Human Development

Commission

2008 Community

Needs Assessment

For Huron, Lapeer,

Sanilac and Tuscola Counties

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following individuals deserve special recognition for their time, collaboration, and assistance in the completion of this Community Needs Assessment.

Human Development Commission Personnel & Advisory Members

Ms. Lori Offenbecher

Deputy Director/Community Services Director

Ms. Linda Borek

Records Coordinator

Ms. Becky Brown

Community Services Grant Writer

Mr. Steve Cormier

Research & Development Director

Ms. Michelle Cubitt

Aging Services Director

Ms. Peg Davy

Mediation Director/

Domestic Violence Program Manager

Mr. Dick Dehmel

Community Services Advisory

Council Member

Ms. Julia DeGuise

RSVP/FGP Manager

Ms. Genevieve Dorr

Community Services Advisory

Council Member

Ms. Lisa Meyer

EHS Program Manager

Mr. Sean Smith

Intergenerational Services Manager

Ms. Tara Smith

Nutrition Services Manager

A SPECIAL THANK YOU is extended to the organizations, committees, councils, and community leaders throughout the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola that provided support and assistance. Without their generosity, the Community Needs Assessment would not have been possible.

Adult Day Services

Advisory Councils

Assault Crisis Center

Congregate Meal Sites

Continum of Care

Coordinating Councils

County Chambers of Commerce

County Commissioners

Croswell Senior Housing

Early Head Start

Emergency Food

Faith-Based Organizations

Food Pantries

Foster Grandparent Program

Home Delivered Meal Program

Human Service Organizations

Michigan Community Action Agency Association

Mediation Councils

Public Service Providers

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

Thumbody Express

CONTENTS

Section 1: Executive Summary

Section 2: Survey Results - Huron County

Section 3: Survey Results - Lapeer County

Section 4: Survey Results - Sanilac County

Section 5: Survey Results - Tuscola County

Section 6: Region Demographics

Section 7: Survey Questions & Resources

Section 1 - Executive Summary

OVERVIEW

This report culminates a six-month effort to obtain pertinent information regarding health and human service issues affecting the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola.

The 2008 Community Needs Assessment is the second research effort by the Human Development Commission (HDC) in the last six years. For the survey, HDC compiled a series of questions related to the following issues.

· Transportation · Caregiving

· Employment and Job Skills · Personal and Community Involvement

· Health and Health Care · Overall Community Rating

· Housing and Basic Needs · Demographics and Personal Needs

· Individual and Household Needs · Neighborhood and Quality of Life

· Parenting and Childcare

A total of 2,405 surveys were distributed to the general public, HDC clients, staff, board of directors, faith-based organizations, advisory councils, program participants, and additional community service organizations. Surveys were conducted by phone, mail, and face-to-face as well as being posted on-line and made available at satellite offices throughout the four counties. 720 surveys (30%) were completed (208-Huron; 78-Lapeer; 144-Sanilac; 259 Tuscola; 31-county not specified) and data compiled into the full report.

The purpose of the study was to accomplish the following objectives:

· Identify community needs

· Utilize data to evaluate and/or revise current service programs

· Supply data to support public/private grant making decisions

· Provide a baseline for tracking community trends over time

HDC will use all information obtained to gain insight into how, as an Agency, we can better achieve our mission of empowering individuals and communities to identify their needs and secure the

resources necessary to achieve their goals of self-sufficiency and an improved qualify of life. Data obtained will be shared with various agencies, committees, and community leaders to develop strategies to address the top issues identified in the survey. HDC will continue to collaborate with local partners to collectively improve the overall quality of life within the service area.

The complete analysis of this data - either in whole or by individual county - along with housing demographics and trends can be obtained from HDC's website: http://www.hdc-caro.org or by contacting the agency at (800) 843-6394.

Section 1 - Executive Summary

GENERAL FINDINGS

Some of the general findings from the Community Assessment Survey for the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola are described below.

Transportation

Of the total respondents, 32% reported that they spend $25 or less per week on transportation costs; 34% spend $26-$50; 25% spend $51-$100; and 9% spend more than $101. The number of respondents reporting difficulty affording transportation costs (i.e.. fuel, public transportation) totalled 47% while 53% reported no difficulty. When asked if public transportation was available in their community, 71% reported it was while 29% reported it was not.

