2014-15 Community Needs Assessmentassets.thehcn.net/content/sites/klamath/Comm_Needs_Assessment.… · Community Needs Assessment of Klamath and Lake Counties. Community Action Agencies

Klamath & Lake Community Action Services

“Helping People to Help Themselves”

2014-15 Community Needs Assessment

Table of Contents ______________________________ Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1

Accountability ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Methodology ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Survey Results ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Demographics ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Poverty & Income .................................................................................................................................. 10

Jobs & Job Loss ...................................................................................................................................... 11

Job Training, Pay, & Education ............................................................................................................. 12

Education: A Way Out? ......................................................................................................................... 13

Housing & Homeless ............................................................................................................................. 16

The Chronically Homeless ..................................................................................................................... 17

An Aging Population ............................................................................................................................ 18

Aging: Points of View ............................................................................................................................ 19

Aging, Health, & Medical Issues ............................................................................................................ 20

Poverty & Health ................................................................................................................................... 21

Hunger & Food Insecurity .................................................................................................................... 22

Children in Poverty ................................................................................................................................ 23

Youth & Poverty .................................................................................................................................... 24

A Look at Women & Poverty ............................................................................................................... 25

Women & Poverty: Unmet Needs ....................................................................................................... 26

Client Strengths: Achieving Stability ..................................................................................................... 27

Client Outreach ...................................................................................................................................... 28

Services Clients Accessed ........................................................................................................................ 29

Addressing Unmet Needs ...................................................................................................................... 30

Clients Share Their Final Thoughts ........................................................................................................ 31

Community Views on Poverty .............................................................................................................. 32

Harnessing the Power of Hope.................................................................................................................. 37

KLCAS Programs & Services ...................................................................................................................... 38

Appendix (Surveys) .................................................................................................................................... 39

1

Introduction __________________________________ Fifty years ago during the Kennedy-Johnson era

the War on Poverty gave birth to the Community Action Network. Community Action Agencies (CAAs) have grown over the years with over 1,000 currently operating throughout America. The mandate of CAAs has been to confront poverty on three levels: the individual, the family, and the community. CAAs differ from other poverty-fighting organizations in three significant ways: their history, their structure, and their approach.

Currently it’s estimated that as many as 99% of all counties in the U.S. are served by a local

CAA. When each county has a local CAA there is a strong tie to the community. It’s also estimated that over 15 million Americans living in poverty are helped through CAAs. When nearly every county has a CAA it ensures that we can function as a “grassroots” organization, deeply connected to the communities we serve. The individuals working in local CAAs usually live in the communities they serve. As such, they are invested and involved in their communities and have a deep commitment to ensuring that programs succeed for the sake of their neighbors and members of their community.

Moreover, because each CAA is an integral part of each community, we benefit from a

thorough understanding of the poverty issues that afflict our community. We are able to develop strategies and programs that are uniquely tailored to fit our community’s needs. Our strategies have a chance to evolve organically and as a result benefit from community support at the outset, because they are drawn from the community and designed for the community. Our strategies can help to develop our community’s infrastructure, strengthen our local economy, or advocate for a particular cause or group. This approach maximizes volunteer support and has resulted in the Community Action Network becoming a major provider of volunteer services in the country.

CAAs have another advantage: they are able to recognize and respond to the need for

emergency response at the individual and family level. Individuals must be able to have food on the table, heat, and electricity in their homes before they can start thinking about higher level goals like enhancing their education. We understand the need to meet our clients “where they are” and stabilize a family’s situation. We know how important emergency response is if we want to help individuals and families embark on the path to full-fledged self-sufficiency. It takes dedicated staff and a variety of programs for this type of work to be successful. Programs must address the clients’ lives as they progress from the most basic needs of food, shelter, and utilities to more complex stages like obtaining financial literacy, saving money for a down-payment on a home, or enrolling in college and pursuing post-secondary education.

CAAs also from most organizations in terms of their distinctive board structure. At least one-

third of the board’s membership must be drawn from our low-income community. Another third of the representatives must be elected officials (or their designees), and the remaining members must be representatives of the private sector. A variety of viewpoints and expertise on all sides of an issue or solution is promoted through this tripartite structure. This board structure also ensures that the voices of the low-income are heard and that those who are in a position to address issues and concerns with action are seated side-by-side at the table.

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With all this said, the question persists: after 50 years of Community Action’s excellent history of fighting poverty, why does it still exist? Is the situation hopeless? How can those of us working in Community Action develop improvements and implement effective strategies to help people move out of poverty? We believe that before deciding WHAT to do, we must first determine what NEEDS to be done. Before devising a plan of action or revising a Strategic Plan we must develop a thorough understanding of the current conditions, the issues of most concern and the likely future trends within our communities.

When we are intentional in our quest to listen

we will truly hear the voices of all concerned: the individual, the family, and the community. That is the purpose of this comprehensive 2014-15 Community Needs Assessment of Klamath and Lake Counties.

Community Action Agencies in Oregon

Klamath & Lake Community Action

Services

Serving: Klamath & Lake Counties

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Accountability ________________________________ A Community Action Agency’s effectiveness is measured not only by the services which it

directly provides, but more importantly, by the improvements and changes it achieves in the community’s attitudes and practices toward the low-income and in the allocation and focus of the public and private resources used for antipoverty purposes. In 1994 the Monitoring and Assessment Task Force (MATF) advised the Office of Community Services of its own management and accountability practices. MATF recommended a system to be known as, “Results Oriented Management and Accountability,” or ROMA. The ROMA accountability cycle is shown below:

In 2001 the Office of Community Services required all Community Action Agencies to provide mandatory ROMA reporting. To date, this helps to focus our efforts on client, community, and organizational change, not particular programs or services. Six National Goals for Community Action Agencies specifically address the success in three areas: Promoting Self-Sufficiency, Family Stability, and Community Revitalization.

Goal 1. Low-income people become more self-sufficient.

Goal 2. The conditions in which low-income people live are improved.

Goal 3. Low-income people own a stake in their community.

Goal 4. Partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people are achieved.

Goal 5. Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results.

Goal 6. Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family, and other supportive systems.

Assessment Needs and Resources

Planning Use assessment data and agency mission statement to identify results and strategies

Implementation Strategies and

services

Achievement of Results

Observe and report progress

Evaluation Analyze data, compare with benchmarks

The Results Oriented Management and Accountability Cycle

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Methodology _________________________________ Survey Development

The survey was designed to gather a comprehensive view of poverty in our community. Previous surveys conducted by KLCAS and other Oregon Community Action Organizations were analyzed in an effort to develop our 2014 survey. The survey draft was shared with the Executive Director and Management in an effort to vet the various questions as well as the order in which questions were arranged. KLCAS managers also sought staff and client input.

Clients were consulted regarding their previous use of various services and programs. Their

input was sought regarding services that had proved most beneficial to them in the past as well as their input regarding services that are not currently available.

Clients and community members were asked for their views

regarding the causes and conditions of poverty, their views regarding self-sufficiency, and their assessment regarding new services that might be helpful to implement in the future. The client survey was translated into Spanish by one of our Community Action Board (CAB) members so that we could make both English and Spanish versions of the survey available to our clients.

A second survey was developed for circulation to our

community partners, individuals in business and leadership positions, and members of the general community in Klamath and Lake Counties.

All surveys were available in paper format as well as posted online through the Survey

Monkey website. All surveys were anonymous with an option for respondents to provide contact information if interested.

Survey Distribution

A variety of methods were used to distribute surveys. Client surveys were included in 200 energy packet mailings with 35.6% returned (71 surveys) to the KLCAS office. Client surveys were also featured in energy education, financial fitness, and homeownership classes.

Extensive time was invested in circulating surveys to various client populations. Surveys

were taken to clients residing at High Valley Estates on two occasions. Staff circulated client surveys in their outreach trips to Bly, Sprague River, Chemult, and Chiloquin as well as on trips to the KLCAS Lakeview office and other Lake County locations. As a result, we doubled the number of client surveys collected previously in our 2011-12 assessment.

Survey Participation

A total of 662 surveys were collected during October and November 2013 with final input concluded on December 3, 2013.

A total of 314 clients participated in the 2014 survey with 292 responses obtained from

Klamath County and 22 from Lake County.

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Methodology _________________________________ Community Partners completed 78 surveys. Business and Leadership surveys were

completed by 20 individuals and 250 people in the General Community participated for a total of 348 community participants from Klamath and Lake Counties.

In December we tabulated survey results. A draft report was written in January and the final

report published in April 2014.

Assessment Objectives

The primary objectives of the KLCAS Community Needs Assessment are to:

Obtain a clear and comprehensive view of poverty in our community;

Analyze data to identify any “gaps” that might exist with respect to meeting the needs of our clients; and

Review current programs and services to explore the feasibility of pursuing future funding to address unmet needs and expand or improve existing programs and services.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors KLCAS has joined the national movement: Home Matters® to help improve the lives of the

members of our community.

