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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLinkages - Renton Human Service Needs Assessment (1996) r :i Z r' r k.t , ":.3rar, t 'ate-'�" , t . n . 4 N' .. . , • , ii, ',.:--.: 4,,,' ' ,-, . IZI)q /00 . 7 iit •. fr p ° • ilr.,/d a .aria r , -$ 1 g , + ti " N. ill ' ' I .,,. ,, ''‘I''_ w / R Linkages „. ? .. .,,,, _____ __________ „ .. ...____ _ . „ - .tr, " , u i 4 fittp/--- . Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together Human Services Needs Assessment City of Renton 41 milL III 1996 Principal Authors Dee Arntz & Tracy Thomas Design & Production Brian Morris, Morning Star Photography , ' , 2 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. CITY OF RENTON 1996 LINKAGES Jesse Tanner, Mayor Jay Covington, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Renton City Council Toni Nelson, President Daniel Clawson Randy Corman Bob Edwards King Parker Timothy Schlitzer Kathy Keolker-Wheeler City of Renton Staff Sam Chastain, Administrator, Community Services Karen Marshall, Human Services Manager Dee Arntz, Community Development Specialist Tracy Thomas, Outreach Specialist Dennis Conte, Housing Assistance Specialist Gloria Gamba, Human Services Office Technician Lynn Rothlisberger, Housing Assistance Technician Michael Kattermann, Director, Planning & Technical Services Rebecca Lind, Principal Planner, Long Range Planning Owen Dennison, Assistant Planner, Long Range Planning Human Services Advisory Committee Rolf Dragseth, Chair Margie Albritton Jim Dykes Juanita Grant Leslie Huberty Dixon Long Ron McDonald Vivian Pappas IR Survey and Survey Analysis The Gilmore Research Group Linkages Human Services, City of Renton Focusing on the needs of Renton Table Of Contents Executive Summary 5 Glossary 11 Introduction 15 Chapter 1. Renton and Its Neighborhoods 21 Population Trends 21 Renton Neighborhoods 25 Summary 25 Chapter 2. Community Assets 29 Location 31 Small Town Living 31 Sense of Community 32 Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities 33 Public Services and Amenities 34 Summary 35 Chapter 3. Perception of Human Services Needs 37 and Barriers to Service Community-wide Needs 37 Household Problems 40 Barriers to Help for Household Problems 41 Summary 44 Chapter 4. Meeting Basic Needs 45 Households in Need 45 Emergency Services 48 Unemployment 49 Housing 50 Housing Stability and Homelessness 55 Summary 57 Chapter 5. Health and Safety 59 Primary Health Care 59 Dental Care 63 Mental Health 65 Public Safety 67 Summary 68 4 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Chapter 6. Children, Youth and Families 71 Domestic Violence 71 Child Abuse 73 Teen Issues 74 Drug and Alcohol Abuse 77 Childcare 79 Summary 81 Chapter 7. Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities 83 Senior Citizens 83 Persons with Disabilities 89 Summary 90 Chapter 8. Community Resources 91 Renton Community Resources Guide 98 Renton Community Resources Map 118 Chapter 9. Recommendations 121 Appendices A. Community Leaders 123 B. Selected Bibliography 125 C. Phone Survey Questionnaire 131 Tables Table 1 Comparison of Profiles of Phone and Written 19 Survey Respondents Table 2 Demographic Profiles of Renton Neighborhoods 26 Table 3 The Best Things About Living in Renton 30 Table 4 Perceptions of Community Problems in Renton 38 Table 5 Barriers to Seeking and Getting Help for 42 Household Problems Table 6 Groups of Residents Perceived to be Under-Served and 43 Over-Served by Human Services by Community Leaders Table 7 Low Income Family Monthly Budget 47 Table 8 Affordable Housing in Renton 52 Table 9 Crime Statistics for 1993 through 1995 69 Table 10 Renton Community Resources Guide 98 Figures Figure 1 Population by Age Group 22 Figure 2 Percent of Residents Below the Poverty Level by 24 Race and Age Group Figure 3 Renton Census Tracts 27 Figure 4 Renton as a Place to Live 29 Figure 5 Household Problems in the Past Year by Renton Residents 40 Figure 6 Seeking and Finding Help for Household Problems 42 Figure 7 Renton Community Resources Map 118 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The changing human services needs and priorities are reflected in the 1996 Renton Human Services Needs Assessment. The title of the report is "Linkages - Renton Human Services Needs Assessment". The term "linkages" has many meanings. • Personal connections of people reaching out to each other. • Personal connections linking citizens into a community that cares for all its citizens - children, youth, families, seniors, and those with disabilities. • Bonds of a strong community reaching out through community institutions, non-profit service providers, parks, community and neighborhood centers, libraries, and other resources that make Renton feel like a small town. Linkages focuses on solutions and not just problems. How can we foster our sense of community by linking neighbor to neighbor, community organizations to those who are isolated, and services to families and individuals? The report stresses Renton's sense of community that was identified by a large proportion of respondents. This community strength is reflected in the City of Renton mission: The City of Renton, in partnership with residents, business and government, is dedicated to: Providing a healthy atmosphere in which to live and raise families; Encourage responsible growth and economic vitality; Create a positive work environment; Resulting in a quality community where people choose to live, work and play. As the population grows and changes, so do the needs of Renton citizens. Population Trends Renton is growing and becoming more diverse. The population of Renton has grown from 30,612 in 1980 to 41 ,688 in 1990 and to 44,890 in 1995. As Renton has grown, it has become more racially diverse. Between 1980 and 1990, the Non-White population has more than Linking People Neibhhorhood-, and Communille,,iHo(tin doubled, rising from 2,616 to 6,898. In the 1980 Census, 92 percent of the population was identified as White, with the remainder primarily African American (3%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (4%). By 1990, Whites had increased by 6,794, but had dropped to 84 percent of the total population. In 1995, the Renton School District reported that twenty-seven