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
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