Quality of Life Indicators
community responsiveness to its most vulnerable populations data
Nevada 2-1-1 system
food security
populations living in poverty -- updated 10/20/08
children living in poverty
Basic Family Budget Calculator
developmental childhood services
WIC (Woman, Infants & Children)
licensed childcare
homelessness
inter-religious organizations sponsoring community action/improvements
Nevada 2-1-1 system
More than 50,000 people to date have been helped by Nevada 2-1-1, a health and human services help line that connects callers with essential services and referrals, which began taking calls in Nevada just over one year ago on February 13, 2006. Nevada 2-1-1 at launch was available in 39% of the state; now 2-1-1 has expanded throughout Nevada and is available to residents in 99.5% of the state. With the support of more than 20 social service organizations that provide health and human services information and referrals, Nevada 2-1-1 provides an easy-to-remember telephone number that informs residents and impacts communities by connecting people with free information, important services and volunteer opportunities. It’s a vital service that helps people find and give help, and assistance can be found online as well at http://www.nevada211.org. Translation services in over 150 languages are available. The mission of 2-1-1 is to provide Nevada citizens access to the following types of services:
• Basic Human Services: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
• Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children’s Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
• Employment Support Services: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs
• Support for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
• Programs for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations
• Support for Community Crisis or Disaster Recovery: 2-1-1 systems in other states have proven valuable in disaster relief efforts in other communities. Nevada 2-1-1’s capabilities in this area will be developed as funding allows.
food security
Food insecurity varies along a continuum as it becomes more severe, according to the Hunger in America 2006 National Report. The USDA developed a “scaling tool” to define and track food security and hunger among households, providing the following definitions:
Food security: Access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food security includes at a minimum: (1) the ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, and (2) an assured ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways (e.g., without resorting to emergency food supplies, scavenging, stealing, or other coping strategies)..Food insecurity: Limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways
According to America’s Second Harvest (A2H) , a broad range of households in America receive some form of emergency food assistance:
• 36.4% of the members of households served by the A2H National Network are children <18 years
• 8% of the members of households are children age 0-5 years
• 10% of the members of households are elderly
• About 40% of clients are non-Hispanic white; 38% are non-Hispanic black, and the rest are from other racial groups (15% are Hispanic)
• 36% of households include at least one employed adult
• 68% have incomes below the official federal poverty level during the previous month
• 12% are homeless
• 93% are United States citizens
Among all client households served by emergency food programs of the A2H National Network:
• 70% are estimated to be food insecure, according to the U.S. government’s official food security scale (this includes client households who are food insecure without hunger and those who are food insecure with hunger)
• 33% of the clients are experiencing hunger
• 42% of clients served by the A2H National Network report having to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel
• 35% had to choose between paying for food and paying their rent or mortgage
• 32% had to choose between paying for food and paying for medicine or medical care
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada estimated that 17% of the state’s populate in 2006 are food insecure; 37,595 individuals reside in Washoe County, 14,665 of whom are children. Note that the Food Bank’s service area includes 14 northern Nevada counties and portions of 7 eastern Sierra California counties; 63% of clients reside and 69% of food resources are distributed in Washoe County.
In 2005, the Food Bank participated in the national study to better understand the realities of individuals seeking emergency food assistance. Key findings, include the following:
• 61% of client households have incomes below the federal poverty threshold; 81% live below 130% of the threshold
• 35% of clients have to choose between paying for food and paying for rent, utilities or medical care
• 27% of clients never finished high school
• The median monthly income of client households is $900
• 37% of emergency food recipients are children < 18 years; 35% of clients who visit emergency food program sites are ≥ 65 years
• 5.4% of clients households with children report that their children skipped meals due to a lack of food and money in the previous 12-months
• Only 32% of client households receive food stamp benefits, although 81% are eligible (statewide, 44% of eligible households participate in the program)
• In Nevada, more than $110 million in federal nutrition benefits are not being used each year due to low participation by potentially eligible families (food stamp eligibility begins at 130% of poverty)
• Clients are 63% Caucasian, 21% Hispanic, and 8% African-American; 48% are children < 18 years and 13% are ≥ 60 years
• 41% of clients not currently working have been unemployed for more than two years
Children from food insecure homes are more likely to have poorer overall and mental health, are sick and hospitalized more often, and miss more days of school. Older adults with inadequate diets are vulnerable to disease and require longer recovery from disease. This all of this adds up to increased costs for Nevadans. Assisting eligible families to receive federal earned income and child tax credits due to them is a first step to food security. In-school nutrition education is critical to our children’s futures. Training and employment programs, safe and affordable childcare, and alternate transportation options can help facilitate families transitioning to economic independence.