languages were being spoken in the Renton schools. Asian/Pacific Islanders and African-Americans are the two largest ethnic groups. Between 1980 and 1990, the Asian/Pacific Islander population grew from 1 ,152 to 3,227, an increase of 2,075. The African American population grew from 771 to 2,731 , an increase of 1 ,960. The remaining Native American and Other Race categories changed little over the period, each making up about 1 percent of the total population. Ethnic communities are visible and active in Renton. The Filipino community has a number of associations including the Filipino American Community of Renton. About 300 Filipino families attend St. Anthony's Church. St. Anthony's is also the home to the Spanish Community that holds a special service on Sunday evenings. The Renton Spanish congregation at St. Anthony's is about 500 including children. There also appears to be emerging Korean and Vietnamese communities. The African American community is active in churches, the business community, and the schools. The Black Parents Association is influential in school affairs. In Renton, there is also a community of Ukrainians. This community tends to have large families and joins together in several small Pentecostal congregations. New families are making Renton younger. For most age groups, the 1990 Census did not reflect a significant change from ten years earlier. In contrast, the 25 to 35 year old portion of the population rose significantly between 1980 to 1990. Almost 4,000 additional residents, 35 percent of the total population increase, were in this category in 1990. At the same time, children under 10 increased by 1 ,846, or 17 percent of the overall population increase. About 9,400 Renton residents are low income according to HUD guidelines. In 1990, about one-fifth of Renton's population, or 9,400 persons, were low income or below using federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Income Guidelines. The income for a family of three at Excecutive Summary 7 50 percent of the median is $23,750, or about $1 ,979 per month. As shown by a recent National League of Cities report (1996), this percentage is comparable to other cities of Renton's size across the country Community Assets All in all, most people think that Renton is a good to excellent place to live. Those surveyed identified five main assets — location, atmosphere of small town living, sense of community, parks, recreation and community facilities, and public services and amenities. High Priority Needs Most problems were ranked similarly by the three survey samples - phone, written, and community leaders Youth issues ranked as a top community need. Census data shows there is an influx of young families in Renton. Our children and youth are adversely affected by poverty and family violence. They are often the victims of child abuse and neglect, witness violence against their mothers, and are victims of crimes committed by other youth. Childcare was rated as a high need. This is consistent with national trends. A recent National League of Cities Study, Critical Needs, Critical Choices, rated childcare as the top concern for families. This study also noted delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, and other risky behaviors as the highest need for 14 to 18 year olds. Renton residents also rated crime as a high priority. However, statistics show that 9,507 crimes were committed in Renton in 1995, with 370 known to be committed by juveniles. All the highest identified needs affect families. Other top ranked priorities were affordable health care, affordable dental care, affordable housing, and poverty or the inability to fulfill basic needs. Community Health Center reports that many low income residents do not have health care coverage. Rental housing costs continue to increase as incomes decline. The average rent for a three-bedroom unit in Renton is $738 per month, significantly above the affordability level for low income families with children. The lowest ranked needs related to caring for senior citizens and persons with disablities. Some people in the survey perceived that seniors, while not over-served, did receive satisfactory services. Citizens over 60 comprise 14.2 percent of 8 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. the Renton population. This is a slight decline from 14.7 percent in 1980. The services available to them include the Renton Senior Center, health services and special transportation. A 1993 report from the King County Division on Aging shows that the needs of the minority elderly are the greatest. This is also shown in the City of Renton population data. Community Resources There are resources in Renton to meet some of the human services needs. A Renton Community Resources Guide lists over 100 resources available to Renton residents including the type of service, the capacity and eligibility for services. Recommendations Through partnerships with the community, the City can be a leader in shaping human services systems which are responsive to the changing needs of Renton. The City has a role in assisting the community to build linkages and relationships that can address the needs, and to begin working on solutions. Specifically, it is recommended that the City of Renton: prepare and adopt a Human Services Element to the Comprehensive Plan; develop a common vision for human services in Renton including business leaders, Valley Medical Center, Renton human services providers, service clubs and other stakeholders; and define outcomes and benchmarks to measure progress. Approach and Organization The needs assessment process included surveys, interviews with community leaders, a compilation of Renton resources that addresses identified needs, and a review and analysis of current reports and documents. Our first task was to determine needs by asking Renton residents themselves. The overall purpose of Linkages is to gain an understanding of the human services needs in Renton. The City sought answers to five questions: 1 . What human services needs do residents and community leaders see as problems in Renton and its neighborhoods? 2. What problems have residents had in their households in the past year? Excecutive Summary 9 3. What suggestions do residents and community leaders have to address the problems? 