents said there are no opportunities for children and youth in their community and more than two thirds said there are no opportunities for senior citizens to socialize or didn’t know if there were. Over one third said affordable and adequate childcare is absent in the community. Rent assistance and improve public transportation were the top two services most needed in housing and transportation, respectively. Community partners feel the two most challenging issues for low-income households in the next three years include safe, affordable housing and lack of quality childcare. They also state that knowing the people in their community and their community partnerships are their greatest strengths. They feel the greatest challenges are self-reliance, lack of available services within the county and the large geographic area. Overall, they would like to see investments for affordable quality childcare and housing. In addition, they would like to see higher wages and more opportunities for low-income housing. They state it is important that all partners are asked to provide input on projects in the community and help each other spread information about available services and opportunities. Hood River County For community members the top two household needs in the past year were mental health services and planning for the future / goal setting. They have an interest in financial literacy education and say the hardest to access services are healthcare services for dental and mental health. More than half of the respondents said there are no affordable childcare options and not enough opportunities for children and youth in the county, or they didn’t know. More than half of the Hood River County survey respondents said they didn’t know if there are any socialization opportunities for senior citizens in their area. Rent assistance is the top housing service most needed in the community while improve public transportation was the top transportation service most needed. Community partners acknowledge that knowing the people in their community and their community partnerships are their greatest strengths. Three major challenges were brought up that include transportation around the large geographic area, resistance to change and participation from community members, and not enough available housing for low-income individuals. Community partners in Hood River County would like to be given a voice on issues such as housing, higher wages, and health care. In addition, they would like to see more funding to provide services for houseless individuals and families and feel that CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 13
these individuals and families should be included in the solution making process. They also suggest trauma informed care skills are needed for all social service providers. Morrow County Morrow County community members said the top three needs in the last twelve months were financial assistance, home repair, and dental services. Lack of childcare, mental health problem, and other health issues were the top three reasons for unemployment indicated by Morrow County community members. Nearly a quarter of the respondents said they would participate in some type of financial literacy services. Mental, vision and physical health were the top three healthcare services that were hardest to access in Morrow County, with the hardest to acquire being counseling services for depression. Five individuals state that they or their family have recently experienced barriers or challenges with support systems. Access to stores that sell fresh fruits and vegetables were issues for seven in their community. When asked whether there are enough opportunities for children and youth in their community forty-two percent of respondents disclosed there are not enough while another twelve percent said they didn’t know. Regarding affordable and adequate childcare, thirty-seven percent said ‘No.’ Rent assistance was the top housing service indicated as most needed. Sixty-five percent responded that improve public transportation was the one transportation service most needed. Morrow County’s community partners feel that not only community partnerships, but also the support of the community supporting each other is their greatest strength. The greatest challenges for Morrow County include the rural setting which limits the availability of acquiring resources in a timely manner. Other issues revolving around acquiring resources are lack of privacy from community members living and working so closely together, and the struggle to create equity and diversity in the workforce. Community partners also commented that they would like investment in affordable health care, collaboration, job skills training, and equity. They would like to see investment in adult education and job skills training as well as affordable housing. Sherman County Home repair, youth programs and financial assistance are the top three needs in the past twelve months for community member’s households in Sherman County. Eighty-three percent of community members who responded are not familiar with CAPECO’s services for low-income households in their community. One third say transportation has been a problem in the last twelve months because of inability to afford car repair and inability to afford gas. Willingness to participate in financial literacy services was indicated by one third of the participants. Mental health services were selected as the hardest services to receive in Sherman County while counseling services are most difficult to get. All respondents said there are no, or didn’t know about, opportunities for children and youth in their community. Thirty-three percent are unaware of any socialization opportunities for senior citizens. One third of the community members say repair assistance is a housing service that is most needed in Sherman County while fifty percent indicate the most needed transportation service is improve public transportation. Although there were no responses from community partners who consider Sherman County their primary place of work there are thirteen community partners whose organizations provide a myriad of services for low-income residents in this county. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 14
Umatilla County The top three household needs in Umatilla County, in the last twelve months, are financial assistance, heating/utility assistance, and food assistance. The top three problems related to housing in the last twelve months as reported by community members are can’t afford the electric bill, can’t afford the needed repairs, and bad credit. Over one third say they have not had enough food. Thirty-five percent of Umatilla County community members say lack of transportation has been a problem for them in the last twelve months. The top three reasons were due to inability to afford gas, inability to afford car repair and inability to pay for car insurance. Transportation issues, in the last twelve months, has been a problem for twenty percent of the respondents as a reason for someone in their household who is not working for pay. For the different types of financial literacy services there are anywhere between four to seventeen percent interest. The top three hard to receive healthcare services are dental, mental health, and vision. Depression and overcoming trauma are the top two counseling services hardest to get help with. Recent barriers/challenges for families include finances, healthcare, and housing. As for having enough opportunities for children and youth in their communities sixty-eight percent of the community members say ‘no’ or they ‘don’t know.’ Seventy percent state there are no, or they don’t know of, socialization opportunities for senior citizens in their communities. The one housing service most needed is rent assistance with the most needed transportation service being improve public transportation. Community partners feel access to resources, community partnerships, the community supporting each other, and bilingual services are their greatest strengths. They feel the greatest challenges are housing and transportation, addressing the root causes of individual’s challenges, limited capacity for service providers, limited funding for resources, along with mental health and substance use issues, and language barriers are their greatest challenges. Umatilla County community partners would like to see investments in affordable housing, mental health and substance use disorders programs, childcare, continuum of care across agencies with client personal histories, transportation, Spanish language interpretation, job skills, Spanish speaking leadership, and cultural competency. Respondents say they would like to see the community members who are being served brought to the table to engage in decision making as it pertains to them. Job skills development, more adult education, including other community events that community members are drawn to that teach skills to help them be more self-sufficient, and more affordable housing are community partner insights on the best way to achieve the six goals of Community Action. Wasco County Community members in Wasco County state the top three household needs, in the last twelve months, are dental care, quality childcare and family/couples counseling. Families recently have experienced barriers/challenges with finances, healthcare, and childcare. Reasons for unemployment include criminal background, lack of permanent address, and lack of skills/education. Fifty-six percent said they had challenges with transportation, in the last twelve months, due to inability to afford car repair, public transportation is too far, and inability to afford gas. For those who are not working for pay twenty-two percent are caring for children. Housing problems experienced in the last twelve months include can’t afford needed repairs, can’t find affordable housing, and can’t afford electric bill. Thirty-six percent said their household has had to choose between paying a bill or buying food to meet other basic needs. Budgeting and saving for retirement are the top two financial literacy services community members are interested in. Mental health and dental care are the two highest healthcare services hardest to access while overcoming trauma and depression are the two counseling services most difficult to get. Sixty-six percent of community members responding said there are not enough, or didn’t know of, opportunities for children and youth in CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 15
Wasco County. Seventy-one percent feel there is no affordable and adequate childcare or didn’t know. Emergency shelter is the one housing service indicated as the most needed. Improve public transportation was the one transportation service specified as the most essential. Community collaboration, the people in the community, and positive energy are what Wasco County's community partners consider its greatest strengths. On the other hand, lack of affordable housing, lack of inclusion, not enough combination of resources or communication with community partners are thought to be this county's greatest challenges. Wasco County community partners responding to this survey would like the entire community to focus on root issues, childcare, caregiver services, educating the community about services available, lobby legislation for better resources, affordable housing, and services available for all ages. Implementation of a housing first program in the Gorge, as well as more community outreach and collaboration between community partners would help achieve Community Action goals in this County. Wheeler County Jobs that pay a living wage, caregiver support, and dental care are the top three household needs in the last twelve months for community members in Wheeler County. Finances was listed as the most recent experiences for barriers/challenges for families. Housing services most needed are rent assistance, mortgage assistance, and repair assistance. Improving public transportation and assistance with personal vehicle are the transportation services most needed. One of six respondents said lack of transportation has been a problem in the last twelve months. Three responses included inability to afford gas as a household challenge with transportation in the last twelve months. For those not working for pay two are caring for an elderly family member. The top two problems related to housing, in the last twelve months, include can’t afford needed repairs and moved to another place. Half of the respondents stated their household has skipped or cut the size of a meal because there was not enough food in the last twelve months, while two say they have had to choose between buying food or paying a bill to meet other basic needs. Saving for retirement and saving in general are the top to financial literacy services Wheeler County community members stated they would participate in. Vision healthcare and grief counseling services are indicated as the most difficult to obtain. Community partners indicate Wheeler County’s biggest challenge is limited resources. They add their community needs to be more educated on what resources are available. Counseling individuals to keep them on track with goals and not giving up is one way they feel Community Action goals can be achieved in their communities. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 16