Employment

Of the total respondents 42% reported that they have been continuously employed for the past two years while 9% reported that they had been laid off. When asked about the number of jobs held in the past two years, 76% reported that they have held 1 job while 24% reported 2 or more jobs. 18% of respondents reported that a lack of job skills prevented a member of the household from obtaining a better paying job in the past two years while 82% reported a lack of skills had no effect.

Health and Healthcare

Of the total respondents 86% reported that they are currently covered by medical insurance. The top three sources of medical coverage reported are Medicare, employer provided care, and Medicaid respectively. 19% of respondents reported they had gone without a health plan or medical coverage in the past 12 months. 16% of respondents reported that a member of the household required medical care within the last 12 months but did not receive it. 36% of respondents reported that someone in the household needed dental care but went without it. Overall cost and care not being covered by insurance were the two primary reasons households did not receive medical and dental care. 27% of respondents reported they had problems paying

medical bills during the past year.

Section 1 - Executive Summary

GENERAL FINDINGS

Some of the general findings from the Community Assessment Survey for the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola are described below.

Housing and Basic Needs

Of the total respondents, 49% reported that their

monthly housing expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes, etc,) totaled more than one-third of their monthly income. When asked if the household had difficulty in affording an apartment or home in their community, 13% reported difficulty, 62% reported no difficulty, and 25% reported the issue did not apply to them. 24% of respondents reported having difficulty paying utility bills. 17% of respondents reported they had been denied housing, a loan, and/or a job due to poor credit.

Individual and Household Un-Met Needs

As reported by survey participants, the following describes the top four problems (in order of importance) that households experienced but were unable to receive help for in the past year.

· Assistance with home repairs

· Assistance with depression or anxiety

· Assistance with severe financial problems or crisis

· Assistance with personal or emotional crisis

Parenting and Childcare Issues

When provided with a list of parenting and childcare issues faced by individuals and households, respondents reported the following as their top four concerns:

· Having enough food to feed their family

· Having a trustworthy person for children when needed

· Obtaining healthcare or medicine for child(ren)

· Finding affordable childcare

Caregiving Issues

Of the total respondents 16% reported that a member of the household was the full-time caregiver or legal guardian for a person 60 years of age or older. 5% reported a member of the household was the full-time caregiver or legal guardian for a person who is younger than 60 but is mentally or physically impaired.

Section 1 - Executive Summary

GENERAL FINDINGS

Some of the general findings from the Community Assessment Survey for the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola are described below.

Personal and Community Involvement

Of the total respondents 92% reported that they are registered voters while 77% reported that they vote on a regular basis. When asked if they volunteered in the last year, 60% of respondents reported that they did. The following are the top three locations where volunteering took place:

· Churches, temple, or mosque

· Service organizations

· Schools

Overall Rating of Communities

Survey recipients were asked if they agreed or disagreed with a variety of statements about their individual communities. Of the total respondents the following are the top four statements and the responses received:

AGREE:

· My community is a good place to live

· I feel safe in my neighborhood/community

· My community is a good place to raise

children

· There is ample local police service

DISAGREE:

· There are ample new housing developments

· My community is a good place to work

· There is available, affordable housing

· There are affordable, available health care

centers

Quality of Life Issues

Of the total respondents, the three most important

issues reported include having health insurance, keeping utility bills current, and having good credit, respectively. When asked to describe issues important to having a good community , respondents reported good neighborhood schools, good paying jobs, and affordable housing as the top three. When asked what was missing from their communities, respondents reported good paying jobs, good public transportation, and affordable housing.

Section 1 - Executive Summary

GENERAL FINDINGS

Some of the general findings from the Community Assessment Survey for the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola are described below.

Demographics and Personal Needs

Of the total respondents 30% were from Huron County; 11% from Lapeer County; 21% from Sanilac County; and 38% from Tuscola County. 46% of respondents reported they resided within a city or village while 54% reported being from a rural area. Age groups of respondents varied as did family type and income. 25% of respondents reported receiving some form of public assistance.

Demographics and Personal Needs

Of the total respondents 30% were from Huron County; 11% from Lapeer County; 21% from Sanilac County; and 38% from Tuscola County. 46% of respondents reported they resided within a city or village while 54% reported being from a rural area. Age groups of respondents varied as did family type and income. 25% of respondents reported receiving some form of public assistance.