The simple fact is: KLCAS provides essential services to our community because Home

Matters®. KLCAS is working to create our own local movement within our community using:

Neighbors Helping Neighbors because…home matters! KLCAS will use the Assessment

Objectives to encourage, inspire, and empower ourselves and those around us to build a better community.

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Survey Results _________________________________

“However beautiful the

strategy, you should

occasionally look at the

results.” ~Winston Churchill

“I don’t know what I would do

without any assistance. KLCAS

helps and they don’t make me feel

like a loser.” ~Participant #108 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 55-64 -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

Insight from General Community Survey Responses:

“There are resources to help individuals improve but it seems like a Catch 22. For example one

person who doesn’t show any intention to improve their current situation gets the government

benefits. Whereas someone who is trying to get an education and working part time…so they can

try and get that better job…gets told they don’t meet the requirements (for benefits).”

“Social Security seems to be messing up people’s benefits more and more. It seems people who

should qualify for disability are finding it harder and harder to get. You should not have to get an

attorney to get what you deserve if (a) medical examination supports you are not able to work.”

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Demographics _________________________________ Background and Demographics – Klamath and Lake Counties

A major issue for both counties is the isolated geographic location. Both counties are located quite a distance from the more populous western side of the state. Isolated location has resulted in slower development, fewer jobs, and less business and services than the more populous regions of the state enjoy. Limited growth and the rural location have translated into lower populations that are often geographically isolated and spread out across each county.

Lake County consists of 8,359 square miles with an

average of just one person per square mile. Klamath County has 6,135 square miles with an average of eleven people per square mile. This rural geographic location makes it difficult for potential clients in the outlying areas to access services and programs. Moreover, like other rural Oregon counties, population has dwindled in Klamath County (0.7% between 2011 and 2012) or remained flat in Lake County (Oregon Blue Book 2011-12 published by the Oregon Secretary of State).

Klamath County has a population of 65,912 with 54% of the population aged 18-64 (2012

U.S. Census Quick Facts). The population is 89.7% Caucasian in Klamath County. The Hispanic community in both counties totals 11.1% of the population. Education is similar in both counties with 87.2% of the population earning a high school education or higher. Lake County is the third largest county in Oregon in terms of number of square miles yet it ranks third in smallest population. Per the same census report, Lake County’s population is 7,771 with 55.9% of the population 18-64 years of age. In terms of race, 92.9% of Lake County residents are Caucasian and 7.75% are Hispanic. Both counties are currently dealing with an aging population.

Demographics of Our Survey Participants

The clients who participated in our survey mirrored characteristics of those we serve at KLCAS. Their lives and their stories also reflect current conditions in Klamath and Lake Counties and is reported in current census data. Yet the data doesn’t begin to tell the whole story. We must be sensitive and listen carefully to the voices of those we serve. At KLCAS we try to be mindful that behind every number is a story…a face…someone’s life.

With this important consideration guiding us, the following demographic information for our

314 survey respondents from Klamath and Lake Counties are reported on the next page.

“We live in Chiloquin and every trip to town costs us $30 in gas which also makes things difficult. The cost of milk is even more than double the price in Klamath Falls, I just don’t understand.” ~Participant #88 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 55-64 -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

“A monthly shuttle to Klamath Falls might help a lot of retired people.” ~Participant #59 (Bly resident) -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 65+ -$28,001 - $35,000 Annual Income

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Demographics _________________________________ Klamath County

A total of 292 client surveys were obtained from Klamath County with the following demographics:

Gender Age Range Average Household Size Type of Household

M - 27.6% F - 72.4%

0-17 - 0.7% 18-24 - 6.6% 25-34 - 8.7% 35-44 - 10.7%

45-54 - 13.5% 55-64 - 25.6% 65+ - 34.3%

1 - 44.1% 2 - 33.6% 3 - 12.9%

4 - 7.3% 5 - 2.8% 7+ - 0.7%

Individual - 43% Single Parent - 15.7% Two Parents - 12.6% Married/No Children - 14.3% Other - 14.3%

Household Members Under Age 18

Total number in this category: 77

Household Members Age 65 or Older


14.1% reported one child under 18 13.2% reported two or more children under 18

46.3% reported one adult over 65 11.0% reported more than one adult over 65

Ethnicity Race Other - Race


Hispanic - 3.2% Non-Hispanic - 96.8%

African American - 1.5% Asian - 2.5% Caucasian - 86.2% Native American - 14.5% Other - 6%

Bi-racial - 2 Hispanic - 1 Human race - 2 Mother is Caucasian, father and children are Native

American - 3 Multi-racial - 3 Pacific Islander - 2 Puerto Rican - 1 Scotch Irish - 1 White and Hispanic - 1

Disabled Veteran Homeless If Homeless where will you sleep tonight?


51.1% 13% 3% At a friend’s house; Camping; Doubling up; Friend’s house; In a friend’s garage

Other – Type of Household Total number in this category: 41

Household Annual Income Range

Do You Currently Rent or Own Your Home


Domestic Partnership - 1 Grandparent raising grandchild - 2 Living with Parent - 1 Living with Brother, Sister, Family - 3 Senior and Widow - 1 Seniors - 3 Two Person Household/Roommates - 3 Widow - 3 Other with no detail supplied - 24

$0-$7,000 - 26% $7,001-$14,000 - 44.8% $14,001-$21,000 - 15.3% $21,001-$28,000 - 3.9% $28,001-$35,000 - 2.1% $35,001 and above - 7.8%

50% rent their home 50% own their home

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Demographics _________________________________ Lake County

A total of 22 client surveys were obtained from Lake County with the following demographics:

Gender Age Range Average Household Size Type of Household

M - 13.6% F - 86.4%

0-17 - 0% 18-24 - 13.6% 25-34 - 22.7% 35-44 - 13.6%

45-54 - 18.2% 55-64 - 13.6% 65+ - 18.2%

1 - 31.8% 2 - 18.2% 3 - 18.2%

4 - 18.2% 5 - 9.1% 6 - 0% 7+ - 4.5%

Individual - 23.8% Single Parent - 19.0% Two Parents - 33.3% Married/No Children - 9.5% Other - 14.3%

Other – Type of Household Total number in this category: 3




Living with my children – parent who moved in with my daughter and son-in-law (3 in home)

My child and I live with my parents (2 of us - 5 in home)

One disabled daughter and two parents (3 in home)

$0-$7,000 - 28.6% $7,001-$14,000 - 9.5% $14,001-$21,000 - 4.8% $21,001-$28,000 - 0% $28,001-$35,000 - 23.8% $35,001 and above - 33.3%

55.6% rent their home 44.4% own their home

Household Members Under Age 18 Total number in this category: 22

Household Members Age 65 or Older Total number in this category: 22

9.5% reported one child under 18 23.8% reported two children under 14.3% reported three children under

22.7 % reported one adult over 65 4.4% reported more than one adult over 65

Disabled Veteran Homeless Have you heard of the 211 info line?

33.3% 0% 0% 33.3% - Yes 66.7% - No

Ethnicity Race Other - Race


Hispanic - 0% Non-Hispanic - 100.0%

African American - 0% Asian - 0% Caucasian - 95.0% Native American - 5.0% Other - 2 responses

Human race - 1 Portuguese - 1

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Poverty & Income _____________________________ The current percentage of individuals living in poverty in Klamath County is 18.7%. In Lake

County 17.2% of the residents live in poverty. Poverty rates are higher in both counties than in the state as a whole (current rate of 15.5% per 2012 U.S. Census report). Clearly poverty is on the rise despite the recent upswing in the economy in Oregon and across the United States.

Our Community Needs Assessment survey revealed that the majority of respondents are

struggling to make ends meet. Almost ¾ of respondents (70.8%) report a household income of $14,000 a year or less, with 86.1% reporting incomes at or below the poverty level. In the previous year KLCAS helped 689 individuals reporting zero income. In addition, a total of 5,917 families had incomes at or within current government poverty guidelines.

There is a myth in this country

that if you work hard enough you can move out of poverty. The fact is, people in poverty often work hard, but still can’t escape poverty. Moreover, many of those employed do not earn a living wage. It’s estimated that the majority of people living in poverty actually work 1.7 jobs to make ends meet (Beegle, 2007).

More than 1,000 of the households served by KLCAS derived their entire income from a

single source last year: employment. Yet they still fell into the “working poor” category (Source: Program Participant Characteristics, Section G, CSBG report).

Wages are also often

lower in rural regions such as our area of South Central Oregon. Our research revealed that many individuals in Klamath and Lake County fall into this low wage category – working hard yet struggling to pay for basic needs.

There’s another challenge for those in low paying

jobs. Many of the individuals working for low pay may work less than full-time and, as such, they may not receive important benefits such as medical insurance, sick leave, or vacation pay. Instead, they strive day after day with few of the extra incentives that come with

full-time salaried positions. No matter how hard they work they may never “earn their way” out of poverty.

