2012 Community Needs Assessment
Key Findings
Participants were given an overview of the purpose of the needs assessment and how the focus group is important to that process. The focus group was also provided with a brief history of UPO as well as background information on programs and services offered by UPO. The participants were asked questions in four categories: civics, social, physical, and economic. Civics
The first two questions concerned civics. Participants were first asked whether they thought leaders in their community (political, religious, and community organizations) ensure that their needs are met. Both focus groups stated that political leaders only come around during election time. One participant stated that political leaders are “not physically available.” The group did cite several examples where a political leader ensured needs were met. For instance, Eleanor Holmes Norton provides a newsletter that is helpful, and the group expressed a desire that other political leaders provide that information. One participant also provided a personal example of a political leader assisting in getting a failing D.C. Charter School closed. While overall the group expressed that political leaders do not ensure needs are met, there are instances where politicians meet the needs of their constituency. With respect to religious leaders, participants said that the church does help the community by giving out free food and other services. The group expressed that people still need to take personal responsibility because as one participant stated, “They do their part but can only do so much.” Participants were next asked if they were included in the future design of their neighborhood. The focus group participants agreed that they were not included in future designs of their neighborhood. The overall sentiment was that the city was being designed to attract young white professionals and “not for us.” Participants stated that, even if they voiced their opinions on future plans, it would not matter, because the “agenda is already made up” and any meeting is “just a formality” added one participant. Further, the group stated that ANC members have a direct impact, but they seem largely unresponsive to their constituents. The change in traffic at 17th Street NE was cited as an example of not being included in future designs. The change created a safety hazard for pedestrians, but the neighborhood was not involved in the traffic change. Social
Next, the focus group was asked questions regarding social issues. In response to what social supports they thought people in their community needed, the group stated: • Reentry programs for people returning from prison • After school programs • Mentorship program • Training programs for trades 246