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DRAFT
HUMAN SERVICES NEEDS ASSESSMENT
AND ACTION PLAN FOR THE
EAST CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD
Prepared for:
City of Spokane Human Services Department
June Shapiro, Director
Prepared by:
The Department of Human Development
Washington State University, Spokane
PO Box 1495
Spokane, WA 99210-1495
Dr. Chris Blodgett, Principal Investigator
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report would not have been possible without the many contributions from various
participants in the process. First and foremost we would like to extend our deep thanks to all the
residents of the East Central Neighborhood who took time out of their busy lives to share with us
their opinions and perspectives of services in their community. We wish to thank the kind
reception and support we received from the East Central Neighborhood Council. We are also
especially grateful to Steve Indyjerd and Don Warner, Principals of Grant Elementary and
Sheridan Elementary schools, respectively, for graciously allowing us to use their school
facilities. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the teachers and staff at each of the
schools for their time, effort and assistance with the meetings. We are also very thankful to the
various agency representatives who assisted in this process, including: Diane Jackson, Director
of the East Central Community Center, Nancy Jones, Director of the Martin Luther King Jr.
Family Outreach Center, Kathy Law at the East Central Senior Center, Suzanne Strublic of
SNAP East, and Chester Carothers of Richard Allen Enterprises and Emmanuel Center. Finally,
a big thanks to Terri Scott, lead facilitator for the project, and to all the staff and research
assistants in the Human Development Department and other community members who willing
lent a hand as facilitators and recorders at the various meetings.
Vince Alberty and June Martin
Project Coordinators
EC Hu man Services Action Plan i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...........................................................................................................i
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS ................................................................................................. iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................1
I. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................2
II. COMMUNITY PROFILE ....................................................................................................4
A. Geographic Description .................................................................................................4
B. Demographics ................................................................................................................4
C. Socio-Economic Characteristics ....................................................................................7
D. Selected Housing Characteristics ................................................................................10
E. Community Resources .................................................................................................12
III. FOCUS GROUP RESULTS..............................................................................................14
A. Basic Needs .................................................................................................................14
B. Health Services ............................................................................................................17
C. Social Support Systems ...............................................................................................22
D. Promoting Self Sufficiency .........................................................................................26
IV. NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN ...............................................................................29
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................
APPENDIX .......................................................................................................................................
EC Hu man Services Action Plan ii
LIST OF TABLES AND MAPS
Page
TABLES
Table 1: Population of East Central Neighborhood & City of Spokane, 1990 and 2000 ..............4
Table 2: Selected Demographic C haracteristics: East Central Neighborhood & City of Spokane,
2000..................................................................................................................................6
Table 3: Selected Household Characteristics: East Central Neighborhood & City of Spokane,
2000..................................................................................................................................7
Table 4: Educational Attainment: East Central Neighborhood & the City of Spokane, 2000 ......8
Table 5: Household Income: East Central Neighborhood & the City of Spokane, 2000 ..............8
Table 6: Employment Status: East Central Neighborhood & the City of Spokane, 2000 .............9
Table 7: Poverty: East Central Neighborhood & the City of Spokane, 1999 ................................9
Table 8: Eligibility for Free & reduced price Meals: Stevens Elementary School, 1998-2002 ..10
Table 2: Selected Housing Characteristics: East Central Neighborhood & City of Spokane,
2000................................................................................................................................11
Table 10: Monthly Housing Costs: East Central Neighborhood & the City of Spokane, 2000 ....12
Table 11: Community Resources: Social Services Agencies ........................................................12
Table 12: Community Resources: Faith-Based Organizations ......................................................15
MAPS
Map 1: City of Spokane Neighborhood Council Boundaries ......................................................5
EC Hu man Services Action Plan iii
HUMAN SERVICE ACTION PLAN FOR THE
EAST CENTRAL AND CHIEF GARRY PARK EIGHBORHOODS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The intent of this needs assessment is to provide a starting point for the Human Services
Department. It is the hope that the information provided in this report will be used to set priorities and
to develop an action plan for the delivery of human services in the East Central and Chief Garry Park
Neighborhoods.
This human services needs assessment found that residents of the East Central Neighborhood
highly value the existing human services available in their neighborhood. Notable, however, is the
strongly held perception of the complete lack of similar services in the Chief Garry Park
Neighborhood. This assessment also identifies neighborhood residents’ perceptions of the strengths of
available services, barriers to accessing existing services, gaps in services and possible solutions for
overcoming the barriers and gaps that have been identified. By building an awareness of these
dimensions and using them as a reference point for service delivery, the City of Spokane’s Human
Services Department will be well positioned for the future.
Contained in this report are the results from thirteen (13) focus group discussions that were
held with neighborhood residents and service providers in the East Central and Chief Garry Park
Neighborhoods. The results from the focus groups are supplemented with current demographic and
socio-economic data from the 2000 census. The data provide a detailed description of the two
neighborhoods. The results of the focus groups provide anecdotal evidence of the health and social
service needs as experienced by the neighborhood residents and those most closely involved in the
provision of services.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 1
I. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
Community needs are changing faster than ever before. It is a challenge for municipalities to
keep pace with these changes, not only in the provision of services, but in understanding the nature of
citizens' needs. What do citizens value, what are their aspirations for their community, what is
important about their community, and what are their perspectives and issues? These are questions that
shape a process of getting to know citizens and their communities better.
In November, 2002, the Human Services Department of the City of Spokane contracted with
Washington State University (WSU) to assist them in developing information for a Human Services
Action Plan for the East Central and Chief Garry Park Neighborhoods. The purpose of the Human
Services Action Plan is to provide a guide for investments and improvements in human services in the
two neighborhoods.
This report provides the summary findings and recommendations from the discussions with
neighborhood residents. This report also serves as an addendum to the neighborhood comprehensive
plan. The task of determining feasibility and the resultant implementation of this plan is a task that
belongs the Human Services Department and the Department’s Advisory Board.
The role of WSU in the development of the plan was to assess neighborhood human service
needs as defined by neighborhood residents. This process involved the mobilization of residents in the
two neighborhoods to participate in a discussion focusing on human services in their neighborhoods.
The objectives of the discussions were to:
1. Identify awareness of existing services
2. Identify barriers to accessing existing services and gaps in services
3. Recommend solutions to overcoming the barriers and gaps identified.
The strategy for reaching out to residents entailed forming partnerships with established
community leaders including elementary school principles, parent-teacher organizations and school
site councils, church leadership, and service agency heads to assist WSU researchers in determining
the most effective means for mobilizing local resident participation. It was decided that the most
efficient and effective means of engaging residents was to hold a community meeting at each of the
three elementary schools serving the two neighborhoods. The elementary schools were chosen because
of their centralized location in the neighborhoods. S maller focus group discussions were also held with
clients of the various social service agencies in the community.
Involving community residents in these types of civic engagement activities can be challenging
as resident participation is notoriously low. To encourage attendance and reduce barriers to resident
participation at the meetings, the meetings were held in the evening and food and childcare was
provided. Notices about the community meetings were sent home to parents through elementary school
children and flyers were distributed in places of business and other community facilities that had high
resident traffic. Personal invitations were also sent to parents who had been identified by teachers as
likely to be interested and willing to participate in such a discussions. Agencies and churches serving
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 2
the neighborhoods were also asked to recruit their clients and members to participate in focus group
discussions.
A series of 13 focus group meetings were conducted throughout the two neighborhoods from
March 28 to July 9, 2003. Each meeting consisted of a facilitator, a recorder, and residents of the
community. The issues for discussion at the meetings were organized into four service categories that
reflected the mission of the Human Services Department. These service areas included:
1. Services to meet basic human survival needs including food, shelter and clothing
2. Services for the prevention and treatment of illness and injury
3. Services to prepare and assist people in obtaining and sustaining gainful employment
4. Services for social support and interaction
The questions, strategies for recruitment, and conduct of the focus groups were developed in
consultation of Ms. June Shapiro, Director of Human Services for the City of Spokane.
For each topic area, the discussion centered around four general questions:
What are the existing services in the neighborhood and the strengths of these services?
What are the barriers to accessing existing services?
What are the gaps in services?
What are possible solutions to overcoming the gaps and barriers that are identified?
The discussion was guided by the facilitator and a copy of the facilitators’ package is included in the
appendix.
In total, 116 neighborhood residents participated in the focus group meetings. While the target
audience for the meetings were residents of the neighborhoods, it was also important to hear from
individuals that provided services in the neighborhood. They have extensive knowledge of the issues
affecting the health and social service system and the critical challenges that these systems face.
Therefore, a separate focus group discussion was held with 16 representatives from 13 human and
social services agencies that serve the East Central neighborhood.
The summary results of the focus group discussions were then returned to key stakeholders in
the two neighborhoods for review. **********
The remainder of this report provides an assessment of the East Central Neighborhood. The
following section presents statistical data on the demographic and socio-economic status of the
neighborhood utilizing data obtained from the 2000 Census. The next section presents a summary and
compilation of the results from focus groups discussions that were held in each neighborhood. The
final section ****** (to be completed)
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 3
II. COMMUNITY PROFILE
East Central Neighborhood Overview:
Located in the City of Spokane, the second largest city in Washington State, the East Central
Neighborhood is part of Spokane’s Neighborhood Councils program. This program was created in
1995 to foster communication between the city’s residents and the city government. The Neighborhood
Councils act as advisors to the city council, mayor and city agencies. There are currently 25
neighborhoods.1
A. Geographic Description
The East Central Neighborhood lies to the East of Spokane’s Central Business District (see
Map 1). The neighborhood covers an area of approximately 4 squa re miles and is geographically
delineated by Trent Avenue that forms its northern boundary, Havana Street to the east, 14th Avenue to
the south and Division Street to the west.