“I would love to get my medical stable …and be able to return to work…” “…I would like to work in my field…I could work part-time due to my age…” ~Participants #268 and #120

(respectively) -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range Over 50

26.0%

44.8%

15.3%

3.9%

2.1% 7.8%

Q#9 - What is your annual household income range?

$0-$7,000

$7,001-$14,000

$14,001-$21,000

$21,001-$28,000

$28,001-$35,000

$35,001 and above

86.1% of the respondents are below the poverty level

70.8% have a household income below $14,000 a year

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Jobs & Job Loss _______________________________ The recession and slow recovery has resulted in job losses and high unemployment

nationwide. Historically, Klamath and Lake County unemployment rates are typically higher than the state of Oregon. As a whole, Oregon’s December 2013 raw unemployment rate was 6.9% and the seasonal adjusted rate was 7.0% (State of Oregon Employment Department Labor Trends, February 2014 report). By contrast, for the same date and using the adjusted rates, Klamath County reported 10.0% and Lake County reported 10.1%.

Our research revealed that “lack of a job –

unemployment” ranked in the top three hurdles cited by clients as keeping them from reaching their goals. Clients also cited bad credit and unresolved health issues in their top three hurdles. All of these barriers to success can be interrelated and negatively impact an individual’s ability to succeed in life.

As we reviewed Klamath and Lake County client input concerning the causes of poverty, clients from both counties concurred that the top two causes are, “not enough jobs in our community,” and, “unemployment – jobs are hard to find.”

An even more revealing aspect of our survey is that all three segments of the community who participated rated the lack of “family wage jobs” as the #1 unmet need in our region. Over half of the Community Partners, Business and Leadership, and General Community participants surveyed cited the need for family wage jobs as the biggest unmet need in alleviating the conditions of poverty in our region.

Alleviating the Conditions of Poverty: Addressing the #1 Unmet Need

Community Partners Business & Leadership General Community

53.4% - Family Wage Jobs 63.2% - Family Wage Jobs 52.3% - Family Wage Jobs

“My biggest unmet need – a job. All services helped while I am looking for work.” ~Participant #208 -Klamath County Survey -Male, Age Range 18-24 -Married, 2 Children

Q#24 - In your opinion what continues to be the biggest hurdle keeping you from reaching your goals? (Top three responses.)

1. Unresolved Health Problems (33.8%) 2. Lack of a Job – Unemployed (33. 3%) 3. Bad Credit (30.4%)

“We really need a senior job program in Lake County.” ~Participant #16 -Lake County Survey -Female, Age Range 65+ -Single Household

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Job Training, Pay, & Education ___________________ It can be difficult to secure a job if you lack the education or training to get hired. Klamath

and Lake County clients placed “lack of education” and “lack of training” in the top seven ratings when answering Question #21 – What do you think are the major causes of poverty where you live? Eleven answer options were provided to clients concerning the causes of poverty. Both Klamath and Lake County clients gave their highest ratings to “not enough jobs in our community” and “unemployment – jobs are hard to find.” Lake County then ranked “lack of education” and “lack of training” fifth and sixth as a cause. Klamath County clients ranked “lack of education” fourth and “lack of training” as sixth in their views regarding the causes of poverty in our community.

When asked about unmet needs in their community Lake County survey participants ranked

the need for “more jobs and job training programs” third in their priorities for future improvements. When considering how to alleviate the conditions of poverty “training opportunities” was an unmet need ranked third by individuals completing both the General Community survey and the Business and Leadership survey. General community members ranked “lack of education” as the #1 cause of poverty in our community with “not enough jobs” receiving a third rating, followed by “Jobs pay too little” as fourth. Community partners ranked “Not enough jobs” fourth and “Jobs pay too little” as fifth in their answers regarding causes of poverty in our community. Clearly a focus on job development and creation as well as education and job training is a high priority for clients as well as members of our community.

“People need jobs and especially on-the-job training.” ~Participant #174 -Klamath County Survey -Male, Age Range 65+ -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

Participant Perspective: Q#21 – What do you think are the major causes of poverty where you live?

-Each County’s Top Five Answers-

Klamath County Lake County

-Not enough jobs in our community -Unemployment – jobs hard to find -Substance abuse (drug or alcohol) -Lack of education -High medical costs

-Not enough jobs in our community -Unemployment – jobs hard to find -Substance abuse (drug or alcohol) -Problems with budgeting -Lack of education

Community Perspective: Q#21 – What do you think are the major causes of poverty where you live?

-Each Group’s Top Five Answers- Community Partners Business & Leadership General Community

-Substance abuse issues -Generational poverty -Lack of education -Physical or mental health issues -Not enough jobs

-Substance abuse issues -Generational poverty -Not enough jobs -Jobs pay too little -Low motivation

-Lack of education -Substance abuse issues -Not enough jobs -Jobs pay too little -Low motivation


“Trade schools for carpenters, laborers, construction, truck drivers and apprenticeship programs for skilled blue-color workers (are needed).”

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“Going to college wasn’t an expectation in my family. When I said I was taking more classes they asked me when I was ‘getting out’…like I was serving a prison sentence. It wasn’t that they didn’t want me to succeed, they just had no frame of reference related to getting a college degree.” ~Dr. Donna Beegle, Educator & Author of See Poverty...Be the Difference

Education: A Way Out? _________________________ Clients who answered our demographic question #16 on education reported the following:

almost one-quarter (24.3%) of the Klamath County clients and 9.6% of the Lake County clients who answered the question have not graduated from high school. Almost one quarter (23.8%) of our Lake County clients and over one-third (36.6%) of the Klamath County clients are high school graduates, but have never obtained any post-secondary education or a college degree.

Our survey revealed that 22.9% of our Klamath County clients and 28.6% of our Lake County

clients that participated had some post secondary education, but it was a minority in both groups that possessed an actual degree (16.2% of Klamath County clients and 38.1% of Lake County clients who participated). When we look at education and income together it becomes an apt illustration of “the more we learn, the more we earn.” The majority of those participating in our survey report household incomes at or below the poverty level and the majority of our clients do not have college degrees.

To the casual observer it seems straightforward: if you can’t work your way out of poverty

because you aren’t earning a living wage, then just go get an education. It’s simple to make a statement like: go get your high school diploma or get your GED or even enroll in college. It’s well documented that a college graduate makes far more money in their lifetime than a high school graduate – and a high school graduate makes more than someone who didn’t finish high school. So it all seems easy – the solution is education. Get some and you’ll get out of poverty.

However when a family is struggling to meet basic

needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and basic household necessities they live in “survival mode.” Parents may be most focused on providing food and shelter. It may be impossible to pay for a child’s school supplies or extra fees to participate in school activities. After school care may be a struggle to fund or provide and the demands of helping a child with homework in the evening may feel overwhelming.

If parents had a negative experience when they

attended school due to living in poverty they may see any difficulties or negative experiences their children have in school as expected and routine.

Q#16 – What is your highest level of education?

Klamath County Total number in this category: 284

Lake County Total number in this category: 22

0-8th Grade - 3.9% 9th-12th Grade - 6.3% 9th-12th Grade/Non-Graduate - 14.1% High School Graduate/GED - 36.6% 12+ Some Post Secondary - 22.9% 2 or 4 Year College Graduate - 16.2%

0-8th Grade - 4.8% 9th-12th Grade - 4.8% 9th-12th Grade/Non-Graduate - 0% High School Graduate/GED - 23.8% 12+ Some Post Secondary - 28.6% 2 or 4 Year College Graduate - 38.1%

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Education: A Way Out? _________________________ In the end, school may seem to be just one more problem to cope with - too challenging and

possibly too overwhelming for parent and child alike as they struggle in “survival mode” trying to live day to day and meet basic needs.

Caught in this type of survival cycle it may be difficult to break free. If, as a parent, you have

lived without a “frame of reference” that education can be a way out of poverty, it will be difficult for you to encourage your own children to see education as a passport to their future success.

Rural communities like ours often struggle with high poverty, record rates of unemployment,

low paying jobs that don’t provide a “living wage,” family stresses, and lower high school graduation rates. In our community we are currently working with state mandates and school programs to increase high school and college attendance, expand pre-school opportunities for children, and provide mentoring and after-school options for children who are at risk.

Programs like The Klamath Promise, 21st Century

Grant, ASPIRE, Citizens for Safe Schools, mentoring programs, and many other local initiatives are directed at reaching young people to provide mentoring and support. At the same time, programs like the KLCAS Family Support & Connections (FS&C) Program offer classes for parents that focus on building and reinforcing parenting/relationship skills. The direct result mitigates stress while strengthening our families within the community.

Many dedicated individuals are working hard to

empower children and parents to realize high school graduation as a necessity and see higher education as a possibility for their futures.

Across the country there are programs that reach out to children through parents. If parents

understand that they need to encourage their children beginning in the early years, there is evidence that the cycle can be broken.

