2019 Community Assessment



2020CommunityAssessmentDrawer 1008602 S. Iron StreetMarion, VA 24354(276) 783-7337 of ContentsExecutive Summary and Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………………………………….2 Overall Mountain CAP Service Area Needs………………………………………………………………………………………….5 TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Key Findings: PAGEREF _Toc54338043 \h 6Smyth County PAGEREF _Toc54338044 \h 6Wythe County PAGEREF _Toc54338047 \h 12Bland County PAGEREF _Toc54338048 \h 17Key Components of the Community Assessment PAGEREF _Toc54338049 \h 22Community Survey PAGEREF _Toc54338050 \h 22Client Satisfaction Survey PAGEREF _Toc54338051 \h 22Community Meetings PAGEREF _Toc54338052 \h 22Agency Overview and Assessment Methodology PAGEREF _Toc54338053 \h 23Other Available Resources in Mountain CAP’s Service Area PAGEREF _Toc54338054 \h 24Other Community Assessments in Mountain CAP’s Service Area PAGEREF _Toc54338055 \h 25Detailed Community Profiles PAGEREF _Toc54338056 \h 26Smyth County PAGEREF _Toc54338057 \h 26Wythe County PAGEREF _Toc54338058 \h 30Bland County PAGEREF _Toc54338059 \h 34Executive Summary and ConclusionsThe survey consisted of 70 questions ranging in nature from both quantitative and qualitative data. Due to the length of the survey, there was a 10% rate of incompletion. This demonstrates the need in developing a less comprehensive survey for residents that will measure needs more efficiently in the future. Although the survey was long in nature – it did reveal a great deal of information pertaining to community needs. In the three county area, 126 individuals that participated in the survey. In addition, staff, board members, community partners, and clients completed a condensed version of the community survey to further investigate the findings of the community assessment survey. In lieu of face to face meetings that were scheduled to take place in the spring of 2020, Mountain CAP opted to convert these meetings to a survey platform obtained by Constant Contact. Surveys were sent to 40 community stakeholders within the three county service area; forty percent of stakeholders responded. Stakeholders represented members within the community that were either clients, community leaders, or those who worked in the field of one of the established five needs within the community. The focus group survey posed questions to stakeholders on what barriers existed and how these could be addressed for each of key needs found in Mountain CAP’s community assessment. Overall findings from community surveys in addition to staff, board, and community responses highlighted the following needs: Substance Abuse, Affordable Housing, Employment/Job Training, Healthcare/Insurance, and Childcare/Afterschool Programs.Substance AbuseSubstance abuse is a large contributor to employment barriers within the service area. The committee highlighted that many programs exist across the counties, but that gaps exist in addressing how to zero in and fix the problem. Stakeholders presented a picture of substance abuse as one that still has a huge stigma attached to it, which limits the ability to eliminate gaps in services. Transportation was a key take-away from stakeholders regarding treatment programs, too. Many participants are unable to get to and from treatment on a regular basis. Support services, with wrap around services that address the mental aspects of substance abuse and the toil that is placed upon the families of loved ones is often neglected, as well as the timeframe for services. Referrals are slow and none existent; and often times medical providers are reluctant to take on patients with substance abuse issues. This may be due to lack of insurance.Affordable Housing/Money ManagementAffordable housing is greatly needed in the three county area; Bland County currently does not have any public housing available; while many houses throughout each county are substandard living conditions. Likewise, rentals are not affordable and credit among low-income individuals are a constant barrier to obtaining safe and family friendly homes. Likewise, for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration – obtaining a home is nearly impossible. Homeless shelters or half-way shelters would help these individuals get back on their feet; especially in combination with employment services. Employment/Job TrainingAs mentioned previous, employment is a key need within the service area and stems from multiple causes according to stakeholders and effects every other need presented within this community assessment. In many ways, by addressing the gaps in employment services may help to alleviate other needs within the three county service area of Mountain CAP. The discussion among stakeholders on employment revealed that education on the basic skills needed to sustain employment such as soft skills, as well as education on resume building, interview skills and appearance are crucial for building a workforce in our area. Other areas that were highlighted frequently were lack of adequate paying jobs or jobs that require specialized skills. Stakeholders mentioned the need for apprentice/trade type programs and the need for childcare, transportation and the need to address substance abuse and felony convictions as barriers to employment. Healthcare/InsuranceHealthcare and insurance among low income individuals is a need that overlaps other needs found within this community assessment. Misinformation and gray-areas on the benefits and costs, in addition to the resources on how to obtain insurance can be confusing, and if employers do not offer insurance this compounds the issue and bleeds into managing a budget that allows for healthcare expenses. Part-time employment creates even further barriers for individuals in need of healthcare. The take away is that healthcare and insurance can be tricky to navigate even for individuals with a steady employment and pay-rate; providing education in the form of navigation, options, and resources are essential.Childcare/Afterschool ProgramsChildcare presents as a barrier for parents’ employment due to the lack of childcare options that may not fit a family’s budget, work hours, or societal beliefs. The need presents a greater