Education levels of respondents included 7% obtaining an education level of 0-8th grade; 11% reported a 9th-12th grade education; 26% reported being a high school graduate or GED equivalent; 24% reported having 12 years plus some secondary education, and 32% reported having 2-4 years of college.

Survey Results -

Huron County

Health and Healthcare

Of the total respondents, 10% reported that someone in the household required medical attention but did not receive it. The primary reasons for not receiving coverage included cost and services not being covered. 11% of respondents reported that in the past year a member of the household went

without a prescription because they could not afford one while 3% of respondents reported that they have been unable to receive immunizations for their child(ren) for childhood diseases. 24% reported that they had trouble paying medical bills during the past year. When asked about dental care, 25% of respondents reported that a member of the household needed dental care but did not receive it. The primary reasons included cost and services not being covered by insurance. 37% of respondents rated their overall health as "average".

Housing and Basic Needs

Of the total respondents, 97% reported that the condition of their home provided safe and adequate shelter and 86% reported that they have a washer and dryer in the home. The primary sources of heat for homes was utility gas and bottled/LP gas. 42% of respondents reported that their monthly housing expenses totaled more than one-third of their monthly income. 10% of respondents reported that they are currently having trouble affording an apartment or house while 20% reported that they are having trouble paying utility bills. 10% reported that they have been denied housing, a car, a home loan, or job due to poor credit. 5% of respondents reported that a member of the household has taken a "pay day loan" or other short-term loan to pay for basic living expenses during the past year.

Parenting and Childcare Issues

When provided a list of parenting and childcare issues faced by individuals and households, respondents reported that having enough food to feed their family, obtaining healthcare or medicine for their child(ren), assisting their child(ren) with homework and obtaining tutoring services for their child(ren) as the top four concerns.

Individual and Household Un-Met Needs

As reported by survey participants, the following describes the top four problems (in order of importance) that households experienced but were unable to receive help for in the past year.

• Need for assistance with home repairs

• Depression or anxiety

• Severe financial problems/crisis

• Personal or emotional crisis

Demographics and Personal Needs

For those respondents who are not retired, 51% reported that they have put money into a retirement plan, IRA, 401(k) or work pension and 44% reported that they currently have investments. 21% reported that they receive some form of public assistance; 58% reported that they have a checking account, 39% have a savings account and 3% reported that they have no bank account. 1% of respondents reported that they are migrant workers and 1% reported that they are farm workers (regular, migrant, or seasonal).

Quality of Life

Survey recipients were asked to select from a list

of statements what items were important to them,

important to having a good community, and what is missing from their community. The following are the top three responses for each category:

MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT TO HAVING A GOOD COMMUNITY • Having health insurance • Good neighborhood schools

• Keeping utility bills current • Good paying local jobs

• Reliable transportation (tied for third) • Affordable housing

• Having enough food (tied for third)

• Having good credit (tied for third)

MISSING FROM COMMUNITY

• Good paying local jobs

• Available recycling

• Affordable housing

Survey Comments

The following is a sampling of comments received from survey participants in Huron County:

Would be nice if everyone could have health insurance - affordable for everyone including low income, college students, single adults and seniors. Better paying jobs and more jobs.

Need more jobs, if possible, that pay wages to support a family. Help to maintain reasonable medical costs. Food pantries and Goodwill type stores for those in need.

Public education has certainly declined in quality. Also the thumb region is intellectually, socially, and culturally stagnant. There is little here for highly educated people.

Would like to see more help for kids who have full-time work after graduation but have no medical insurance.

Number one priority-GOOD paying jobs. Too many people earning minimum wages and can't afford to look after themselves and their families. STRESS higher education, either college or trade school.

I work in Tuscola County and find they are at a disadvantage in not having a public bus system (outside of Caro). Huron and Sanilac have county-wide systems but Tuscola does not. I feel fortunate to have a steady job, but have several family and friends who have had extended periods of unemployment. One family member lost her house as a result of foreclosure.

Need to replace empty factories with new business to provide more employment.

Have a center for retired people.

Huron County is a great place to live and work!

I think services are provided quite well in Huron County. There is help out there but people have to ask for it and I feel a lot of the elderly are not willing to accept it. I'm pleased with our services.

No jobs. Cost of living too high. Taxes too high. I'm fine, it's others I know who are struggling.

I really like living in Bad Axe. There is quite a bit of help for disabled people here. I just wish there was more funding for Section 8 and better kept sidewalks. It would also be great to have more dentists that take Medicaid.

