Meeting Basic Human Needs in Smith County

A Study by the League of Women Voters  in cooperation with agencies of the United Way of Tyler/Smith County and PATH (People Attempting to Help)

To participate in this study, complete the form below, or email phreeves1@att.net

Members of the League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County adopted at their 2008 annual meeting a study of the effectiveness of government and non-governmental agencies in meeting the basic needs of Smith County residents. That study includes the basics of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

As the League begins our local study on Meeting Basic Human Needs (MBHN), the nation is facing a “harrowing” economic crisis (Bob Herbert, NYT commentator). Many of us are more concerned about our own day-to-day financial circumstances than we have been in years. As we work through this time, most of us are fortunate to have some level of resources to call on to help us adjust and survive. However, as Mr. Herbert notes, most of the concerns in the media focus on the effects on the middle class—“no one is even talking about the poor…the ones who will fare the worst are those who already are poor or near-poor. There are millions of them, and yet they remain essentially invisible. A step down for them is a step into destitution.” (NYT, 10/25/08)

 Those who already are on the fringes have few or no resources on which to call and may not even know where to turn for help. It is tempting to think that, because we may not see evidence of these struggles in our own circles, that our city or county has a smaller proportion of people who are doing without basic requirements for a decent life. We have already determined in our early information gathering for this study that this is not true.

In the research compiled for the LWV area study of Smith County, we learned that according to Census Bureau and Texas Demographer statistics, of 194,635 residents in Smith County, 14.5%, or approximately 28,200, fall below the federally-defined poverty line (as of 1/1/07). For a family of three that level is $15,670.  It is troubling to even try to imagine actually living on the amount designated poverty level, and even more disturbing to consider the real base costs of services we feel we need for a minimally acceptable life.

Why the League Adopted this Project

 Why is this a concern for the League of Women Voters? In short, the LWVUS position on Social Policy is to “Secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all. Promote social and economic justice, and the health and safety of all Americans.” (emphasis added) This statement in itself is a clear mandate for us to investigate conditions in our own local area.

But beyond this basic position, there are compelling reasons for every citizen to be concerned about meeting basic human needs in her own community. People who don’t have their basic needs met have a much more difficult time being “good citizens”. In a world where you or your children don’t have enough to eat, or access to a doctor when you’re sick, or basic transportation, how can being an ‘informed voter’ even make it into the list of priorities? In order for the futures of all of us to be more secure, the futures of those at risk must also be considered by all of us.

United Way Agencies Set to Work on Basic Needs Study

Pam Reeves and Dee Brock made a presentation about “Meeting Basic Human Needs” on behalf of LWV-Tyler/Smith County and United Way of Smith County to the Agency Directors Association on November 5. This group represents the agencies supported by United Way. The directors agreed there is a need for this study and were enthusiastic about working on the project.

     All directors in attendance completed cards indicating that they want their agencies to be involved, as well as indicating the ways they will help. We will be sending the directors not in attendance a cover sheet and the card to complete and return. We expect that they, too, will want to be involved.

     League members will receive the overview and the form to complete and submit via email to most members, and via U.S. mail to those who do not use email. Watch for this mailing and decide how you want to help.

League members will receive the overview and the form to complete and submit via email to most members, and via U.S. mail to those who do not use email. Watch for this mailing and decide how you want to help.

League to Partner with PATH on Basic Needs

Assessment

PATH (People Attempting to Help) joins the United Way and 16 other United Way agencies as partners in LWV-Tyler/Smith County’s study of Meeting Basic Human Needs (MBHN). Study Coordinator Pam Reeves met with PATH Executive Director Christina Fulsom about collaboration on an assessment planned for April 2009. Fulsom is experienced at community needs assessment, both in Tyler and previously for Head Start in Charlottesville, North Carolina, a plan that was used as a model for other agencies’ studies. Her study instrument is tailored to Tyler clients and her expertise will allow us to proceed without having to hire a consultant for study design.

PATH’s April survey of clients is an ideal opportunity for League participation to learn firsthand about needs in Tyler from the viewpoint of various underserved populations. Fulsom has offered to meet with interested League members to prepare them to be part of the League’s study. Watch for the date by postcard and on the website.

This strategic partnership allows for data from a broad range of sources, including service providers and clients receiving services. The next step will be a meeting of the steering committee to decide how to proceed with data gathering from the United way agencies.

These developments will allow for an initial report to members at the annual meeting in May. Compilation of data will begin in the summer toward development of a Facts & Issues background paper that members can use to reach consensus on this study.

If you would like to be part of the MBHN study steering committee or participate in any of the processes, please contact Pam Reeves at 903.569.2777 or phreeves1@att.net