challenge as it coincides with employment issues within each county. ConclusionThe pulse of the community shows that they are fully aware of the needs that each community has and this can be seen in further detail within each of the county’s key findings report. It is recommended that Mountain Community Action Program, Inc. further explore possible program development or partnerships in the realms of employment skills training, placement services, and money management workshops with a goal to help clients sustain employment by providing assistance in certifications/education, childcare, and transportation. Other ideas are the establishment of home-ownership assistance through savings and small micro loans for low-income individuals that include wrap around money management services, as well as continued and increased Weatherization services. Developing a partnership with DSS to certify and establish homebased childcare options through a new entrepreneur grant that Mountain CAP is participating in with SERCAP for low-income individuals interested in starting their own businesses could close gaps in employment and childcare needs. To address substance abuse, partnerships or programs that provide counseling services that enhance treatment and provide support to families affected by substance abuse are a possibility. Chart 1: Mountain CAP Community Needs Survey, 2019.Key Findings:Smyth CountyOn February 23, 1832, the Virginia General Assembly created Smyth County from parts of Washington and Wythe Counties. Smyth County is named after General Alexander Smyth who once represented this area in Congress. Smyth County is located in the lower portion of the Great Valley of Western Virginia. Interstate 81 runs through the county's central valley, and intersects with Interstate 77 approximately 25 miles northeast of the Town of Marion. Three towns and several unincorporated communities are located in Smyth County: Marion (the county seat), Chilhowie, Saltville, and the communities of Adwolfe, McCready, Konnarock, Atkins and Sugar Grove.The county has three major valleys carved by the three forks of the Holston River, and a large portion of the county is located within the boundaries of a popular tourist destination, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Every year, thousands of visitors and county residents alike enjoy Hungry Mother State Park and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.Mountain CAP surveyed seventy-six Smyth county residents. Of those seventy-six residents, forty-five respondents were female and thirty-one were males. Forty of the respondents came from Marion, with the remaining respondents equally represented the surrounding towns of Saltville, and Chilhowie, and the community of Atkins. Two respondents identified as residents of Sugar Grove. Survey participants were obtained by utilizing local community resources. These included local churches, low-income housing units and the department of health, as well as a local food bank and a drug recovery program. Smyth County population according to the 2017 Census Bureau report is 29,972 total residents. The graph below indicates the representation of age groups for the seventy-five participating respondents; one male did not indicate his age on the survey.Chart 2: Smyth County Surveys by Age; Mountain CAP CNA, 2019.An analysis of income was completed of the participating survey respondents. Sixty of the seventy-four respondents disclosed their household income, with more than half of those indicating that their income was below $30,000. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2017 the median income in Smyth County was $42,008. In addition, thirty-nine of sixty-one respondents indicated that their highest level of education was a high school diploma/GED or lower.Chart 3: Smyth Respondents by Income, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019. According to Smyth county survey respondents, the following top five needs within the community are: Substance Abuse, Employment, Affordable Housing, Healthcare/Insurance, and Job Training.Chart 4: Top Needs in Smyth County, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019. Below is a breakdown of data obtained from Smyth County surveys pertaining to the questions asked, as well as including brief data obtained from community assessments completed in the service area. In addition, recommendations are presented.SUBSTANCE ABUSEMountain CAP’s survey responses align with the recent Community Health Assessment by the Smyth County Community Hospital, located in Marion indicating that substance abuse was a large contributing factor to the health of residences within the Smyth county area. In this particular assessment, data revealed that “The rate of drug poisoning deaths in Smyth County well exceeds the state average (15 vs. 9 per 100,000)” Likewise, in another assessment in which Mountain CAP participated in by distributing and collecting surveys was the Mount Rogers Community Health Assessment for Smyth County – substance abuse is highlighted as a number one issue affecting the Smyth County community. The Mount Rogers Health Department health assessment, specified that NAS (Neonatal Addiction Syndrome) is 37.8/1000 per live births in Smyth County compared to 6.7/1000 per lives for the state of Virginia. In addition, their community health needs assessment found that fentanyl/heroin overdoses in 2016-17 for Smyth County citizens age 25-34 were more than four times that of the rate found across the state as a whole. However, our assessment did not fully address the issue of substance abuse, however lack of employment and job training may play a part in contributing to these numbers. Special attention needs to be placed on developing programs that will help combat substance abuse within Smyth County. Our goal is to form deeper partnerships like those we now have with Family Preservation Services ARISE Addiction Recovery Program.EMPLOYMENTIn addition, Smyth County respondents indicated that the second greatest need is employment through skills training programs and employment placement services. This need for a diverse work force is in agreement with the latest data for current unemployment within Smyth County. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Smyth County’s rate of unemployment is higher than that of the state average. It is also important to note that the top employment industries within Smyth County are manufacturing, healthcare/social assistance, and retail. Smyth County’s number of employees are also declining while the poverty rate continues to rise. It is also significant, that within the top five needs highlighted above, 13% of survey respondents felt that Job Training was a great need within Smyth County. This further supports the importance in developing comprehensive employment programs that will link the workforce to current county industries and businesses. It is worth the effort of these industries and businesses to offer a plethora of on the job skills training, employment workshops and employment placement (possibly through apprenticeships and work study options) to ensure economic growth and sustainability of its community members. It is recommended that Mountain CAP form partnerships within the economic community and other local partners to help bridge any gaps or undertake implementing employment programs that benefit both employers and employees.HEALTHCARE/INSURANCEOur survey did not utilize enough questions pertaining to overall healthcare and insurance needs within our three county area. Healthcare/Insurance is ranked number three in the top five needs within Smyth County, and presented as a need in Bland County, too. The survey did ask respondents what type of health insurance they currently had. Of those responding in Smyth County, a majority did not have any medical care or relied on Medicare or Medicaid. The graph below illustrates the lack of health insurance in Smyth County. Survey responses are in alignment of the American Community Survey totals in 2013 that indicate that 15.1% of residents aged 65 and under are without insurance. The 2014-18 ACS, also states that 19.3% of Smyth County residents under 65 report to have a disability. Mountain CAP survey results could certainly be contributed to a growing senior or disabled population, as well as a lack of employment or jobs that offer healthcare to the residents of Smyth County. Ballad Health’s Community Health Assessment highlights that Smyth County demographics indicate that there is a large elderly population compared to that of the state average. Survey participants also specified that personal employment goals are focused consistently on “better pay, increased benefits, more hours and greater job stability.” Likewise, 44% of individuals responding were either “pending disability,” on “disability,” or “lacked a job”, or only had “obtained part-time, temporary or unemployment.” This also highlights how employment as a need in a given area contributes greatly to other needs – such as substance abuse, healthcare/insurance, affordable housing, and the quality of skills in their employment.Chart 5: Insurance by Respondent in Smyth County, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019.AFFORDABLE HOUSINGAffordable housing ranked as the fourth top need within Smyth County. The survey did not comprise enough questions to paint a clear picture of the need in affordable housing based on responses. However, it did reveal that of all Smyth County respondents – over 60% stated that they currently “rented their home”, were “living in temporary or permanent housing with friends/family,” were facing “eviction” or “lived in low-income housing.” Chart 6: Smyth County Housing, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019.Both, the Smyth County Comprehensive Plan and the Town of Marion Comprehensive Plan expressed the need for more low-income housing units and highlighted that compared to income, there has been a steady increase in housing costs. Likewise, Mountain CAP’s partner, HOPE, Inc. in conjunction with Mount Rogers Community Service Board and Housing Virginia released an infographic, that highlights that Smyth County’s median income has only increased by 26% from 2005-2015, yet rent has increased by 62%. This is a 36% outpace for residents renting in Smyth County. The American Community Survey compliments this assessment by presenting data that shows that 40.9% of occupied units paying rent spend more than 30% on their household income in rent. According to HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), this is statistically considered a “rent over-burden”. Anything over a 30% threshold is considered a rental burden. This readily indicates that housing ownership may not be obtainable to the majority of residents in Smyth County. Smyth County’s Comprehensive Plan in 2013 also mentions that home-ownership consisted of housing in need of rehabilitation. Housing that creates an energy burden, causes a trickle effect for the individuals within these homes. This strengthens the need for Mountain CAP’s current Weatherization and EHARP programs. Likewise, in the survey portion that utilized our money management questions, a large number of respondents expressed that they would be interested in a program that helps individuals obtain Home Loans. JOB TRAININGAs an overall need, Job Training fits easily into an Employment Need. However, it also can be a need that encompasses a greater indicator than simply being employed. Job Training consists of marketable skills that assist an individual in gaining a higher paying salary or better benefits or hours. Job Skills can make or break an individual’s ability to obtain a home, healthcare, insurance and provide for their family. For survey respondents in Smyth County, Job Skills Training is the number one employment services needed. This outranked employment placement, employment seeking services, workshops, support, vocational rehabilitation, business ownership, along with others. Job Skills Training was chosen 52 times among 76 respondents.Chart 7: Smyth County Employment Needs, Mountain CAP CAN, 2019. In addition, the survey revealed that lack of training is a top barrier to employment for residences of Smyth County. It is important that Mountain CAP take this need and thoughtfully pursue what job skills are needed by the current employers within Smyth County and better assess what job skills training individuals seek to