Focus Group Community members, partners, staff and CAPECO Board of Directors were all given an opportunity to access and respond to the Focus Group questions. The overall observation of the focus group responses throughout CAPECO’s service area show individual’s opinions vary widely and vary widely even within the counties. When asked about the root causes of poverty, in all counties combined, cycle of Poverty was selected the most, indicated nine times, followed by finances/income/wages, safe and affordable housing, economy and government/bureaucracy. Of the things being done to address poverty, in specific domains within communities, the following were given the greatest attention as to what the respondents feel is helping the most. Domain Response Employment Finances Education Job creation Financial assistance services Resource education Community Outreach Direct contact Advocacy Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Health / Healthcare Mental health services Housing / Homeless Crime / Safety Rental assistance Collaboration Food Assistance Mental health training for law enforcement officers Community alliances Food pantries Given the opportunity to address poverty in their local community, with all barriers removed (political, financial…), safe and affordable housing had the highest number of selections by respondents. Staff Staff feel the greatest strength of working within their community is the connection to the community and they feel privileged to be able to help people in need. Challenges include clients not providing, or not being able to provide, required documentation, scarce resources, connecting with marginalized communities and dealing with the expectation that CAPECO must/will meet all the community’s needs. Staff also say that it would be good for CAPECO to improve its community outreach to promote, inform, and educate community members and partners of services offered as well as teach on topics such as self-sufficiency. In addition, the community can share their needs and community partners can build stronger relationships. Increasing the number of staff to help with current programs and services is something else staff feel is important. They state that more staff and more cross-trained staff would be beneficial. Offering more help around utilities or more availability to use funds for occasional needs like clothing, family care, etc. were also included in staff comments as to what would be helpful. Staff feel additional services from CAPECO should include transportation, or dial-a-ride services in Wasco County. And, for CAPECO’s entire service area, financial counseling, more rental assistance, medical care assistance (for prescriptions or dental services), incentives for landlords to house clients, mortgage assistance, companion programs for lonely seniors, assistance with personal transportation like stipends for gas and repairs, LIHEAP assistance for individuals who are mid-income, and employment assistance were also indicated as additional services, or services that could use improvements. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 17
Staff also indicate CAPECO needs to increase partnerships with organizations such as Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, Housing Authority, Health Department, Oregon Department of Human Services, local churches, salvation army, food banks, grocery stores, Social Security Administration, Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living, local hospitals, Blue Mountain Action Council, RAICES, Hermiston Heritage Association, AGAPE, Martha's house, and Walmart. Some staff feel diversity barriers are being addressed by receiving information and training. In Pendleton they feel bilingual needs have been met or are improving, while in Hermiston they feel that every department needs bilingual staff, and need more documents translated into Spanish. In both Pendleton and Hermiston some staff feel that outreach to black, indigenous, and people of color communities could and should improve. Many staff are unaware of any diversity in the CAPECO Board of Directors. Others feel that Board diversity needs improvement particularly by having Spanish speaking, Latinx, and/or Native American representation. Most staff feel that professional development opportunities are adequate, but the ones who answered ‘no’ feel that new hire training could be improved or feel there is lack of follow-up when opportunities have been offered. Many staff state CAPECO does well on training around diversity, equity, and inclusion topics or have improved over the last couple of years. Staff suggest increasing staffing to allow for more efficient services and more capacity to help individuals/households. This increase could also allow for listening to the community about what their needs are, food banks for anyone receiving SNAP that is also open on weekends, more affordable housing that better matches wages of the area, better access to mental health and health care, more treatment centers for addictions, training community members on how to be better caretakers of their family members, and more outreach and increasing community partnerships will help with the listed issues. Board of Directors Please refer to Appendix A.9 for survey responses from CAPECO’s Board of Directors. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 18
Recommendations Our initial observation is that community members are indicating needs for services that, for the most part, are currently being provided in their communities. Though these services may not be housed physically in the same geographic location as the community member, they certainly are actively being provided by a community organization from the local level or by a county or state agency. The Community Needs Assessment responses here indicate community members are not aware that services exist for their ‘needs’ while at the same time community partners report they are providing services for those ‘needs.’ Granted, there are perceptions and most of the time an eligibility criteria must be met – I don’t have a car so my geographic community is limited to where I can walk or where and when public transportation can provide for me. While I feel I am low-income, the funder thinks my income is above average. Our leading recommendation to the CAPECO Board of Directors and community partners is to continue current services and endeavors in assisting low-income individuals and households in Oregon’s Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties to become independent, healthy, and safe. In addition, we recommend the following: • Childcare - Pursue community connections to establish or improve childcare that are considered safe and affordable. If CAPECO takes on this domain a deeper understanding of individual communities and their current Childcare resources would need to be studied. In many cases a boost to education and/or certification for current established businesses may be all that is warranted. In other cases, it may be a matter of finding a community member or partner to spearhead the development and maintenance of a new service. • Rent Assistance – Many variables factor into how Rent Assistance is a major need within CAPECO’s service area. At this point in time COVID could be listed at the top of the list, as a reason for why people are reporting Rent Assistance is a need, with the understanding that its trickle-down effect exponentially affects not just the tenant, but the landlords, and the community as a whole. Decreased health, closing of schools and businesses, loss of employment, increased rent, increased prices on goods and services, and the cycle of poverty all add to this great need for Rent Assistance. Even when individuals have a fundamental understanding of finances and a will to manage it there remains a limit to how far a dollar will go. Prioritizing necessary expenses over others inevitably exploits some needs, or most. Fixing a Rent Assistance issue includes, but is not limited to, building new energy efficient affordable housing, increasing available number of jobs with actual livable wages for a one-wage earner household, supports for safe and affordable childcare, geographically accessible health services for medical, dental, vision, and transportation that is available, reliable, consistent, and cost effective. Individuals needs a strong personal desire and an inexhaustible determination to want to move from a situation of poverty to another of adequacy before they will make necessary changes to see any intended outcomes. Without providing comprehensive, or wrap-around services individuals and households most often remain in a state of survival were grasping for that strong personal desire to improve one’s own situation is not even on their radar. Parenting, nutrition, and budgeting (including prioritizing needs over wants) are three of the areas where basic education can play a major role in positioning people to succeed in their move from surviving to thriving. • Improve public transportation – From a cursory analysis it would be acceptable if communities could provide reliable, timely-accessible, and consistent options for members. Continuing to purchase and use large transit vehicles that are never full and require higher level of maintenance qualifications may be a place to begin to look in considering alternatives. Since the Community Needs Assessment survey CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 19