4. What are the best things about living in Renton? 5. What barriers prevent residents from seeking or getting help for their problems? There were two different resident surveys: a phone survey of 408 randomly selected Renton adults, and a written survey completed by 223 residents. In addition, 52 key community leaders were interviewed using similar survey questions. Linkages focuses on community assets and needs in Renton and incorporates the most recent data and analysis. The focus of Linkages is Renton itself and the voices of the community. Some comparisons were made to national trends, and data from South King County. This report is a snapshot of what exists today and may provide some indications for the future. Throughout the document, value judgements are made as Human Services staff sifted through data and organized Linkages to highlight key issues for policy makers and the public. Overall, the needs as identified by Renton residents and community leaders are consistent with other data and analysis. Linkages begins with Chapter 1 , a profile of Renton's population relying largely on the 1990 Census, and ends with recommendations for the future in Chapter 9. Chapter 3 discusses the problems identified in the assessment process with a focus on high priority needs and populations. It also includes the barriers to finding assistance raised by those surveyed. The existing resources available to Renton residents are compiled in Chapter 8. This list includes the organization name, address, services provided, capacity and eligibility and also a map showing where services are located. There are three appendices including a copy of the phone survey questionnaire. Glossary Affordable housing is the expenditure of no more than 30 percent of gross household income on housing each month, excluding utilities. Adult family homes are residential homes licensed to care for up to six residents. They provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, and social services. Nursing services may be available. AFDC is Aid to Families with Dependent Children, often referred to as welfare or public assistance. It is administered by states to provide cash benefits to unemployed parents with dependent children. Assisted living is an enhanced level of care boarding home in which personal care services such as bathing, dressing and assistance with medications are provided, in addition to room, board, housekeeping, laundry and recreational activities. They may also provide social services and transportation. Chore services include assistance with personal care and related household chores such as laundry, meal preparation, escorted transportation and shopping. Child abuse and neglect is injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child, under circumstances which indicate the child's health, welfare, and safety is harmed. Childcare subsidies are partial funding through county or state programs that help low income families with childcare costs. DSHS is the Department of Social and Health Services. This agency is responsible for administering AFDC, GA-U, Medicaid, food stamps, and other social services. Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior in which one person attempts to establish and maintain power and control over their partner including: physical, mental, or sexual abuse. Emergency housing is free housing from one night to three months. ESL is English as a Second Language. Usually refers to people whose native tongue is something other than English. 12 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. GA-U is the General Assistance, and Unemployable program. Cash benefits, administered by the Department of Social and Health Services are provided to adults that are disabled and do not qualify for SSI. "Gateway" drugs are those that often lead to more dangerous drug use. Alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana are all considered "gateway" drugs. GED is a General Education Diploma. It is earned by taking a state administered test, and is the equivalent of a high school diploma. General funds are funds allocated by cities that are generated from property tax revenues. Emergency housing is short term housing, normally several nights to a week, available free of charge to a homeless individual or family. JOBS is the Job Opportunity Basic Skills and training program offered through the Department of Social and Health Services. It is specifically for people on the AFDC or food stamp program. It provides help with finding work or training to enter the workforce. In addition, funding is available for childcare, transportation, or education related costs. JTPA is the Job Training and Partnership Act. This federal program offers training and career change opportunities for dislocated workers, and economically disadvantaged youth. Low income housing usually refers to housing which costs no more than 30 percent of a family's monthly income. In many cases such housing is subsidized with federal or state dollars. Median income is the income level where just as many households are above it as below it. Moderate Income is an income graduated by family size which is between 50 and 80 percent of the median income of the Seattle metropolitan area used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to qualify persons under the Community Development Block Grant Program. Multi-family housing is defined as two units or more. Older adults, as used in this report, is a term for all persons 60 years of age or older. Poverty is usually defined as the inability to meet basic needs. Poverty guidelines are published by the Department of Health and Human Services. These guidelines are based on a basic food budget multiplied by three. Senior citizens, as used in this report, are persons 65 and older. Sexual assault is forcible rape, coercion, molestation, child molestation, incest, and indecent liberties taken with a woman or child. Social Services Block Grants (SSBG) are provided to states from the Department of Health and Human Services for children and families. The amount is based on population data from the census report and is administered in the State of Washington by the Department of Children and Family Services. SPECTRA is a program for disabled adults whose goal