B. Demographics
1. Population
In 2000, the East Central Neighborhood had a resident population base of 11,815 persons,
accounting for approximately 6% of Spokane’s population. Over the last decade, the East Central
neighborhood population grew by 5.7%, while the City’s overall population grew by 10.4% (See Table
1).
Table 1:
Population of City of Spokane, East Central Neighborhood, 1990 and 2000
Total Popul ati on Numeric Percentage
1990 2000 Change Change
City of Spokane 177,196 195,629 18,433 10.4%
East Central 11,182 11,815 633 5.7%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 1990 & Census 2000.
Table 2 presents data on selected demographic characteristics of East Central Neighborhood
and the City of Spokane for comparison purposes. As the data indicates, Spokane has a relatively
homogenous population. Spokane’s racial and ethnic minority population, numbering 20,611persons in
2000, comprised only 10.5% of the City’s total population. The population in the East Central
neighborhood is considerably more diverse: the ethnic and racial population comprised 20.6% percent
(2,435 persons) of the neighborhood’s population. African-Americans, numbering 710 persons or six
percent of the neighborhood’s population, are the principal minority group, with Asians and Native
Americans each comprising approximately three percent of the population. Hispanics (of any race)
comprised approximately five percent in East Central and three percent for the City overall.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 4
MAP 1
City of Spokane Neighborhood Council Boundaries
Source: City of Spokane (n.d.) City of Spokane Neighborhood Council Boundaries . Retrieved Ju ly 17, 2003, fro m
http://www.spokaneneighborhoods.org/map.htm
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 5
While English was the predominant language spoken in the neighborhood, approximately six
percent of the population did not speak English very well. City-wide, only three and one- half percent
of the population did not speak English well.
Young children and youth also comprise a much larger proportion of the East Central
neighborhood’s population compared to the city overall. Children and youth under the age of 18 years
accounted for one-third (32.7%) of the neighborhood’s population in 2000. Comparatively, this age
group comprised one- fourth (24.8%) of the city’s population. Adults aged 18 to 64 years comprised
roughly two-thirds of the population in the neighborhood as well as the city overall. The proportion of
older residents in the neighborhood, however, was relatively lower than that for the City in general.
Residents aged 65 and over comprised approximately ten percent (10.2%) of the population in the East
Central Neighborhood compared to 14% for the city overall.
Table 2:
Selected Demographic Characte ristics:
East Central Neighborhood & City of Spokane, 2000
Demographic East Central Spokane City
Characteristics No. % No. %
Total Population 11,815 100.0% 195,629 100.0%
Male: 5,840 49.4% 94,267 48.2%
Female: 5,975 50.6% 101,362 51.8%
Race/ Ethnicity
White 9,380 79.4% 175,018 89.5%
Black o r African A merican 710 6.0% 4,052 2.1%
American Indian/Alaska Native 355 3.0% 3,444 1.8%
Asian 390 3.3% 4,399 2.2%
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 40 0.3% 372 0.2%
Some other race 240 2.0% 1,727 0.9%
Two or mo re races 695 5.9% 6,617 3.4%
Hispanic or Lat ino 560 4.7% 5,857 3.0%
Language S poken at Home
Population 5 years and over 10,700 100.0% 182,420 100.0%
Speak english less than very well 625 5.8% 6,497 3.6%
Age
Under 5yrs 1,497 12.7% 13,676 7.0%
5-17 yrs 2,360 20.0% 34,848 17.8%
18-64 y rs 7,235 61.2% 119,804 61.2%
65 years and over 1,205 10.2% 27,301 14.0%
75 years and over 740 6.3% 15,228 7.8%
85 years and over 240 2.0% 4,491 2.3%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
1
Can be of any race
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 6
2. Household Characteristics
Data on various household characteristics from the 2000 Census are prese nted in Table 3. In
2000, the East Central Neighborhood had a total of 4,500 households. Family households formed 58%
of all households in the neighborhood, as well as the city overall. However, a higher proportion of the
family households had children under the age of 18 years (58.7%) compared to the city at 50.7%.
Additionally, the neighborhood had a significantly higher proportion of female-headed households
(32.3%), especially those with children under 18 years (22.7%), than the City at 21.4% and 14.4%,
respectively. The proportion of households in the neighborhood with individuals 65 years either living
in the household (17.7%) or living alone (8.8%) was comparatively lower than for the city (23.4% and
11.7%, respectively).
Table 3:
Selected Household Characteristics: East Central Neighborhood and
the City of Spokane, 2000
Househol d East Central Spokane City
Characteristics No. % No. %
Total Households 4,500 100.0% 81,512 100.0%
Total Family households 2,645 58.8% 47,256 58.0%
with children under 18 years 1,535 58.0% 23,937 50.7%
Female-headed, no husband present 855 32.3% 10,134 21.4%
with own children under 18 years 600 22.7% 6,806 14.4%
HH with indiv iduals under 18 years 1,715 38.1% 25,841 31.7%
HH with indiv iduals 65 years and over 795 17.7% 19,112 23.4%
Elderly householder 65 years + 395 8.8% 9,499 11.7%
Househol d size
Average Household Size 2.52 (X) 2.32 (X)
Average Family Size 3.16 (X) 2.98 (X)
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
In summary, during the 1990’s the East Central neighborhood did not experienced as a high
population growth as the city. Over the decade, the neighborhood’s rate of growth was one- half that of
the City’s. The neighborhood has a significant percentage of Spokane ’s ethnic and racial population
and, proportionally, a relatively high number of children. Additionally, female-headed households
represent a significant proportion of the family households in the neighborhood. These factors have
implications for the mix of services needed in the neighborhood.
C. Socio-Economic Characteristics
Tables 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 provide data on various socioeconomic characteristics - educational
attainment, income and employment and poverty - for the East Central Neighborhood from the 2000
Census. Again, data for the City of Spokane is shown for comparative purposes.
1. Educational Attainme nt
According to the 2000 census data, the educational attainment levels for the population in the
East Central neighborhood were relatively lower than that for the City overall (see Table 4). In 2000,
12.9% of adults 25 years and older in the East Central neighborhood had not completed high school
compared to a 9% for the City overall. While almost two-thirds (61.7%) of the City’s adult residents
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 7
had some education beyond the high school level, only one-half (51.7%) of the adult residents in East
Central had post-high school education.
Table 4
Educational Attainme nt: East Central Neighborhood and the City of Spokane, 2000
Educational Attai nment East Central Spokane City
Populati on 25 years & ol der No. % No. %
Total population 7,005 100.0% 126,106 100.0%
Less than 9th grade 325 4.6% 3,946 3.1%
9th - 12th grade, no diplo ma 905 12.9% 11,106 8.8%
High school graduate 2,150 30.7% 33,177 26.3%
Some college, no degree 1,660 23.7% 33,666 26.7%
Associate degree 780 11.1% 12,219 9.7%
Bachelors degree 815 11.6% 20,392 16.2%
Graduate or professional degree 365 5.2% 11,600 9.2%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
2. Employme nt and Income
The data on employment and income show that while labor force participation in the East Central
Neighborhood is similar to that for the City overall, workers in the East Central Neighborhood earn
considerably less than the average worker in the City. The data in Table 5 show that approximately
two-thirds of the population 16 years and older in both the East Central Neighborhood and the city
overall were participants in the civilian labor force. However, the unemployment rate in the East
Central Neighborhood at 11.9% was higher than the overall unemployment for the City (9%).
Table 5
Employme nt Status: East Central Neighborhood, Chief Garry Park Neighborhood and the City
of Spokane, 2000
Empl oyment Status East Central Spokane City
Populati on 16 years & over: No. % No. %
Total population 8,750 100.0% 153,402 100.0%
In civilian labor force 5,660 64.7% 98,512 64.2%
Emp loyed 5,020 57.4% 89,043 58.0%
Unemp loyed 640 7.3% 8,768 5.7%
Unemp loyment rate (X) 11.3% (X) 9.0%
Not in labor force 3,090 35.3% 54,890 35.8%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
The household income level in 1999 for the East Central Neighborhood was also relatively
lower than the City average (see Table 6). The per capita income of $14,575 in East Central was
considerably lower than the City’s at $18,451. The median earnings for male and female full- time year
round workers in the neighborhood at $25,410 and $21,545, respectively, was also lower than the
median earnings for their male and female counterparts city-wide at $31,676 and $24,833,
respectively. Additionally, 44.8% of the households in the East Central Neighborhood had a household
income of less than $25,000. Comparatively, 32.8% of households city-wide had a household income
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 8
of less than $25,000. A higher proportion of households in the neighborhood also received public
assistance. In 1999, the proportion of households in the East Central Neighborhood receiving public
assistance income (14%) was over 2 times that of the City as a whole (6.4%).
Table 6
Household Income: East Central Neighborhood and the City of Spokane, 2000
Househol d Income 1999 East Central Spokane City
No. % No. %
Total Households 4,405 100.0% 81,762 100.0%
Less than $10,000 720 16.3% 10,395 12.7%
$10,000 - $24,999 1,255 28.5% 20,430 25.0%
$25,000 - $34,999 750 17.0% 12,988 15.9%
$35,000 - $49,999 780 17.7% 13,594 16.6%
$50,000 - $74,999 605 13.7% 13,661 16.7%
$75,000 or mo re 290 6.6% 10,694 13.1%
Median Household Income ($) 28,580 (X) 32,273 (X)
Median Family Income ($) 30,265 (X) 41,316 (X)
Per Capita Income ($) 14,575 (X) 18,451 (X)
Median Earnings: male fu ll time, year round workers ($) 25,410 (X) 31,676 (X)
Median Earnings: female full time, year round workers ($) 21,545 (X) 24,833 (X)
Households with public assist. income 630 14.3% 5,224 6.4%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
The lower-than-average income levels for the East Central Neighborhood are supported by the
poverty statistics. A little over one-fourth (25.8%) of the population and 20% of the all families in the
East Central Neighborhood had an income below the federal poverty level, which in 2000 was $17,603
for a family of four (see Table 7). Comparatively, only 16% of the population and 11.1% of all
families in the City had an income below poverty level. Also notable is the proportion of children
living in poverty. In the East Central Neighborhood, 39.1% of the individuals living below poverty
level were children under 18 years of age compared to 31.3% for the City overall. Of the families with
children under 18 years of age, approximately one-third (30.6%) were living in poverty (17.3% for the
City). Additionally, one-half of the female-headed households with children under 18 years of age
were living in poverty (38.9% for the City).
