Resolution No. 4834 Exhibit - Laserfiche WebLink

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for policy makers, government leaders, and for those who invest in and provide local services. Needs Assessment/State of Caring Report The planning for the Community Needs and Assets Study began in August 2003 when United Way board members, community leaders, and staff from United Way, Cities of Eugene and Springfield, and Lane County met to craft the survey instrument and determine how the data would be gathered. A series of meetings was held from that point through February 2004 when the survey instrument and method were finalized. City staff was able to insert two housing specific questions into the final document. This comprehensive report assesses the community needs of Lane County through data received from over 1,200 phone surveys with citizens of Lane County. The surveys were administered by Mar%Stat Research, an independent research organization, in March 2004. The sample was scientifically drawn on an every nth basis from the most current published telephone lists. Only one respondent per household was surveyed. The results of the survey were published in the 2004 State of Caring Report for Lane County which is included in the Appendix section of this plan. Interactive Group Process to Identify Emerging Themes and Priorities In April 2004, a group of 21 community leaders from City management, health care, social services, and housing providers met for a round table discussion to take the first look at the data gathered from the Needs Assessment survey. The group's analysis of the data identified high priority needs in the community and a plan to involve community partners and focus social capital. Informational Event/Community Involvement On June 11, 2004, the Lane County 2004 State of Caring Report was officially released to a crowd of over 70 community leaders, elected officials, agency directors, key business leaders, policy makers, and citizens. The survey methodology and findings were presented with a special concentration on some areas of highest needs in our community such as medical care, housing, and the needs of the working poor. A lively conversation surrounding each topic was facilitated by a representative from that particular area of need. The information gathered from the discussion was recorded and attendees filled out cards indicating interest and desire to continue the discussion in one or more of the areas of need that were presented. Ongoing Community Involvement/Focus Groups The interest cards from the June 11th meeting were used to form focus groups that met to address issues in the areas identified as high need. Heightening Awareness of Community Needs A summary of the 2004 State of Caring Report was released as an insert in the Saturday, July 31, 2004, Register Guard to 83,700 subscribers. It also appeared in the Siuslaw News and Cottage Grove Sentinel on July 31st and August 4th, respectively. In addition, the findings from the State of Caring Report were presented to the City Club on November 5, 2004. Eugene's City Club mission is to build community vision through open inquiry. The United Way website, www. unitedwa¥1ane.or.q, contains a full complement of reports from the data collected for the Needs Assessment/State of