did show this as a community concern but did not ask for in-depth input regarding what would improve public transportation issues, a more specific study is indicated at a time when this domain is addressed. • Health Services – Physical, Mental, Dental, and Vision – People may have easy access to affordable Health Services, but geographic accessibility can present problems anywhere from time constraints to transportation issues, especially with senior citizens and single parent households. Consider narrowing the perceived gap by addressing issues like the need for improved public transportation and by promoting availability of the services community members are looking for. • Activities and Socialization for Children, Youth, and Senior Citizens - Be intentional about intergenerational approaches to these. Intergenerational approaches encourage different generations to use their strengths to nurture respect and understanding while coming together for a common purpose. In one way or another most communities have at least one activity already established for children and youth or senior citizens. Finding ways to integrate these can be as simple as community gardens or as complex as a multigenerational housing community, but they take community intention. • Financial Literacy – Take every opportunity to educate community members about finances. Every county has members who are stating they have an interest in one form of financial literacy services or another. To continue to provide funding to a community member, in one domain, while avoiding full wrap-around services, even something as simple as financial literacy, is missing the mark in helping individuals to become independent, healthy, and safe. • Networking – Be accountable to actively participate in community partner networks. By engaging with others CAPECO communicates its programs and services to those partners who can refer clients back. In turn, CAPECO too becomes aware of established and up-and-coming services, helping to avoid unnecessary duplication of services (where possible). There is also a responsibility to report back and disseminate information to the entire organization in a timely manner. • Programs and Services provided - Promote, inform, and educate all community members and partners about CAPECO’s services and programs. o CAPECO has close to 30 different services – Each service needs to be pushed individually to the community, as opposed to overwhelming community members and partners with ALL that CAPECO can help with. That’s not to say something shouldn’t be created and promoted to encompass all programs and services CAPECO does provide. o Keep the information simple, relevant – Define conditions for services that a community member might need, e.g., Define eligibility criteria for homelessness, such as living in a car (among others), as opposed to using an umbrella term like homeless. o Advertise – Actually spend money on advertising. Organizations cannot solely rely on free social media nor assume community partners are forwarding program and service information to their clients. o Refer community members – It is necessary for all staff to have knowledge of what services CAPECO and other agencies offer and how and where to send people inside and outside of any organization or agency. o This is not just a CAPECO issue – A community-wide intention is what truly keeps an individual or household form falling through the cracks. • Community Participation - Include community members and partners when discussing potential and new initiatives. Provide opportunities for the community to help lay the groundwork for new programs and services with input from group settings and/or surveys. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 20
Sources Bridge Meadows, bridgemeadows.org Community Action Partnership, communityactionpartnership.com CAPTAIN, CAP Systems Inc (CAPECO’s Data Management System), capsystems.com Generations Working Together, generationsworkingtogether.org Gilliam County, Oregon, co.gilliam.or.us Hood River Chamber of Commerce, visithoodriver.com National Low-Income Housing Coalition, nlihc.org Oregon Secretary of State, sos.oregon.gov Sherman County, Oregon, co.sherman.or.us United States Census Bureau, census.gov CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 21
Appendixes Appendix A – Surveys with Responses Appendix B – Focus Group Responses Appendix C – Services Inquired Appendix D – Board of Directors Statement of Acceptance CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 22
Appendix A – Survey Responses From Community Members & Partners, CAPECO Staff & Board of Directors Appendix A.1 – Gilliam County Appendix A.2 – Hood River County Appendix A.3 – Morrow County Appendix A.4 – Sherman County Appendix A.5 – Umatilla County Appendix A.6 – Wasco County Appendix A.7 – Wheeler County Appendix A.8 – Staff Appendix A.9 – Board of Directors CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 23
Appendix A.1 – Gilliam County CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 24
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Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 61
Linkages Nutrition Self Sufficiency Services for Senior Citizens Services for Youth CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 62
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Focus Group Responses – See Appendix B CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 65
Appendix A.2 – Hood River County CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 66
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Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 103
Linkages Nutrition Self Sufficiency Services for Senior Citizens Services for Youth CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 104
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Focus Group Responses – See Appendix B CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 107
Appendix A.3 – Morrow County CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 108
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Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 145
Linkages Nutrition Self Sufficiency Services for Senior Citizens Services for Youth CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 146
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Focus Group Responses – See Appendix B CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 149
Appendix A.4 – Sherman County CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 150
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Sherman County Community Partner Survey No responses were received. Focus Group Responses – See Appendix B CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 179
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What are the greatest STRENGTHS of working in your Community? • Working together with Community partners for the client & knowing what resources are offered from different agencies, will help the client achieve their needs. • Working together with Community partners for the client & knowing what resources are offered from different agencies, will help the client achieve their needs. • Partner agencies willing to help • The people in our community are its greatest strength. The giving and collaborative nature of our community is what holds it together. • Civic and community groups that want to help. • "Good communication amongst community partners/service providers. • I can actually 'see' the results of efforts made to help individuals in our community. • For a small community there are many good resources and services that are offered." • the willingness to come together in times of need (flood, family death, covid) • The above list does not allow multiple choices, but answers include: provide counseling, provide medical care, teach. A strength of this community is CAPECO! They are where a majority of our patients obtain some of their food/transportation resources. • People are kind, and like to help. • Offering a variety of wrap around services for those with low or no income. • In small towns, many people know one another and when someone needs help, word can spread more easily by word of mouth. In rural Eastern Oregon, community members are more accustomed to having to provide for their own needs, due to lack of resources available to those who live in larger cities. • We work cooperatively • Having multiple resources to help our community members • Small close knit community • Lots of people in need of our services • Working with agencies/groups that have similar goals. Pendleton has an amazing city government that understands the importance of affordable housing and available housing for all income levels. • Having access to organizations that are able to direct eligible seniors to Desert Sage Manor for housing • Seeing the change and impact we make in the community. • Collaborations with interagency referrals and services • Community connections • Our community is very close-knit and everyone is willing to help out in any way possible. Considering the size of our community, we have a decent amount of services to offer members. • Being based in the most populated town in eastern Oregon and having access to resources in the area • "We are cultural specific program, help low income residents with free food boxes, clothes, shoes and any other items that need. • We are giving Covid vaccines and other resources clients may need. We provide A&D, AM DV counseling as well." • We are able to help the community get the the resources they need or direct them in the right direction. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 • Helping parents and children have a healthy and educated home • working with many partners in the community to better help serv our families in need • Community collaboration with community partners. Providing services to low income families and high risk families Providing parent education as a norm in all communities Promoting a 218
What are the greatest CHALLENGES of working in your Community? Housing and transportation for people who are not on Medicaid, but need help with Transportation. Limited financial resources Resources that truly help. Many of the resources we have do not address the root causes of the challenges our families face. We continue to treat symptoms and provide relief as we can but cannot prevent the systemic issues leading to poverty and homelessness. Limitations by local government and policies. "Limited resources. Many services/providers/resources/program don't have the capacity, funding and/or resources to take on additional clients. Therefore, resulting in long waitlists and/or inability for an individual to obtain assistance. This is a small community which can pose challenges in regards to the cross-over of professional/personal relationships." getting adults involved in their child's education, Mental health resources, counseling, etc is severely lacking Limited child care, housing, and Pendleton is not very walkable. I find that the majority of folks with little to no income in our community are more often than not facing challenges due to mental health or drug abuse. Lack of community resources in small towns, particularly smaller available workforce. COVID pandemic has worsened this phenomenon. Lack of available workers in human services - child care, disability service workers, elderly care, etc. Overcoming program limitations (income limits, etc.) Inequality of resources. Seniors and disabled members do not get the same benefits/resources as those on straight Medicaid. The income threshold is higher for those who are considered "low income", but someone making less on medicare, SSI, or disability does not get as much help, such as with free transportation. Great amount of need Not enough staff to get our classrooms going I cover 12 Eastern Oregon counties. Attempting to get smaller counties engaged with fair housing at every level. Unable to get local jurisdictions (city and county) to see the importance to fair housing laws and to want to engage with creating policy/ordinances that provide equity in housing for all, i.e. available housing stock that does not create rent burden, medium housing stock that does not create rent burden, etc. Certain county governments are slow getting on board to following fair housing laws and adhering to new House Bills and Senate bills that would increase housing stock and provide affordable options to renters. Having local organizations direct eligible senior citizens to Desert Sage Manor for affordable housing. Assisting the most vulnerable population. language barriers Lack of resources Transportation is an issue, specialty care, substance abuse services. Language barriers; Spanish but mostly other South American languages Sharing the importance of Covid vaccines. There are a lot of dead ends. You can refer a client to services but they do not get help. Language Transportation, housing , affordable child care Not enough resources, the challenges of the pandemic and the inpact it has had on families in need. Keeping the workers long we than a week CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 219
Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 220
Linkages Nutrition Self Sufficiency Services for Senior Citizens Services for Youth CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 221
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Focus Group Responses – See Appendix B CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 224
Appendix A.6 – Wasco County CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 225
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Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 263
Linkages Nutrition Self Sufficiency Services for Senior Citizens Services for Youth CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 264