“Educators have long realized that,

‘Parents are the first teachers.’

Increasingly schools reach out to parents

to partner with them in maximizing a

child’s success in school.”

~J. Rider

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“Going to college wasn’t an expectation in my family. When I said I was taking more classes they asked me when I was “getting out”…like I was serving a prison sentence. It wasn’t that they didn’t want me to succeed, they just had no frame of reference related to getting a college degree.”

--Dr. Donna Beegle Educator & Author of See Poverty...Be the Difference

Education: A Way Out? _________________________ Most parents want a better life for their children, but they may not know how to instill hope

when they have so little of their own. Intervention and workshops that educate parents to be role models have been highly successful across the nation. As parents learn how important they are as “role models” and what power their positive messages and support have in instilling hope in their children, they begin to see positive results. Children improve in the classroom and in their social relationships at school. The power of such programs can be seen in the number of parents who decide to finish their own education, secure a GED, or enroll in college.

Education can be a way out, but it’s also

true that even with some college or a college degree there may be other factors that contribute to finding your way out of poverty.

Remaining in a community where high

paying jobs are held by a minority of the population may negatively impact your economic success. You may have to take a lower paying job regardless of the fact that you have a degree if you want to continue living in your hometown or a specific area. Moreover, most people who have recently attended college move into the work world saddled with thousands of dollars in student loan debt. A good job in a high demand field allows debt to be repaid in a timely manner, but if you’re working in a less lucrative field you could face years of student loan payments.

We are also witnessing more educated workers earning low or minimum wages which have

not kept pace with inflation. Even as U.S. minimum wages have increased, the value of those wages has decreased, while worker’s education has increased (Source: Economic Snapshot, July 22, 2009). The axiom that, “the more you learn the more you earn,” relates to the fact that over the course of your lifetime more education equals higher wages and lower unemployment. In our survey 22.9% of our Klamath County clients obtained education beyond high school and 16.2% have a college degree, although client income may not yet reflect higher wages.


“Lack of vocational courses at the high school level is a big issue. More vocational training is necessary… and apprenticeships in high school.” “We need to have jobs available for our residents after they graduate from college with a degree. There is nothing here for those who hold a Bachelors Degree. Working for minimum wage is ridiculous when you have student loans to pay as well as needing to support a family!”

16

Housing & Homeless ___________________________ In Klamath County, 25% to 30% of homes on the market are in need of significant repair. In

both counties, most houses (over 80%) are older than 1970 with many having been built in the 1930’s and 1940’s. “Lack of safe affordable housing” rated seventh in the top ten answers by Klamath County clients for the causes of poverty. The large aging population also doesn’t have many options if they find themselves unable to care for their homes. Retirement and assisted living facilities are limited and may have waiting lists leading many citizens to remain in declining homes. Without the financial and social resources to maintain homes, many are falling into disrepair.

The recession has resulted in an increase in the

homeless population. As business and industry have reduced their workforce, many individuals have found themselves without a job and without a home. In many cases homelessness has extended into the middle class.

KLCAS offers foreclosure assistance, home buying help,

and a home rescue program where the goals are to help clients save their homes. They also offer financial fitness classes and help with first-time home buying through the Individual Development Account (IDA) program.

Many clients need help to secure HUD (Housing

and Urban Development) Section 8 housing and demand is often much higher than supply. The lengthy wait time and long waiting lists can result in a need to stay with family or continually “couch surf” staying with friends or relatives.

According to the Point in Time Count completed

in 2013 by KLCAS, Klamath County identified 129 individuals who were homeless. When asked in the Community Needs Assessment where clients would sleep tonight, five of the Klamath County survey participants responses were:

“HUD assistance (is a huge help)– I could be homeless or in unfit facilities.” ~Participant #11 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range Over 65 -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

Q#13 – If you are homeless, where will you sleep tonight? (Klamath County Responses)

-At a friend’s house -Camping -Doubling up

-Friends -In a friend’s garage

“(I could use housing)…usually I camp, but once in a great while I stay with friends.” ~Participant #292 -Klamath County Survey -Male, Age Range 45-54 -$0 - $7,000 Annual Income

17

The Chronically Homeless _______________________ Homeless populations have increased in the U.S. since the recession and throughout the

slow recovery. In Klamath and Lake Counties, the homeless population is estimated to be 3%. Our Community Needs Assessment revealed this same percentage with 3% of those who participated indicating they are homeless. All of these participants reside in Klamath County.

Chronically homeless are among the most

vulnerable populations in the community. HUD defines a chronically homeless individual as someone who has experienced homelessness for one year or longer, or who has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness in the last three years and has a disability. A family with an adult member who meets this description would also be considered chronically homeless.

Most chronically homeless have high rates of behavioral health problems, including severe

mental illness and substance abuse disorders, conditions which may be exacerbated by physical illness, injury, or trauma. Consequently, they are frequent users of emergency services, crisis response, and public safety systems.

Research shows that, for chronically homeless, stable housing is an

essential component of successful recovery. The solution to the problem of chronic homelessness is permanent supportive housing, which is housing coupled with supportive services. With appropriate supports, permanent housing can serve as a foundation for rehabilitation, therapy, and improved health. What's more, it is a cost-effective intervention. Chronically homeless living in permanent supportive housing are far less likely to draw on expensive

public services. They are also less likely to end up in homeless shelters, emergency rooms, or jails, none of which are effective interventions for chronic homelessness. Public costs, whether local, state or federal, are therefore reduced.

“I am grateful for the shelter…because they gave us a place to lay our heads.” ~Participant #261 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 35-44 -Single, 1 Child -$0 - $7,000 Annual Income


“Emergency housing is non-existent. Subsidized housing has a year to two year waitlist. There is a great need for housing for teen parents that are full-time students. Many of these young parents/students are considered homeless, along with their young children, couch surfing where they can to provide some sort of shelter for their children. Without stable housing it is very difficult to attend, focus, and complete their high school education…”

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An Aging Population ___________________________ According to the 2012 U.S. Census Quick Facts, 18.3%

of Klamath County residents and 22% of Lake County residents are over the age of 65. The total number of Klamath County clients in the 65 and over age range that participated in our client survey totaled 99 and in the 55-64 age range totaled 64; seven individuals of the 22 Lake County participants are seniors for a combined total of 170, or 54.1% of all the clients we surveyed.

Senior citizens are often challenged economically

because they may live on fixed incomes of social security or pensions that have not kept pace with the rate of inflation. They also may have difficulty meeting the costs associated with providing for basic needs such as food and housing. Often medical expenses combined with other expenses, such as utilities, transportation costs, insurance, home maintenance, and property taxes present a challenge coupled with day-to-day expenses. When faced with these decisions seniors may choose to let their house fall behind on regular maintenance leading to a decline in their neighborhoods.

When asked about the major causes of poverty,

Klamath County clients chose “lack of safe and affordable housing” as seventh as a whole. When looking at Klamath County clients age 55 and older, they ranked it higher at sixth.

“Your services (at KLCAS) helped me a lot after my husband passed away.” ~Participant #26 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 55-64 -Widow -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

“Section 8 and Social Security Disability (helped most). If I didn’t have either one I would be homeless.” ~Participant #291 -Klamath County Survey -Male, Age Range 65+ -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

“At age 85 the only goals are to do my best each day.” Energy Assistance was her biggest help in paying, “high electric bills,” last year. ~Participant #29 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 65+ -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

Insight from Community Partners Survey Responses:

“We really need more resources. It seems like we have a few (resources) for children and families, but little to none for the elderly and disabled.”

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Aging: Points of View __________________________ Senior men and women who participated in the Community Needs Assessment for both

Klamath and Lake Counties provided a revealing look into a world dominated by a variety of concerns related to living on pensions and fixed incomes. Men and women alike often struggle to pay for utilities and as such apply for energy assistance through KLCAS.

Q#20 – What one thing would have really helped you out that our community did not offer or you could not find?*

*All responses are from Klamath and Lake Counties

Women Men

“Help with my back house taxes…I’m at risk of losing my house due to back taxes owed.”

“Snow plowing & shoveling.” “Help paying mobile home space rent. We own

our mobile but must still pay the space rent.” “Jobs for seniors.” “Home repair…” “Free transportation when very ill or after surgery

– not offered in Merrill.” “Help paying my heat & trimming my trees.” “Glasses & dental repairs (such as) dentures.” “Transportation to outlying communities.”(input

from a Bly resident)

“Jobs & job training – at (age) 70, I would still like to work.”

