Media Releases

February 15, 2008

Community survey reveals violence and unsafe neighborhoods are biggest issues facing region

United Way completes survey to gauge current and emerging needs in Greater Rochester

Rochester, NY – As part of its continual work to pinpoint our region’s largest current human service needs, and identify emerging issues, United Way of Greater Rochester just completed a community-wide survey and a series of focus groups.

Through the online survey, nearly one out of every three of the 650 local respondents concluded that violence—and the result of unsafe neighborhoods—is the biggest challenge facing our community today.

Respondents to the Community Issues Survey were asked to rank the importance of 11 specific issues on a five-point scale, with a five representing a concern of “highest importance.” Following violence and unsafe neighborhoods—family violence (including child abuse and elder abuse); access to adequate food, clothing and shelter; young people being prepared for school; and high school graduation rates rounded out the top five most critical community concerns.

Prior to administrating the web survey, United Way conducted a series of conversations with nearly 200 professionals, representing 44 local human service agencies, to learn more about the issues and challenges their clients are facing.

“As we consider the human service landscape of our community, it's imperative that we listen intently to the professionals who are on the frontline of delivering service to those in need” said Dawn Borgeest, United Way’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Senior Vice President. “In the next few months, we'll continue the dialogue to ensure that we're well informed by the wide spectrum of constituents. Listening and learning is a critical part of this process and will help to ensure a well informed base to develop strategies and solutions for our community—and ultimately decisions on the best possible way to focus community resources to bring meaningful change.”

To view survey data, please click here.

The results of the survey and the experiences of respondents will be used as a tool to help guide United Way’s 2009-2012 program funding strategies. To learn more about the work United Way does in our community every day of the year, please visit www.uwrochester.org.

 

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United Way’s mission is to magnify and focus the power of community resources to address our most pressing social needs.