Only thing I'd like to add is people that can't afford high gas bills in winter will freeze because FIA only pays so much and you're done. People who have low income like us can only afford house payments.

Need more low-income housing.

Survey Results -

Lapeer County

Demographics and Personal Needs

For those respondents who are not retired, 46% reported that they have put money into a retirement plan, IRA, 401(k) or work pension and 42% reported that they currently have investments. 32% reported that they receive some form of public assistance; 52% report that they have a checking account, 44% have a savings account, and 4% reported that they have no bank account. No respondents reported that they were migrant workers while 1% reported that they were farm workers (regular, migrant, or seasonal).

Quality of Life

Survey recipients were asked to select from a list of statements what items are important to them, important to having a good community, and what is missing from their community. The following are the top three responses for each category:

MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT TO HAVING A GOOD COMMUNITY

• Having health insurance • Good paying local jobs

• Keeping utility bills current • Good neighborhood schools

• Having good credit • Affordable housing

MISSING FROM COMMUNITY

• Good paying local jobs

• Good public transportation

• Affordable housing (tied for third)

• Available recycling

Survey Comments

The following is a sampling of comments received from survey participants in Lapeer County:

Statewide mass transit system desirable.

Everybody needs fuel prices to be lower. Nobody is going to survive if things remain the way they have been. Fuel goes up and everything else goes up except wages. We can't live like this.

People who have cars are spending all available income getting to work. Our household spends approximately $700/month in gasoline driving to work and driving daily to college. Fuel energy costs are over half our monthly income. Needless to say, we must live on credit.

As a senior trying to afford to live on $600 per month, it is not easy. I have Medicaid, FS, commodities. These all help but fuel, car repairs, no jobs, general cost of food, fuel and other goods almost has a person dead in the water and living like the depression. We definitely need state covered dental care, an increase in food stamps and other help which has not been forthcoming under the Bush administration. My furnace is broken so I heated my home last winter solely with electricity for the first time in 60 years because fuel oil is completely unaffordable and so is a new furnace. I exhausted my HDA benefit on a new roof 10 years ago.

Stronger local economy - consumers keep money in community by supporting locally owned businesses. More connection between consumer and farmer.

While our household has been fortunate to have two incomes and manage to send our two children to college, I know that way too many families are struggling to make ends meet. Because they are living pay check to pay check, they barely keep their heads above water. Others are slipping into poverty that they may never have experienced before. The unfortunate thing is that many of those people feel so powerless. You will never get them to return this survey. Therefore, a true picture of the needs of our community will not be painted.

Everything I've seen so far in this country is good. Keep up the good work. Lapeer needs to get a crisis center in their county for people like me and don't know where to go after being a violence victim or homeless.

The county I live in has an unemployment rate 5% higher than National average and 3% higher than the state average. This has to change. Rental rates in Lapeer County are similar to rates in Oakland except the income ratios vary nearly $3-$4 an hour. Why is that? Lapeer has safety to offer its residents but not a steady economic base.

We are senior citizens and last winter we could only pay the minimum amount for fuel oil as they would only deliver 150 gallons. We struggled all winter keeping the house warm. We are really frightened about this coming winter.

We need better paying jobs! Also less stores that we don't need - put in things that will benefit the community for adults and the children.

My family is in between. We do not have enough money to make ends meet but have too much money to qualify for most programs. We need to get food stamps but now that my husband is working, we no longer get food stamps so we are actually losing. The money that he is earning now has to cover the food, which leaves us with alot less to pay bills.

Survey Results -

Sanilac County

Section 4 - Sanilac County (144 responses)

Transportation

Of the total respondents, 78% reported that they drive their own vehicle to work or school. 29% reported that they spend less than $25 a week on transportation; 35% spend between $26-$50; 27% spend between $51-100; and 9% spend more than $101. When asked if they had trouble affording transportation (i.e. fuel, public transportation) 48% reported that they did. 95% of respondents reported that they had a valid driver's license. When asked if they had public transportation in their community, 67% reported

that they did, while 19% reported they did not and 14% reported they did not know. When asked if public transportation met their current needs, 23% reported it did while 32% reported it did not; 45% reported that the question did not pertain to them. The primary reason public transportation did not meet the needs of respondents was the limited availability/hours of service.