“SNAP doesn’t cover all food (such as deli

items at some grocery stores). “ “Help with cost of items not fully covered by

OHP.” “Snow plowing & shoveling.” “Home repair…”

Insight from Business & Leadership Survey Responses:

“I think funding will always be the issue. It seems as though this community takes care of the children very well, but the seniors are left out in the cold a lot of the times. This is a very big retirement community and there are only programs for seniors that are financially needy. There are many seniors that are in need, but do not meet the poverty guidelines, but have no money…”

20

Aging, Health, & Medical Issues __________________ Aging brings its own set of health and medical

issues and concerns. Our Community Needs Assessment revealed that concerns regarding health and medical issues were paramount for senior clients as they answered our four open-ended survey questions. Concerns related to health, medical services, Social Security Disability, and medical insurance costs were frequently mentioned in Question #19: Services that helped you the most and Question #20 regarding unmet needs as well as Question #25: Things you would like to add regarding the survey questions and Question #26: Other comments you would like to share.

Some seniors mentioned concerns regarding

raising their own grandchildren and the increased burden this placed on them from a financial standpoint as well as providing food and medical care. Community members also pointed out that seniors and their needs seem to be overlooked in both counties. Both Klamath and Lake County clients shared many concerns with regard to transportation issues getting to and from medical appointments. When we listen with understanding and sensitivity to the voices of our senior citizens regarding their issues and concerns it is apparent that health and medical issues rank high on their list of concerns.

“Oregon Health Plan is the service that helped me the most.”…“I have worked from the age of 14 to 55 and they won’t (approve) my Social Security Disability.” ~Participant #32 -Klamath County Survey -Male, Age Range 55-64 -$0 - $7,000 Annual Income

“We need services in the community to assist grandparents raising grandchildren.” ~Participant #214 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 55-64 -Raising a grandchild

“…very discouraging to have worked 45 years only to have retirement dream lost due to disability…” The Food Bank and KLCAS have helped, “enabling me to pay house and utility bills.” ~Participant #153 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 65+ -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income


“SSD denies clients with numerous disabilities leaving disabled people unable to support themselves which means they must rely on their already financially struggling family members. This really creates more poverty stricken families.”

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Poverty & Health ______________________________

High medical costs rated fifth on the list when clients who participated in our survey and

shared their views regarding the Causes of Poverty. With respect to Question #24 – What continues to be the biggest hurdle that keeps you from reaching your goal? “Unresolved health issues” was ranked #1 by clients from Lake and Klamath Counties in various age groups. When we consider the fact that 51.1% of our Klamath County clients and 33.3% of our Lake County clients who participated in the survey reported that they had an individual in their household that was considered either physically or mentally disabled, we see the need for many of the support services that KLCAS provides as well as the referral and outreach efforts which KLCAS staff are already involved in.

“Right now I’m having trouble getting my diabetes and glucose supplies.” ~Participant #80 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 55-64 -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

“…well, the OHP (helped the most) because without it your health services would not be covered and with my disability I need it. It is of great help and importance.” ~Participant #46 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 45-54 -$0 - $7,000 Annual Income


“There is a fine line between what individuals can qualify for (benefits from the state). I have noticed a lot of parents who are trying to meet their needs on their own and they make too much money to get any help…there was this young couple and their child had special medical needs. Both parents were working to try to meet the basic needs of their children. The parents couldn’t afford to take their child to a specialist for his medical needs and they made too much money to qualify for the state to help them cover the costs of a specialist and medicines for the child. It just seems like the state needs to find a balance…to help these individuals out when they need it, but to accommodate those who are trying to do things on their own (have jobs, income). What these parents’ options came down to was quit their jobs, lose their home…but receive medical coverage…or keep working, keep their home, and try to make their child comfortable with what they can pay for.”

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Hunger & Food Insecurity _______________________ Food insecurity is reported across the U.S. and within individual states. Food is needed by

all of us in order to have the energy and health to lead active, productive lives. In 2011 Roopika Subramanian’s report Building Healthy Communities in the High Desert involved the Klamath and Lake Counties Community Food Assessment team and highlighted the complexities of, “moving toward a healthier and more equitable food system.”

When one in eight individuals are food insecure, a “food desert” exists. Rural communities

are often at risk due to five factors: low population density, low income levels, a lack of places to purchase healthy and affordable food, inadequate transportation, especially for the elderly, and lack of support for small local businesses. These conditions currently exist in both Klamath and Lake County.

Clients in both counties who participated in our

Community Needs Assessment cited SNAP (formerly called Food Stamps) and the Food Bank as essential services when asked which programs they accessed the most within the last year. Lake County clients were asked about the services they had received in the last year and SNAP was the second highest service accessed by clients. The Food Bank/Food Pantry was also utilized by approximately one in four Lake County clients. Over two-thirds of Klamath County clients who participated in our Community Needs Assessment said SNAP was an important service received in the last year; with nearly half citing the Food Bank/Food Pantry as a vital service they also received.

“All services have helped me. If it wasn’t for the food stamps, I couldn’t have fed my kids.” ~Participant #98 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 35-44 -Single, 3 Children -$0 - $7,000 Annual Income

“South Central Oregon has a harsh climate, short growing season, and high poverty rate. With the exception of Klamath Falls, many communities are miles away from grocery stores and rural residents lack access to locally produced food. These issues have exacerbated

nutrition-related health problems for children and adults.” ~Subramanian

KLCAS* SNAP (i.e. food stamps)

OHP / Medicaid

Food Bank / Food Pantry

SSI / SSD

242

187

116 115 102

13 8 4 4 4

Q#19 - Out of the services you received, which helped the most?

Klamath County Lake County

*includes: all KLCAS services

23

Children in Poverty ____________________________ In 2012 Oregon was ranked 29th in

the country for children living in poverty. According to the publication A Graphic View of Poverty in Oregon (September 19, 2013), 23% of the children in the state of Oregon lived below the poverty line in 2012. This translates into almost one in four children currently living in poverty

within our state. In Klamath County, 65% of children receive free and reduced school lunches, according to a recent Herald and News article.

One in three clients served by KLCAS is a child under 18 years of age (Participant Characteristics, Section G, CSBG). In our survey 47.6% of Lake County clients reported one to three children in their household and 27.3% of our Klamath County clients reported one to two children under 18 years of age. When we recall that a majority of our clients participating in the survey lived at or below the poverty level we can see that the needs of children in our community are indeed a concern.

Poverty is a multi-faceted problem that affects all of us. Children who

grow up in poverty suffer more persistent, frequent, and severe health problems than do children who grow up under better financial circumstances. Many infants born into poverty have a low birth weight, which is associated with many preventable mental and physical disabilities. Children raised in poverty tend to miss school more often because of illness. These children also have a much higher rate of accidents than do

other children, and they are twice as likely to have impaired vision and hearing, iron deficiency, and/or anemia.

Levels of stress in the family have also been

shown to correlate with economic circumstances. Studies during economic recessions indicate that job loss and subsequent poverty are associated with violence in families, including child and elder abuse. Extended stress and lack of basic needs can lead to more health problems, increased disruption at work, school, family relationships, and friendships.

KLCAS in Action 2013 Quick Facts

Family Support & Connections

-78 families participated in 3 community outreach activities -17 people attended, “Life with Kids Parenting” group -42 individuals attended, “Extreme Makeover” workshops -5 families participated in the “Family Support Connections & Me,” family development program -8 families received either gifts, dinner, or both through the Adopt-A-Family program for Christmas

Insight from General Community Survey Responses: “Many of these families have little hope which transfers to their children. The parents need parenting skills and training.”

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Youth & Poverty ______________________________ Age can matter: we often hear about age discrimination

and it usually refers to our senior population. Needless to say, young people also report the sting of discrimination in many facets of their lives. We often discount the ideas and insight of youth and view them as lacking in life experience. Yet youth who struggle with issues of poverty share perspectives that are often riveting and revealing.

KLCAS provides financial contributions to Integral Youth

Services’ Exodus House. KLCAS also helps young people with the Dream$avers Individual Development Account Program to assist them with saving money for college or even a down payment on a home.

The following data and comments/concerns address the

unmet needs and weaknesses by individuals currently living in Klamath and Lake Counties.

Q#20 – What one thing would have really helped you out that our community did not offer or you couldn’t find? (Ages: 18-24)

1. Childcare and help finding a job

2. Transportation (to get to work, school and/or obtain a job)

3. Food

4. Oregon Health Plan - dental

5. Rental Assistance

6. Help with utilities - for cooking & heat

Klamath and Lake County

Ages: 18 to 24 Note: there were many survey participants that were finishing high school

or attending college.

“Without SNAP & the Food Bank I wouldn’t be able to feed my kids.”

“Family Support & Connections has really helped me with

my parenting skills.” “Childcare is a big need for KCC students.” “Affordable transportation is a real issue.” “I can’t qualify for SNAP…while going to college…I don’t

understand it.”

Insight from Community Partners Survey Responses: “I know college students who are sleeping in their cars or a friend’s shed. It’s easy to dismiss this as anecdotal until it happens to you or someone you care about…”

25

A Look at Women & Poverty ____________________ Currently just over half of the clients who receive services

through KLCAS are women. Almost 80% of the Lake County clients and nearly 75% of the Klamath County clients who participated in our Community Needs Assessment survey are women.