obtain. With the knowledge of both of these, Mountain CAP would be better equipped to forge services and program that would bridge the gap between those desiring employment and those fulfilling employment within Smyth County. Chart 8: Employment Barriers in Smyth County, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019.Wythe CountyWythe County was officially formed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1790 from Montgomery County and named for George Wythe, one of the signers of the Declaration of the Independence. Wytheville, is the county seat and was originally named Evansham, in honor of a prominent county citizen, Jesse Evans. The town trustees officially changed the name to Wytheville in 1839. Wytheville has always been a crossroads of early transportation and became a supply center and stopping point for early settlers heading to the western frontier. Today, Wythe County is nestled between Interstate 81 and Interstate 77 and is in the top ten livestock counties in Virginia. It continues to see population growth, despite a decrease in surrounding counties. Three-fourth of all respondents in Wythe County were female. Surveys were provided to clients of Mountain CAP, HOPE, Inc., Brock Hughes Free Clinic, and ReVIDA Recovery. A total of twenty-four surveys were collected, again length of survey prevented obtaining a larger number of participants. Collection of surveys were anticipated to be much greater – however as the winter months approached, surveys were delayed due to the weather. Again, length also prevented some respondents from responding. It is Mountain CAP’s goal to issue a condensed survey in the spring of 2021 that will obtain a greater number of respondents for a more thorough analysis of Wythe needs. However, of the twenty-four surveys collected – a great deal was revealed that matches community profiles and the pulse of the community. Of the respondents that disclosed income, eleven indicated a household income of $30,000 or less. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2017, Wythe County’s population total was 28,688 with a median household income of $46,795. Chart 9: Wythe County Income by Respondents, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019. The following top five needs were indicated by respondents in Wythe County: Affordable Housing, Substance Abuse, Money Management, Employment, and Food Security.Chart 10: Wythe Community Needs, Mountain CAP CNA Surveys, 2019.AFFORDABLE HOUSINGHalf of Wythe respondents stated that they currently rent their home, which may reflect the need for affordable housing and money management. The ability to afford a home is paramount to a vibrant community. However, in the last decade – homeownership has steadily decreased, and this is especially so for those of low-income status. Wythe County is no exception, and although there are a large amount of low-income housing options within Wythe County; again looking to the Hope, Inc. Infographic – Wythe County’s increase in rent has outpaced any increases in income. Likewise, Housing Virginia’s Rural Housing Initiative in 2015 found that the top needs in rural Virginia were in rehabilitation of substandard housing, shortage of affordable rentals, and home accessibility modification. Currently, Mountain CAP’s Weatherization and EHARP already cover rehabilitation to an extent through the use of energy saving measures and creating home accessibility through ramp construction. Usually a large number of our clients are elderly and/or low-income. Yet, for renters – there are limited options. In the third top money management need, homeownership assistance was indicated as a top priority for respondents of Wythe County. Again, this is an opportunity for Mountain CAP to develop a homeowner program or classes in which strengthen an individual’s ability to maintain a home loan, and could be incorporated into a “Money Management” program that supports the community through a variety of workshops, classes, resource center, and homeowner counseling. More data regarding survey respondents’ housing costs and personal money management should be obtained and further partnering with Hope, Inc. and the Virginia Department of Housing to fill gaps is imperative. SUBSTANCE ABUSESince our survey did not probe further into the issue of substance abuse, more information is needed to make a determination in how Mountain CAP can better assist the community with these needs. It is also vital that data from Mount Rogers Health Community Assessment for Wythe County be utilized for understanding the role substance abuse plays in the Wythe county service area. The Virginia Department of Health reported that in 2016, “emergency department opioid overdose raters were 12.8 overdoses per 100,000 people in Wythe County.” The Mount Rogers Health Assessment also states that these are higher when broken down by age group then those seen at the state level. It is also important that Mountain CAP provide program services and partner with ReVIDA by supporting their efforts and referring Wythe clients to their program, as well as channeling other community support in order to help strengthen their participant’s journey in recovery. MONEY MANGEMENTMoney Management is the third top need by Wythe county respondents. As discussed previously in the need for Affordable Housing – Money Management has the opportunity to combine a variety of services and programs to support low-income individuals become self-sufficient. It is possible that a robust Money Management program incorporate services that extend into the realm of Employment/Job Skills and Affordable Housing. In our survey, participants were also asked to rank the top four money management needs. Respondents indicated that budgeting classes, money market workshops, loan/credit education and homeownership assistance & counseling were most needed. EMPLOYMENTEmployment was the fourth top need in Wythe County. Of the twenty-four Wythe county respondents – only eight indicated they were employed in a “stable job with adequate pay, benefits and marketable job skills.” In the survey respondents were asked to choose the top four employment services needed within the community. Of those who responded – skills training, job