UCHRA is asking residents throughout the region to take part in a new community survey used to help apply for the Community Services Block Grant.
UCHRA Community Services Assistant Director Jordan Herald said the federal grant would be used to provide programming and services to help combat poverty in all 14 counties in the Upper Cumberland. Herald said UCHRA is specifically seeking responses from individuals and families who are struggling to meet basic needs.
“We really want to tailor our services to individuals and families with low income and help them meet their basic needs,” Herald said. “But not only that, help them get ahead in life a little and offer the support that they need.”
Herald said UCHRA uses the survey results, along with census data and community feedback, to complete a needs assessment submitted to the state. That report ultimately determines funding for the following year and guides how UCHRA addresses service gaps.
“It’s really our case to DHS, saying these are our gaps in services within our communities, and this is how we plan to address those gaps along with our partners in the community,” Herald said.
Herald said the survey responses play a key role in shaping how UCHRA allocates resources and develops programs. Herald said past surveys have helped identify major concerns like food insecurity, housing affordability, and access to childcare.
“Another need that has always been one of the top five is housing,” Herald said. “We all know that housing costs are high and oftentimes very difficult for families to, you know, meet those housing amounts every month. That is one we see repetitively.”
Herald said access to affordable daycare is a top issue right now for low-income families in the region. Herald said housing assistance is something UCHRA has been trying to address using previous grant funds.
“We have had programs in the past through THCA that assist us with providing like a one-time assistance to rent,” Herald said. “We also partner with our sister agency, Upper Cumberland Development District, to work on housing needs within our communities.”
Herald said the survey will remain open for at least another month, with the possibility of extending the deadline if participation is low. Herald said residents can access the survey through UCHRA’s Facebook page, website, public transit vehicles, or by contacting any local UCHRA office for assistance. Herald said that all responses are anonymous.
