The Continuum of Community Need

You could describe our community’s need as a continuum. It changes over time, but it inevitably keeps going.

Last year, we conducted research to help us better understand this continuum – and better quantify need in our community. During this process, we gathered data from clients, community members, and leaders from other programs.

In the end, we learned that about 9% of our service area, or 6,350 individuals, currently lack at least one basic need or are at high risk of needing support.

These needs are often in multiple areas – food, clothing, transportation, employment, housing, and/or childcare – and are often linked. For example, with a better-paying job, a client can better cover monthly expenses like food and utilities; with affordable childcare, an unemployed parent can re-enter the workforce and contribute to the household income. We also learned the importance of being more relational with our clients. Many Interfaith clients were not aware of our full scope of services as they had limited exposure to our breadth of support. By working in an integrated way with clients, we can better focus on their long-term stability goals.

So, what’s next?

Moving into 2024, we’re feeling enthusiastic. We’re clear on client needs, and we’re prepared to respond strategically. But this enthusiasm is also met with the reality that our community’s need continues to grow: In January 2024, we provided services to 750 households – up from 687 in January 2023.

Some clients come to us with clear and immediate needs; others require longer-term support. Regardless of what brings neighbors to Interfaith, it’s our mission to move them along the path toward increased stability and help them feel they belong. You could say our work here is on a continuum, too.

As we look ahead, we’re doubling down on basic needs and seeing access to food as a basic right. On February 26, we’re kicking off Prevent Hunger, our annual effort to address food insecurity, with a community Food & Funds Drive.

This spring – this year – we need you to keep showing up. Please make a donation online at iocp.org/preventhunger or learn more about our Food and Funds Drive at iocp.org/PH24.

With gratitude,

Kevin Ward
Executive Director