All Washington County residents are asked to help prioritize six identified needs in the county by participating in an online United Way survey. United Way plans to use the gathered data to determine where to focus its efforts to identify and address the root causes of issues impacting county residents. Survey data will be gathered until the end of April 2013, with the results announced to the community in May.
The top six needs as identified through Community Conversations and targeted email surveys from September 2012 through February 2013 are listed below alphabetically.
- Employment - jobs with life sustainable wages and work skill training
- Financial resources - including assistance for homeless, food, utilities, affordable childcare and budgeting skills
- Health Services - access to affordable medical, dental, mental health services, and prescription drugs
- Substance abuse - including alcohol and other drug abuse / addiction
- Transportation - affordable transportation options, including public transportation available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
- Youth development - life skills for youth, including work ethic, self-respect and respect for others, and avoiding risky behaviors