Women often struggle to feed their families, obtain

adequate housing, pay for utilities, and obtain medical assistance for their children. In addition, finding affordable and adequate childcare is often an issue for maintaining employment. Women in Klamath and Lake Counties mirrored national trends with regard to women and families living in poverty.

What is interesting is that there were common needs expressed by various age groups, but there were also differences linked to a woman’s age and circumstance. It can be overwhelming to raise a child as a single parent and this is especially true if you are living at or below the poverty line. Each day the media barrages us with dire predictions regarding the negative consequences for children who are raised in a single parent household, yet many women are faced with this choice and must make the best of their life circumstance.

While it can be almost dangerous to be a woman living in poverty and trying to raise a child

alone at any age, elderly women are far more likely to be poor than elderly men. Poverty rates for males and females are the same throughout childhood, but increase for women during childbearing years and again in their later years. The poverty gap between women and men widens significantly between ages 18 and 24. This gap narrows but never closes throughout adult life and it more than doubles during the elderly years.

Clients in both counties utilized the KLCAS Family Support & Connections (FS&C) program

to obtain valuable support and skills in parenting and relationships (as stated in their survey comments). Input from women in Lake County expressed a number of needs ranging from a request for a domestic violence shelter, senior jobs/job training, and most important dependable transportation due to their isolated location. Women in Klamath County rated the need for help with energy assistance as a primary concern along with the need for SNAP, the Food Bank, OHP, housing assistance, and other important services. The following reflects the differences in needs as identified for two specific age groups:


Women Ages: 18 to 24

A job

Bus services from Lake County

Childcare services/childcare assistance

Energy Assistance (propane for heat/cooking)

Help with school

Legal Assistance for low-income

More food options - if you have no food

Oregon Health Plan covered dental care

Rental Assistance


Women Ages: 25 to 34

Bus services from Lake County

Co-operative parenting classes

Help with service animals

Homelessness

Household items needed

Job Training

Medical assistance/emergency response

Oregon Health Plan

Rental Assistance

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Women & Poverty: Unmet Needs ________________ When Klamath & Lake County women were surveyed about the one thing

that would have really helped, yet couldn’t be found, it is clear that there were several similarities amongst the age groups. In one form or another, employment was addressed as a need for every age range as well as medical needs. At the same time, due to the variety of needs at different stages in life, there were also slight differences.

The charts below outline the unmet needs based upon the

surveyed age ranges:

Age Range: 25-34

Medical coverage

Family counseling

Employment/more job training opportunities

Substance abuse options

Utility bill assistance (other than electric)

Housing

Age Range: 18-24

Transportation (between Lake and Klamath County)

Help with school

Dental coverage

Child care assistance

Rental assistance

Employment

Age Range: 45-54

Urgent care in Lake County

Housing (senior housing – Lake County and long HUD wait lists in Klamath County)


Legal help for disabled

Transportation (rural Klamath County/in general)

Smoking cessation

New wood stove

Age Range: 35-44

Unemployment

SSI

Parenting groups

Community center


Peer support recovery services Rental deposit assistance

Age Range: 65+

Transportation (between Lake and Klamath County and rural Klamath County)

Food assistance/increase in Food Stamps


Health care (i.e. glasses, dental, dentures, and general health care)

Energy assistance

Rental/mobile home space assistance

Legal aid (family law/business)

Discounts for Veterans (i.e. property taxes)

Home repair (broken well tank, tree trimming)

Veterinarian assistance (i.e. spay/neuter)

Help with taxes (i.e. property taxes)

Age Range: 55-64

Transportation (between Lake and Klamath County and rural Klamath County)


Services under one location

Help with back taxes

Rental assistance

Help with co-pays/health insurance

Help with disability equipment

Snow removal

Assistance for grandparents raising grandkids

Legal Aid

Firewood

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Client Strengths: Achieving Stability _______________

When looking to the future, it’s imperative to take into account what our clients consider their current strengths in achieving stability.

The Community Needs Assessment asked clients to define what stability

meant to them. The top two responses for Klamath County clients were: 1) able to meet the basic needs of my family and 2) having a decent paying job. Lake County clients agreed, with the order reversed.

Clients were also asked to share what they felt are their current strengths in achieving

stability, the choices were as follows:

Lake County clients top two responses were:

1) I am highly motivated and 2) I have a good support system. Klamath County clients chose, “I can really stretch a dollar,” as their top answer followed by, “I am highly motivated.” It’s important to note that Klamath County clients rated, “I have a good support system,” as the third top answer.

Other Strengths:

The majority of Lake County respondents rent their home (55.6%) and 100% of Lake County clients reported they did not feel they were in danger of losing their homes due to late rent or mortgage payments. Half of our Klamath County participants own their home and the other half rent their home. The majority of Klamath County respondents felt secure about their ability to continue owning or renting their homes with 15 individuals (5.6%) of those who answered this question sharing that they felt at risk of losing their home.

-I am highly motivated -I have a good support system -I have valuable job skills -I can really stretch a dollar

-I am willing to work more than one job -Government assistance is helping me survive while I improve my situation

-Other (fill in the blank)

“Mental health (was the most helpful service I’ve received) because I was not caring for myself and was very depressed…and I’m not so much anymore.” ~Participant #4 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 25-34 -Single, 1 Child

“People in poverty can – like everybody else – realize big dreams and achieve and strive for excellence.” ~Dr. Donna Beegle

“People are amazing and responding as best they can in

the war zone of poverty.”

~Dr. Donna Beegle

28

Client Outreach _______________________________ Klamath and Lake Counties are located in Southern

Oregon, east of the Cascade Mountains and on the California border. Population levels in both Klamath and Lake County have remained flat (Oregon Blue Book 2011-12 published by the Oregon Secretary of State). A major issue for both counties is the isolated geographic location. Klamath County is located approximately 80 miles from the more populous western side of the state whereas Lake County is approximately 174 miles. Due to the isolated location, development is slow and there are less businesses and services available in both counties in addition to fewer job opportunities.

The need for programs and services is especially

important to those living in remote areas of both counties. While housing costs are lower in outlying areas, utility costs have increased and are compounded by the frigid winters both counties experience. In addition, increased fuel costs effect rural areas greatly due to the long distance required to travel for daily needs and/or services (i.e. medical care, grocery shopping, etc). Those living at or below the poverty line may not have a dependable vehicle and travel may be cost prohibitive. Unfortunately, access to public transportation systems in the outlying areas of Klamath County and all of Lake County is nonexistent.

Providing outreach to our clients in the remote areas of Klamath and Lake Counties is a high

priority for KLCAS, especially since this was identified as a need in our 2011-12 Community Needs Assessment. KLCAS has a satellite office in Lakeview and staff regularly schedule visits in an effort to better serve our clients. Additional efforts are made by staff to provide outreach and services such as well publicized day visits to: Chemult, Gilchrest, Chiloquin, Sprague River, Bly, Bonanza, Merrill, Malin, etc. in Klamath County. Staff members also travel to remote locations like Silver Lake, Christmas Valley, and other areas in Lake County.

Transportation and the need for services in outlying areas was still a request identified by

many of those surveyed in our 2014-15 Community Needs Assessment. Although KLCAS has made huge efforts to increase our presence in outlying areas, the vastness of the two counties and limited staff time make it difficult to reach all of those in need, however their voices have been heard.

“We live in Chiloquin and every trip to town costs us $30 in gas which also makes things difficult. The cost of milk is even more than double the price in Klamath Falls, I just don’t understand.”

~Participant #88 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 55-64 -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

Insight from General Community Survey Responses: “Lack of affordable and energy-efficient homes in the Chiloquin area is a big concern. Rent is too high and lack of energy-efficient homes increases electricity/heating costs - especially in the winter. So people who are already paying too much for rent now have to pay too much for electricity/heating costs.”

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Services Clients Accessed ________________________ The Community Needs Assessment asked Klamath and Lake County participants about the

services they received within the last year in order to determine which services were accessed most frequently.

Q#17 - Services received in the last year? (respondents checked all services that applied)

Response Percentages

Number of Participants Responding

Klamath County

SNAP (previously known as Food Stamps) 68.2% 187

Energy Assistance (KLCAS Program) 63.5% 174

OHP/Medicaid 42.3% 116

Food Bank/Food Pantry 42.0% 115

SSI/SSD 37.2% 102

Lake County

SNAP (previously known as Food Stamps) 50.0% 8

Family Support & Connections (KLCAS Program) 43.8% 7

TANF (formerly called welfare) 37.5% 6

Energy Assistance (KLCAS Program) 31.3% 4

Food Bank/Food Pantry 25.0% 4

OHP 25.0% 4

SSI/SSD 25.0% 4

At the same time, we asked clients out of those services they identified, which services

helped the most and why. It was overwhelmingly clear that clients were most appreciative of SNAP and Energy Assistance. It is clear that these programs help stabilize clients and offer a “hand up” in times of need. Below offers a sampling from both Klamath and Lake County clients and their feedback:

Q#19 – Out of the services you received, which helped the most and why?