is to help people stay in their own homes. S - Support Services Coordination, helps with chore services, meals on wheels, personal care, or home visits. P - Personalized financial management. E - Establishes stable housing, such as the Section 8 program. C - Case Coordination. T - Trouble shooting and crisis intervention. R - Representative payees, helping people with their finances.. A - Advocacy, helping clients advocate for themselves. Subsidized housing is housing available at low rents to low income persons due to government subsidies or assistance. Normally, the rent does not exceed 30 percent of the gross family monthly income. Transitional housing is longer term housing, three months to two years, at minimal or no cost, to facilitate a transition from emergency housing to market rate or other subsidized housing. Frequently, support services such as employment counseling and childcare are provided to promote long term family stability. Very low income means below 50 percent of the median income. WIC is the Women, Infants, and Children program funded by the federal Department of Agricultural Supplemental Food Program and distributed by the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. It provides supplemental food vouchers to pregnant or nursing women, infants, and children under the age of 5. Youth at risk are those that either come from a low socio-economic background, live in a disadvantaged neighborhood, or have less educational and employment opportunities. In summation, "youth at-risk" are those who are at risk of becoming disconnected from society. Introduction Purpose Linkages - Renton Human Services Needs Assessment presents the human services needs of Renton and offers recommendations for the future. It also describes the assets of Renton and the resources that now exist to address the needs. The report is intended as a tool for policy makers and a resource for Renton citizens. Human services support families and individuals in need and those facing emergencies such as loss of income, eviction, or a health crisis. Services can also assist populations such as older adults, persons with disabilities and homeless with longer term needs. The range of services include: emergency food and shelter, help for victims of domestic violence, youth services, transportation for seniors and the disabled, and health and dental care for all ages. The report demonstrates that it is important to address barriers which restrict accessibility to services. It begins to answer the question, "How can our community support our citizens to live happier and more productive lives"? The term "linkages" has many meanings. 4,...• Personal connections of people reaching out to each other. • Personal connections linking citizens to a .. community that cares for all its citizens - ` children, youth, families, seniors, and those x , with disabilities. • Bonds of a strong community reaching out r through community institutions, non-profit :` service providers, parks, community and neighborhood centers, libraries, and other resources that make Renton feel like a . caring, small town. .,_ % u Pty Linkages focuses on solutions and not just 04 - problems. How can we foster our sense of community by linking neighbor to neighbor, community organizations to those who are isolated, and services to families and individuals? The report stresses Renton's sense of community that was identified by a large proportion of respondents. This community strength is reflected in the City of Renton's mission which states in part that: 16 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. The City of Renton in partnership with residents, business and government is dedicated to providing a healthy atmosphere in which to live and raise families. As the population grows and changes, so do the needs of Renton citizens. Organization The report begins with a demographic profile of Renton, relying largely on the 1990 Census, and ends with recommendations for the future in Chapter 9. Chapter 3 summarizes the survey and provides an overview of the problems and barriers to assistance. Chapters 4 through 7 focus on high priority needs and populations. The existing resources available to Renton residents are compiled in Chapter 8. A Renton Community Resources Guide is included which lists: the organization name, address, services provided, capacity, and eligibility. A map shows where services are located. There are also a number of appendices including a copy of the phone survey questionnaire. The report relies on 1990 Census data because, in most cases, it is the most recent data available. Where more recent data is used, it is noted. Within the report, special terms are used to discuss income levels, and population size. The report also refers to federal and state programs. The first time these terms or programs are used they are defined. Thereafter, no definitions will appear. A Glossary is provided on Page 11 for easy reference. Methodology The needs assessment process included surveys, interviews with community leaders, a compilation of Renton resources that addresses identified needs, and a review and analysis of current reports and documents. The references sited and sources used are listed in the Selected Bibliography, Appendix B. The overall purpose of the Human Services Needs Assessment is to gain an understanding of the human services needs in Renton. Our first task was to determine needs by asking Renton residents. The City of Renton sought answers to five questions: 1 . What human service needs do residents and community leaders see as problems in Renton and its neighborhoods? 2. What problems have residents had in their households in the past year? Introduction 17 3. What suggestions do residents and community leaders have to address the problems? 4. What are the best things about living in Renton? 