Ep. 44 - Community Needs Assessment

[DONATE] In this episode of The Collective US , hosts Erica and Ryan explore the recently completed Community Needs Assessment (CNA) conducted by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). They are joined by guests Kerry Baughman, NMCAA’s Executive Director, and Jeff Schilling, Principal Consultant at Schilling Consulting, who led the CNA process. The CNA is a triennial effort to evaluate the evolving needs of the community using data from surveys, focus groups, and secondary sources such as the U.S. Census and partner assessments. The findings guide NMCAA’s resource allocation and program development to ensure maximum impact.

Key findings from the CNA highlight several pressing issues. Housing and homelessness emerged as the top priority, with a focus on the lack of affordable housing and the need for down payment assistance. Other concerns include aging housing stock, particularly in Charlevoix County, and a notable rise in homeless student populations. Childcare and early education were identified as critical barriers to employment and accessing services. High childcare costs, seasonal gaps, and a lack of off-hours care were highlighted as major challenges. Food insecurity remains a persistent issue, with participants expressing a need for access to fresh fruits and vegetables and education on healthy eating. Seasonal increases in food costs, especially during the summer, place an additional burden on families.

Qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews, including feedback from NMCAA’s neighborhood meetings, provided deeper understanding. Participants identified common triggers for poverty, such as financial instability, job loss, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. Age-specific challenges were also explored. Younger adults expressed needs related to budgeting, childcare, and education, while older adults sought assistance with navigating healthcare, avoiding scams, and managing resources. Both groups emphasized the importance of avoiding financial pitfalls and improving access to necessary services.

Looking ahead, NMCAA plans to leverage the CNA findings to refine its programs and strengthen collaborations with community partners. Each department will analyze the data further, conduct additional focus groups, and implement targeted interventions. This effort aims to ensure that NMCAA remains responsive to evolving community needs, providing tailored solutions and fostering long-term resilience.

The episode underscores NMCAA’s dedication to addressing critical social issues in Northern Michigan through data-driven strategies and partnerships. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full CNA document on NMCAA’s website, participate in volunteer opportunities, and support the agency’s mission to strengthen and uplift the community.