This report was compiled by identifying indicators in the areas of demographics, basic/special needs, economy, health, education, civic engagement, and the environment. These indicators were used to learn more about the regions.
Community Compass conducted surveys by interview with community leaders. They measured levels of satisfaction with economic, social, and health care concerns, compared these results with national trends, and identified where there are gaps.
This survey, commissioned by the United Way of Greater New Haven, was conducted by telephone and sampled residents of the Greater New Haven area. Common concerns that came up were economic stability, tobacco use among youth, and health care.
This chapter, entitled "Coming Home," focuses on the importance of maintaining the strength of neighborhoods in order to benefit homeowners that live there. As a case study, it looks at Battle Creek, Michigan, where a nonprofit called Neighborhoods Incorporated lends money for home purchase and neighborhood rehabilitation.
Community issues such as poverty and crime are often best addressed by leveraging the assets of community members to identify possible solutions that already exist. Neighbors are a valuable resource that can contribute greatly to community wellbeing.