seeking, employment placement and a career center were overwhelmingly chosen. According to respondents, a lack of employment opportunities, training and affordable childcare were the top barriers for obtaining work. Likewise, more than half of respondents stated that the types of employment available in the county are limited. To illustrate the barriers to employment in Wythe County, the survey indicated that 15% stated they had no job, no prospect or any marketable skills. In addition, the employment goal for Wythe residents were better pay, increased benefits or a change in position or career. This indicates that employment is a key need in Wythe County. Developing greater partnerships in Wythe is essential to addressing these needs.FOOD SECURITYWythe County residents chose Food Security as the fifth top need. According to the USDA, the inability to obtain food effects 12% of Wythe County residents compared to 11% for the state. Additionally, a large number of respondents indicated that they had received assistance for food, utilities, rent, and childcare. It is also imperative to acknowledge that Affordable Housing greatly contributes to food security. Hope, Inc. is helping to combat food security currently by providing meals at no cost (or what you can pay) at their Open Door Café. According to the US Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Wythe County is 39%. Another possibility is to develop a local community garden similar to Sprouting Hope, located in Smyth County. A partnership in building a community garden with local schools, other non-profits, or government agencies (like The USDA) would help alleviate the scarcity of food resources for individuals in need. Bland CountyBland County was formed in 1861 from portions of Giles, Tazewell, and Wythe Counties. The people of the area had become dissatisfied with the distance to the various county seats. Bland County and Southwest Virginia are becoming a hub for tourism. The scenic vistas, historical landmarks, outdoor activities, and abundant rivers, lakes and streams make this area a mecca for the tourist. Twenty-six surveys were collected in Bland County. The rural landscape of Bland made survey collection difficult, suggesting that minimal community resources exist within the county for low-income individuals. The primary source for collecting data was provided by the Department of Social Services, Bland Ministry Center Dental Clinic and the Bland County Medical Clinic. Length of the survey was also a deterrent in obtaining a larger number of completed surveys. However, data concerning needs were found among those respondents that participated. Bland County’s population total is 5,635 and according to the United States Census Bureau in 2017, the median household income for all Bland county households is $45,564. An income analysis of Bland County respondents indicated that approximately half of respondents have a household income of less than $30,000. The majority of respondents for Bland County were also female. Chart 11: Bland Income, Gender, and Children in the Home, Mountain CAP CNA Surveys, 2019. The top five needs within Bland County according to survey respondents are as follows: employment, childcare/afterschool care, affordable housing, substance abuse, and healthcare/insurance. Chart 12: Top 5 Needs in Bland County, VA; Mountain CAP CAN Surveys, 2019.EMPLOYMENTQuestions in the needs assessment survey asked respondents to rank the focus in obtaining employment, as well as the top barriers in employment and the top employment services needed in the Bland county area. Only six of the twenty-six respondents stated that their employment status was “stable, with adequate pay, benefits, and marketable job skills”. According to the ACS in 2017, the average commute for residents of Bland County is an estimated to be 31.9 miles. Chart 13: Bland County Employment, Mountain CAP CNA Surveys, 2018. Personal Importance in a JobBetter pay, an Increase in benefits, job location, flexible hours, and a change in position or career ranked as most important. Job location readily reflects that distance plays a huge part in employment in Bland Barriers to EmploymentWhile not all respondents answered, those who did distinctively chose the following as the top barriers to employment: 1) Lack of jobs 2) Lack of affordable or available Childcare, 3) Lack of training 4) Lack of education, and 5) Distance to Employment.Employment Services NeededLikewise, there were numerous services that were chosen as the top needs in obtaining desirable employment. The top four services were 1) Skills Training 2) Job Seeking 3) Employment Placement, and Employment Workshops. CHILDCARE/AFTERSCHOOL CAREMore investigation is needed to better understand why childcare/afterschool care ranked as a top need within Bland County. By survey respondents, only six indicated that childcare was difficult to obtain due to affordability, while another four stated they used childcare that was free by family or friends. Another five did not need childcare because they were stay at home parents. When considering that “affordable or no childcare” was ranked as a top barrier to employment in the survey, this may indicate that although childcare is not currently needed by the majority of respondents, it has impeded the ability to obtain employment outside the home. It is also worth noting, that a Google search of local childcare options lists services that are 25+ miles from Bland, VA. This and location of employment would certainly affect the ability of families to consider childcare. Further analysis on childcare within Bland County is recommended to better understand the need. It is recommended that Mountain CAP explore providing greater services and resources that would help childcare as a barrier to employment for clients.Chart 14: Bland Childcare Needs by Survey Respondents, Mountain CAP CAN Surveys, 2018. The Mountain CAP survey also asked respondents to rank the top needs for children within their community. The chart below indicates, that again childcare programs is a desired component in the community of Bland County. Chart 15: Bland County Needs for Children, Mountain CAP CNA, 2018.AFFORDABLE HOUSINGOur assessment survey did not