5. What barriers prevent residents from seeking or getting help for their problems? There were two different resident surveys: a phone survey of 408 randomly selected Renton adults and a written survey completed by 223 residents. In addition, 52 key community leaders were interviewed using similar survey questions. The Human Services Needs Assessment surveys were comprehensive. All respondents were asked to rate a list of 24 human services needs as major problems, moderate problems, minor problems, or not problems at all in Renton. These issues dealt with crime, health and health care, substance abuse, economics, domestic problems, recreation, and problems of the elderly and persons with disabilities. In addition, all respondents were asked to identify community assets and barriers. The phone and written surveys included questions about problems that occurred in the household. A copy of the phone survey questionnaire is contained in Appendix C. The Gilmore Research Group was hired to conduct the surveys and to analyze the results. Their report was integrated into Linkages, which was written by Renton Human Services staff. The Renton Planning Department analyzed the 1990 Census data. The first, and largest, of the two surveys was the phone survey of 408 Renton residents. Because of the random selection of respondents, the phone survey is the only one of the three that can be projected to the population as a whole. A sample of randomly generated phone numbers for the prefixes in Renton's zip codes was purchased from Survey Sampling, Inc. Because some zip codes extend beyond the city limits, respondents were screened to verify they live in incorporated Renton. (. ( 4 * _ :r (Even with this screening, about 10% of the respondents did not live in Renton. ! -► I14 4, The Fairwood area was the residence of _— most respondents who lived outside incorporated Renton, but told interviewers _ they lived within the City of Renton.) ; Interviews were conducted between November 16 and December 13, 1995. 18 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. The written surveys were distributed by Renton Human Services staff through a variety of organizations. The Renton Community Health Center, The Salvation Army, Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, and other service providers were asked to distribute surveys to their clients. Three churches — Korean Congregation of the First Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Church, and St. Anthony's Catholic Church — were asked to distribute surveys to minority members of their congregations. Surveys were distributed to Block Watch Captains and at the Renton Community Center December Holiday Bazaar. A total of 223 surveys were completed and returned. Community leaders were also questioned about Renton human services needs. In-person interviews were conducted with 52 key community leaders. Interviewers from Gilmore Research conducted 23 interviews, and the remainder were performed by Renton Human Services staff. Interviews were conducted in January and February, 1995, and lasted about a half an hour. Appendix A is a list of the community leaders. There were differences between the demographic profiles of respondents to the phone survey and written survey. Because of its random respondent selection process, the phone survey is the only one that can be projected to the Renton population. The written survey, because of its emphasis on provider clients, appears to reflect the views of citizens in greater need. The three significant differences between the demographic profiles of the respondents to the phone survey and the written survey are: • The phone survey respondents were almost equally male and female while the written survey respondents were 80 percent female. • The written survey respondents appear to be poorer. • The written survey respondents had larger families: 52 percent had families of three or more versus the phone respondents with 38 percent. Also, many more of these families had children living at home. These differences are demonstrated in Table 1 . Introduction 19 Table 1 Profiles of Phone and Hand-out Survey Respondents Phone Survey Hand-out Survey (408) (223) Gender: Male 51% 20% Female 49 80 Age: Under 24 4% 11% 25-44 44 43 45-64 33 26 65 or Older 16 20 Ethnicity: White 87% 80% Minority 12 20 Household Size: One 21% 16% Two 40 32 Three or More 38 52 Households With a Member... 5 or Younger 13% 14% 6 to 12 15 29 13 to 17 9 23 65 or Older 23 25 Family Structure: No Children at Home 68% 37% Two-Parent Household 26 44 One-Parent Household 6 19 Household Income: Under$15,000 n/a 32% $15,000 to $24,999 16 $25,000 to $34,999 13 $35,000 to $49,999 17 $50,000 to $74,999 15 $75,000 or More 8 50% of Median* or Below 14% n/a 51% to 80% of Median* 18 Above 80% of Median* 55 Don't Know /Refused 12 * Medians based on household size. Neighborhood: Highlands 20% 28% Benson Hill, Talbot Hill 18 13 Earlington, N. Renton, S. Renton, 16 28 West Hill, W. Kennydale Briarwood, East Kennydale, Glencoe. 14 11 Heather Downs, Honey Dew, Maplewood, North Highlands, President Park, Sierra Heights Cascade, Fairwood I") n/a Tiffany Park, Renton Hill 10 8 Don't Know/Other 10 13 CHAPTER 1 Renton and Its Neighborhoods Do you know that Renton has grown by half in the last fifteen years? Or that the population is getting younger overall? This chapter summarizes the 1990 Census data to show population trends. Population characteristics of Renton's neighborhoods are also included. Population Trends Renton is growing and becoming more diverse. The population of Renton has grown from 30,612 in 1980 to 41 ,688 in 1990 and to 44,890 in 1995. As Renton has grown, it has become more racially diverse. Between 1980 and 1990, the Non-White40# \ population has more than doubled, rising g , � from 2,616 to 6,898. In the 1980 census, 92 14. ��, percent of the population was identified as P P .,� � White, with the remainder primarily African �� American (3%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (4%). By 1990, Whites had increased by �. • 6,794, but had dropped to 84 percent of the total population. In 1995, the Renton School District reported that twenty-seven R -10 jia languages were being spoken in Renton schools. Another measure of racial and ethnic G? diversity is school enrollment. In 1995, the enrollment of the Renton School District was 12,173. Of these students, 62 percent were White and the balance was ethnic minorities. Renton High School was much more diverse. Of the 880 students enrolled, 37.2 percent were White; 38.2 percent were African American; and 18.8 percent were Asian/Pacific Islander. Asian/Pacific Islanders and African Americans are the two largest ethnic groups. Between 1980 and 1990, the Asian/Pacific Islander population grew from 1 , 152 to 3,227, an increase of 2,075. The African American population grew from 771 to 2,731 , an increase of 1,960. The remaining Native American and Other Race categories changed little over the period, each making up about 1 percent of the total population. 