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Focus Group Responses – See Appendix B CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 268
Appendix A.7 – Wheeler County CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 269
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Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 304
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Focus Group Responses – See Appendix B CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 308
Appendix A.8 – Staff Survey 24 Responses n the following categories, how well do you feel the Community, as a whole, meets the needs of lowincome households? Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 309
Staff Survey 24 Responses In the following categories, how well do you feel the Community, as a whole, meets the needs of lowincome households? Linkages Nutrition Self Sufficiency Services for Senior Citizens Services for Youth CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 310
Staff Survey CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 311
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Staff Survey 24 Responses Staff Survey In the following instances, how has the number of requests for CAPECO services changed over the past year? C 13
Staff Survey In the following instances, how has the number of requests for CAPECO services changed over the past year? CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 314
Staff Survey In the following instances, how has the number of requests for CAPECO services changed over the past year? CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 315
Staff Survey In the following instances, how has the number of requests for CAPECO services changed over the past year? CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 316
Staff Survey How has attendance at CAPECO events changed over the past year? CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 317
Appendix A.9 – Board of Directors Survey In the following categories, how well do you feel the Community meets the needs of low-income households? Employment Education Emergency Services Health Housing Income Management CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 318
Board of Directors Survey In the following categories, how well do you feel the Community meets the needs of low-income households? Linkages Nutrition Self Sufficiency Services for Senior Citizens Services for Youth CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 319
Appendix B – Focus Group Responses Appendix B.1 – Morrow County Appendix B.2 – Umatilla County Appendix B.3 – Wasco County Appendix B.4 – Wheeler County No Focus Group Responses were received for Gilliam, Hood River, or Sherman counties. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 320
Appendix B.1 – Morrow County Focus Group Responses Please respond to the following questions while keeping in mind the ZIP Code you just provided What is the top root cause of poverty in your Community? Cycle of Poverty Government/Bureaucracy Tell us why you selected what you did Generations of families all struggling to get out of poverty mixed with availability of good paying jobs Government is not helping people There for themselves and not representing us Unemployment There just aren't a lot of jobs available to the low-income residents who are seeking employment. There are jobs through the hospital, sheriff's office, and the county, but those positions require a college degree and other requirements and skills that those who only have a high school diploma would not qualify for. Of the things being done to address poverty in your Community, what do you think is helping the most in the following areas? Employment Employment Readiness Programs Job creation Job creation Finances Funding for social services Banking services Financial assistance services Education The port of Morrow and local industries are huge supporters of educations Resource education Resource education Help improve skills fi educating them to live in this world Instead of filling their heads full of crap from the past Places like the Neighborhood Center and the Health Department work to get the information of available programs out to the low-income residents. They also assist the people in applying for those services. Community Outreach Building community/organization trust Tell us why you selected what you did Nonprofits working hard to better Boardman CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 321 Tell us why you selected what you did The port of Morrow workforce training and BMCC have partnered up for a great workforce training program doing resume help, job search help, internships, etc. People go into jobs of their training skill so go in blind not knowing what's in store for them There is a new Dollar General being built in Heppner which will create a few new job positions for the area. The gas station and grocery store are always hiring, but that is because they can't keep regular employees on staff. Tell us why you selected what you did I don't think we have great help with any of the options, but it made me choose one. I go through a credit union Never again will I go through a bank They are corrupt The county received Covid funds to distribute to help those in need with rent and utility assistance.
Direct contact It's easier to do one on one for better understanding Building community/organization trust Advocacy Public transit/increased bus routes Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Job/hiring discrimination and ageism in hiring Advocacy Public transit/increased bus routes Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Job/hiring discrimination and ageism in hiring Health / Healthcare Mental health services Elderly/caregiver relief services Mental health services Housing / Homeless Long-term shelters None of the above Homeless services Rental assistance Crime / Safety Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement Mental health training for law enforcement officers My son is homeless in the Beaverton Oregon area Other than going to a church homeless shelter in Portland, OR, which stinks, dirty , bed bugs , cockroaches They are nasty There are no homeless shelters in South Morrow County. Tell us why you selected what you did above9 It's very important that the people who need the assistance feel comfortable coming in and getting the help to get the services whether it be for the food pantry, financial rent and utility assistance, prescription assistance, etc.. None of them are great, but we do have the Loop public transport and many employment agencies provide transportation for Ag workers Our healthcare system in the US stinks Cost so much for so little received Deductible way to high Job hiring discrimination is a big problem when seeking employment in a small town where everyone knows your business and your family's business and the reputation that goes with that. Tell us why you selected what you did None of them are great, but we do have the Loop public transport and many employment agencies provide transportation for Ag workers Our healthcare system in the US stinks Cost so much for so little received Deductible way to high Job hiring discrimination is a big problem when seeking employment in a small town where everyone knows your business and your family's business and the reputation that goes with that. Tell us why you selected what you did CCS I myself am 64 and soon will be struggling to get health care we can't afford it I had to pick from the two and the mental health services seemed the most fitting. Tell us why you selected what you did None of the above There are so many people walking the streets now with the homeless that they need so much help for medicines and shelters Law enforcement needs to help the drug or mental folks out there CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 322
Redirect them to programs avail Which are few or none Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement Collaboration Volunteering Community alliances Community alliances Food Assistance Food pantries Tell us why you selected what you did above10 Lots of organizations have volunteer opportunities Folks need to come together and help thy neighbors no matter who u are We are here to love, live a happy existence Other than hate , violence , Tell us why you selected what you did above11 Boardman food pantry provides meals for anyone who comes. No one turned away. Food pantries Food pantries Either way With the economy going in the tank More and more folks need food panties and food banks in all communities I myself rely every month on food pantry as I can't get food stamp card Make a little too much The Neighborhood Center is the only food pantry for South Morrow County. Individuals and families in need can walk through and shop the Client's Choice Pantry twice a month and select from the variety of frozen meats, dairy, and pantry staples. If you had the opportunity to address poverty in your Community, with all barriers removed (political, financial…), which option below would you choose? Wage Increase Increased Funding Service Expansion Comments • I hope this information helps. Tell us why you selected what you did above12 Morrow County has one of the highest median incomes in the state but the ones below that are VERY below. There's just not enough funding to help low-income folks Raise the bar on food stamp card program I think there are needs not being met for the low-income residents in need. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 323
Appendix B.2 – Umatilla County Focus Group Responses Please respond to the following questions while keeping in mind the ZIP Code you just provided What is the top root cause of poverty in your Community? Tell us why you selected what you did Cycle of Poverty This is really hard to answer because it is so interconnected and multi-faceted. Ultimately, I went with Cycle of Poverty because all of the other factors combine to create the poverty trap. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma cycles perpetuate lack of access to education and resources that would allow for upward mobility for families generation after generation. The lack of a robust social safety net and proactive supports for families compounds the effects of cycles of family trauma and toxic stress environments. Cycle of Poverty I serve a number of families for whom poverty is generational. Families in this cycle live within a framework of poverty and don't necessarily know any other ways to live. Additionally, many social services that exist supposedly to help raise people OUT of poverty actually do the opposite - they keep people mired in the cycle of poverty. Safe & Affordable Housing Finances/Income/Wages I believe that the housing market in my area has been gouged and gentrified, making it near impossible for people to sustain a living space. People with disabilities or those of a sensitive demographic find it hard to even find work, assuming that they're able to, and when you're being charged $1,000-1,500/month for rent in an area that pays less than $18/hr, you're going to have a hard time. Lack of community resources to help people get on their feet to be fully selfsupporting. Lack of adequate housing as well as jobs Economy Safe & Affordable Housing Cycle of Poverty Cycle of Poverty Agriculturally/manufacturing-based economies (such a Umatilla County) are by in nature economies of disparity with owners/management retaining a greater proportion of the profits. Employees in this system are generally lower wage workers with fewer options for advancement. Housing costs are astronomical and there's very little low-income housing I'm not sure of the exact reason, but I think lack of affordable housing and low wages in the area are big contributing factors. There is a significant delineation between the impoverished and the well-off here. I see the same cars in the same run-down houses year after year. Finances/Income/Wages Safe & Affordable Housing Safe & Affordable Housing Numerous people that I know are unemployed/underemployed and don't have enough income for household expenses. I also know a number of people with disabilities who are unable to work and receive small social security amounts. Many of us are on fixed incomes and as prices rise, we do not have the financial resources we had in the past. There is affordable housing but it's for people way below that if you get a job or save up you lose your housing doesn't make sense If an individual/family does not have a 'basic need' met such as safe and affordable housing it makes it very challenging and sometimes almost impossible to find/maintain a job, prepare healthy meals as well as ensure your personal items are kept safe and secure, stay healthy and/or address specific medical issues. Finances/Income/Wages Because at all steps in life those are the things that impact how much one can do for their family. If you don't have the finances to support your family, that's the direct impact. Housing, food, and bills don't get paid. I waited for almost 4 yrs for my SSDI claim just to be seen by a judge. Forcing my son and I to live in desperate CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 324