Table 7
Poverty: East Central Neighborhood and the City of Spokane, 2000
Poverty Status in 1999 East Central Spokane City
No. % No. %
Individuals below poverty level 2,915 25.8% 30,359 15.9%
18 years below 1,140 39.1% 9,494 31.3%
Families below poverty level: 520 20.0% 5,342 11.1%
With related children under 18 years 510 30.6% 4,485 17.3%
With related children under 5 years 255 34.2% 2,415 21.5%
Female householder, no husband present below poverty level 320 42.7% 2,927 29.9%
With related children under 18 years 315 50.0% 2,813 38.9%
With related children under 5 years 145 50.9% 1,470 52.5%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 9
These statistics are confirmed by the higher than average proportion of elementary school
children on the free and reduced-price meal program. Eligibility for the free and reduced-priced
meal program for school children requires that family income must be below 130% of the
Federal Poverty Level for children to qualify for free meals and 185% for reduced-priced meals.2
As the data in Table 8indicates, approximately three- fourths of the children enrolled in the two
elementary schools serving the East Central Neighborhood, Grant and Sheridan Elementary
School, were eligible for the free and reduced-price meal program in the past five years (1998-
2002). The average for elementary schools in the Spokane public school district (District 81) for
1998 to 2002 was 52.1%.
Table 8
Eligibility for Free & reduced price Meals: Grant and Sheridan Elementary Schools, 1998-
2002
Elementary School Chil dren Eligi ble for Free & Reduced Price Meals
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Grant Elementary 80.1% 79.1% 81.1% 86.7% 78.5%
Sheridan Elementary 76.5% 72.2% 73.9% 77.3% 75.1%
District 81 Elementary Schools 52.2% 52.2% 52.6% 53.7% 52.2%
Source: Washington State Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (2003) Washington State School Lunch
and School Breakfast Highlights. (Data file) Available fro m http://www.k12.wa.us/Child Nutrit ion/NSLPSBP.asp
In summary, the US Census information demonstrates that there are higher rates
of poverty, low educational achievement, public assistance, and poor working families in the
East Central Neighborhood compared to Spokane City as a whole. Employment and education
related services are especially critical improving income and earnings for workers in this
neighborhood.
D. Selected Housing Characteristics
Tables 9 and 10 provide data on selected housing characteristics in the East Central
Neighborhood with comparable data for the City of Spokane. As shown in table 9, there were
4990 housing units in East Central Neighborhood in 2000, of which 90% were occupied. Of the
occupied units, a little over one-half (55.3%) were owner-occupied (58.9% for the city) and
44.6% were renter-occupied (41.1% for the city). While the homeowner vacancy rate (3.4%) in
the East Central Neighborhood was higher than that for the City (2.6%), the rental vacancy rates
were similar at approximately 10%.
The degree of housing problems, such as the lack of complete plumbing or
kitchen facilities and overcrowding (defined as having more than one person per room) in the
East Central Neighborhood is also shown in Table 9. As the data indicates, a very small
proportion (les than five percent) of the households in the East Central Neighborhood as well as
the city overall were living in structurally inadequate or overcrowded housing.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 10
Table 9
Selected Housing Characteristics: East Central Neighborhood and
the City of Spokane, 2000
Housing Characteristics East Central Spokane City
No. % No. %
Total Housing Units 4,990 100.0% 88,094 100.0%
Occupied Units 4,500 90.2% 81,674 92.7%
Owner-occupied 2,490 55.3% 48,090 58.9%
Renter-occupied 2,005 44.6% 33,584 41.1%
Vacant Units 490 9.8% 6,420 7.3%
Ho meo wner vacancy rate (X) 3.4% (X) 2.6%
Rental vacancy rate (X) 9.7% (X) 9.5%
Housing Conditions - Occupied Units
Units lacking co mplete plu mb ing 20 0.4% 511 0.6%
Units lacking co mplete kitchen facilities 25 0.6% 893 1.1%
No telephone service 190 4.2% 1,688 2.1%
Occupants per room
1 or less 4,145 92.1% 78,884 96.6%
1.01 to 1.5 165 3.7% 1,566 1.9%
1.51 or mo re 115 2.6% 1,224 1.5%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
Affordable housing, however, tends to be a problem for a large proportion of households
in the East Central Neighborhood. Housing affordability is measured by the percentage of a
household’s annual income that goes towards housing and utility costs. The U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development’s definition of affordability is for a household to pay no more
than 30% of its annual income on housing. Households that pay more than 30% of their income
on housing are as having a high housing cost burden and may have difficulty in affording other
necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care. 3 This is especially so for
lower income households. In the East Central Neighborhood, approximately one-third (31.5%) of
homeowners and one-half (48.6%) of renters were experiencing a high housing cost burden. In
comparison, approximately one- fourth (24.2%) of homeowners and 42.3% of renters in the city
overall were experiencing a high cost burden (see Table 10).
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 11
Table 10
Monthly Housing Costs: East Central Neighborhood and the City of Spokane, 1999
Housing Costs East Central Spokane City
No. % No. %
Monthly owner housing costs as a percentage of HH income (1999)
Specified owner-occupied units 2,285 100.0% 43,585 100.0%
less than 15% 625 27.4% 14,529 33.3%
15-19.9% 395 17.3% 7,412 17.0%
20-24.9% 290 12.7% 6,387 14.7%
25-29.9% 235 10.3% 4,415 10.1%
30-34.9% 150 6.6% 3,066 7.0%
35% or mo re 570 24.9% 7,478 17.2%
Gross monthly rent as a percentage of HH income (1999)
Specified owner-occupied units 1,935 100.0% 33,567 100.0%
less than 15% 330 17.1% 4,622 13.8%
15-19.9% 195 10.1% 4,451 13.3%
20-24.9% 190 9.8% 4,305 12.8%
25-29.9% 180 9.3% 4,295 12.8%
30-34.9% 150 7.8% 2,539 7.6%
35% or mo re 790 40.8% 12,000 35.7%
Source: City of Spokane Planning Depart ment. Based on U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
E. COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The following tables (Tables 11 and 12) provide a listing of some of the social service
agencies and faith based organizations providing services in the East Central Neighborhood. This
is not a comprehensive listing but provides a sense of the scope and diversity of current
resources.
