United Way of Westchester and Putnam

Issues and Resources Assessment

Purpose

We conduct an issues and resources assessment every 3-4 years to learn what human need challenges are facing our two county region, document them and suggest strategies for action. The value of any extensive effort to assess issues and resources is directly related to the extent to which it will help us to focus our energies, forge alliances and create positive change.

The Westchester and Putnam assessments were published in spring and summer of 2005, respectively. Written surveys were completed by a large sample of households, service providers and key leaders in Westchester and Putnam. Additionally, a series of community focus group meetings were held to determine what new and emerging issues were facing our community.

The reports entitled: Focusing on Community: Issues and Impact in Westchester and Focusing on Community: Issues and Impact in Putnam identified the following issues in each of our two counties:

In Westchester

Lack of Adequate and Affordable Housing - The lack of affordable housing pervades Westchester County and poses challenges for potential and existing residents, service providers and the economy.

Behavioral Problems among Children and Teens - Young people who are susceptible to a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems endanger themselves, those around them and the future well-being of the county.

Lack of Accessible and Affordable Child Care - The lack of affordable, quality child care presents a tremendous challenge to the area's economic and social well-being.

Lack of Accessible and Affordable Medical Care – The cost of medical care in Westchester is growing, and impacts people from all walks of life especially those who do not have medical insurance through their employer and do not qualify for public health insurance programs.

Lack of Accessible Affordable Assistance for the Frail Elderly, Adults with Disabilities and Their Families – There are increasing numbers of people in nursing homes and health care facilities unnecessarily, driving the need for more community-based living options

Limited Recreational Opportunities - More accessible recreational programs will further enhance the lives of individuals of all ages and income levels - physically, socially and emotionally.

Lack of Employment Opportunities - Westchester 's economic and employment trends have continue to shift, resulting in changes in workplace profiles as well as job requirements

Drug Abuse and its Affect on the Community – The number of people using and abusing drugs are increasing – many of whom are poly-substance abusers

Discrimination and Intolerance – There is growing diversity in Westchester County and preparation is needed to address the new issues that arise.

In Putnam

Lack of Sufficient Public Transportation - Putnam County 's public transportation system does not adequately address the overall commuting and travel patterns of its growing population.

Shortage of Affordable Housing - The surge in Putnam County 's population has been accompanied by the emergence of a number of issues related to the provision of suitable and affordable housing.

Lack of Accessible Affordable Assistance for the Frail/Isolated Elderly, Adults with Disabilities and Their Families – Although significant funding goes into nursing home/institutional care, growing numbers of seniors and those with disabilities receive informal, community based care from their families.

Limited Recreational and Cultural Resources - More recreational programs will further enhance the lives of individuals of all ages - physically, socially and emotionally.

Lack of a full Range of Available Child Care for those with Special requirements/Needs – While the child care situation has improved in Putnam County's over the last few years, those that are seeking to meet specific child care needs (early morning/weekends hours, parents of children with special needs) face some challenges.

Social Isolation – There has been an increase in the number of Putnam residents experiencing isolation and more efforts are being made to seek out people who need help and are alone.

The reports also identify emerging challenges in each county. In Westchester, growing pressures affecting daily living. In Putnam, the challenges facing local residents in a rapidly growing and changing county.

In addition, the reports also catalog the local resources available to address these critical issues and highlights significant barriers to accessing these resources.

United Way of Westchester and Putnam issued these reports to:

Help public, private and voluntary sector leaders make important decisions about allocating scarce resources
Provide planners with a wide-ranging and reliable base of information to more effectively address the needs of Westchester and Putnam residents
Give those who provide services a better sense of the existing and emerging challenges in Westchester and Putnam

Read the Executive Summary of The Issues and Resources Assessment for Westchester County here.

Read the Executive Summary of The Issues and Resources Assessment for Putnam County here.

Download the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader to read these documents here.