include adequate questions to fully understand the response regarding affordable housing as an indicator, therefore greater study is needed to better assess the need for affordable housing. Questions pertaining to types of housing available, as well as the ability to obtain housing are needed. However, the survey did present questions pertaining to money management topics that included services that were needed within Bland County. Respondents were asked to rank the top four money management services with (one) indicating the greatest need and (four) the least need. Key findings by participants indicated that within the top needs were both Loan/Credit Knowledge and Home Loan Assistance. Homeowner/Rental Counseling was also chosen frequently among respondents. Chart 16: Money Management and Housing in Bland County, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019.Over half of the respondents in Bland County were either renting or currently had a mortgage. Likewise, eight respondents stated that they were currently living “with friends/family” or in “poor living conditions”. This highlights the need for greater outreach in both our current money management classes and weatherization, and in exploring the development of a homeownership program for Mountain CAP clients. The American Community Survey in 2014 determined that within the Mountain Region (which includes Bland County) 68% of seniors currently have mortgages and the number of seniors in this area experiencing a mortgage burden increased by 111%. It is important to note that, to date, there is not any low-income housing available within Bland County. Chart 17: Housing in Bland County per Respondent, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019.SUBSTANCE ABUSESince our survey did not fully divulge the topic of substance abuse, it is imperative to look to other assessments in Bland County. The Wythe-Bland Foundation Assessment is the only other assessment for the county of Bland, and it does not contain any information regarding substance abuse. HEALTHCARE/INSURANCEHealthcare/Insurance is an area that was not explored in depth. However, the survey did provide information regarding insurance type per participant. Of the twenty-six survey responses, only 3 stated that they did not have any insurance and another 10 individuals received Medicaid or Medicare benefits. Again, age may play a factor in whether survey participants had insurance or some form of medical benefits. The majority of individuals responding were between 18 years and 45 years. Only five individuals responded that they were disabled, or a senior citizen. This suggests that the cost of healthcare may be underlying reason in which it has been chosen as a top need for Bland County. According to data obtained in County Health Rankings, 91% of Bland residence have some form of Healthcare.Chart 18: Insurance Coverage by Bland Respondents, Mountain CAP CNA, 2019.Key Components of the Community AssessmentAn effective community assessment comprises several components. Reliable quantitative data, customer and community input, community resources and other agencies’ assessments all inform a Community Action Assessment. Information from these sources appears in the following sections. Community SurveyThe 2018 community surveys resulted in 114 responses from across the service area. The survey was very detailed, which may have kept more people from responding. It focused on needs for both individuals and communities, as well as extensive data from the customer on their family’s situation. Key community needs findings across the three county area included: substance abuse, affordable housing, employment (both better jobs and training), and healthcare. Community needs that varied based on county included: money management services, childcare/afterschool needs, food security and homelessness.Agency staff are in the process of re-designing the survey for another deployment at the end of 2021. This survey will be less comprehensive and be available also be available online. Client Satisfaction SurveyMountain CAP has not done a client satisfaction survey in the past few years. Staff launched a client survey in early 2020 and hope to obtain concrete data by the end of munity MeetingsMountain CAP staff and Board members held focus groups via a Constant Contact survey in the fall of 2020 due to COVID-19 in order to gather further input from local stakeholders. Agency Overview and Assessment MethodologyMountain Community Action Program, Inc. began operation as the Wythe-Bland Development Corporation on August 1, 1965. The agency was born from The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” Smyth County joined the agency in 1966, and in 1969, the corporation changed to its present name. Over the last half a century, Mountain Community Action Program has operated numerous programs to assist its low-income clients to move toward self-sufficiency. Today, Mountain Community Action Program utilizes federal and state grants, along with local grants and donations, to continue to serve the citizens of Bland, Smyth, and Wythe Counties of Southwest Virginia. Mountain Community Action Program is governed by a tripartite board of directors, as mandated by the Community Services Block Grant, selected from the counties it serves made up client representatives, public officials and governing body representatives, and members from businesses and civic organizations.Mountain Community Action Program operates the Weatherization Assistance Program, using Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Department of Energy Grants, and Emergency Home and Accessibility Repair Program funds to render client’s homes safe, accessible, and energy efficient. The constituent services, funded by the Community Services Block Grant, Temporary Aid to Needy Families funds, IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grant, and local grants and funds, provides clients with services to battle homelessness and substandard living conditions, break barriers to employment and education towards employment, provide financial empowerment services and free income tax preparation, and needed transportation to long distance medical appointments. The agency’s Project