The Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc. is the Community Action Agency for Lycoming and Clinton counties and as such is required to complete a Community Needs Assessment every three-years and upon any major change in the service area. The COVID-19 pandemic is a major community change, and thus STEP mobilized rather quickly to develop and coordinate a Community Needs Assessment survey for both Lycoming and Clinton counties. The Community Needs Assessment surveys were deployed digitally through SurveyMonkey. The community survey was deployed on April 15, 2020 and was open until May 16, 2020. While a Community Needs Assessment survey was developed for both counties, in order to better analyze the local needs, the questions mirrored one another. The key areas addressed in the Community Needs Assessment survey, includes: Employment, Education, Children & Youth, Housing, Health & Nutrition, Emergency Services, Senior Support Services, Disability Services, and Substance Abuse. Given the quick turnaround for the survey, the response rate was good with 776 respondents in Lycoming County and 262 in Clinton County. The overwhelming theme of the data analysis was the community needs that were existent prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic were exemplified and heightened in our communities.

 

There were some needs identified as being more urgent give the COVID-19 pandemic within both counties, including: Access to Reliable Internet/Technology; Childcare Needs; Emergency Needs for Families In-Crisis; Food Insecurity; Mental Health Supports; Safe & Affordable Housing; and Substance Abuse Recovery Services. Many of these needs were identified within the 2018 Community Needs Assessment, but the crisis of the pandemic over the last several months exacerbated the effect of these needs on residents.

 

As the global and local situation as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic continually changes, STEP expects our local community needs to also change. STEP intents to administer another Community Needs Assessment survey early Fall 2020 to see how needs have changed. This will also allow STEP to be responsive and diligent with future planning and ensure the needs are being address through the agency and its partner network.

Community Needs Assessment 2020
The 2020 Community Needs Assessment Reports in response to COVID-19 for Lycoming and Clinton counties are now available!
Click on your county to view the report!