Employment

Of the total respondents, 48% reported that they have been employed continuously and 9% reporting that they have been laid off in the last two years. The reported number of jobs held within the last two years varied as did the number of jobs currently held. 18% reported that a lack of job skills prevented a member of the household from getting a better paying job and 7% reported that an adult member of the household requires training in basic reading skills. 19% of respondents reported that a member of the household required computer skills to get a better paying job while 64% reported actually having a

computer in the household. 50% reported they had internet connection at home while 63% reported they have internet access outside of the home.

Health and Healthcare

Of the total respondents, 87% reported that they are currently covered by health insurance. The primary sources of insurance are Medicare, employer provided insurance, and Medicaid. The primary locations where respondents typically received medical care was a primary care physician's office followed by emergency room. 23% of respondents reported that someone in their household went without insurance in the past 12 months.

Health and Healthcare

Of the total respondents, 16% reported that someone in the household required medical attention but did not receive it. The primary reasons for not receiving coverage included services not being covered and cost being too high. 18% of respondents reported that in the past year a member of the household went without a prescription because they could not afford one while 2% of respondents reported that they have been unable to receive immunizations for their child(ren) for childhood

diseases. 24% reported that they had trouble paying medical bills during the past year. When asked about dental care, 41% of respondents reported that a member of the household needed dental care but did not receive it. The primary reasons included cost and services not being covered by insurance. 36% of respondents rated their overall health as "average".

Housing and Basic Needs

Of the total respondents, 96% reported that the condition of their home provided safe and adequate shelter and 85% reported that they have a washer and dryer in the home. The primary sources of heat for homes was utility gas and bottled/LP gas. 42% of respondents reported that their monthly housing expenses totaled more than one-third of their monthly income. 21% of respondents reported that they are currently having trouble paying utility bills. 16% reported that they have been denied housing, a car, a home

loan, or job due to poor credit. 4% of respondents reported that a member of the household has taken a "pay day loan" or other short term loan to pay for basic living expenses during the past year.

Individual and Household Un-Met Needs

As reported by survey participants, the following describes the top four problems (in order of importance) that households experienced but were unable to receive help for in the past year.

• Need for assistance with home repairs

• Depression or anxiety

• Severe financial problems/crisis

• Need for legal assistance or mediator

Parenting and Childcare Issues

When provided a list of parenting and childcare issues faced by individuals and households, respondents reported that having enough food to feed their family, having a trustworthy person available for child(ren) when needed, finding quality childcare, and finding affordable childcare as the top four concerns.

Caregiving Issues

Of the total respondents, 17% reported that a member of the household was the full-time caregiver or legal guardian for a person who is 60 years of age or older. 5% reported that a member of the household was the caregiver of a person with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia. 3% reported that a member of the household was the full-time caregiver or legal guardian for a person who is younger than 60 years of age but is mentally or physically impaired. 7% reported that they assist another family member with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and/or eating.

Personal/Community Involvement

Of the total respondents, 92% reported that they are registered voters with 76% reporting that they vote on a regular basis. 45% of respondents reported that they are members or are involved with their church/temple/mosque while 17% reported that they are involved with charitable organizations. 63% reported that they have volunteered in the past year. The top three places respondents volunteered included church/temple/mosque, service organizations, and schools.

Overall Ratings of Your Community

Survey participants were asked if they agreed or disagreed with a variety of statements about their individual communities. Of the total respondents, the following are the top four statements and responses received.

AGREE: DISAGREE:

I feel safe in my community There are ample new housing developments

My community is a good place to live My community is a good place to work

My community is a good place to raise children There is available, affordable housing

There is ample local police service There are affordable, available healthcare centers

plus other income. 20% of respondents reported that

they live in subsidized housing while 69% reported

they own their current place of residence.

Education levels of respondents included 4% obtaining an education level of 0-8th grade; 14% reported a 9th-12th grade education, 30% reported being a high school graduate or GED equivalent; 18% reported having 12 years plus some secondary education; and 34% reported 2-4 years of college.

Demographics and Personal Needs

For those respondents who are not retired, 45% reported that they have put money into a retirement plan, IRA, 401(k) or work pension and 43% reported that they currently have investments. 32% reported that they receive some form of public assistance; 58% report that they have a checking account, 39% have a savings account, and 3% reported that they have no bank account. No respondents reported that they were migrant workers and 1% report that they were farm workers

(regular, migrant, or seasonal).