times. Not only could I not work the one good or two mediocre jobs i was used too but feeling inadequate as a parent is a whole different monster. The long wait for housing and knowing there are people on that list that lie and cheat to be on it is frustrating and has a demoralizing effect on those of us that have worked our butts off our whole lives just to be cheated by the system. It takes its toll emotionally. Economy Government/Bureaucracy It seems like Pendleton isn't making any progress in getting the economy on track. People cannot live on the wages they make. How are people supposed to have affordable housing? Have reliable transportation? Not live paycheck to paycheck? Pendleton needs not to rely on Whiskey Fest and Round-up to make a profit! There are jobs, but those on disability or middle aged without a degree cannot afford "affordable housing". Seniors cannot even afford to pay for a ride to an outof-town specialist. Education Finances/Income/Wages Cycle of Poverty Safe & Affordable Housing Crime/Violence/Safety Many jobs require the applicant speak another language, i don't see free classes to learn another language here. Now medical nursing agencies are offering education at their facility, I think that is great. It was not that way before the pandemic. Income to inflation of rent and other cost ratio is way too low of income/wages to high rent and other items with inflation. If we were to focus on the cycle of poverty other causes of poverty would also go down. Because it's extremely difficult to find housing that as a single parent with children can afford. Too much crime because there isn't enough for our community to do besides drugs and crime Transportation Finances/Income/Wages Cycle of Poverty There are jobs but not everyone has a car and there isn't really any public transportation either but there are several small towns throughout the county but they are all a few miles or more away from the two bigger towns that have most of the jobs so people needing work cannot always get to it, like myself With rentals, the price of rent is so high, that our community wages cannot keep up with this problem. My experience with those in poverty. Of the things being done to address poverty in your Community, what do you think is helping the most in the following areas? Employment Job creation Employment Readiness Programs Job/career training Job/career training Job fairs Job creation CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 325 Tell us why you selected what you did People need living wage jobs that afford people access to safe and secure housing. Employment Readiness Programs can help individuals assess whether they are ready to work and have all the social capital and practical supports needed to be employed - for example, basic workplace skills, appropriate clothing, access to transportation, literacy, etc. I believe that helping people prepare for work and making sure they have what they need to do the work is the best help they could get In order to create change we need to address the root cause of the disparity which is lack of skills/education leading to career stagnation. I think job fairs allow people to get out there and check out multiple places at once and see what's available in one location, which helps those people that have limited transportation
I am unaware of any programs to address this. Job fairs Job creation Employment Readiness Programs Job creation Employment Readiness Programs Job creation Employment Readiness Programs Job/career training Employment Readiness Programs Job/career training Job fairs All the way around, not just the impaired need to be educated in a field of their choice, students don't get classes any more before graduation to channel their interests and they are not lead in direction of employment of those capabilities. None. Nothing is being done. Was just a guess I think if people had an opportunity to learn more and get certification in certain things there would be more people working. I see online there are several job fairs that go on each month. Hopefully I answered correctly. Job fairs help out tremendously. But some people are discouraged not to go due to unable to type up a resume without having a computer and internet like in my household. We need more job/career training to be able to afford the high rent that keeps Job fairs Job creation Finances Funding for social services Financial education/coaching & case management Financial assistance services Financial education/coaching & case management State/federal assistance Funding for social services CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 326 going up in our community. Example- my family and I will be homeless as of Jan 2022 due to our upcoming rent increase. In order to afford this, we need better training to receive higher wages. It appears to me to work best. Tell us why you selected what you did People need access to robust social services while they work towards stable, secure, and safe housing. Often once they find work these services are terminated but the family has not yet regained stability as that can take several years. Individuals and families need customized coaching and case management to help them navigate our complex and siloed social service system. Because being at poverty level I think if people took the time and effort to help then it would lower our poverty rate Addressing this will teach people the skills/rationale they need to in order to "pay it forward" toward further advancement of their current skill set (i.e., higher education, vocation training etc.) Thinking more on the issue of housing assistance for low-income individuals and families I chose employment readiness programs because I feel that this type of support such as; WorkSource and Supported Employment offer an individual the skills, knowledge and confidence that then allows them to be successful in securing and maintaining employment and possibly allowing for further opportunities. I wish that we had more opportunities/access to Trade School and Apprenticeships. If one is able-bodied, they should be working period!! Working is freedom Not sure Job fairs provide on-site chances for people to talk with possible employers and learn about the job and growth possibilities.
Considering the number of people I see at the food banks; I'd say none of your options are applicable. Funding for social services State/federal assistance Financial education/coaching & case management Financial assistance services Financial assistance services State/federal assistance Financial education/coaching & case management Funding for social services Many of the programs, such as Capeco, need more people to answer phones and provide assistance. Capeco Energy Assistance provided me with great service making my mobile home more energy efficient and my utility bills are about half of what they were previously. I would like to see more people getting this type of assistance without having to wait so long - I was on the list for 5 years. By providing financial education and coaching will give opportunity for individuals to learn and practice new skills necessary to better manage their finances and overall improve their financial responsibility. Obviously, people are being funded somehow and somewhere. I don't know how or from where but if people aren't filling available jobs it's coming from somewhere. People need to take care of themselves. Look at how CTUIR offers the enrolled members. Lots of money could be spent in the community to budge and assist elders into helping students and the younger generation find skills and likes at a young age and create highly educated youth who want to pursue higher education. Gov. Grants to assist with rent and utilities. Financial education/coaching & case management Financial assistance services State/federal assistance Funding for social services Financial assistance services Financial assistance services Education On-site services at schools School collaboration/programs College preparation Improving schools Resource education Cause everything is so expensive Because I don't think there is enough resources people know about or reach out to There is DHS and capeco and the agape house here. Capeco has helped us tremendously. If it wasn't for their help, we would be lost. Money works. Tell us why you selected what you did If we can connect youth with the services, they need before they leave the K-12 or Community College System we can help them transition into more stable living situations. For students living in poverty, it can be too overwhelming to expect them to engage with social services, etc. outside of school time. Partnering with schools so services can be included in the course of the school day can be a lifesaver. Continuing education to make sure they stay financially stable This is helping the next generation to avoid perpetuation of the cycle. Not everybody is suited for college, so having other resources available is key School collaboration/programs On-site services at schools Although I have no kids in school, I am sure that the lunch program is of help CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 327
Resource education Resource education Students need to know about real world finances - how to budget, need for home/renter's insurance, car insurance, life insurance, medical expenses, groceries, etc. Being a in a rural community it's important that individuals know what education opportunities are available. Resource education I feel there is help if you need it and seek it out. From teaching our high schoolers to be prepared for life itself. Teaching everyone not just our kids that work it the pathway to the freedoms to enjoy life and feel successful. It is an inevitable fact and for those that are disabled we need to support them and their families. Have the resources to show them they matter too. Unsure School collaboration/programs I am not totally familiar with any program within any of those parameters. More could be done with career development that could come from within the community. On-site services at schools On-site services at schools Improving schools College preparation Resource education Improving schools Community Outreach Direct contact Building community/organization trust Direct contact Because of Covid I think there should be more qualified teachers and more programs for kids to get a Head Start in college. My child is always being encouraged to go to college. I have no children that are in school. I just selected something because there is no N/A. I have no clue on this subject. Addressing interesting education rather than rote memorization. Tell us why you selected what you did People need direct contact to the people who can build trusting relationships and connect individuals and families to services tailored to their needs. In order to provide services that can truly make a difference, any social service agency must, over time, build community and organization trust. Having direct contact with someone one on one is always better cause then they feel a sense of security Building community/organization trust Greater access to this resource for general populace Direct contact I think the more direct contact you can have with individuals, the more assistance you can provide. Building community/organization trust There are options available for employment and food banks that are not covered in your options. Direct contact It is important for people using services and service providers to see one another as individuals not numbers or voices at the end of a phone line. Homebound individuals need direct contact in filling out forms, explaining their needs and so forth. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 328