populations living in poverty -- updated 10/20/08
According to the US Census Bureau, 2007 American Community Survey, the percent of children, families and seniors living in poverty in Washoe County increased to 10% in 2007, but continues to remain below Nevada (10.7%) and the national average (13%). Other indicators show that these families face many difficulties including lack of affordable housing and medical insurance. All of these factors combine to make it extremely difficult for families to alter their fortunes. The poverty threshold in 2007 for a family of four was $21,203 per year in income; $10,590 for a single person.
children living in poverty
The Annie E. Casey, Kids Count project tracks the percentage of children living in poverty as one of the key indicators of child and family wellbeing. In 2005, New Hampshire was lowest in the country with just 9% of its children living in poverty. Nevada ranked 16th the same year with just over 15% of children living in poverty. In contrast, Mississippi had the highest percentage with 31% of children living in poverty.
Basic Family Budget Calculator
The Economic Policy Institute, Basic Family Budget Calculator calculates only the amounts a family needs to spend to feed, shelter and clothe, get to work and school, and subsist today. It includes no savings, no restaurant meals, no funds for emergencies—not even renters’ insurance to protect against fire, flood or theft. For the same family of four in Reno-Sparks MSA in 2004 (most recent year data was available), the basic budget was $38,100, about twice the US 2000 poverty level of $20,000. Note that 130% of poverty is eligibility threshold for nutrition programs, food stamps, free school lunch and USDA commodity programs.
developmental childhood services
Hungry children miss school and are less prepared to learn.
WIC (Woman, Infants & Children)
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded short-term nutrition program operated in Nevada through the Nevada State Health Division, Bureau of Family Health Services. Its objective is to improve the health of Nevada women, infants, and children who are eligible for the program by providing supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, and other health and social services. WIC is cost-effective. By reducing the incidence of low birth weight, premature births, and infant mortality, WIC generates significant savings in reduced health care costs. In fact, for every dollar spent on pregnant women in WIC, there is a $1.92 to $4.21 savings in Medicaid for newborns and their mothers.
licensed childcare
Washoe County provides Child Care Licensing Services. A consistent number of homes and centers were licensed in Washoe County in 2005-06, as the year before. This is a trend that is being seen both statewide and nationally. 2006 showed a slight increase in centers and overall capacity, attributed to an increase in the number of licensed centers and homes. This slow increase can be attributed, in part, to the rising employment rates and the disparate wage and benefit rates for child caregivers as a profession.
The Department’s Child Care Service’s staff of three social workers are geographically assigned to monitor the child care homes and centers that provide care to more than one child for compensation. Per NRS 432A, Washoe County Department of Social Services is authorized to enact and enforce regulations with regard to program and services of child care facilities. The Regulations for Child Care Facilities are approved by the Board of County Commissioners as well as the Bureau of Services for Child Care with the State of Nevada. In FY 2005-06, Department staff investigated 240 complaints of violations of the Regulations. The Department sponsors and partners with a number of community agencies to improve caregiver awareness and education in the areas of quality programming, child abuse and neglect prevention, reporting requirements, and caregiver support initiatives.
