What is a Community Needs Assessment?

The Community Needs Assessment is a process conducted by all Community Action Agencies every three years to determine the underlying causes and conditions of poverty within the community they serve and identify the available resources to address the unmet needs of the community’s most vulnerable residents. It is the first phase of the Results Oriented Management and Accountability cycle, grounding and guiding the work to develop and implement programs and services that lift families and communities out of poverty.

CAPECO's Community Needs Assessment

The results of this Community Needs Assessment will help the CAPECO Board of Directors create a strategic plan to initiate and/or support programs and services for our Communities in relation to these six goals:
  1. Low-income people become more self-sufficient.
  2. The conditions in which low-income people live are improved.
  3. Low-income people own a stake in their community.
  4. Partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people are achieved.
  5. Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results.
  6. Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems.
Responses will be kept anonymous. All information will be reported in aggregate form. 
We do NOT require personal information in this survey.  Unless you would like us to reach out to you regarding specific comments, services, events, or you are wanting to be included in the drawing for one of seven gift cards there is no need to provide any personal information.

The Survey

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a Community MEMBER?
Anyone who LIVES in any of the following Oregon counties: Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Wasco, or Wheeler.

Who is a Community PARTNER?
Individuals who, own, work with or support any type of business, organization, federal, state or local governing entity, religious organization, association, institution who come in contact with any number of Community Members in their line of work in Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Wasco, or Wheeler counties.

Can I still fill CAPECO's survey out even if my county is served by more than one Community Action Agency?
Yes.  Thank you!
Community Members and Partners may see different Community Needs Assessments from more than one entity.  Filling out any Community Needs Assessment ensures that all needed services are accounted for during all strategic planning processes.