Quality of Life

Survey recipients were asked to select from a list of statements what items are important to them, important to having a good community, and what is missing from their community. The following are the top three responses for each category:

MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT TO HAVING A GOOD COMMUNITY • Having health insurance • Good paying local jobs

• Keeping utility bills current • Good neighborhood schools

• Having good credit • Affordable housing

MISSING FROM COMMUNITY

• Good paying local jobs

• Good public transportation

• Affordable housing

Survey Comments

The following is a sampling of comments received from survey participants in Sanilac County:

I feel that there needs to be more assistance with housing for the homeless and persons of low income. There needs to be housing available for individuals and families that fall through the cracks - the people that make just a bit too much to qualify for aid with housing or food or cash assistance. There also needs to be a full-time homeless shelter in all four counties, not just DV or SA but homeless and that includes youth! In order to prevent future problems, we should be proactive not reactive.

With a single income, we have a very hard time heating our home in the winter. I wish there were more funds to allow at least two minimum fills based on the fill and not a set price limit. That would help not just us but many families in our community.

We need jobs to stay in Michigan. Our young adults, even college graduates are having a difficult time finding jobs which can sustain a living. Healthcare is a concern for young adults and seniors…if you don't have a job, you don't have good healthcare. It's scary.

Another independent living complex and an assisted living complex could be made available.

There is a need for good paying jobs to replace all of the jobs people had in the factories that closed. Also jobs that provide health insurance.

I believe the most critical need will be money to pay for fuel and utilities, in the near future, for those people who are living on a fixed or low income.

St. Clair County has free clinics and free dentistry available to their communities, why not Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola? Healthcare needs are not met for those with no insurance coverage - we need help out here. In at least Sanilac County, for those between the kids ages and Medicare ages with no coverage due to unforeseen life changes. You don't have anywhere or anyone to help that age group at all for medical, dental, or optical - can't get Medicaid as some are making only a few dollars over. What are we to do?

Bus trips monthly to different places planned by our Senior Coordinator to different places of interest.

I am very satisfied with my community. I would like more places for enjoyment or entertainment.

Need more jobs for the community and they need to be closer to home.

People are leaving because of lack of jobs. Our schools are cutting back because of less students. Homes are going into foreclosure.

Jobs have disappeared. Schools throughout the thumb are struggling due to declining enrollments. Limited visionary leadership in the thumb - don't understand that if we continue to do what we have always done we will continue to get the same results.

Survey Results -

Tuscola County

Health and Healthcare

Of the total respondents, 19% reported that someone in the household required medical attention but did not receive it. The primary reasons for not receiving coverage included services not being covered and cost being too expensive. 21% of respondents reported that in the past year a member of the household went without a prescription because they could not afford one while 4% of respondents reported that they have been unable to receive immunizations for

their child(ren) for childhood diseases. 31% reported that they had trouble paying medical bills during the past year. When asked about dental care, 38% of respondents reported that a member of the household needed dental care but did not receive it. The primary reasons included cost and services not being covered by insurance. 34% of respondents rated their overall health as "average".

Housing and Basic Needs

Of the total respondents, 96% reported that the condition of their home provided safe and adequate shelter and 85% reported that they have a washer and dryer in the home. The primary sources of heat for homes was utility gas and bottled/LP gas. 54% of respondents reported that their monthly housing expenses totaled more than one-third of their monthly income. 26% of respondents reported that they are currently having trouble paying utility bills. 22% reported that they have been denied housing, a car, home loan, or job due to poor

credit. 7% of respondents reported that a member of the household has taken a "pay day loan" or other short term loan to pay for basic living expenses during the past year.

Individual and Household Un-Met Needs

As reported by survey participants, the following describes the top four problems (in order of importance) that households experienced but were unable to receive help for in the past year.

• Depression or anxiety

• Assistance with home repairs

• Personal or emotional crisis

• Severe financial problems/crisis

Parenting and Childcare Issues

When provided a list of parenting and childcare issues faced by individuals and households, respondents reported that having enough food to feed their family, finding affordable childcare, having a trustworthy person available for child(ren) when needed, and obtaining healthcare for child(ren) as the top four concerns.

