Catholic Charities Releases Latino Needs Assessment

On October 4, 2013, Catholic Charities released its Latino Needs Assessment. The study explored the needs of the Latino and Hispanic populations in the twelve counties of Southwestern Indiana. Nine areas were examined including health, education, income/employment, housing, community programs, senior services, financial and in-kind assistance, legal and general services, and spirituality. 

Individuals and organizations may use the report.  However, we ask that when data is used or the report is distributed in any fashion, it be accompanied by the following statement:

The 2013 Southwestern Indiana Latino Needs Assessment was conducted by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Evansville Indiana. All data and results should be considered within the contexts of the study, including its strengths and limitations."

Download report.

---

Executive Summary
Catholic Charities conducted its 2013 Southwestern Indiana Latino Needs Assessment in April and released it in October.  Participants were selected based on their leadership standing in the communities of the 12 counties of Southwestern Indiana. Respondents provided information through both online surveys and personal interviews.

The Latino population throughout the 12 counties of Southwestern Indiana has increased in the last decade. As the Latinos adjust to their communities and their communities adjust to them, it is important to assess the spiritual, economic and physical needs of the Latino populations. In order to identify and measure the extent of need, Catholic Charities conducted this assessment by surveying and personally interviewing community opinion leaders. 

Many issues emerged during this assessment. In the surveys, the Community Leaders identified the following as the most critical issues in the nine categories: health insurance; mental healthcare availability in Spanish; childcare affordability and availability; transportation; job training; homeownership issues; addiction services; clothes closet content variation; affordable legal counsel in English and Spanish; and feeling of inclusion from parish leadership and parish family programs in Spanish.

When given open-ended opportunities to express needs in the personal interviews, the Community Leaders identified the following as the most critical issues: lack of certified medical interpreters; variation of adult education resources; bilingual communication in schools; employment exploitation; documentation requirements for safe, quality housing; lack of medical financial assistance; and availability of bicultural priests. 

While many issues were  identified, some strengths in terms of serving the Latino population were also unveiled. Emergency healthcare services and English as a Second Language support in schools were clearly identified as not needed. Through examination of geographical differences, it was determined that many needs are being met through existing services and programs. 

The following report  provides an assessment of needs of the
Latino population in nine categories. Churches, social service agencies, business and other Latino community leaders will receive a copy of this report. 

Hopefully, the findings and recommendations from this assessment will benefit the Latino population in Southwestern Indiana and be used when considering business and organization evaluations and new program development.