2022 Community Needs Assessment
Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver, and Dakota County works with individuals and families across a large geographic area of Minnesota. Working with so many people across a large part of Minnesota means that each person may have different needs than their neighbor. To better understand the variety of needs of our community, we look to a broad cross section of CAP Agency staff, board of directors, and most importantly, community partners and Scott, Carver, and Dakota residents to learn about their priorities.
This year we surveyed the community by doing a Community Needs Assessment to learn about their greatest needs. This process helps CAP create a strategic plan that reflects community needs and creates action steps to bring CAP Agency and its clients closer to achievement of the mission of self-sufficiency.
The needs are listed in order of most frequently mentioned type of need and then by specific subgroup within that type:
Housing
- Energy assistance – utilities
- Financial assistance with housing – rental assistance, mortgage, help finding affordable housing
- Help with household upkeep – chores, maintenance, lawncare
- Home improvements – accessibility ramps, weatherization
Food
- Food assistance – access to nutritious and alternative food options, help with food preparation, availability of help with food during illness such as COVID-19
Health
- Health insurance
- Access and financial assistance for medical supplies, medication, and medical devices
- Mental health care
- Guidance on healthy living for seniors
- Medical care and services such as physical therapy and personal care for seniors and children with disabilities
- Dental, eye/vision care, hearing
Finances
- Financial or economic assistance, including social security and disability benefits
Transportation
- Transportation to appointments and grocery stores
- Help with car buying process, car payments, and availability of gas vouchers
Other
- Companionship/entertainment – friend, dog, books
- Legal services – immigration legal help
- Childcare – daycare and child education
- Employment and financial education – budgeting, job search, education