Discovery Program, funded by the state of Virginia, assists low income and at-risk students to stay in high school, graduate, and apply for college, vocational training, and military opportunities. As a Community Action Agency, Mountain CAP develops a comprehensive Community Assessment every three years. The Community Assessment is updated annually during its second and third year of use. 2020 is the first year for this new Community Assessment. The goal of the Community Assessment is to identify needs as well as the community resources that already exist to address those needs. As part of creating the Community Assessment, Mountain CAP gathers a broad range of both quantitative and qualitative data about -and from- the communities served by the agency. This community assessment uses data from different sources including Community Commons, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Appalachian Regional Commission, Urban Institute, County Health Rankings, and surveys completed by clients. Mountain CAP’s Board of Directors will use this Community Assessment to establish key priorities for the agency to address in its long-term Strategic Plan and to in the agency’s annual Community Action Plan. The agency will address some needs directly, through programming and resource development. Other needs it will address with partnerships and supporting other agencies in their efforts. Finally, this Community Assessment will be broadly shared with residents and agencies that are invested in understanding the needs and resources in Smyth, Wythe and Bland counties.For more information, please contact Mike William; Executive Director at mwilliams@Other Available Resources in Mountain CAP’s Service AreaIn the list below are many of the other resources in Mountain CAP’s three-county service area. The agency is in the process of enlarging this list and creating additional partnerships to help meet the needs of clients.ARISEAgape Food Pantry Appalachian Independence CenterAtkins First Church of GodBread of Life Community Food PantryBland Ministries Dental ClinicCounty Health DepartmentsCounty Social Service DepartmentsCounty Public SchoolsDistrict Three Governmental CooperativeEmory & Henry CollegeFamily Resource Center, Inc.Family Preservation ServicesFeeding America Southwest VirginiaFirst United Methodist ChurchHOPE (Help Overcome Poverty’s Existence)Helping HandsKiwanis ClubLoaves & Fishes Food PantryMount Rogers Community Service BoardProject CrossroadsRoyal Oak Presbyterian ChurchSouthwest Virginia Regional Dental CenterSprouting HopeReVIDAWythe-Bland FoundationUnited Way of Southwest VirginiaOther Community Assessments in Mountain CAP’s Service AreaThere are not a large number of other organizations conducting community assessments in this area. The most comprehensive include the following:Ballad Health Community Health Needs Assessments (2018): This study focused on the social determinants of health, gathering data and community input to identify the key regional focus areas of obesity, mental health, child abuse and substance abuse. Wythe-Bland Foundation Community Needs Assessment (2017): Focused on health, the foundation identified the top five community needs as: obesity, dental, access to care and transportation, mental health and substance abuse.The Virginia Department of Health Assessments (2019): Conducted in the Mount Rogers Health District, these assessments also focused on health, and identified similar priorities: substance abuse, childhood obesity, mental health, and child abuse as top priorities for the county. Community feedback echoed several of these priorities and also identified unemployment/jobs, the cost of healthcare, activities for youth, teen pregnancy, and infrastructure improvements to increase physical activity. Top priorities highlighted by both groups were substance abuse, mental health, and child abuse.Detailed Community ProfilesSmyth CountyPovertyleft708025002017 poverty estimates show a total of 5,305 persons living below the poverty level in Smyth County; it is estimated that there were 2,349 households, or 18.3%, living in poverty within the report area. According to the U.S. Census, the poverty rate for the area increased by 4.6%, compared to a national increase of 2.1%.NutritionFree and Reduced Lunch Program: The following data shows that 2,547 students (or 56.54 percent) were eligible for free or reduced price lunches during the 2016 ‐ 2017 school year, which is more than the national average of 49.21%, and significantly higher than the Virginia average of 40.8%.right3060700Unemploymentleft4826000Unemployment in Smyth County is modestly higher than the state and national levels as of October 2019:left2540000Median income, however, is significantly lower:Housingright5035550Housing is an issue according to consumers. And while there is always room for improvement, the data shows that Smyth County’s housing situation is generally in line with state and national averages:right2857500Eviction rates are also generally similar to state and national data:Educationright7334250While Bachelors/Graduate degree educational attainment is lower than state and national averages, Smyth County’s attainment from some college through the Associates degree level is very similar. The bad news is that the percentage of people with no high school diploma is much higher:right3429000Adult literacy is a problem, but is also generally similar to state and national rates: Demographic Changesright65405000The population in Smyth County has declined, and data from 2000‐2017 is shown below. During the sixteen‐year period, total population estimates for the report area declined by ‐5.39 percent, decreasing from 33,081 persons in 2000 to 31,298 persons in 2017.Healthright695325Health issues are consistently identified as a problem by customers and partners alike. Smyth County has three Federally Qualified Health Centers, 1 Rural Health Clinic, and no Community Mental Health Centers. The number of uninsured persons is in line with state and national average:Nonetheless, Smyth County ranks 103rd out of the 133 Virginia Counties for health outcomes, and 107th for premature deaths, according the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings data in 