Table 11
Community Resources: Social Service Agencies
AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE
AEC/ E.C.H.S. 2310 N. Monroe 99205 533-4650
African A merican Men's Youth Empo werment 3017 E. 5th Ave. 534-4483
American Heart Association 140 S. A rthur St. Suite 610 536-1500
AHANA 838 W. 7th Ave Suite 102 838-1881
American Indian Co mmun ity Center 905 E. 3rd Ave. 535-0886
American Indian Co mmun ity Center(ECEA P)) 801 E. 2nd Ave. 535-3430
Beginning Experience P O Bo x 4441 535-3486
Bethel Christian Preschool and Daycare 1111 S. Thor St. 534-7755
Brain In jury Association of WA 711 S. Co wley St. Su ite 1023 473-6153
Cancer Patient Care 1507 E. Sprague Ave. 456-0446
Canterbury Court Retirement Center 1010 S. Rockwood Blvd. 624-5678
Catholic Charit ies - St. Margaret's Center 101 E. Hartson Ave. 835-1255
Catholic Charit ies - Vo lunteer Chore Serv ices 1212 W. Sharp #3 328-8400
Children’s Ho me Society 500 S. Stone St 747-4174
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 12
AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE
Children's NETT 405 E. Hartson Ave. 624-0268
City Of Spokane Neighborhood Services 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. 625-6967
Co mmunity Mental Health 131 S. Division St. 458-7458
COPC-Director-SFCC 3410 Fo rt George Wright Dr 533-3140
COPC-Coordinator-SFCC 500 S. Stone St. 625-6519
Cub House 615 S. Thor St. 535-4443
DADS 2117 E. 1st Ave 458-7445
Daybreak 960 E. 3rd Ave 444-7033
East Central Co mmunity Center (ECCC) 500 S. Stone St 625-6699
ECCC - Adult Education Program 500 S. Stone St 533-4600
ECCC - Before and After Program 500 S. Stone St 635-6696
ECCC - Develop mental Disability Program 500 S. Stone St. 625-6693
ECCC - Food bank 500 S. Stone St. 456-7106
ECCC - Head Start Program 605 S. Lee St. 279-6316
ECCC - Neighborhood Resource Officer 500 S. Stone St 625-6912
ECCC - Primary Care center 500 S. Stone St 536-9031
ECCC - Sen ior Center 500 S. Stone St. 625-6693
ECCC - WIC 500 S. Stone St. 323-3830
ECCC - Youth Recreation 500 S. Stone St. 625-6699
East Central COPS 3001 E. 5th St 625-3330
East Central Neighborhood Council 500 S. Stone St. 953-4503
Emilie Court Assisted Living 34 E. 8th Ave. 474-2550
EWU School of Social Work 203 Senior Hall Cheney WA 99004 359-6477
EWU Urban and Regional Planning 668 N Riverpoint Blvd. Rm232 358-2214
EWU Dental Hygiene Clin ic 310 N. Riverpoint Blvd 368-6510
Fig Tree, The 1323 S. Perry St. 535-1813
Foster Parent Association 202 E. Trent Ave Suite 502 462-3777
Full Gospel M ission Youth Camp 1912 E. 1st Ave. 535-5064
Goodwill Industries 130 E. 3rd Ave. 232-1123
Goodwill/ PA YS program 130 E. 3rd Ave. 444-4302
Grace Co mmun ity Learning Center 1827 E. Pacific Ave. 535-2623
Habitat for Hu manity 732 N. Napa St. 534-2552
Healing Roo ms 112 E. 12th Ave. 456-8674
Health For All 421 W. Riverside Su ite 353 99201 444-3066
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (800) misc. Referrals based in Seattle 322-2588
Heart fo r the Nations of Spokane 112 E. 12th Ave. 835-5018
Ho me Instead Senior Care 104 S. Freya St. Su ite 311-B 835-5898
Hospice of Spokane 121 S. Arthur St. 456-0438
House of Charity 32 W. Pacific Ave. 624-7821
Japanese American Cit izens League 926 E. 8th Ave. 534-2339
Job Corps 140 S. A rthur Ave., Suite 401 534-2259
Libby Teen Center 2900 E. 1st Ave. 536-8152
Liberty Park Ch ild Develop ment Center 1417 E. Hartson Ave. 534-0957
Lions Club Vision Services 1212 N. Howard 328-6900
Lutheran Co mmun ity Serv ices - ACT for Kids, Therapeutic
Forster Care, SAFET Response Center 7 South Howard, Suite 200 343-5062
MLK, Jr. Family Outreach Center 845 S. Sherman St. 455-8722
MLK, Jr. Family Outreach Center, ECEAP 845 S. Sherman St. 455-8722
National Abortion and Reproduction Rights 978 E. 11th Ave. 924-6161
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 13
AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE
New Horizons Outpatient 504 E. 2nd Ave. 838-6092
Oaks Christian Academy, The 4224 E. 4th Ave. 536-5955
Odyssey Youth Center 1314 S. Grand St. Ste 2 325-3637
People to People 110 S. Ferall St. 534-0430
Redemptive Development 869-9058
Refugee Council of Spokane 901 E. 2nd Ave suite 207 536-7840
Richard Allen Enterprises 645 S. Richard Allen Ct 534-3007
Richard Allen Youth Academy 645 S. Richard Allen Ct 535-2185
Richard Allen - Emmanuel Center 645 S. Richard Allen Ct 535-7521
Rockwood Lane Retirement Center 221 E. Rockwood Blvd. 838-3200
Royal Crown Foundation 112 E. 1st Ave 487-5900
Salvation Army - Transitional Housing, Family Resource
Center, Ho meless Family Shelter & mo re 222 W. Indiana 325-6810
Second Harvest Food Bank 1234 E. Front Ave. 534-6678
Seventh Day Adventist Community Service Center 325-1258
SFHB Brown Bag Program 1234 E. Front Ave. 534-6678
SCA N 2117 E. 2nd Ave. 458-7445
Small Business Development Center 605 N Riverpoint Blvd 358-7894
SNAP A ffordable Rental Program 500 S. Stone St. 456-7106
SNAP Housing Opportunities 500 S. Stone St. 456-7111
SNAP M icro-enterprise Develop ment 212 S. Wall St 456-7174
SNAP Mortgage Assistance Program 500 S. Stone St. 456-7106
SNAP Ombudsman Program 500 S. Stone St. 456-7133
SNAP Pro ject Share 2116 E. 1st Ave. 456-7111
SNAP Ho meless Program 500 S. Stone St. 456-7106
SNEDA 715 E. Sprague Ave. Ste 101 444-7633
Social Security Administration(800) 811 E. Sprague Ave 772-1213
Special Mobility Serv ices 3120 E. Trent Ave. Su ite 210 534-9760
Spokane Alliance 1826 E. 11th Ave. 532-1688
Spokane City Hu man Services 801 W. Spokane Falls Blvd 625-6130
Spokane County Kid's Court 613 S. Washington St. 473-4830
Spokane County Parks and Recreation 404 N. Havana St. 477-4730
Spokane Gleaners Association 527 S. Sheridan St. 835-5898
Spokane Housing Ventures 715 E. Sprague Ave. Ste 102 484-4617
Spokane Mental Health 107 S. Division St. 838-4428
Spokane Mental Health-Evergreen Club E. 2102 Sprague Ave. 534-1361
Spokane Parenting Education (see Vanessa Behan) 535-3155
Spokane Public Library 524 S. Stone St. 444-5378
St. Josephs Care Center 17 E. 8th Ave. 474-5678
St Luke's Rehabilitation Center 711 S. Co wley St. 473-6079
St. Margaret's Center 101 E. Hartson Ave. 835-1255
St. Vincent De Paul 2901 E. Trent Ave. 534-2824
Union Gospel Mission 1224 E. Trent Ave. 535-8510
Union Gospel Mission-Juvenile 1224 E. Trent Ave. 466-4690
Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery 1004 E. 8th Ave. 535-3155
VNA Ho me Health Care 3901 E. Main St. 534-4300
Vo lunteers of America - Crosswalk fo r Ho meless Teens,
Hope House, Alexandria's House, Flaherty's House,
Apartments for Young Families, Breakthrough, Passages,
Inland Mediation Center, Adult Serv ices. 624-2378
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 14
AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE
WA Environ mental Council 3 E. 6th Ave. #3 747-3663
Women and Children's Free Restaurant 1620 N. Monroe 324-1995
Work Source Spokane 130 S. A rthur St. 532-3033
WSU Child and Family Research Unit 310 N. Riverpoint Blvd 358-7679
WSU Family Friend Pro ject 688 N. Riverppoint Blvd Bo x B 358-7982
WSU Hearing and Speech Clinic 310 Riverpoint Blvd Bo x V 358-7850
WSU/ICN Ronald McDonald Care Mobile 2917 W. Fort Geo rge Wright Dr 324-7217
WSU St rengthening Families Program 222 N. Havana St. 477-2048
YFA Connections/STEPPS/ STOPP 901 E. 2nd Ave. Suite100 532-2000
Youth Help Association 901 E. 2nd Ave Suite 100 532-2000
YW CA- Alternatives to Domestic Vio lence, ECEAP,
Ho meless Education Resource & After School program 829 West Broadway 624-9429
Source: Directory of Co mmunity Resources Published by the Interfaith Council of the Northwest, East Central
Neighborhood News, Vol. 74, No. 1.
Table 12
Community Resources: Faith Based Organizations
CHURCH NAME ADDRESS PHONE
Antioch Foursquare Church 111 E. 1st 455-9049
Bethany Presbyterian 301. S. Freya 534-0066
Bethel AM E Church 64 S. Richard A llen Ct 534-3007
Bethel Church of the Nazerene 111 S. Thor St 534-7751
Calvary Baptist Church 203 E. 3rd 747-8793
Cathedral of St John the Evangelist 127 E. 12th 838-4277
Centenary United Methodist Church 1012 S. Freya 534-0881
CHSC of A merica 1314 S. Grand 747-6886
Co mmunity of Ch rist 2004 E. 9th 535-0517
East Central Co mmunity 7th Day Adventist 1907 E. 2nd 533-0751
Emmanuel Metropolitan Co mmunity 301 S. Freya 838-0085
First Church of Christ Scientist 310 S. Grand
Full Gospel M ission of all Nations 1912 E. 1st Ave 535-5064
Glad Tidings Assembly of God 4224 E. 4th 535-9035
Highland Park Un ited Methodist Church 611 S. Garfield 534-2151
Holy Temp le of God in Ch rist 312 E. 3rd Ave 624-0522
Korean Presbyterian Church 1727 E. Pacific 534-5298
Liberty Park United Methodist Church 1526 E. 11th 535-5588
Mount Olive Baptist Church 2026 E. 4th Ave. 535-6634
Mt. Zion Ho liness Church 500 S. Stone St. 893-0650
New Hope Baptist Church 409 S. Grace 535-1336
New Life M inistries Center 1514 E. 9th
New Life M issionary Baptist Church 3526-B E. 5th 534-9727
Pratt Avenue Kingdom Hall 4249 E. Pratt 535-7852
Sacred Heart Parish 219 E. Rockwood Blvd. 747-5810
Slavic Baptist on Freya 1012 S. Freya 534-0881
South Hill Co mmunity of Christ 2004 E. 9th 325-9765
Southside Church of Christ 1225 E. Newark 534-1821
Spokane Buddhist Church 927 S. Perry 534-7954
St Ann's Catholic Church 2120 E. 1st Ave 535-3031
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 15
CHURCH NAME ADDRESS PHONE
St. Matthews Inst.Baptist Church 630 S. A rthur St. 535-6926
Zion Temple of Church of God in Christ 312 E. 3rd Ave 535-4972
Source: Directory of Co mmunity Resources Published by the Interfaith Council of the Northwest
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 16
III. FOCUS GROUP RESULTS
This section presents the results from the 11 community meetings and focus groups that were
held with residents of the East Central Neighborhood. One focus group targeted the service
providers who are located in the East Central neighborhood.
As noted previously, the discussions focused on identifying awareness of existing services,
identifying barriers to accessing existing services and gaps in services, and recommending
solutions to overcoming the gaps and barriers identified. The discussions were organized into
four areas of services:
1. Basic Needs: Services to meet basic human survival needs including food, shelter and
clothing
2. Health Services: Services for the prevention and treatment of illness and injury
3. Employment-related Services: Services to prepare and assist people in obtaining and
sustaining gainful employment
4. Social Services: Services for social support and interaction
A summary of the discussions resulting from the eleven focus groups by the four service
areas is presented. In general, most participants in the various focus groups ind icated that there
were a variety of resources available in the community. However, they also noted that many
people were unaware of the available resources. There was general agreement that if you were
enrolled in a program through an agency such as the Spokane Neighborhood Action Program, or
had children enrolled in the Head Start program or the Martin Luther King Child Care program,
you were linked to a variety of other resources. Many of the residents who were enrolled in these
programs noted that they had previously been unaware of these resources.
