Community survey highlights needs

Pierce County Human Services (PCHS) and the Metropolitan Development Council (MDC) completed the 2023 Community Needs Assessment (CNA) identifying the strengths, barriers and available resources within the community. Find the CNA at tinyurl.com/4245ktzk.

More than 2,500 responses were received from the survey and focus groups, with 1,978 individuals indicating at least one need. Key findings from the survey include: approximately one out of every four respondents need behavioral health resources, food and groceries, and other health services; respondents across Pierce County identified behavioral health resources and financial assistance as their top needs; reported barriers to receiving services include lack of transportation, confusing application processes and income requirements being too low; and other identified needs include childcare accessibility, housing affordability and availability, and food insecurity.
These findings highlight the need for interventions and policies aimed at improving housing affordability, enhancing behavioral healthcare accessibility and supporting financial assistance for food, rent, utilities and more.

Improving access to the local behavioral health system and supporting preventive and responsive behavioral health services is a council priority. This priority is supported through the implementation of the Behavioral Health Improvement Plan and ongoing investments in the Behavioral Health and Therapeutic Courts Fund. In support of these priorities, the 2024-2025 Biennial Budget includes more than $55 million of investment in behavioral health systems and substance use disorder-related programs.

The council also appropriated more than $1 million for food assistance in Pierce County through its community needs allocations and $1.3 million for rent and utility assistance for individuals in Pierce County at risk of eviction through the 2024-2025 Biennial Budget. In addition, the county council passed the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act in 2023, creating a funding stream to invest in affordable housing.

Collaboration will continue between PCHS, MDC and other community organizations to enhance access to services and address the needs identified in the CNA comprehensively.

To learn more about the Community Needs Assessment, visit piercecountywa.gov/CNA.