2019.Substance AbuseCustomers and partners report high concerns about substance abuse, which are borne out by the data. Substance abuse rates are higher in Smyth County than in Virginia or nationally, according to the 2014 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington:49530024828500Wythe CountyPoverty2017 poverty estimates show a total of 3,959 persons living below the poverty level in Wythe County; it is estimated that there were 1,781 households, or 15%, living in poverty within the report area. According to the U.S. Census, the poverty rate for the area increased by 2%, compared to a national increase of 2.1%.Nutritionright6826250Free and Reduced Lunch Program: The following data shows that 1,973 students (or 46.75 percent) were eligible for free or reduced price lunches during the 2016 ‐ 2017 school year, which is less than the national average of 49.21%, and higher than the Virginia average of 40.8%.Unemploymentright491490Unemployment in Wythe County is modestly higher than the state and even with the national levels as of October 2019:right278765Median income, however, is significantly lower:Housingleft47180500Housing is an issue according to consumers. Wythe County’s housing situation is significantly worse than state and national averagesright37211000Eviction rates are generally lower than state and national data:EducationWhile Bachelors/Graduate degree educational attainment is lower than state and national averages, Wythe County’s attainment from some college through the Associates degree level is very similar. The bad news is that the percentage of people with no high school diploma is much higher:01905Like Smyth County, adult literacy is generally consistent with state and national levels:Demographic ChangesThe population in Wythe County has grown, with the change from 2000-2017 shown below. Though growing more slowly than Virginia or the nation, it is the only one of the three counties served by MCAP to experience population growth. Healthright779780Health issues are consistently identified as a problem by customers and partners alike. Wythe County has no Federally Qualified Health Centers, no Rural Health Clinic, and no Community Mental Health Centers. The number of uninsured persons is higher than state and national averages:Wythe County ranks 91st out of the 133 Virginia Counties for health outcomes, and 102nd for premature deaths, according the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings data in 2019.Substance Abusecenter3143250Customers and partners report high concerns about substance abuse, which are borne out by the data. Substance abuse rates are higher in Wythe County than in Smyth County, Virginia or nationally, according to the 2014 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington:Bland CountyPovertyright6699252017 poverty estimates show a total of 772 persons living below the poverty level in Bland County; it is estimated that there were 257 households, or 10%, living in poverty within the report area. According to the U.S. Census, the poverty rate for the area increased by 2.4%, similar to a national increase of 2.1%.NutritionFree and Reduced Lunch Program: The following data shows that 329 students (or 42.67 percent) were eligible for free or reduced price lunches during the 2016 ‐ 2017 school year, which is lower than the national average of 49.21%, but still higher than the Virginia average of 40.8%.UnemploymentUnemployment in Bland County is on par with the Virginia average, and lower than the national average.right497205Median income, while still well under state and national levels, is the highest of the three counties served by MCAP:HousingHousing is an issue according to consumers. And while there is always room for improvement, the data shows that Bland County’s housing situation is generally in line with state and national averages:And unlike Smyth and Wythe Counties, Bland County had no evictions in 2017:EducationAgain unlike the other counties in this service area, Bland County has a similar rate of people who did not finish high school:02540Adult literacy is a little higher than that for Virginia, but in line with national averages:right635Demographic ChangesVery similar to Smyth County, the population in Bland County has declined, and data from 2000‐2017 is shown below. During the sixteen‐year period, total population estimates for the report area declined by ‐5.05 percent, decreasing from 6,871 persons in 2000 to 6,524 persons in 2017.HealthHealth issues are consistently identified as a problem by customers and partners alike. Bland County has two Federally Qualified Health Centers, no Rural Health Clinic, and no Community Mental Health Centers. The number of uninsured persons is actually lower than state and national averages:0-635Substance Abusecenter915035Customers and partners report high concerns about substance abuse, which are borne out by the data. Substance abuse rates are higher in Bland County than in Smyth County, Virginia or nationally, and are parallel with Wythe County according to the 2014 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington:ReferencesBallad Health. Smyth Community Health Needs Assessment. (2018). Retrieved May 16, 2020, from , U. (2019, September 26). American Community Survey Data. Retrieved August 12, 2020, from for a Purpose. (2020). Retrieved May 12, 2020, from Lab. (2019). The Eviction Lab. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from Needs by State. (2014). Retrieved June 16, 2020, from healthy is your County? County Health Rankings. (2020). Retrieved June 7, 2020, from for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (2020, July 22). Retrieved August 12, 2020, from & Data. (2019). Retrieved March 5, 2020, from Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, part of the U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2020, from WAY ALICE PROJECT - Wythe-Bland Foundation. (2017). Retrieved August 12, 2020, from Department of Health. Smyth County Community Health Assessment. (2018). Retrieved from Department of Health. Wythe County Community Health Assessment. (2019). Retrieved from Foundation. (n.d.). Community Needs Assessment.Retrieved from ................
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