“Energy assistance, helped fill in when I was tapped out of options - kept me warm. The energy class was great, gave me some good tips.”

“All of them have helped me, if it wasn't for food stamps (SNAP) I couldn't feed my kids.” “SNAP – fed (my) grandchildren.” “My HTBA program (rental assistance) - it's helping me get back on my feet.” “SSI because I'm 70 years old and disabled.” “Services for Seniors and Disabled - lots of household help and transportation etc. and

Medicaid/OHP/Energy assistance.” “TANF because I am currently unemployed so it is currently my only income and I am also

gaining job experience.” “Learning how to set up a budget (through KLCAS’s Financial Fitness classes) and stay on it.” “Mortgage refinancing counseling helped the most.” “Help with domestic violence helped me discover it is NOT normal.” “Representative payee program and mental health, SNAP and gambling treatment to try to keep

me relatively whole.”

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Addressing Unmet Needs _______________________ The most important aspect of the Community

Needs Assessment is identifying the unmet needs of our community. Most interesting was comparing the viewpoints of our community: Community Partners, Business & Leadership, General Community, and our clients. The chart below outlines the top five answers from each of these groups.

Although the ordering differed, it’s important

to note that all four groups identified some sort of aspect of jobs/training and medical care as an unmet need for our community. At the same time, those most impacted identified transportation and home repair as priority unmet needs as well.

“We need a ‘One Stop’ get it all done place for the poor and struggling where someone could apply and get help in one location and not have to go all over town to the different places for help…” ~Participant #50 -Klamath County Survey -Female, Age Range 55-64 -$7,001 - $14,000 Annual Income

Top 5 Unmet Needs in YOUR Community?

Co

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un

ity

Ne

ed

s A

ss

es

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t 2

014

-15

Su

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Community Partners

1. Family Wage Jobs 2. Emergency Housing 3. Long Term Housing 4. Work Experience 5. Medical/Dental/Eye Care

Business & Leadership

1. Family Wage Jobs 2. Work Experience 3. Long Term Housing 3. Services for Youth 3. Training Opportunities 4. Emergency Housing 4. Child Care 4. Non-Food Household Items 5. Food 5. Medical/Dental/Eye Care

General Community

1. Family Wage Jobs 2. Work Experience 3. Training Opportunities 4. Food 5. Medical/Dental/Eye Care

Client Survey: Klamath County

1. Medical Assistance/Concerns 2. Transportation 3. Home Repair 4. Job Training/Job Opportunities 4. Rental Assistance 5. Food Concerns

Client Survey: Lake County

1. Transportation 2. Medical Concerns/Medical care 3. Job Training/Job Opportunities 4. Senior Programs, i.e. Housing and Jobs Program 5. Services for those on SSD

31

Clients Share Their Final Thoughts _________________ The Community Needs Assessment gave clients an opportunity to provide additional

comments. Overall, the majority of clients in both counties were able to find and access services to help provide a hand up in their time of need and expressed an overall “thank you” to community service providers for their support.

Clients were appreciative for the opportunity to have their voices heard. While clients were

generally satisfied, the following feedback was shared in closing statements:

Lake County

“(I’d like to see) lower cost(s) for drug treatment and residential services.”

“We have support from government agencies and community volunteers, but we need more jobs and more training, better transportation and medical services.”

“Would like to be better at budgeting.”

“We need new businesses and industry…”

“The community is weak in meeting the needs of minorities and providing resources for those in poverty.”

Klamath County

“…I would like to see Peer Delivered Services in Klamath and Lake County.”

“They need child care for our community college.”

“At age 85 (which I am) the only goals are to do my best each day.”

“I am out of unemployment.”

“The ‘system’ seems to be very bogged down. So many forms and such a complicated system…it’s too difficult to navigate.”

“I am unable to go back to work because of my health.”

“I'm in need finding a doctor as of now.”

“Very discouraging to have worked 45 years only to have retirement dream lost due to disability.”

“I really appreciate every help line and all the groups that make my life still feel hopeful and alive.”

“#1 Hurdle is unresolved health problems.”

“Getting a safe place to live for my family.”

“The system is broken, it needs to be fixed.”

“Your services (KLCAS) helped me a lot after my husband passed away.”

“I sure hope that these surveys help to make changes that are needed.”

32

Community Views on Poverty ___________________ The Community Needs Assessment asked Community Partners, Business & Leadership, and

General Community about their views on poverty. The following sections discuss the general demographics of each group and then offers a comparison of their responses.

When asked how familiar each group was with anti-poverty related services within our

community, their responses were:

Community Partners Survey The Community Needs Assessment was completed by 78 of our Community Partners

consisting of local non-profits, other social service agencies, etc. The majority (81.6%) of the respondents live in Klamath County (less than 20% were Lake County residents). Of the 78 Community Partners, 94.8% received income from current or previous work (i.e. they checked: full-time, part-time, retired, or retired and still working). The majority (93.3%) indicated they were not at risk of losing their home due to late rent or mortgage payments.

The Community Partner demographics indicated that 98.7% of the respondents had a high

school diploma. Of those responses, 24.7% had obtained some post secondary education and 67.5% obtained a college degree. Respondents held jobs from a wide cross-section of fields and job categories.

Gender Age Range Type of Household Ethnicity Race

M - 5.2% F - 94.8%

0-17 - 0% 18-24 - 0% 25-34 - 23.7% 35-44 - 18.4% 45-54 - 17.1% 55-64 - 34.2% 65+ - 0%

Individual - 27.5% Single Parent - 10.1% Two Parents - 46.4% Married/No Children - 15.9% Other - 0%


African American - 0% Asian - 0% Caucasian - 91.6% Native American - 2.8% Other - 5.6%



Disabled Veteran Homeless

$0-$7,000 - 0% $7,001-$14,000 - 0% $14,001-$21,000 - 0% $21,001-$28,000 - 10.5% $28,001-$35,000 - 10.5% $35,001 and above - 68.4%


18.4% 7.8% 0%

How familiar are you with local anti-poverty services offered in the community?

Answer Options Community Partners Business & Leadership General Community

1 – Very familiar 2 3 4 5 – Not at all familiar

28.9% (22) 30.3% (23) 28.9% (22) 10.5% (8) 1.3% (1)

35.0% (7) 20.0% (4) 35.0% (7) 5.0% (1) 5.0% (1)

9.7% (24) 16.6% (41) 34.8% (86) 18.2% (45) 20.6% (51)

33

Community Views on Poverty ___________________ Business & Leadership Community

The Community Needs Assessment was completed by 20 of our Business & Leadership Community. The majority (80%) of the respondents live in Klamath County (20% were Lake County residents). Of the 20 Business & Leadership Community, 100% received income from current or previous work (i.e. they checked: full-time, part-time, retired, or retired and still working). All respondents indicated they were not at risk of losing their home due to late rent or mortgage payments.

The Business & Leadership Community demographics indicated that 100% of the

respondents had a high school diploma. Of those responses, 26.3% had obtained some post secondary education and 73.7% obtained a college degree (2 or 4 year). Respondents held jobs from a wide cross-section of fields and job categories.


M - 20.0% F - 80.0%

0-17 - 0% 18-24 - 0% 25-34 - 5.0% 35-44 - 20.0% 45-54 - 20.0% 55-64 - 45.0% 65+ - 10.0%


Hispanic - 0% Non-Hispanic - 100%

African American – 0% Asian - 0% Caucasian - 100% Native American - 0% Other - 0%




$0-$7,000 - 0% $7,001-$14,000 - 0% $14,001-$21,000 - 5.3% $21,001-$28,000 - 0% $28,001-$35,000 - 10.5% $35,001 and above - 84.2%


15.8% 5.6% 0%

Insight from Business & Leadership Survey Responses: “I'm not sure how to convey my thoughts but I see a gap - a section of our population that is at risk without many services available to them. If you fall below the poverty level by a lot, there are many options...SNAP, TANF, child care, food bank, rental assistance, (and) energy assistance but if you are at poverty level or a tiny bit above, you start to run into fewer resources. I understand the thinking but it's somewhat flawed. I work very hard and make a decent wage but I have a hard time making ends meet...and I'm right on the cusp without any benefits available to me. I also think men are at risk. I know men who are really struggling but don't qualify for much because they don't have the kids with them full time. I just think those people that are right on the edge are most at risk.”

34

Community Views on Poverty ___________________ General Community Survey

The Community Needs Assessment was completed by 250 General Community members. The majority (99.2%) of the respondents live in Klamath County (0.8% were Lake County residents). Of the General Community respondents that answered, 85.1% received income from current or previous work (i.e. they checked: full-time, part-time, retired, or retired and still working). The majority (90.8%) indicated they were not at risk of losing their home due to late rent or mortgage payments and 5 respondents (2.1%) indicated they were homeless.