A. Basic Needs
Awareness. When asked to identify the existing resources in their neighborhood that
provided services to meet the basic needs, residents in the East Central Neighborhood identified
several resources. With respect to food, most residents noted that there was a food bank in the
East Central Community Center and that some of the area churches also provided food or hot
meals on certain days. Many residents also stated that there were a few clothing banks and thrift
stores in the neighborhood (East Central).
Residents in both neighborhoods noted that there were no homeless shelters located
within their neighborhood boundaries. However, they did mention that there were several
shelters in the downtown area that were easily accessible. Many residents were aware that rent
and utility assistance was available through the Spokane Neighborhood Action Program (SNAP)
and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center (MLK Center), that were located or had
offices in the East Central neighborhood. In particular, SNAP was noted as very helpful in
assisting clients to find permanent housing. Many participants were also aware that grants or
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 17
loans for minor home repairs and housing rehabilitation for low-income families was available
through SNAP or the City.
Barriers. Perhaps the biggest barrier sited by most groups was that there was a general
lack of awareness of existing resources in the community to provide services related to food,
shelter, and clothing. Residents felt that the availability of services was not adequately
advertised. Many people only became aware of existing resources after they were enrolled in a
program through one of the area agencies such as SNAP, MLK Center, Emmanuel Center and
Head Start. Another barrier sited by most residents was the length of time it took to receive
assistance through SNAP because of the long waiting list and the limited funding for the
programs. Many residents also sited difficulties in accessing the services if they had to rely on
public transportation. The routing and scheduling system through the neighborhood was said to
be poorly designed, making it difficult to get from place to place in the neighborhood. For some
residents, the cost (i.e. affordability) of public transportation was an issue.
Gap. The most sited gap in the neighborhood was the lack of grocery stores. Many
residents complained that the closing of the Excell store presented difficulties for people without
their own private vehicles. The other two grocery stores (Fred Meyer and Safeway) were not
conveniently located for people without cars. Several residents also noted that there was a lack of
housing for larger families.
Following is a listing of other strengths, barriers and gaps noted by the participants.
What Are Available/What Are Strengths?
The East Central Community Center. Houses many services including a medical clinic, Head
Start/ECEAP, Senior food program, WIC office.
Courtesy and helpfulness of agency staff.
Programs with support services/wrap around/follow-up services.
Collaboration of agencies in the area.
The Meals on Wheels program for homebound seniors.
SNAP provides emergency energy and rental assistance, weatherization, housing search
assistance, home repair assistance
MLK provides rental, utility and energy assistance, food coupons and many other services
Habitat for Humanity builds houses for low income families
Clothing is available through many sources, such as Goodwill, Coats for Kids program, and
clothing vouchers from SNAP and Goodwill
Agencies such as SNAP, MLK Center and Headstart provide a resource directory that is very
helpful
Fred Meyer in the neighborhood
Barrie rs and Gaps
Community awareness
The biggest thing is communication. We need to get the word out about what’s available.
The information should also be available in different languages for the non-english
speaking population.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 18
There isn’t a wide circulation of the community newsletter and the cost to subscribe to it
may be too high for some people.
Food
Existing food banks may not providing adequate nutrition, i.e. protein.
Transportation difficulties in accessing food bank - the food bank at the East Central
Community Center can be far if you have to walk.
Limited hours of operation and limited number of visits at the food bank
Shelter/Housing
There is a long waiting list for subsidized housing through the public housing authority
(HUD).
Some programs, such as the home repair program, are for the very low income. You
really have to be at the bottom to get assistance. Other low- income families also need the
assistance.
Some residential facilities for seniors don’t have things such as laundry facilities on site.
This creates difficulties for those who don’t have cars.
There are too few landlords as well as absentee landlords
The rent at some of the senior residential facilities is too high for seniors on social
security. There is very little money left to cover other expenses such as prescriptions,
utilities. Many seniors don’t have enough money to cover their basic needs.
There are no shelters in the neighborhood. You have to go downtown.
Shelter polices are not family- friendly. Some shelters won’t take boys who are older than
12 years of age.
Many landlords are not willing to take housing vouchers. They don’t want to make the
necessary improvements to meet the housing quality standards required by HUD and
some don’t want to be tied to a year long contract.
It takes a long time to receive assistance through SNAP. By the time you receive it your
utilities have been cut off and you have to pay to be reconnected. SNAP has limited
funding and is overloaded.
Shelters close during the day. Where do clients go if they are ill?
General
The hours that the Community Center is open are not conducive to working families.
Eligibility requirements for services: If there is a rise in income, you have to pay more for
the services.
Limited or no services for the “working poor” or those at the threshold of poverty.
Too many agencies overwhelmed. Too many people looking for help and not enough
staff or resources to help them.
Agency locations are not easily accessible to clients. Not served efficiently by bus routes.
Too much bureaucracy at all levels (federal, state, county, etc.). Too much red tape and
bureaucratic requirements tied to services, and requirements differing amongst agencies
and providers.
Drug, alcohol and criminal records ban access to services.
Transportation and phone access a barrier to clients trying to access services.
Safety issues after dark, especially accessing the Community Center.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 19
What’s Needed/Solutions?
Increasing awareness
Improve the circulation of the community newsletter by placing it in various locations,
such as the grocery store.
Develop a directory of available services in the neighborhood.
Schools should use their reader board to get the word out.
The bus stops could be used to posting information regarding available services.
Use incentives when having community meetings.
We need a community bulletin board where people frequent. Information can be there.
Educate new clients about where to find resources.
Food
Residents should sign a petition to get another grocery store in the neighborhood.
Housing
The utility company should hold off from cutting off your utilities if they know you have
applied for assistance. Maybe SNAP can tell them that you will be receiving assistance.
SNAP needs to have more properties in their housing inventory.
SNAP needs more phone lines.
General
Make accessing services less humiliating and less intrusive to clients.
Structure neighborhoods so folks do not have to travel so far for work.
Bartering system – trade skills to get needs met. Set up bartering system by advertising
and making it an acceptable practice. Provide incentives to use the bartering system and
get consensus.
Provide transportation vouchers or discount passes for low income families.
Need more street lighting and more police patrols to increase safety in the neighborhood,
especially for people who walk.
The city needs to collaborate or assist churches to provide wrap-around services.
Community development dollars can be used to provide an on-call handyman for
emergency home repairs.
As the middle- income population increase, many services will follow/develop.
SNAP should allow exceptions to attending classes on a case by case basis, such as if you
are too ill to attend.
B. Health Services
Awareness. In general, most participants indicated that they had good access to
medical services either in the neighborhood or within easy reach. The hea lth clinic at the East
Central Community Center, the Ronald Macdonald Caremobile, and the CHAS clinic downtown
were identified as providing some minimal level of health care. While the clinic at the East
Central Community Center was consistently mentioned, it was thought to have very limited
services and very few people actually seemed to have used it. The vision service offered by the
Lions Club was often mentioned. Most participants also thought that there was good access to
mental health services through Spokane Mental Health and to pharmacies.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 20
Barriers and Gaps. The lack of dental clinics in the neighborhood and difficulties in
getting dentists to accept medical coupons was a consistent complaint in all focus groups.
Accessing the mental health services is also problematic. Many participants noted that there was
a long waiting period for mental health services, choices were limited and very few sessions
were covered. Other frequently mentioned problems were the limited coverage of the state’s
basic health and the lack of preventive mental and general health services.
Other strengths, barriers and gaps that were mentioned include are noted below.
What is Available/Strengths?
Health Clinics
Most health clinics are on the bus line – are easily accessible. You can also get a free taxi
ride to doctor appointments if you have a medical coupon.
The Spokane Falls Family Clinic at Mission and Division charges for services on a
sliding fee scale. They also have a dental clinic.
CHAS clinic uses a sliding fee scale and you don’t need cash up front.
I have had no problems getting a doctor. Most doctors accept patients with medical
vouchers.
Nurses from the public health department can come out to help you.
All pharmacies will fill prescriptions. There is a small co-pay for prescriptions but that is
fair.
If your medical coupon doesn’t cover a certain drug, the pharmacist will call your doctor
to ask for a generic substitute. Doctors will also give you samples if they know your
medical coupon won’t cover a drug.
Flu shots, TB screens are provided by the county at very low cost.
ICNE comes to Headstart and provides limited health services.
Intern nurses provide services at men’s shelter.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment
I have had good access to and experiences with mental health service providers. They
have been very good in linking me up to other community resources.
Homeless shelters will also provide mental counseling, in addition to other services.
You can get substance abuse treatment services at East Central community Services
(STEPS program). The staff is very helpful. People seem to be getting services even
though they don’t have much income.
Barrie rs and Gaps
General Health Services
Assurance that your visit to the doctor will be covered by your insurance.
Few specialists for special needs children.
Adults have a hard time getting health care, even without medical coupons. Most places
only take kids.
You can’t have private medical insurance in Washington State.
With Group Health, you can only use their emergency clinics which are not conveniently
located in times of emergency.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 21
The Clinic (at East Central Community Center) is very bare bones. It is not the care that it
should be. People still have to go to the emergency room for treatment.
People on the Basic Health Plan or with no insurance have to go to the emergency room
for treatment.
Even middle class people defer treatment because treatment and health insurance is too
expensive.
Malpractice insurance prevents doctors from providing free treatment in the U.S. as they
do in other countries.
People may be embarrassed to go to a free clinic.
Co-pay on insurance is too high, especially for mental health, physical therapy.