Direct contact I feel that having direct contact with individuals is by far the best way to connect with the community. Building community/organization trust Direct contact Direct contact Direct contact Direct contact Direct contact Direct contact Senior center Direct contact Advocacy Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Public transit/increased bus routes Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Public transit/increased bus routes We as a community need to stick together. I personally have a hard time being around people because of my condition. I suffer from severe PTSD, anxiety with non-epileptic seizures along with severe chronic pain due to spinal condition. Outreach is important I recently joined an organization that has a network for helping people. So much more is out there and could be refined. Should be more I don't think that there is enough people that know about the programs and resources there are out there to help people who are in need Capeco is always open. Once again, I have no clue regarding your question. People respond to caring people. Tell us why you selected what you did Mental and physical health are greatly affected by generational trauma and adverse childhood experiences. We need a healthcare system attuned to the longterm health effects and coordinated to treat the whole person, family, and system of care. Health care is a basic human need. If one's health needs are not being taken care of, it is difficult for any person/family to engage effectively with anything else - school, work, etc. It's nice to have a bus, but it’s not very accessible and there are not nearly enough routes. I believe that health of mind and body is integrally involved in socioeconomic achievement. Having increased options is great! I know there's numerous choices available for those without reliable transportation. Public transit/increased bus routes Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Healthcare/Medicaid preservation There are some clinics, as well as OHS, that help. Many low-income people are eligible for Medicaid which is really not fair to lowincome people on Medicaid who have to pay for doctor visits, prescriptions and so forth. Raising awareness about racial discrimination I do not understand how the selections offered address poverty in this community under the 'Advocacy' tab. I would like more clarification before I can answer. Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Because excuses like the other choices on the list are ridiculous......and yes, my son is a beautifully mixed child. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 329
Healthcare/Medicaid preservation I don't find one particularly on your list. The areas that stand out to me the most is the youth. Youth and adult blending. The senior center has so many restrictions on them right now, from covid to building use codes, staff and funds. Creating an education group of community members who communicate one on one with youth will benefit and maybe find some families falling through the poverty cracks. What money and efforts have been in place in the past are not working, or this community questionnaire would not be needed. Raising awareness about racial discrimination Public transit/increased bus routes Public transit/increased bus routes Raising awareness about racial discrimination Healthcare/Medicaid preservation Health / Healthcare Mental health services Mental health services Elderly/caregiver relief services Mental health services Mental health services Mental health services Not readily available A lot of the time the reason why people don't work is because there is no bus system in Milton Freewater number 1 number 2 also is because they don't have a vehicle to get to and from work, so they go to the next best thing People seem to really be focusing on this issue. If you are sick or disabled and untreated, you are not able to make money. Tell us why you selected what you did Mental and physical health are greatly affected by generational trauma and adverse childhood experiences. We need a healthcare system attuned to the long-term health effects and coordinated to treat the whole person, family, and system of care. Mental health needs have increased exponentially during the pandemic. These services need to be available to anyone needing them. Because like myself I am in desperate need of caregiving resources for my husband but have only ran into dead ends Mental health is a huge factor in an individual’s ability to obtain and maintain gainful employment and as such we need to continue working on increasing mental health resources and access in our community. This is one of my paramount concerns. Transferring care from Lifeways to Morrow County is going to be a good thing... unfortunately there's been a bad rap with Lifeways in the community and they haven't worked well with the hospital or law enforcement, and I'd love to see that change! Elderly/caregiver relief services Both of these are important. I know several people who need caregiver services but are unable to get them, this can contribute to mental health problems. There are not enough low-cost, no cost mental health options. My insurance provides limited mental health coverage with a $40 copay per visit: not affordable. When people are unemployed and struggling their mental health becomes an issue and many turn to drugs and drink. Mental health services need more funding and availability. Elderly/caregiver relief services CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 330
Mental health services Elderly/caregiver relief services Mental health services Elderly/caregiver relief services I am not aware of any program for Elderly relief. I asked once back in 2020 a specific question about elderly services and was sent to an agency that informed me elderly have to be signed up for commodities for any additional services so I could not help the person as those are private details of their lives. Mental health services Mental health services Not enough information Mental health services There needs to be increased accessibility to Mental Health services in this area. Weather that be in-person or tele-health services. I believe we are failing our elder folks big time. We as a community should not allow the generation ahead of us suffer because of our shortcomings and ignorance. I think with OHP you should have a choice on who you go to counseling for, and it should be covered by all it should be covered by all counselors. Or psychiatrist Mental health services There are really good mental health programs here that are very accessible. Mental health services Ummm.... I haven't found anything regarding your question. I had to seek out and go to the welfare office to ask Mental health services Experience with poor folks Housing / Homeless Long-term shelters Long-term shelters Rental assistance Homeless services Long-term shelters Rental assistance Tell us why you selected what you did People need long term shelter to move forward with accessing health care. Once they are stable then they can begin working towards employment then long-term housing. Rental assistance can be helpful but is a moot point when there is no affordable housing available. Long term shelters are needed in every community, especially to assist individuals to rebuild their lives and eventually try and escape the cycle of poverty. Rental assistance because it gives people the sense of independence We've got to do better in our community and realize that not everybody who's homeless is an addict who's chosen to be homeless! We need to have more long- term shelter options available year- round! All 3 of these are needed. In working with the 2020 Census, we were unable to find any homeless shelters. Therefore, I think nothing is being done. Homeless services Rental assistance Many of the homeless should be receiving social security but cannot because they don't have an address, same problem with getting prescriptions There are cities that have built tiny houses with central showers/rest rooms and provide services to assist people to get jobs, medical needs and so forth. Rental assistance Rental assistance As a result of COVID-19 pandemic there have been opportunities for individuals to get rental assistance so that they can maintain/save their housing after losing their jobs, decreased hours, being on quarantine/sick with COVID-19, etc. Had these opportunities for rental assistance not been available many more would have lost their housing. I believe homelessness is a choice most of the time. Having an adequate amount of transitional housing is key to community success. From rooms to homebuyer programs. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 331
Long-term shelters I am not familiar with any of these services. Asked a few friends and there really isn't any one place all the needs and services information are readily available. Not all in one place, without taking up peoples’ time. I have been offered google pages to research and I have been offered handouts and I have been told to contact another agency. So, for people who want to help or people who have no idea where to start it can be a boggle. Some elderlies are not capable of contacting multiple places for even just a little help. (When they finally ask). Rental assistance Long-term shelters Rental assistance Rental assistance Rental assistance Rental assistance Rental assistance Crime / Safety Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement Reentry programs Reentry programs Gov grants Needs more I think that they should be giving out rental assistance to not only people with children but people without children as well There is moving forward program, section 8 and low-income apartments Rental and energy assistance through CAPECO. It has helped my household out tremendously especially regarding COVID. Rents are too high for low-income workers. Tell us why you selected what you did Many of the homeless youth I serve live with a parent/guardian that has experienced domestic violence. They tend to find another partner as a solution to housing that may or may not continue to abuse them. Absolutely Mental health training for law enforcement officers Mental health training for law enforcement officers Reentry programs I do not feel that any of your options for this question is applicable. Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement Reentry programs Mental health training for law enforcement officers Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement It can be very dangerous for the police to go to a domestic violence situation so they need all of the training they can get; they also need to be trained on how to assist people with severe mental problems. Domestic violence has risen with COVID-19 because people are staying home, partners are drinking, finances are down. Communities, not just police, need to do recognize this problem. This has helped however; I feel there is still a lot of work to be done and improvements to be made. I'm not sure what is meant by "re-entry" program? Interested though. Domestic violence is something that lives with a family forever. As a child I grew up in the foster care system here in Umatilla County, the importance of keeping those kids and families safe and supported emotionally is imperative to their development moving forward. I think they need the training to give them the patience and tolerance needed to handle mental health patients; however, they should be able to rely on the local mental health agency for backup! CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 332