Ongoing challenges remain for families to find affordable childcare in their own neighborhoods or near their employment or that meet their work schedule. Supporting childcare is a smart business decision. For every $1 spent on childcare, there is at least a $2-$9 economic benefit through increased tax revenue and decreased social, education and health costs. [Source]
homelessness
The Reno Area Alliance for the Homeless (RAAH) conducts an annual Point-in-Time count of homeless individuals across Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County. The effort includes a “street” count of the homeless, an online survey of homeless service providers, a motel count of individuals and families living at local motels, and interviews with homeless individuals living on the street, in motels, or in shelters. Those interested in more specific data are encouraged to contact RAAH directly.
The 2007 survey respondents included the following — 5:10 emergency shelters, 4:7 transitional housing, and 4:4 permanent supportive housing providers. Responses revealed 204 beds available for singles and 9 for families on January 31, 2007; 245 individuals were served, 8 families with children (25 total individuals in families). Of the 245 individuals, 188 were adult males, 50 were adult females, and 7 were minors. Seventy-two adult single males and 14 adult single females met the criteria set by HUD as being chronically homeless, and 22 adult males were veterans. Of the 39 interviewees, overwhelmingly, unemployment/lost job (59%) and inability to pay rent (66.7%) were the reasons given for being homeless. Lack of adequate transportation (43.6%) was also a cause to preventing individuals from living in permanent housing.
According to data collected by the Reno Area Alliance For The Homeless, the Washoe County School District, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department, Kid’s Korner, and other service providers, approximately 16,000 households are considered at risk of becoming homeless in Washoe County alone. The most common factors of homelessness in northern Nevada are domestic crises (including domestic battering), inability to find an affordable house or apartment, unemployment, sudden illness in the family, and unforeseen major expenses. In Nevada the TANF monthly subsidy of $348 for a mother with two children has not been increased in many years. [Source]
inter-religious organizations sponsoring community action/improvements
The Great Basin Peace and Justice Networkk lists the following members:
• Alternative Transportation Club & EAA
• Citizen Alert
• Conscious Community and Business Network
• International A.N.S.W.E.R, Reno
• Great Basin Community Food Cooperative
• HOME, Healing Ourselves and Mother Earth
• No New Mushroom Clouds Over Nevada, or Anywhere Coalition
• Reno AntiWar Coalition (RAWC)
• Reno First United Methodist Church
• Reno Free Store
• Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace (SIAP)
• Voices for Peace
Youth Militarization Awareness Project (Y-Map)
• Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace
• Molly Ivins Pots ‘n’ Pans Brigade
• Peace Crane Saturdays
• Food Not Bombs Sundays
According to the Faith in Public Life website, the following faith organizations are focusing on specific community issues:
Nevada Presbytery - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Mainline Protestant
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Discrimination/Racial Issues, Women’s Health/Domestic Violence, Environment/Energy, Immigration
Web: http://www.nevadapres.org/Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, NV
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Roman Catholic
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Health/AIDS, Women’s Health/Domestic Violence, Senior Citizens’ Concerns, Children’s Issues/Education
Web: http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/ignore;jsessionid=f43%3A44dba6e8%3Aa11c686e4588312?MIval=framed_page&GID=00017000000959696568560409&PG=00017000000959696568655235Catholic Community Services of Northern Nevada - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Roman Catholic
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Health/AIDS, Women’s Health/Domestic Violence, Senior Citizens’ Concerns, Children’s Issues/Education, Immigration
Web: http://ccsnn.org/
Citizen Alert - Las Vegas, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Secular
Policy Focus: Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.citizenalert.org/Episcopal Diocese of Nevada Peace and Justice Commission - Las Vegas, NV
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Mainline Protestant
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Discrimination/Racial Issues, Peace/Human Rights, Labor/Just Wages, Women’s Health/Domestic Violence, Gay Rights/Sexuality, Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.nvdiocese.org/COMMITTEES-COMMISSIONS/PEACEJUSTICE/_PeaceJusticeDir.htmFRIENDS OF NEVADA WILDERNESS - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.nevadawilderness.org/framesets/fmainset.htmFamily Promise Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Women’s Health/Domestic Violence, Senior Citizens’ Concerns, Children’s Issues/Education