Eligibility criteria for many state-funded health programs are very limiting. You get cut
off if your income rises above a certain level, yet you still can’t afford or healthcare and
have to go without.
Home-aid, visiting nurse program has been drastically cut back.
Most of the health related programs at the clinic seem to be targeted at seniors. Materials
that are sent out from the state regarding health care require a very high level of literacy.
There is no translation for people who don’t read/speak english.
The Children’s Home Society has an office in the neighborhood but it isn’t sta ffed and
only opens for appointments.
Can’t afford many preventive regimes, e.g. vitamins, aspirins, etc, because of limited
income.
The cost for some of the services is too high. Insurance deductibles are too high.
People don’t know that you reduce the cost of some things, e.g., a few dollars may be
knocked off at the pharmacy if you pay in cash but this isn’t widely known.
People with no health insurance have to choose between paying for seeing the doctor and
paying for their prescriptions.
Funding is limited for free/low cost services such as the Salvation Army, WSU-ICNE.
No emergency services in the area.
Pharmacies/prescriptions
The state has cut back on assistance for prescriptions.
Sometimes medial insurance carriers won’t pay for certain prescriptio ns. You have to go
with a different medication even if it’s not as good.
Some people, especially the elderly, may need help in reading information, especially at
the pharmacy.
Pharmacy is closed on weekends.
Some people have problems filling prescriptions at the pharmacy – they ask too many
questions and sometimes won’t fill the prescription.
Prescriptions are very expensive. Some seniors can’t afford their medication and are not
eligible for the discount program.
Dental Health
State health insurance does not cover enough dental care, for example, it doesn’t cover
braces and you can only have one tooth pulled at a time.
Many dentists aren’t accepting new patients, especially if you have state medical
insurance.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 22
Mental Health/Substance Abuse
Services not readily accessible – people don’t know about them or it is difficult to get
into them because of lack of referral or that the services are buried deeply within the
agency.
Income limits for services are unrealistic.
Services for mental health and substance abuse are very compartmentalized yet these
problems are often inter-related.
The process of getting any services at DSDS, even to find a doctor, takes too long and is
very slow. DSHS is not accommodating, or user friendly. There is a lack of respect at
DSHS.
Arbitrary and frequent regulation changes: for example, one week you qualify for a
service and the next week you don’t.
Sometimes hospitals turn psychiatric patients away because they don’t have the
psychiatric staff to deal with them.
Some health service providers, example mental health or substance abuse, emergency
room nurses, and doctors treat people with medical vouchers very badly. They look down
on you and doctors won’t even explain things, for example, the side effects of
medications.
People don’t bother to look for available services until it’s too late – they are in denial or
don’t know where to go.
Lack of access to addiction treatment when a person needs it.
Lack of support services after addiction treatment.
Lack of appropriate treatment facilities for people with children.
What’s Needed/Solutions?
Accessibility: need emergency services at clinic.
Ability to make appointment in advance.
Weekend hours.
Medical and prescription drug care for everyone, pro-rated on income.
Appropriate drug prescription – stop over-prescribing.
Buy back unused medications, for example, when drug proscribed that doesn’t work and
there is left-over.
Longer pharmacy hours – later into the evening and weekends.
Social worker in Community Center familiar with services.
Children should have right to say parent has addiction problem and needs help, rather
than just voluntarily self- referral for treatment.
Strengthen and expand the collaboration with ICNE.
Rather than cut health services because you earn too much, there should be a co-pay.
Eligibility criteria for the health care program should also be reviewed periodically.
There should be referrals to other healthcare programs when transitioning off services.
There should be volunteer groups in each neighborhood to put together information about
neighborhood services and resources.
Neighbors should take care of each other, especially the elderly.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 23
We need neighborhood clinics to provide some minimum care, even if it is just to provide
referrals. Something other than having to use emergency rooms. The CHAS clinic should
be expanded to the neighborhoods.
The city should provide seed money for projects that meet the gaps in health services
Absentee landlords should be required to have an emergency contact in town. The city
was going to do this, but the issue got dropped.
Provide certain medical services once or twice a week at the health clinic.
Expand the health clinic at the community center to offer additional services.
Need a place that can provide/lend things like wheel chairs, walking canes, etc. at no
cost.
Change healthcare program polices to expand coverage of health services.
Getting the word out about existing health services:
o Maybe there should be a resource person to get the word out who is stationed at
places where people frequent, e.g. at the clinic, the food bank, or the library.
o The public service channel can be used to announce things. People don’t really
read the newspaper and literacy may be an issue.
o Let the kids at school know about the services. They’ll tell the parents.
Regarding the care mobile: maybe the school (i.e. school nurse) should be able to look at
the children’s medical needs and have them go the care mobile. The school should also
use its reader board to announce when the care mobile will be at the school.
Need more flexibility as to which doctors you can see.
Need more medical services for people who earn too much for medical coupons but can’t
afford to pay for medical services on their own.
Need more doctors who accept patients with medical vouchers.
They (the state) need to expand medical coverage.
They (the state) need to change eligibility criteria. They need to take more consideration
of a person’s background before refusing to provide coverage.
People need to become more active in order to get things changed. People can sign
petitions to have bills passed to improve medical coverage, etc.
Mental Health: need to take the limits off the number of visits allowed.
Need dental clinic in the neighborhood.
Have dentists that just deal with Medicaid patients.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 24
C. Social Support Systems
Awareness. According to most participants in the focus groups, there are many social
support services in or within easy reach of the East Central Neighborhood. The East Central
Community Center (the neighborhood community center system in general), was noted as a great
neighborhood asset because it housed various services and also provided referrals.
Barriers and Gaps. The biggest barrier, however, was that many people may not be
aware of the services or where to find information about services. People who were enrolled in a
program, for example, the SNAP housing program, or with children enrolled in Head Start or
MLK child care program, noted that it was through these programs that they became aware of
the many other services that were available. The lack of programs/activities for older youth was
mentioned at most of the focus groups. Another complaint voiced at many of the focus groups
was the slow or no response from law enforcement to residents’ calls regarding criminal
activities taking place in their neighborhoods. The following provides a listing of other strengths,
barriers and gaps and solutions to over coming the barriers and gaps that were identified.
What is Available/Strengths?
Seniors Services
ECCC has senior program - gives us a way to get out of our homes, provides fellowship
and networking opportunities, provides transportation to some places like hair dressers
and grocery store.
Meals on wheels program for seniors.
Children/Youth Services
Richard Allen Enterprises, MLK, ECCC, Liberty Park have youth programs for younger
kids.
WSU has nutritional education on Havana.
Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery – provides respite care for parents. It is also the most
consistent.
Area churches provide some summer programs and activities.
East Central summer jobs program for youth.
Many good childcare programs in the neighborhood – Head Start, MLK, Richard Allen
Enterprises.
Libby teen center provides activities for youth.
Crosswalk (downtown) has many programs and services for teens – employment
services, counseling, free breakfast and lunch, bus passes.
The HART program provides useful assistance, e.g. helping students stay in certain
schools even when they move out of the school district and helping with school supplies.
The YWCA will provide childcare (after school care and summer care) if you are
homeless.
Family Support Services
Parenting classes offered in several places – East Central Community Center, Head Start,
Churches, YWCA, Venessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Grant Elementary.
WSU has nutritional education on Havana.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 25
Crisis Support/Intervention Services
Spokane Regional Health District.
United Way.
Crisis Line at Spokane Mental Health.
SCAN.
Crisis Assistance – available through many of the homeless shelters - Salvation Army,
Sally’s house, St. Margaret’s, St Vincent De Paul Society.
Churches provide some counseling.
There are services in town for DV victims.
There are hotlines to many emergency services. The bathrooms have a lot of posted
information for various crisis intervention services.
Crisis Intervention – SNAP will assist you in getting housing and other services (help
with car repairs, clothing vouchers, and laundry vouchers). The case workers are very
helpful.
Referral Services
Some service information on Channel 5.
COPES - provides assistance with finding services.
Head Start Program: provides a support system for parents and connects them to
resources, e.g. provides parents with a community resource book, and offers parenting
and cooking classes.
Phone book – gives referrals.
MLK – has a community resource directory.
Have a resource referral at the East Central Community Center. The whole neighborhood
community center system is a great asset in Spokane.
Other Services
Have a good neighborhood support system (neighbors helping neighbors) in some areas.
Legal Services
o Spokane Fair Housing Alliance – landlord-tenant disputes and classes.
o Salvation Army will send you information.
o Gonzaga legal clinic.
o East Central Community Center has classes on landlord-tenant laws. Very
informative class.
o Spokane housing ventures, HUD, SNAP – will give referrals.
o CLEAR provides legal services to low- income people, e.g. divorce, bankruptcies,
landlord-tenant disputes.
Barrie rs and Gaps
Seniors Services
No transportation to senior program at ECCC.
No other senior programs.
Children/Youth services
Nothing in the neighborhood for youth/older teens. They just get into trouble.
Youth programs not open when kids need them.
Not much for teens except Libby Teen Center.
Youth employment programs are for older teens, 18 years and older.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 26
Liberty Park program not close – at East Sprague.
Nothing on Saturdays.
Kids want to find jobs but can’t find them
o SPEEDY is gone.
o Have to be 13 or older.
Many people don’t know that there is a Headstart program in the community, e.g. there is
no sign outside indicating that this facility is Headstart.
Too many children are left alone during the day and after school.
People who are transitioning off welfare can’t afford childcare. Child care subsidies are
usually cut if you are making above a certain income level. Usually this income level
isn’t enough to pay for childcare.
Have limited resources for children with special needs.
Family Support Services
MLK no longer offers parenting classes.
Vanessa Behan offers daycare on emergency basis only, and you have to call that day and
you have to call on that day.
There is a lack of programs/services catering to adult males.