Caregiving Issues

Of the total respondents, 14% reported that a member of the household was the full-time caregiver or legal guardian for a person who is 60 years of age or older. 6% reported that a member of the household was the caregiver of a person with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia. 6% reported that a member of the household was the full-time caregiver or legal guardian for a person who is younger than 60 years of age but is mentally or physically impaired. 10% reported that they assist another family member with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and/or eating.

Personal/Community Involvement

Of the total respondents, 92% reported that they are registered voters with 77% reporting that they vote on a regular basis. 43% of respondents reported that they are members or are involved with their church/temple/mosque while 17% reported that they are involved with charitable organizations. 59% reported that they have volunteered in the past year. The top three places respondents volunteered included church/temple/mosque, service organizations, and schools.

Overall Ratings of Your Community

Survey participants were asked if they agreed or disagreed with a variety of statements about their individual communities. Of the total respondents, the following are the top four statements and responses received.

AGREE: DISAGREE:

My community is a good place to live There are ample new housing developments

I feel safe in my community My community is a good place to work

My community is a good place to raise children There are available, affordable healthcare centers

There is ample local police service There is available, affordable housing

Demographics and Personal Needs

Of the total respondents, 45% reported that they resided within the city or village limits. 71% were reported as being female and the primary ethnicity/race was white. Age groups of respondents varied as did family type and annual income. The primary family types reported were single person households followed by two adults with no children and two parent households. The primary sources of income were Social Security,

pension, and employment. 10% of respondents reported

that they live in subsidized housing while 69% reported they own their current place of residence.

Education levels of respondents included 5% obtaining an education level of 0-8th grade; 11% reported a 9th-12th grade education, 27% reported being a high school graduate or GED equivalent; 25% reported having 12 years plus some secondary education; and 32% reported 2-4 years of college.

Demographics and Personal Needs

For those respondents who are not retired, 37% reported that they have put money into a retirement plan, IRA, 401(k) or work pension and 37% reported that they currently have investments. 24% reported that they receive some form of public assistance; 54% report that they have a checking account, 41% have a savings account, and 5% report that they have no bank account. No respondents reported that they were migrant workers and 1% reported that they were farm workers

(regular, migrant, or seasonal).

Quality of Life

Survey recipients were asked to select from a list of statements what items were important to them, important to having a good community, and what is missing from their community. The following are the top three responses for each category:

MOST IMPORTANT IMPORTANT TO HAVING A GOOD COMMUNITY • Having health insurance • Good neighborhood schools

• Keeping utility bills current • Good paying local jobs

• Having good credit • Affordable housing

MISSING FROM COMMUNITY

• Good paying local jobs

• Good public transportation

• Affordable housing

Survey Comments

The following is a sampling of comments received from survey participants in Tuscola County:

In order to have a good community we must have jobs, the rest of our needs will come with good management. Health coverage is very important to all of us at all ages. Keeping our community safe from gangs and unwanted groups of people that will influence our young people. Supporting all our churches and organizations to make all of our lives better (we must work together).

A Goodwill store in every community. Farmers' market in every community. Transportation available more locally. Daily checks on people who live alone.

I think there should be more programs and grants for families, especially single parents for housing, bills, food and transportation. We need more jobs with good pay and benefits.

Problems in our community are typical of other small towns in Michigan during the current recession. Overall, we have a good assortment of community services.

It would be nice to see public transportation available in all the county small towns. Doing morning and late afternoon runs to help those without a driver's license or vehicle to get to work. The programs out there for the poor and elderly need to be better publicized. Poor people do not buy newspapers.

Free clinic would be beneficial to the community - this way people won't have to drive 50-100 miles to go to a free clinic. There are not many doctors around here that accept all Medicaid plans. If there were more doctors around here who accept all Medicaid it would help with the gas and time.

We need jobs that pay decent wages; you can't exist on minimum wage; especially impossible to raise children.

I believe that there are very little activities/community places for young adults of the Caro area to be involved in so as to influence them, in attempts to keep them out of trouble.

Affordable insurance. We have one child and would love to have more but can not afford the insurance. I am told by government programs like MIChild and Medicaid that I make too much to receive any assistance. It is a lose/lose situation for us. I just wish there was some other way.

Have more volunteers to help the aged to do work they are no longer able to do anymore such as mow lawns, tend their flowers, gardens, paint and repair things, help people who are blind or disabled, drive the elderly to doctors or important places they need to get to and from - for a small fee and big thank you.

Need more affordable housing in the area!

Region Demographics

Survey Questions

& Resources