22 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. Ethnic communities are visible and active in Renton. The Filipino community has a number of associations including the Renton Filipino American Community. About 300 Filipino families attend St. Anthony's Church. St. Anthony's is also home to a Spanish Community that holds a special service on Sunday evenings. The Renton Spanish congregation at St. Anthony's is about 500, including children. There also appears to be emerging Korean and Vietnamese communities. The African American community is active in churches, the business community, and schools. The Black Parents Association is prominent in school affairs. In Renton, there is also a community of Ukrainians. This community tends to have large families and joins together in several small Pentecostal congregations. Renton residents are better educated. The percentage of residents 25 years and older who graduated from high school increased from 77 percent in 1980 to 85.5 percent in 1990. The percentage of residents with at least four years of college also increased from 17 percent to 22 percent over the decade. Renton's labor force is growing. Between 1980 and 1990, the Renton civilian labor force grew from 16,396 to 24,236, an increase from 68 percent to 73 percent of all persons 16 years and older. At the same time, the unemployment rate dropped from 5.3 percent to 4.6 percent of the civilian labor force. The four largest employers in 1994 were: Boeing with 17,451 employees; Renton School District with 1,400; Valley Medical Center with 1,250; and PACCAR with 1,124. I 10000- 9000— 8000— ® 198o I 7000— = 1990 0 6000— -11 T ' 0 5000— cs 0 4000— — — U a 3000— ._ - — 1000— r v ' a I �., I I as ,7t I 7 I a I -1- I 71- T N O N C1 V'1 \O � h O O O O O O O O 0 Age r I Figure 1. Population by Age Group Pr lir Chapter One 23 New families are making Renton younger. For most age groups, the 1990 Census did not reflect a significant change from ten years earlier. In contrast, the 25 to 35 year old portion of the population rose significantly between 1980 to 1990. Almost 4,000 additional residents, 35 percent of the total population increase, were in this category in 1990. At the same time, children under 10 increased by 1 ,846, or 17 percent of the overall population increase. Single parent families continue to increase. The number of households in Renton has grown from 12,586 in 1980 to 18,219 in 1990. One-person households increased from 3,698 (29% of households) to 5,915 (33%). Married couples account for 69 percent (3,615 families) of all families with children under 18 years, down from 76 percent (3,005 families) in 1980. Women continue to be the predominant single heads of household with children, representing 24. 1 percent of all family households with children under the age of 18 (1990). The number of these families has grown by half, from 835 in 1980 to 1 ,264 in 1990. Male single parent households have increased from 133 to 358. 2,226 children lived in single parent households in 1990, up from 1 ,533 in 1980. The household income distribution did not change appreciably between 1979 and 1989. The household income distribution did not change appreciably between 1979 and 1989. Over the decade, the median income in Renton fell from 96.3 percent to 89.5 percent of the King County median. However, Renton's 1989 median income remained higher than the statewide median. Median income is the income level with as many households above it as below it. In 1996, the King County median income is $52,800 for a family of four. The percentage of households receiving public assistance rose slightly from 5.2 percent (658) in 1979 to 5.9 percent (1 ,078) in 1989. The average annual public assistance income was $4,202 in 1989. In 1996, the Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) annual income for a family of four is $7,704. Poverty guidelines are published each year by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. In 1996, poverty level for a family of four is an annual income of $15,600 annually ($1 ,300 per month). 24 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. From 1979 to 1989, the number of families below the poverty level increased from 536 to 596. In 1989, over 10 percent of all children under 18 (938) and 7.5 percent of all persons over 65 (317) were in households below the federal poverty level. Households headed by single women are most likely to be below poverty level. This category is second only to single occupancy for total households under the poverty level. These two household types, single occupant and female single heads of family, constitute two-thirds of all households under the federal poverty level. Poverty in Renton has both age and racial dimensions. Poverty rates (the percentage of population at poverty level or below) are markedly lower for Whites across the age spectrum than for other racial groups, although still significant. However, because of the high percentage of Whites in Renton, Whites account for two-thirds of all persons below the poverty level. In general, youth are disadvantaged at the highest rate of all age categories. The highest poverty rate in 1989 by age and race, was among African Americans 65 and older, at 31 percent. The following graph displays economic disparities between selected racial groups. 