SCAN – funding changes and inconsistencies with provision of services; examp le, just
get to know/bond with a provider or volunteer, and then they leave because of cuts or
changes.
Crisis Support/Intervention Services
No domestic violence services except for the police.
Suicide Prevention putting people on hold when call them with a crisis.
Other Services
A lack of awareness of available programs e.g. do parents know that breakfast and lunch
for kids is served at various locations?
There is a hard/long learning curve for finding out about available services. It’s hard to
navigate the social service system.
DSHS doesn’t give you enough notice when you are going to be cut off so that you make
alternative arrangements.
DSHS doesn’t give you referrals of where to get services when they cut you off from
DSHS services.
Language barrier for the non-english speaking populations.
Transportation: it is difficult to access services with the bus system. It is not very
convenient.
No services to assist with problems with landlords.
No referral services.
No neighborhood action programs such as block watch.
No police around, especially at night.
Police don’t respond in a timely manner regarding to calls about drugs/illegal substances,
even when children are involved. They’ll only respond if it’s meth-related related.
Closest DSHS office is far from the neighborhood.
Gonzaga legal services – very long waiting list and the clinic has cut down on the areas
of legal assistance.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 27
CPS offices closed in Spokane. Have a central calling center and are very slow to
respond.
Lack of services due to lack of political clout for the neighborhood.
Neighborhood organizations all have to compete for the same funds.
City system is fragmented – no cohesiveness. City grows and problems grow but nobody
looks at that at city level.
No comprehensive system to look at issues that go with growth: transportation, health
care, etc.
What’s Needed/Solutions?
Senior Services
Help for elderly and disabled.
Provide seniors with assistance in cleaning their homes.
Need policing of residential facilities for seniors.
Children/Youth Services
Need more programs for youth, e.g. boys and girls club.
The community center should have summer programs for youth (6-15 years old).
Job training program for youth, especially for those who drop out of school.
We should have a “kids of summer” program in the neighborhood.
Churches could be more involved in providing youth programs.
Getting youth involved in taking pride in the neighborhood, e.g. get them involved in the
COP SHOP.
Need more programs to take care of children during the day and a fter school.
Family Support Services
Need more outreach to address problems related to men.
Crisis Intervention
Policies need to be changed so that services are available before a crisis.
Other Services
Need to increase awareness of existing services. Information should be available in
different languages.
Community members coming together to replace lost services, such as Telephone
Reassurance Program.
Listing of social services for City of Spokane in the phonebook or delivered as a separate
directory.
Education on how to use directory if it is in the phonebook, such as color-coding the
section for social services.
Get more people involved in looking out for their neighborhood.
Expand Block Watch program and educate and engage families in neighborhood to
participate.
Need more proactive/preventative programs. Agencies should outreach more rather than
wait for people to go to them.
There needs to be a change in the marketing approach. There should be a central place
where people can call or go to get referrals to programs/services no matter what they
need (i.e. a 911 for services). Marketing should emphasize this central referral source.
Public transportation needs to be improved.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 28
D. Promoting Self-Sufficiency
Awareness. As with the other human services, participants in the focus groups
were able to identify several services in the East Central neighborhood that assisted people in
obtaining and sustaining employment. Several participants also held the opinion that many
people lacked the motivation to become self-sufficient. Perhaps part of the reason was the lack of
good job opportunities in the neighborhood and Spokane in general. Many participants stated
that jobs paying above minimum wage were hard to come by.
Barriers. Another issue that was raised was the lack of educational support for people on
TANF. Several TANF recipients saw education as the pathway for better paying jobs but found
that their efforts to obtain further education were frustrated by the State Department of Social
Health and Services (DSHS). The public transportation system got mixed reviews. Some people
thought that the public transportation system met their needs, while others thought it was
inefficient, making it difficult to get to work and other places easily and in a timely manner.
Other strengths, barriers and gaps that were noted by the participants are listed below.
What is Available/Strengths
Basic Skills Training
Several agencies around here that provide basic skills training, e.g. computer training,
career services, resume development, interview preparation, etc., e.g. Goodwill, Work
Source, SNAP, Career Path.
Career Paths and Pays Program (Goodwill) provide some on-the-jog training, but only for
youth 16-21 years old.
Have the GED program at RAE and the Community College.
Neighborhood computer labs at ECCC, RAE and also computer access at the library.
Employment Assistance
Job listings at ECCC, Bethel AME church and MLK Center.
AHANA helps with small business development.
Have a job booth at “Unity in the Community” sponsored by Bethel AME.
State employment office in the neighborhood.
The Work-First program – helps people get jobs.
Spokane has the skill set for manufacturing and middle management jobs. The jobs aren’t
there though.
Childcare & transportation
Childcare is available in the neighborhood.
You can get around pretty easily using public transportation.
SNAP will help pay for childcare for a limited amount of time if you are working and
will also assist in paying for car insurance and some minor car repairs.
Barrie rs and Gaps
Education/Training Opportunities
Many people are not aware of the of the services available in the community.
Most good paying jobs require skills. The available services only offer assistance in
getting your GED, or basic entry level training but nothing beyond that.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 29
DSHS makes it difficult to go to school. Your payments will be cut if you miss
appointments even if you are in class. Case workers are not flexible as to when you can
go in. You have to go when they tell you to which can be hard if you are working or
going to school.
Retraining only offered if you have a job.
You need to go to school in order to get a good job but no financial assistance for going
back to school.
Services hard to find and get into.
State employment office is not user- friendly.
Inconsistencies in program administration at community colleges.
Computer classes fill up very quickly.
Employment Opportunities
Lack of local jobs
Local job economy based on small business and thus is scattered.
Most jobs are low-paying, few higher-paying jobs available in all fields.
Posted jobs usually require qualifications that most people in the neighborhood do not
have.
Difficulty in getting a job. Many companies won’t hire seniors regardless of their
qualifications.
Persons with disabilities have difficulty finding employment.
People in Spokane have a lack of motivation. They don’t utilize the services that are
available, especially the unemployable. They seem to prefer the criminal lifestyle and
don’t want to be controlled. Something needs to be done about this group of people, but I
don’t know what.
There is a lot of complacency or comfort with the status quo. There is a resistance to
improvement.
Unemployment and minimum wages are too high. There is no incentive to get a find a
job since you can live comfortably on unemployment insurance.
There are jobs available that provide people with the motivation to get better educated or
to increase their skills.
There are very few major employers in Spokane. Business interests don’t wa nt or resist
bringing in more jobs. They don’t want the competition.
Support Systems
Life is hard for people who are coming off welfare. Many benefits get cut yet they still
can’t afford to pay for the services on their wages.
There are very few or no child care services for people working the evening or night
shift. People usually have to rely on family.
Childcare is expensive and is not available for older children (over 8 years).
TANF – DSHS expect pregnant women to be looking for a job up to a month be fore you
deliver. Who will hire you if you are pregnant? Also there are sometimes when you feel
too sick to going to look for a job.
Public transportation not timely, not efficient. Can’t get to job or to daycare easily. The
nearest bus stops are 5 blocks away in either direction and buses run only to the depot
and then out again. No direct routes
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 30
System set up to punish when self-sufficiency goes up. Co-pays for daycare go up when
income rises.
What’s Needed/Solutions?
Develop a cooperative for childcare.
Community center should post a greater variety of available jobs.
Increase awareness of available services, e.g. information can be sent home with school
kids.
Wrap-around long-term services for the hard to employ.
Need more manufacturing and middle management jobs to pay decent wages.
The City and County leadership should work hard to attract more diverse businesses.
The City and County leadership should promote port status for the City.
Develop a program to help seniors with household chores.
Family members should provide elderly relatives with more assistance.
Partner with schools to provide job training or job placement.
Raise pay for in- home aids.
Newspaper company should provide lower subscription rates for seniors to enable them
to look for jobs in the newspaper.
Need a computer seminar in the area.
Need a youth core for the area.
An express program at the school.
The grocery store is scheduled to be reopened. This may help with employment.
Need a transition time for people who just got off DSHS. They still need childcare
subsidies.
Rather than counting child support payments as income and putting you over the DSHS
income limits (cutting you off DSHS services) DSHS (or some other agency) should take
child support payments to pay for services that your child needs.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 31
REFERENCES
1. City of Spokane (2002) City of Spokane, Washington, Comprehensive Plan and Background
Documents Guide. Retrieved July 24, 2003, from
http://www.spokanecity.org/documents/CITYPLAN/ cityplan/v2/text/c25_neig.pdf.
2. Washington State Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (2003) Washington State
School Lunch and School Breakfast Highlights. Retrieved July 17, 2003, from
http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition/NSLPSBP.asp.
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and
Development (2002) Glossary of CPD Terms. Retrieved June 30, 2004, from
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/library/glossary/a/index.cfm
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 32
APPENDIX
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 33
Table Facilitator Packet
Please keep packet stapled as it is. The issues are in the order we would like you to present them
in.
IMPORTANT: When the large group facilitator talks about the Informed Consent Statement,
please give each person at the table two copies. Please collect one signed form from each
participant.
When the large group facilitator says “Let’s begin,” this is where you start.
Introduce self.
Introduce recorder.
Pick a volunteer to write on the flipchart.
Introduce ground rules:
Please allow everyone to speak without interrupting
Have respect for others
Any other rules you would like to add?
Does anyone have any questions about the process? The start begin.
Large group facilitator will be the timekeeper.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 34
ISSUE: BASIC NEEDS
Issues Definiti on Related services Examples
Basic needs Services to assist Food - food banks, meals-on-
individuals and families wheels
meet the basic human Shelter (to obtain or maintain -emergency housing
survival needs existing housing) -homeless shelters
-housing search
assistance
-maintain existing
housing,
e.g. rent and mortgage
assistance, utility
assistance,
energy assistance, home
repair assistance
Clothing - clothing banks
Question:
Based on your understanding of services related to basic needs, what would you like to
see in your neighborhood in terms of BASIC NEEDS?
