Project Description
In 2019 and 2020, Root completed a community needs assessment for Jefferson County focusing on housing and human service needs among residents living in poverty. Specifically, the study explored the magnitude and nature of poverty in the region, identified needs from the perspective of residents and stakeholders, and established priorities for directing resources to help residents build better, safer lives through early childhood education, adult and child protection, job training, food assistance, Medicaid, and other programs—addressing the causes and conditions of poverty. In 2021, Root conducted a follow-up study that evaluated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategized the deployment of state and federal resources to speed economic recovery.
Years: 2019-2020 and 2021
Unique Aspect of this Study
The first iteration of the study included a resident survey conducted during Jan-March of 2019 (pre-pandemic) and the COVID recovery follow-up study, conducted in spring/summer of 2021, replicated many of those same survey questions. This allowed Root to compare the needs of low income populations before and after the primary impact of the pandemic.