Mental health training for law enforcement officers Law enforcement should have ready know how to deal with a mental health crisis. Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement I am aware of the mental health, violence, and crime in our town. Like many other communities in our State and the other 49, we are at the bottom of learning. Support to our law enforcement and our courts needs to go way way up from where it is now. Laws and education of officers of the law don't need to change, they have training and education that has been in place and been utilized for many generations. Supporting the members to do their best and attend continuing education courses would bring our community even closer. Being in the schools and in the community doing outreach in Hermiston was effective when I was in the school district. Nothings being done. Officers need more training in de-escalation, mental illness, and how to deal with people who have neuro different abilities such as autism, and several others. Mental health training for law enforcement officers Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement Been great help Reentry programs Domestic Violence awareness led by Community law enforcement Mental health training for law enforcement officers There should be more programs out there for people who get in trouble that can get put back into the community as a abiding citizen just like the rest of us but sometimes it takes a little bit of guidance There is Martha's house I have no answer for this for I have no clue. Mental health training for law enforcement officers Most law breakers have severe mental health issues. Collaboration Community alliances Volunteering Volunteering Community alliances Community alliances Community alliances Volunteering Tell us why you selected what you did This type of complex social issue requires a multi-dimensional approach through a variety of stakeholders coming together to uncover immediate and tertiary root causes and make short term and long-term goals for change. Volunteers are the life's blood of improving one's community. That said, it is very difficult to find adequate numbers of volunteers for any community/civic project, much less during a pandemic. More agencies need to come together to make everything work. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 333
Community alliances Volunteering When community services and organizations recognize and work together on problems, solutions are often found. Community alliances Community alliances Community alliances Volunteering Community alliances Volunteering Volunteering Volunteering Volunteering Volunteering Food Assistance Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries I'm unaware of backpack programs. Food pantries help people to supplement their incomes or food stamps. Would encourage food pantries to limit the amount each person/family takes/receive as I have been to one where some people leave with boxes piled high and there is little left for others. Food Pantries help tremendously however the food offerings are more often than not very healthy options. In many cases very poor choices for individuals that are Diabetic, overweight among other conditions. Food donation is that one selfless thing we can all do to help those seeking it. For many years I have been volunteering in our community. Maybe the past year even more so than in the past. It would be very beneficial if groups and successful businesspeople spent a few hours each month looking into and lending ideas or searching where their talent could be used, even if it is just a very small gesture. One small gesture goes a long way in a youth's eyes. When community agencies/programs/service providers are in alliance, this allows the opportunity to provide services to the shared individuals/families in a better way, more streamlined. Not wasting time and resources potentially 'chasing your tail'. It takes a community as we have learned in recent years. Not enough I think if the community were given an opportunity for volunteers more often there would be less crime There is a lot of caring people who volunteer I have no clue regarding your question Works. Tell us why you selected what you did above11 Not every family has the same needs. A pantry allows them to get what they need when they need it. These are helpful. Easier access to food assistance CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 334
Backpack food programs Food pantries Backpack food does help school age students and probably their families as well. Food panties and or delivery of foods elders and seniors can eat is an area I believe needs some help. Nutritionists know what foods elders need, organizers can cook in kitchens and people can direct elders to line up for a meal, but who really hears the elders’ words and knows that their needs are. I have personally helped seniors because their privacy is important and I did not know where to get the services they needed at the time, and they were getting no services at all. None. 1 poorly supplied food bank that discriminates against those who are not Hispanic, who are homeless, and gives bigger baskets to those who are Hispanic and get the 'good food' name brand cereals and almost double the meat and other items. Haven’t seen a backpack program since I moved from washington.so nothing in 6 years Backpack food programs Backpack food programs Backpack food programs Food pantries Food pantries Backpack food programs Good idea I don't think my town even has a backpack food program The agape house, Stanfield food pantry and the Irrigon food boxes Oh my gosh with the little that we get with food stamps, there isn't enough to stretch for the month. I am very thankful that we have food pantries to rely on when the time comes.ðð Works If you had the opportunity to address poverty in your Community, with all barriers removed (political, financial…), which option below would you choose? Community/Civic Engagement Tell us why you selected what you did I would love to see our community become a trauma informed and healing community. Safe & Affordable Housing Safe & Affordable Housing Safe & Affordable Housing I have personally supported a number of individuals through my work who are unhoused and seen the struggle to find safe and affordable housing, particularly for persons who experience disabilities and have accessibility and other needs which must be met in their housing. When people feel safe and stable in an environment, and they feel a sense of ownership, they are much more likely to be able to get help and participate in other ways. Because by giving people the sense of being independent and helping them keeps them employable and continues to lower levels Wage Increase Safe & Affordable Housing This would be the fastest way to impact the current working class in Umatilla County and thus impact future generations by enabling increased opportunities for advancement. When you aren't struggling to just survive it opens the possibility of pursuing advancement. It all starts with being able to afford housing... if you can't afford a safe home, then you have nothing! CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 335 Kids are our fu
Safe & Affordable Housing I think it all starts with housing - if we can solve this issue, many other things will fall into place. Service Expansion Any service needs to be expanded and others need to be developed. Homeless and mental services come to mind. Safe & Affordable Housing Having a safe home is the first step in good mental health; rentals prices and prices to buy a home mobile home etc. have skyrocketed and even people with good jobs have trouble affording a place to live safely. Criminal Justice Reform Because they want everyone to stay stuck in a hole there isn’t any help to be free from federal help until you dig yourself so deep you end up in jail or prison. They need to make it easier to get out of poverty Policy Changes If an individual is receiving public assistance such as SNAP benefits, OHP, TANF, etc. I feel there should be unaccountably such as drug testing, job shadowing/internships, community service. Its sad seeing so many individuals that are receiving benefits, actively using drugs, not working, not contributing. Even a small amount of time can make a difference. Community/Civic Engagement Policy Changes Safe & Affordable Housing I feel again it is important as a community to stay clear minded on the things that impact us!! Don't get sucked into the mire of urban parts of our state. Rural communities live and think differently, allowing the poison of ideology to ooze itself into our daily life should be the thing that keeps us grounded as a community. Protecting and nurturing our generations is imperative to us all. Getting our children into programs where they engage with our elder folks, yard work, delivering meals, community cleanup should all be a requirement to graduate. Same for us adults, we could all us humbling experiences that build character and self-pride. Politics Maslow's hierarchy of needs - second to life needs is safety. Many people in rural areas do not have enough of that. Service Expansion Community involvement for students and youth. And A central agency for seniors and elders to go to or for an elder's neighbor can go to and indicate they need a food box weekly or even check to see if their electric bill is paid up to date. This is for local Hermiston residents. They all need to be worked on. We need a day center for homeless and others who need assistance other than dhs, employment, or a food bank can give them. These people need skills, hands on work, as well as a year-round shelter. That can help many many more folks than just sending them on their way. Policy Changes Policy changes to allow for better understanding of others and the lived trauma others have been through. Safe & Affordable Housing Because it seems like people became so greedy raising the rent prices so much how do you expect someone to pay such high amounts for rent and still not struggle. It's unbelievable how people charge 600-800 for rent even for a single room. Service Expansion I think if our community work together and put out more resources and also put out the word that there are these certain resources for people in time of need our community would come together as a whole and be a lot better than what it is now CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 336
Transportation Because I don't have reliable transportation, nor do I have a way to pay for the vehicle I have to be fixed in an affordable place and the public transportation is not running often enough Safe & Affordable Housing Wage Increase Comments • I appreciate getting to put my two cents worth and thoughts out there, thank you. We are living in crazy, unthinkable times as a community and a nation. I can only hope that by the input of a whole array of opinions and perceptions it can put us on a path to normalcy. Thank you for the opportunity to have input. • Thank you for letting me give you my response. • Most of the options in this survey are not available to the point of satisfying any one group in a rural area. • Thank you for offering these questions for my input. I believe all ideas from across our community will make a difference. • Having been the director and volunteering at HWS for quite a while and keeping in contact with some of the guests outside of the station, and at one point being homeless myself, I know quite a bit about needs. • Thank you. • It's crazy • I am looking for work but desperately need assistance with reliable transportation. Safe and affordable housing is almost non existing nowadays. My rent is going up $100 in Jan.1st, 2022. Then up to $1,400 in the next 6 months and we have to put up with a flooded basement up to 12 inches every year. Then the rest of the year, it creates Black Mold that makes us sick. So, we have no choice but to live in this situation because we cannot find affordable and safe housing in our community. Higher wages directly lift people out of poverty. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 337
