PATH Research

2010 PATH Community Assessment

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IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Understanding the nature and extent of poverty in our area is extremely important to the well being of our community today and in the future. This community assessment is divided into seven sections crucial to the understanding of poverty.

Community Assessment

•  To identify opportunities to respond to the needs of low-income children and families in our community.
• For decision-making on our programs, mission, goals and objectives; activities that demonstrate positive outcomes; to ensure program options reflect the needs of the community.

• To apply for additional funds. All funding sources will want to know how funds will address community needs.
• For internal education of agency staff and Governing Board.
• To network with community resources to enhance services and partnerships.
• To assess current services in light of community needs.
• For advocacy purposes.

2011 Smith County Homeless Survey and Count

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The Texas Homeless Network annually coordinates a Point-in-Time homeless survey with all Coalitions who are provided funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care grants during the last week in January. The “known location” methodology is used by volunteers to survey persons found at sites identified by the community to be where those suffering from homelessness are known to congregate. The resulting survey sample is represented by people in homeless situations and persons who are at risk of becoming homeless. The number of survey responses does not represent the total population suffering from homelessness, so estimates are provided in this report. This information is used by local communities in the development of short and long-term strategies to alleviate homelessness