Web: http://www.ihnlv.org/index.htmFirst United Methodist Church, Carson City - Carson City, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Mainline Protestant
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness
Web: http://www.carson1umc.org/Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada - Boulder City, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Peace/Human Rights, Fair Trade/International Development
Web: http://www.lasvegasinterfaith.org/Las Vegas Catholic Worker - Las Vegas, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Roman Catholic
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Peace/Human Rights, Death Penalty/Criminal Justice/Drugs, Labor/Just Wages, Immigration
Web: http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/servlet/lvrj_ProcServ/dbpage=page&mode=display&gid=01308001051025635176370394Life, Peace, and Justice Commission of the Diocese of Reno - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Roman Catholic
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Peace/Human Rights, Death Penalty/Criminal Justice/Drugs, Labor/Just Wages, Reproductive Issues, Immigration
Web: http://www.catholicreno.org/Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Mainline Protestant
Policy Focus: Peace/Human Rights, Gay Rights/Sexuality
Web: http://www.mcclv.com/Nevada ACORN - Las Vegas, NV
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Discrimination/Racial Issues, Budget Reform/Taxes, Labor/Just Wages
Web: http://www.acorn.orgNevada Desert Experience - Las Vegas, NV
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Peace/Human Rights
Web: http://www.nevadadesertexperience.org/index.htmNevada Partnership for Homeless Youth - Las Vegas, NV
Faith Affiliation: Secular
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Gay Rights/Sexuality
Web: http://www.nevadahomelessyouth.org/index.phpNevada Shakespeare Co - Reno, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Secular
Policy Focus: Peace/Human Rights, Gay Rights/Sexuality, Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.nevada-shakespeare.org/Nevada Women’s Lobby - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Secular
Policy Focus: Women’s Health/Domestic Violence, Children’s Issues/Education, Reproductive Issues
Web: http://www.nevadawomenslobby.org/Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Immigration
Fax: (775) 348-7707
Web: http://www.planevada.org/Religious Alliance in Nevada - Reno, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Ecumenical
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Death Penalty/Criminal Justice/Drugs, Health/AIDS, Women’s Health/Domestic Violence, Children’s Issues/Education, Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.rainnv.org/index.htmlReno AntiWar Coalition - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Peace/Human Rights, Fair Trade/International Development
Web: http://www.renopeace.org/index.htmSierra Interfaith Action for Peace - , NV
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Peace/Human Rights
Web: http://www.sierrainterfaith.org -Southern Nevada Interfaith Council - Boulder City, NV
Faith Affiliation: Interfaith
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Peace/Human Rights, Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.pluralism.org/research/profiles/display.php?profile=73672Sunrise Sustainable Resources Group - Minden, NV
Faith Affiliation: Secular
Policy Focus: Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.solarquest.com/nevada/Temple Emanu-El - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Jewish
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Discrimination/Racial Issues, Peace/Human Rights, Children’s Issues/Education
Web: http://www.renoemanuel.org/Temple Sinai - Reno, NV
Faith Affiliation: Jewish
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Discrimination/Racial Issues, Women’s Health/Domestic Violence
Web: http://nv001.urj.net/The Food Bank of Northern Nevada - Sparks, NV
Faith Affiliation: Secular
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Children’s Issues/Education
Web: http://www.fbnn.org/United Methodist Church, Nevada Regional Office - Reno, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Mainline Protestant
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Peace/Human Rights, Labor/Just Wages, Children’s Issues/Education
Web: http://www.cnumc.org/community/districtChurches/nevSierra.phpVictory Missionary Baptist Church - Las Vegas, NV - Show on Map
Faith Affiliation: Christian: Black Church
Policy Focus: Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness, Discrimination/Racial Issues, Health/AIDS, Senior Citizens’ Concerns, Children’s Issues/Education
Web: http://www.victorymbc.org/Western Shoshone Defense Project - Crescent Valley, NV
Faith Affiliation: Other/Not Listed
Policy Focus: Discrimination/Racial Issues, Peace/Human Rights, Environment/Energy
Web: http://www.wsdp.org/