35 — p All Ages 30 — Under 18 °' 25MI 18 to 64 a, 20 — e 0 65 and — Older 15 a 10 — j 0 0 White African Native Asian/ Other American American Pacific Races Age Islander Figure 2. Percent of Residents Below the Poverty Level by Race and Age Group In addition to racial groups, the census provides data on persons of Hispanic origin. The Hispanic heading includes persons of various races. Of the 1,115 persons identified as Hispanic in the 1990 Census, about 8 Chapter One 25 percent, or 85 persons, were below the poverty level. Of these 85 persons, 24 were under 18 years and the remaining 61 were between 18 and 64. Twenty-two percent of Renton citizens were low income in 1990. About one-fifth of Renton's population, or an estimated 9,400 persons, was low income or below according to the Income Guidelines of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1989. These guidelines are used by HUD to qualify households as eligible for housing programs and the Community Development Block Grant Program. Low income refers to households with incomes up to 50 percent of the regional median income. In 1996 low income for a family of three is $23,750. These income guidelines are based on a regional median income for the Seattle area adjusted for household size. Renton Neighborhoodsor Renton's twelve neighborhoods are clustered on four Renton hills and flow to the shores of Lake Washington. Because of their dibh unique histories and populations, Renton neighborhoods sometimes i • At expressed different needs in their -14 responses to the Human Services e = " Needs Assessment telephone and ■ written surveys. The demographics ke of each neighborhood are •. ' � 91 summarized on Table 2 on the " Y following page. Census Tract 259 is • not included because it is more a commercial/industrial area than residential and has only about 200 residents. A map of the census tracts is located on page 27. Summary Renton is growing and changing. The population of Renton has grown from 30,612 in 1980 to 44,890 in 1995. Renton is more racially diverse. Between 1980 and 1990, the Non-White population has more than doubled, rising from 2,616 to 6,898. The largest minority population is Asian/Pacific Islanders followed by African Americans. Renton is also getting younger. The greatest population increase was in the age group between 25 and 35. The next greatest increase was children under six. In 1990, 22 percent of Renton's population was under the age of 18 and 82 percent were under the age of 54. About one-fifth of our population is low income. 26 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Table 2. Demographic Profiles of Renton Neighborhoods - 1990 Survey Areas Neighborhood 1990 White Non- Under 18 to 60 and Household Total Percent (Census tracts) Total White 18 59 over Income Housing of Owner Units Occupied West Hill 5,007 3,455 1,552 1,105 3,007 965 $32,446 2,209 44% Earlington Hill (Tract 260.02) (68%) (32%) (22%) (59%) (19%) North Renton South Renton 6,110 5,513 597 1,053 3,804 1,253 $29,352 3,278 45% West Kennydale (90%) 253) (10% ) (17%) (62%) (21%) Highlands 5,437 4,689 748 1,149 3,262 1,026 $28,559 2,669 42% (Tract 254) (86%) (14%) (21%) (60%) (19%) President Park 3,709 3,241 468 790 2,482 437 $29,335 1,677 49% (Tract 255) (87%) (13%) (21%) (67%) (12%) Honey Dew 6,479 5,632 748 1,149 3,262 1,026 $28,559 2,669 42% Glencoe ,(Tract 251) (87%) (14%) (21%) (60%) (19%) North Highlands 4,767 4,340 427 1,096 2,894 777 $37,344 1,955 69% East Kennydale Sierra Heights (91%) (9%) (23%) (61%) (16%) (Tract 252) Maplewood Briarwood 6,172 5,587 585 1,541 3,752 879 $37,917 2,492 75c%c Heather Downs (91% (Tract 256) ) (9%) (25%) (61%) (14'() Cascade 8,462 7,504 958 2,360 5,304 798 $38,698 3,047 65% (Tract 258.02) (89%) (11%) (28%) (28%) (9%) Fairwood 11,574 9,811 1,763 3,455 7,260 859 $51,088 4,201 70% (Tract 319.05 (85%) (15%) (30%) (63%) (7%) Talbot Hill 6,593 5,379 1,214 1,528 4,266 799 $37,045 2,829 62% (Tract 258.01) (82%) (18%) (23%) (65%) (12%) Benson Hill 6,730 5,861 869 1,834 4,128 768 $44,569 2,484 75% (Tract 293.01) (87%) (13%) (27%) (65%) (11%) Renton Hill 8,176 6.528 1,648 2,110 5,413 653 $37,800 3,597 47% Tiffany Park (Tract 257) (80%) (20%) (26%) (66%) (8%) <ry z,. 'a' Chapter One 2 a' Figure 3. City of Renton Census Tracts - 1990 (j_______ ----------- ---_ _ ` __— nrydale /1 Hil 4). 252 -`- ---::\ 260, 02a 254 -� 251 West 253 255 Hill Municipal - ippub � Building ■ 256L Renton 259 Hill 257 `Talbo Hill 258. 02 319. 05 25 : . 01 i, 7 293 . 01 CHAPTER 2 Community Assets In working to meet identified human services needs, Renton can build upon its community assets. This chapter illustrates the assets identified by Renton citizens and community leaders. The initial question asked in the Needs Assessment surveys was how people felt about living in Renton. Next, those surveyed were asked to name three or more community assets. The idea was to identify community strengths to build on when addressing human services needs. The results were positive. All in all, most people think that Renton is a good to excellent place to live. The phone and written survey respondents were asked to rate Renton as a place to live. The choices were "excellent", "good", "fair", and "poor". The vast majority of phone respondents said Renton is an "excellent" (13%) or "good" (62%) place to live. On the negative side, 22 percent rated Renton as just a "fair" place to Figure 4. Renton as a Place to Live live, but few (2%) rated it "poor". The written survey respondents' Poor Don'loKnow perceptions of Renton as a 2% celnt place to live were virtually Ex13°/ 0 identical to those of the phone Fair survey respondents. Most 22% rated Renton as either "excellent" (16%) or "good" (63%). When given a choice of answers, the written survey respondents said their community's greatest asset is parks (chosen by 64%). Other responses included: the library (51%), senior center (50%), and recreational facilities (43%). The least mentioned were jobs Good (1 1%), and affordable housing 62% Base=408(18/) Question 2A: Overall, would you describe Renton as an excellent, good, fair, or poor place to live? w:. 30 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Table 3. The Best Things About Living in Renton - Phone Survey Respondents - Location 54% Public Services and Amenities 9% Close to Work 18 Good Schools,Teachers 3 Close to Seattle and Other Towns 15 Good Police,Fire,Ambulance 2 Close to Shopping 14 Other Public Services and Amenities 3 Close to Freeways 9 Recreation 8% Close to Airport 2 Parks 6 Close to Other/Close to"Everything" 8 Outdoor Recreation Opportunities 1 Small Town Living 19% Senior Center 1 Small Town/Has Not Changed 8 Natural Setting 6% Quiet/Relaxing/Private 5 Close to Lake/River/Sound 3 Not Overpopulated/Houses Not Close 3 Beautiful Environment 2 Rural/Country Living 3 Close to Mountains 1 Light Traffic 1 Economics 6% Sense of Community 18% Low Cost of Living 5 Nice People/People Know and Help Others 8 Other Economics 1 Community Spirit 2 Low Crime 2 Everyone I Know is Here 1 Other 7 Good Place for Children/Wholesome 1 Don't Know 8 Sense of Community 6 Question 2B: What do you like best about living in Renton?