Contact: Jackie Anderson, Division Manager
                Office of Housing and Community Services
                CNA@snoco.org
                425-388-3237

Snohomish County Low Income Community Needs Assessment

Snohomish County Human Services Department Releases Latest Report

EVERETT, Wash., June 18, 2019 – Today, the Snohomish County Human Services Department (HSD) has announced the release of the most recent Low Income Community Needs Assessment (CNA). The HSD conducts periodic CNAs in order to better understand the needs of Snohomish County households that currently have low-incomes. The purpose of the CNA is to inform poverty reduction efforts and resiliency in Snohomish County. It is intended to help public and private agencies plan for service delivery and possible policy changes.

The CNA surveyed 1,145 low-income households across Snohomish County. These households represented an estimated 3,273 persons. In addition, focus groups with low-income households were conducted in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Respondents were asked what services are most important to their households; what services are most difficult to access; and more specific questions regarding housing, employment and income, health and wellness, and education.

“We are very appreciative of the thousands of residents who have shared their insights with Snohomish County and the Community Services Advisory Council. Their contributions are critical to making well-informed decisions about how to best support the resiliency of all Snohomish County residents,” said Mary Jane Brell Vujovic, Snohomish County Director of Human Services.

The most pressing needs identified by low-income households included housing, dental care, help getting enough food, benefits assistance, utility assistance, transportation, and mental health services. Survey respondents with children under six in the household also identified childcare as a pressing need.

Using Census data, the CNA analyzed rates of poverty by census tract, historical trends, and disparities by demographic groups. The CNA revealed clear disparities by demographic groups. People with disabilities, those who have yet to obtain citizenship, people of color, children and youth, and women experience higher rates of poverty than the general population. The CNA may be accessed on the county’s website, here. For questions or comments about the CNA, please email CNA@snoco.org.

Snohomish County Human Services Department

The mission of Human Services is to help all persons meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community.