Focus-questions
RE: Existing Services
What are the strengths of existing services?
RE: Access
What are the problems or barriers in accessing existing services?
RE: Gaps
What services critical to community well-being are currently missing in the
neighborhood?
RE: Solutions to overcoming gaps and barriers to access
Could you recommend some solutions to overcoming the gaps in services and barriers to
accessing existing services that have been identified during this discussion?
IF THE GROUP NEEDS HELP, YOU CAN ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
Food
Do people in your neighborhood have enough food to last the whole month?
Are you aware of individuals or families who do not have enough food for three meals a
day? Explain
Are there individuals and families who have to decide between food and prescriptions or
other expenses? Explain.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 35
Housing
What are some of the housing issues that individuals and families face? (i.e. rent, heat,
utilities, homelessness etc. Explain.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 36
ISSUE: HEALTH SERVICES
Issues Definiti on Related services Examples
Health Services Services for the Medical care – preventive & -commun ity health clinics,
prevention and treatment emergency drug stores/pharmacy,
of illness and injury prescription assistance,
med ical
emergency services (e.g.
nurse-
on-call assistance)
Dental care - co mmunity dental clin ics
Substance abuse prevention
and treatment
Mental health care
Question:
Based on your understanding of services related to health services, what would you like
to see in your neighborhood in terms of HEALTH SERVICES?
Focus-questions
RE: Existing Services
What are the strengths of existing services?
RE: Access
What are the problems or barriers in accessing existing services?
RE: Gaps
What services critical to community well-being are currently missing in the
neighborhood?
RE: Solutions to overcoming gaps and barriers to access
- Could you recommend some solutions to overcoming the gaps in services and barriers to
accessing existing services that have been identified during this discussion?
IF THE GROUP NEEDS HELP, YOU CAN ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
Health Care
Tell me about what happens when your family or someone in your neighborhood gets
sick.
Do people have insurance? Can they afford heath care?
Tell me what happens when the doctor or clinic says you need medication.
What about counseling or mental health care?
What about alcohol or drug treatment?
What happens when you need dental care?
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 37
ISSUE: SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Issues Definiti on Related services Examples
Neighborhood Services for social Senior programs Senior center p rograms
Support Systems/ support and interaction, Youth programs -after school support
Social Serv ices including services to help programs, summer programs
in times of personal and including summer job
family crisis, to help programs,
people become and youth-at-risk programs
remain independent, and
for help in gain ing access
to appropriate services. Family Support Services Parenting classes, child abuse
and neglect services,
domestic violence
intervention/counseling,
respite care
Legal Serv ices Landlord-tenant disputes,
child support enforcement
Interpreter Serv ices
Hu man service referral
Crisis intervention Suicide counseling,
rape/sexual assault counseling
services
Question:
Based on your understanding of services related to neighborhood support
systems/social services, what would you like to see in your neighborhood in terms of
NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT SYSEMS/SOCIAL SERVICES?
Focus-questions
RE: Existing Services
What are the strengths of existing services?
RE: Access
What are the problems or barriers in accessing existing services?
RE: Gaps
What services critical to community well-being are currently missing in the
neighborhood?
RE: Solutions to overcoming gaps and barriers to access
Could you recommend some solutions to overcoming the gaps in services and barriers to
accessing existing services that have been identified during this d iscussion?
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 38
IF THE GROUP NEEDS HELP, YOU CAN ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
Support Services
What support services or counseling services do you need that are not available?
Examples:
senior home care and other senior support,
programs, counseling and support groups for children,
parent support groups,
support groups for victims of domestic violence,
support groups for victims of adults or children who experienced rape or sexual
abuse.
What about children in the neighborhood? Do you as neighbors worry about the children
because no one is watching them, or they are being hit a lot by adults or kids their age?
Explain.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 39
ISSUE: SELF SUFFICIENCY
Issues Definiti on Related services Examples
Pro moting Self Services to prepare and Emp loy ment -job banks, job referral,
Sufficiency assist people in obtaining career counseling
and sustaining gainful Job Training -computer/technical
emp loyment training, on-the-job training/
apprenticeships, youth
apprenticeship programs
Education -adult literacy, GED classes,
ESL, h igher education
Transportation
Child care
Question:
Based on your understanding of services related to promoting self sufficiency, what
would you like to see in your neighborhood in terms of PROMOTING SELF
SUFFICIENCY?
Focus-questions
RE: Existing Services
What are the strengths of existing services?
RE: Access
What are the problems or barriers in accessing existing services?
RE: Gaps
What services critical to community well-being are currently missing in the
neighborhood?
RE: Solutions to overcoming gaps and barriers to access
Could you recommend some solutions to overcoming the gaps in services and barriers to
accessing existing services that have been identified during this discussion?
IF THE GROUP NEEDS HELP, YOU CAN ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
What do you need to be able to work (Promoting Self Sufficiency)
How do you or your neighbors get to work? Are there problems?
What happens when a family needs childcare in order to go to work?
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 40
DEFINITIONS
Existing Services:
Services that are already available in the community
Access to Services:
Problems in using services, such as:
- the times or days that the services are open makes it difficult to use the service
- the location of a particular service makes it difficult to get to
- the forms that have to be filled out are difficult to read or understand
- the information you are required to bring is difficult to get
- don’t know where the service agency is located
- can’t get to speak to someone on the phone
- the cost of the service is too high
Gaps in services:
What services are missing in the community?
Solutions
What can be done to improve services?
- how can access to services be improved in a reasonable manner
- the best way of bringing new services into the community
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 41
Background State ment: As the contractor for the focus groups, WSU is require d to have all
information collection activities reviewed and approved by an independent Human
Research Review Board. Part of the review process is the require ment that people have
written notice of what is being asked of them and how information will be used so they can
make an informed decision to participate.
Informe d Consent Statement
Title of Study: Neighborhood Action Plan Development for the East Central
Community
Principal Investigator: Christopher Blodgett, Ph.D.
Washington State University Spokane
(509) 358-7679
Sponsor: City of Spokane
Department of Human Services
Washington State University
Purpose and Procedure
This study is conducted as part of the work of the City of Spokane Department of Human
Services. The purpose of this study is to develop neighborhood human service action plans.
We are doing these focus groups so we can learn about community residents’ experiences with
health and human services in their neighborhood. We ask you to help us identify human services
needs, strengths, gaps and access barriers in your neighborhood. You will provide information that
helps guide the City of Spokane Department of Human Services plan how to develop services in
your neighborhood. Human services are services provided directly to individuals and families to
meet their basic needs and to promote self-sufficiency.
For physical survival (e.g. food, shelter, clothing, acute medical and clinical care)
To prepare and assist people in obtaining and sustaining gainful employment (e.g.
employment and training programs, child ay care)
For social support and interaction including preventive services, services to help in times
of personal or family crisis, and services to help people become and remain independent.
(e.g. child abuse prevention, social services, counseling, and neighborhood support
services)
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 42
For prevention and treatment of illness and injury (e.g. preventative and restorative
medical an dental care, other health initiatives such as injury prevention efforts, mental
health services, and substance abuse programs)
For help in gaining access to available, appropriate services (e.g. transportation,
interpretation, information case management, and referral services)
Focus group questions will include:
1. Identify human service or social service needs in your community
2. Identify strengths in existing human services or social services
3. Identify barriers to accessing existing human services or social services
4. Recommend possible solutions to overcoming the gaps in services and barriers to
accessing existing services that have been identified during our discussion
5. Identify gaps in human services or social services in your community
This is a voluntary study and you can quit any time with no consequences. If you do not want to
participate, you can leave the group before the interview begins. You are also free to leave the
group at any time during the interview.
If you agree to participate, we ask you share your thoughts in a small group discussion. The
group discussion is lead by researchers employed by the City of Spokane Department of Human
Services. The focus group will last between 90 and 120 minutes.
This information is important in helping the City of Spokane Department of Human Services
distribute financial and other resources to individual neighborhoods.
Risks and Benefits
There is no direct benefit to you from being in the focus group. However, your information is
important. Your information will help the City of Spokane Department of Human Services
identify human services needs for future planning.
We believe that there are no risks to you from participation in this discussion. If you have any
concerns or distressing experience, you can contact Dr. Blodgett directly at 358-7679.
Confidentiality
What you talk about in the group will be written down by people from WSU so we can keep a
record of what your group says. Your name will never be associated with any written documents.
The consent agreements will be kept in locked cabinets available only to Dr. Blodgett and his
paid staff. Written records will be destroyed 12 months after the comple tion of this focus group.
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 43
Rights of Participants
This research has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (WSU-
IRB) at WSU and by the Spokane IRB. If you have any questions or concerns about this
research project, you can contact the WSU IRB at (509) 335-9661, the Spokane IRB at 358-
7631, or Dr. Chris Blodgett at (509) 358-7679.
A copy of the “Research Participants Bill of Rights” is attached.
Subject State ment
Name: __________________________
The “Neighborhood Action Plan Development for the East Central Community” described above
has been explained to me. I have read this description, and I have had the chance to ask questions
about the research. I voluntarily give consent to participate in this study. I understand that at any
time now or in the future I can ask questions about the research of Dr. Blodgett. I also
understand that all research information will be kept strictly confidential as required by state law
(Chapter 42.48.040 of the Revised Code of Washington).
Date ____________ Signature of Participant ________________________________
Signature of Focus Group Facilitator_____________________ Date ____________
The Principal Investigator for this study is Dr. Christopher Blodgett of Washington State
University.
Date ___________ Principal Investigator Signature ___________________________
Copy: Participant
Investigator’s Records
EC Hu man Services Action Plan 44
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