Build on Existing Successes &
Identify Unmet Needs
Analyze existing supports within Springfield to identify what's working well and which needs remain unmet
Build on Existing Successes & Identify Unmet Needs Explained:
The Leadership Team will work to analyze existing supports within Springfield to identify what is working well, what supports are accessible, and what needs are left unmet. This process will be a part of creating the Resilience Building Resource and will create opportunities for discussion with the Community-Wide Network of Care about what needs remain unmet and what next steps might include. Why this is needed:
During our research and as we've helped families in need, we've noticed some major areas of need. Affordable housing wait lists were averaging around 500 people before COVID. People's housing applications were expiring and they were needing to reapply before they even made it through the wait list. We've been told by countless caseworkers, liaisons, and community stakeholders that the need for emergency housing continues to grow and people are facing life or death situations as they try to find shelter from the cold. We've also noticed a huge need for more mental health services - for more family-based services that target mental health needs for the entire family, as well as more intensive trauma-based therapies. With COVID, the need for proper mental health care has intensified when there was already an existing strain on our mental health care system. Families who have asked for help face lengthy wait lists or a 'not accepting new patients at this time' message from those specializing in trauma. This is a HUGE need within Springfield and experts continue to inform us that the mental health fallout from the pandemic will be years in the making. We must assess the supports in place and begin planning immediately. |
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