The General Community demographics indicated that 98% of the

respondents had a high school diploma. Of those responses, 27.2% had obtained some post secondary education and 59.8% obtained a college degree (2 or 4 year). Respondents held jobs from a wide cross-section of fields and job categories.


M - 30.9% F - 69.1%

0-17 – 0.4% 18-24 - 5.3% 25-34 - 19.0% 35-44 - 20.6% 45-54 - 28.3% 55-64 - 23.1% 65+ - 3.2%



African American - 1.3% Asian - 1.7% Caucasian - 83.1% Native American - 23.6% Other - 0%




$0-$7,000 - 6.6% $7,001-$14,000 - 4.5% $14,001-$21,000 - 9.1% $21,001-$28,000 - 9.1% $28,001-$35,000 - 10.3% $35,001 and above - 60.3%


20.1% 7.4% 2.1%

Insight from General Community Survey Responses: “Assistance programs require folks to seek employment and/or work minimum wage jobs yet childcare assistance is unavailable or insufficient therefore folks are in a quandary - don't earn enough to support themselves as half their wage is required to pay childcare. Government assistance programs need to work realistically and practically.”

35

Community Views on Poverty ___________________ In the tables below you will see response comparisons to a variety of questions for the

following three groups: Community Partners, Business & Leadership, and General Community. The results address what each group feels are: the neediest members of our community, their views on the causes of poverty, the definition of self-sufficiency, and their views on alleviating poverty including community strengths and weaknesses.

The first table pertains to community responses ranking their views of the neediest members

of our community (Families in poverty, Children in poverty, Seniors, Veterans, People with disabilities (physical or mental), and Homeless individuals and families).

Note: some answers may have ranked the same and are listed as such.

Views on Poverty in our Community


Nee

dies

t Mem

bers

of

our

Com

mun

ity

1. Families in poverty 2. Children in poverty 3. Homeless individuals &

families 4. Seniors 5. People with disabilities 6. Veterans

1. Families in poverty 2. Children in poverty 3. People with disabilities 4. Seniors 5. Veterans 5. Homeless individuals &

families

1. Families in poverty 2. Children in poverty 3. Homeless individuals &

families 4. People with disabilities 5. Seniors 6. Veterans

Cau

ses

of P

over

ty

1. Substance abuse issues 2. Generational poverty 2. Lack of education 3. Physical or Mental Health

issues 4. Not enough jobs 4. Low motivation 5. Jobs pay too little 6. No good role models

1. Substance abuse issues 2. Not enough jobs 2. Generational poverty 3. Low motivation 3. Jobs pay too little 4. Too few jobs for unskilled

laborers 5. Lack of education 5. Physical or Mental Health

issues 6. Domestic violence

1. Lack of education 2. Substance abuse issues 3. Not enough jobs 4. Jobs pay too little 5. Low motivation 6. Generational poverty

Insight from General Community Survey Responses: “Not only do the kids in this town need something to do on a regular basis it needs to be at a low cost and accessible. Our elderly people need more attention as well as our youth….invent programs where they can help each other. The kids want to care about this community, they just do not know how…They are lost and our elderly are forgotten, there has to be something that can help them both.”

36

Community Views on Poverty ___________________ The three groups were also asked to define what self-sufficiency means to them and rank our

community’s (Klamath and Lake Counties) strengths and weaknesses. The following list was provided to the groups for both strengths and weaknesses:

- Apathy

- Awareness

- Bringing in new businesses/industries - Community college

- Community involvement – financial

- Community volunteers

- Faith based organizations

- Feeling of community - Follow through

- Funding

- Government agency support

- K-12 Education

- Meeting the needs of minorities - Meeting the needs of outlying areas

- Non-profit organizations

- Poverty resources

- Self-help and support groups

- Support from elected officials - Supporting local businesses/industries

Note: some answers may have ranked the same and are listed as such.

Working Towards Self-Sufficiency


Sel

f-

Suf

ficie

ncy 1. Able to meet basic family

needs 2. No longer needing

assistance

1. Able to meet basic family needs

2. No longer needing assistance

1. Able to meet basic family needs

2. No longer needing assistance

Str

engt

hs o

f our

Com

mun

ities

1. Non-profit organizations 2. Faith based organizations 3. Community volunteers 4. Poverty resources 5. Community college 6. Government agency support 7. K-12 Education

1. Faith based organizations 2. Non-profit organizations 3. Community college 4. Community volunteers 5. K-12 Education 6. Government agency support 7. Feeling of community

1. Faith based organizations 2. Non-profit organizations 3. Community volunteers 4. Community college 5. K-12 Education 6. Poverty resources 7. Government agency support

Wea

knes

ses

in o

ur C

omm

uniti

es

1. Funding 2. Support from elected

officials 3. Follow through 4. Bringing in new

businesses/industries 4. Apathy 5. Community involvement –

financial 6. Meeting the needs of

outlying areas 7. Awareness

1. Bringing in new businesses/industries

2. Support from elected officials

3. Apathy 4. Funding 5. Supporting local

businesses/industries 5. Awareness 5. Follow through 6. Poverty resources 6. Meeting the needs of

outlying areas 7. Government agency support 7. Community involvement –

financial 7. Feeling of community

1. Bringing in new businesses/industries

2. Funding 3. Support from elected officials 4. Follow through 5. Apathy 6. Government agency support 7. Supporting local

businesses/industries

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Harnessing the Power of Hope ___________________ A few years ago a book called, “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy,” was

written by Sarah Ban Breathnach and became an instant best seller. The author provided hope and inspiration for each day of the year to help readers get into the habit of focusing on the many gifts life has to offer instead of letting challenges take center stage. She encouraged readers to take a few minutes each day to focus on gratitude and list a few of the positives in their lives. Over the course of a year with this focus on gratitude, the reader begins to shift their focus to one of thankfulness, no matter how great the adversity in their life might be.

It is said that when we help another person, our own lives are enriched beyond measure.

Nowhere is this more evident than in our day-to-day work at KLCAS. We are often struck by the positive outlook and grateful attitude so many of our clients share with us as we help them to move out of poverty on a path to self-sufficiency.

Many of us may donate to various organizations and charitable causes. We sometimes

wonder how our donations have been received. On this page you will see a sampling of the comments we received from our clients, many who are living on the edge with the barest of basic necessities and yet their focus is one of gratitude.

“Gratitude is the attitude that sets the altitude for living.”

~Dr. James MacDonald “KLCAS has done wonders

for this community. They

have helped me when I

really needed it.”

“I am grateful for all

the support I have

received.”

“The community does

so much to aid and

prevent crisis.”

“You (KLCAS) have

given me all the help I

need…”

“I appreciate the

help you offer.”

“Being paid by a government program is

really hard for me, I must live on this income,

which is why the other benefits like energy

assistance are of great help to me…because

they allow me to live with the small benefits.”

“My ten years experience in

Klamath County has shown

me that there are many ways

and agencies willing to help

citizens in crisis…”

38

KLCAS Programs & Services ______________________ Klamath & Lake Community Action Services (KLCAS) works to strengthen and educate

families, promote self-sufficiency, and build community. Our goal is to move people from dependence on public programs to economic self-sufficiency by treating the symptoms as well as addressing the causes of poverty.

KLCAS Mission Statement:

“KLCAS Improves the lives of our citizens by combating the conditions and causes of poverty in Klamath and Lake Counties. KLCAS provides strategic services directly and through social alliances, empowering people to become self-reliant contributing members of our community.”

Programs and Services:

Family Navigator Program: keeping families together and preventing children from entering the foster care system

Family Support & Connections: offers a wide array of services for skill building and parent education

Heating Assistance Program:

Energy Education classes

On-Track (basic budgeting) classes

One-time/emergency assistance towards heating

Homelessness Prevention Services: rental/deposit assistance; case management services

Klamath & Lake Homeownership Center:

Home Retention Program (payment affordability, imminent danger of default, or active foreclosure)

Individual Development Account (Dream$avers) Program for first time home buyers, home repairs, and education

Pre-purchase classes: Home Buying and Financial Fitness

Representative Payee Program: manage client Social Security/VA monies as required by Social Security Administration

Resource and Referral: KLCAS Resource Guides and 211 Info

Events:

Project Family Connect: summer event connecting families and individuals in need with local services and essential items

Winter Give-A-Way: last week in January providing essential items to keep individuals and families who are homeless warm

The Promise of Community Action: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the

spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

www.klcas.org

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Appendix (Surveys) ____________________________

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Client Survey for Klamath & Lake Counties (Page 1 of 2)

42

Client Survey for Klamath & Lake Counties (Page 2 of 2)

43

Business & Leadership, Community Partners, and General

Community Survey (Page 1 of 2)

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Business & Leadership, Community Partners, and General

Community Survey (Page 2 of 2)

Documents

2014-15 Community Needs Assessmentassets.thehcn.net/content/sites/klamath/Comm_Needs_Assessment.… · Community Needs Assessment of Klamath and Lake Counties. Community Action Agencies