Appendix B.3 – Wasco County Focus Group Responses Please respond to the following questions while keeping in mind the ZIP Code you just provided What is the top root cause of poverty in your Community? Tell us why you selected what you did above Government/Bureaucracy This town is more about google than the people. Taxing the residents more and more Economy Cycle of Poverty Health/Healthcare I responded with "economy" because this word best captures the constellation of things that contribute to poverty, not just one element. It includes things like: - The dichotomy of job growth and lower wages/hours/pay (e.g., when a Walmart or other big box goes into an area, it increases the number of jobs, but these jobs are lower paying with fewer benefits). - The way the economy works differently for people of different ethnic backgrounds. - Decisions made by governments and local leaders that contribute to the economic conditions in a given region. Too many babies are born to younger parents, who haven't received any training or schooling to make more than minimum wage. Lack of caregivers and access to caregivers due to financial limitations and Medicaid qualifications. Cycle of Poverty My real answer was not there - as a community and as individuals we've lost our sense of purpose. I think this fits best into the cycle of poverty. Poverty is not always about a lack of funds. It is also a lack of connections and purpose. Feeling like you are valued and that there is hope and a way to move forward. Of the things being done to address poverty in your Community, what do you think is helping the most in the following areas? Employment Employment Readiness Programs Job creation Employment Readiness Programs Job/career training I selected this response because I believe it is the best way to lift everyone's economic situation. However, the types of jobs that are being created need to be living wage jobs with benefits that support individuals and families in ways that they do not need public benefits or supports, like SNAP, Oregon Health Plan, etc... I haven’t seen any job fairs or youth training advertised Need more caregivers. Job creation Finances Financial assistance services Funding for social services Again, I do not belief my answer is listed. Jobs are available but people have lost hope and purpose. They do not feel that their contribution will amount to much. They are willing to live off of the bare minimum because they do not see a future of anything better. Tell us why you selected what you did Funding for social services is important but should lead to selfsufficiency for non-disabled individuals. I include "funding for social CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 338 Tell us why you selected what you did
services" to include housing development. Lack of affordable housing is a crisis in this area. State/federal assistance Financial assistance services Financial education/coaching & case management Education School collaboration/programs College preparation School collaboration/programs I believe people are getting food stamps(or EBT cards to help with kid’s meals), heating assistance, and other support Help paying for caregivers, food, or home modifications. I believe this could help the most, but I would take out the financial part of the selection. Individual mentorship/peer to peer services and connection opportunities to bring individual value to the person seeking support. Handing out money only makes one more dependent on the system instead of believing in one’s own ability to determine his/her destiny. Tell us why you selected what you did Achieving higher education is associated with higher wages. That said, students need to leave college with limited debt so they can purchase a home and start building wealth. At my job I hear about collaboration between community organizations and the schools Resource education Community Outreach Building community/organization trust Building community/ organization trust Building community/ organization trust Direct contact Direct contact Advocacy Public transit/increased bus routes Raising awareness about racial discrimination Ethnic diversity is good for business. Companies with diverse workforce do better financially and are more innovative. Our community has a significant number of Hispanic/Latinx people who perform essential functions that keep our economy going! It is time that they are appreciated and recognized. There have been shifts in the community organization landscape over the years and not all of it has been positive. Building trust in the organizations that are here to help people is absolutely essential and a multifaceted approach to this - tapping into natural community structures and trusted leaders - over time will help. Current and recent political events have made people divided, building trust through showing reliability and providing resources can give people confidence Assistance connecting people to care resources or VA services. Needs to be increased greatly but I do see more of a trend towards understanding the deeper whys individually as a great start. Tell us why you selected what you did I don't believe we are doing any of these very well. I am not even certain of the definitions. Providing students with meaningful education that leads to feeling accomplished is evaluable. Could be doing more within the trades - drug driving school. Tell us why you selected what you did CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 339
Public transit/increased bus routes Healthcare/Medica id preservation I have seen more advertising about increased stops and more bus stop locations. Owning a vehicle is very expensive. Again, very limited list that does not meet my definitions. If this is the best we can do for advocacy we are not going to make much progress. Health / Healthcare Mental health services Tell us why you selected what you did Mental health services Mental health services Elderly/caregiver relief services Mental health services Housing / Homeless Long-term shelters We have a way to go here, but efforts to reduce stigma for people struggling with mental and behavioral health conditions are needed along with increased access to services that are effective and predicable. Many people with behavioral health conditions, especially substance use disorders, have yet to actualize their full potential, but achieving it is absolutely a possibility! I don't think either is a strength of our community Limited care resources or access to assisted living or higher level of cares. A lot of talk about this area but resources are extremely limited, however I do see a slow move to better understanding that the brain is actually a part of the body - just like heart health, lung health, etc. Tell us why you selected what you did Homeless services Homeless services Homeless services Crime / Safety Too many people are being pushed into houselessness due to our economy. The worldwide pandemic has not helped this situation. Houselessness effects the individual and also community livability. We need to continue to develop affordable housing units and invest in protecting our housing infrastructure. There is a large number of homeless, when they have reliable shelter they may be less of an expense for the social service/helping agencies Seems to be more organized efforts but again if you continue to just provide "handouts" we are not getting to the root causes. Tell us why you selected what you did Mental health training for law enforcement officers Reentry programs Mental health training for law enforcement officers Mental health training for law enforcement officers Re-entry includes diversion in my response here. We cannot arrest our way out of community problems. People need pathways to independence and self-sufficiency. Everyone needs mental health training! Not sure how much of this is actually going on but I do see a shift in understanding of mental health issues for law enforcement. I think this is a plus in our community. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 340
Collaboration Tell us why you selected what you did Volunteering Community alliances Community alliances When community organizations are aligned around common goals, amazing things happen. When agencies in the community work together, it is more efficient rather than wasteful Community alliances Food Assistance Backpack food programs Food pantries Food pantries Food pantries More of this is happening but it seems to wait until funding is available and we are forced to collaborate in order to receive funding. I am fearful that this community waits for the crisis before it wakes up. Tell us why you selected what you did Accessible to all not just people that have kids. We are very fortunate to have Sharon T as our leader in this area. If you had the opportunity to address poverty in your Community, with all barriers removed (political, financial…), which option below would you choose? Safe & Affordable Housing Wage Increase Xcx People's lives and independence matter and I believe are more important that corporate profit margins. Healthcare Healthcare This is not a 1 issue solves poverty! Housing, healthcare, and education are important but if I had to choose only 1 it is healthcare. If people are ill and don't have access to healthcare, they go to the ER, placing a burden on that system. This is my area of focus in the community with many older adults with limited access to services, caregivers or higher level of care. Collaboration Comments • I believe that we have to start digging deeper and understand what it takes for a person to want to better themselves as well as the lives of those around them. After survival our number 2 drive is to connect. That is not happening in a purposeful way. Real collaboration because we care - not because it is costing us money or making us look bad but because every human life is of value, and we can do better. Building individuals that believe in themselves and want to give back and make the world better will not happen if we take away their sense of purpose by funding everything for them. We don't want to just prevent death we should be promoting purpose driven life. Tell us why you selected what you did CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 341
Appendix B.4 – Wheeler County Focus Group Responses Please respond to the following questions while keeping in mind the ZIP Code you just provided What is the top root cause of poverty in your Community? Unemployment Tell us why you selected what you did above My community is so small that there is only a store and a post office. There are absolutely no jobs to be had in this community. Of the things being done to address poverty in your Community, what do you think is helping the most in the following areas? Food Assistance Tell us why you selected what you did They have a senior meal program every Thursday. If you had the opportunity to address poverty in your Community, with all barriers removed (political, financial…), which option below would you choose? Increased Funding Comments • {No comments} Tell us why you selected what you did I think that an increase in funding for the community would address all issues in the community. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 342
Appendix C – Services Inquired Many individuals who contact CAPECO inquire about programs or services which CAPECO may or may not provide. All services inquired about, that are entered into CAPTAIN, are indicated in the sample below (10/1/2020 to 9/30/2021) by the number of times that service was requested. Services Inquired Caregiver Respite Child Care Clothing Counseling Dental Developmental Disability Domestic Violence Elder Abuse Emotional Support Employment / Career Energy Environmental Safety Food & Nutrition / Meal Hearing Home Health Care Housing Hygiene Supplies Insurance - Health Legal Other Personal Safety Pet Care Physical Health Recovery Spiritual Support Substance Abuse Taxes Transportation Utilities Veteran Vision Weatherization 119 4 10 8 16 3 8 20 10 11 1509 22 272 5 162 473 2 59 25 Mental / Behavioral Health 10 Money Management 8 49 5 6 3 1 2 2 7 35 36 8 7 12 CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 343
Appendix D – Board of Directors Statement of Acceptance Mike Pearson moved to approve the presented Community Needs Assessment. Sherrie Wilkens seconded. The Community Needs Assessment was unanimously approved as presented. CAPECO | Community Needs Assessment Report | 2021 344
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