(Multiple responses permitted.) Base=408 When community leaders were asked what they felt were the best things about living in Renton, the most frequent responses focused on Renton's recreation opportunities (42%), specifically its parks (37%), and a sense of community (42%). Other areas of frequent mention were public services and amenities (42%), location (31%), and small town living (25%). Those surveyed identified five main community assets in Renton. • Location • Small town living • Sense of community • Parks, recreation and community facilities • Public services and amenities Chapter Two 31 Location "Renton is the ideal location between Seattle and Tacoma. There is easy access to outlying areas. It is a hub city." A great majority of Renton residents surveyed by phone singled out location as an important asset for the City of Renton. The community leaders ranked it somewhat lower, and the written respondents didn't mention location at all. lirill111111111111 Accessibility was a key component of location. This includes accessibility to jobs, and specifically, that people were not limited - to one metropolitan area for employment. s People also talked about Renton as a "major shopping area", mentioned the "livability of neighborhoods with convenience to services both commercial and public", and identified Renton "as a very good area — everything in a small area like shopping, the mall". Small Town Living "Renton has a small town identity in the midst of a metropolitan community. People take pride in their community." The small town identity clearly is an important asset for Renton. This identity seems to mean that Renton has small town traditions that have not changed. Also, Renton feels like a small town because it is quiet and not over-populated. Residents and leaders associated small town living with access to community leaders and the sensitivity to human needs. Kirby Unti, Pastor, St. Matthew's Church, expressed this best, "Renton has this personal, small town charm to it. I can walk down the street, go to the post`'`` office, pick up something at the store, stop fillup , �_ to PaR with gas and often times overhear someone say 'Kirby, how are you?' when people know us by _-' name it creates a wonderful sense of well being in our lives. We remain attached, connected, and held together". Another resident mentioned a sense of :,.., p:. +re „► safety. Minorities were more likely to mention ! small town living (37%) than were non-minorities rt• h . (17%). '• sa •y Started eleven years ago, Ren ton River Days is a small town festival that celebrates community pride Refit-tea and community spirit. This national award winning community family festival is held the Rae, Vap,,j, second week of August. Traditionally centered in 32 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Liberty Park in the heart of Renton, the festival activities have expanded into Cedar River Park, as well as other sites around town. A typical festival week includes a special day of activity for the kids, a senior citizen picnic, a variety of sports events, an exciting parade, arts and crafts shows, Nibble of Renton, and two days of non-stop entertainment. There's fun,food and a wonderful feeling of sharing with friends, neighbors and family. The Friendly Kitchen has served our community for fifteen years. Located in the Hillcrest Elementary School cafeteria, it is open on Thursdays serving free dinners at 5:00 p.m. to anyone who arrives. It is an effort of the Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH) to feed our hungry neighbors. People attend to socialize and stretch their food budget, especially at the end of the month. Each year Ted Rodriguez, the owner of ; Torero's Restaurant, educates and ', entertains all the second graders in the P. r,ail: Renton School District. On three Spring mornings, the restaurant is filled with x excited children singing, eating special food and learning about Hispanic traditions and the Renton Hispanic community. �� �..., Sense of Community "Renton has a sense of community that is uncommon in an urbanized area. People identify strongly with this as their community. A sense of identity with where we live." Those that answered the phone survey and community leaders agreed that the sense of community was one of Renton's significant • assets. The sense of community includes 1 knowing your neighbors and neighbors helping each other, the community coming together to solve problems as well as 1 aiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Renton's racial and economic diversity. IItki 4:,implit ha,r � Project Lighthouse is a community effort to offer teen activities at Nelsen Middle School on IRenton's South Hill. Less than a year old, the • C Lighthouse has been a success from the V — ' beginning. It draws from 100 to 150 kids on Friday night. Project Lighthouse offers 0 it } recreational activities and drop-in counseling. 1 "'" - "4 iimit, There is also an educational component to help teens with tutoring, homework, and creative P Ze9itadr,e4e. learning. The project began with Teen Center Chapter Two 33 Advocates, a group of parents and interested citizens responding to the need for positive youth programs. Community service agencies including Renton Area Youth Services, Renton Parks & Recreation, Renton Communities In Schools, Kent Youth and Family Services, and the Southeast District of the Seattle-King Department of Public Health collaborated with them to open Project Lighthouse in Renton. In times of trouble, everyone needs a friend. Mothers' Ministry gives one-on- one assistance that helps welfare Moms with small children to become established in Renton and become self-reliant. Women of St. Matthew's Church in the Highlands are matched with the Moms in a mentoring relationship. The mentors make a weekly phone call and give other support as needed. In the last four years, St. Matthew's has helped ten families. Mothers' Ministry acts as a co-signer on the lease which allows women to establish a rent and credit history, and also gives some financial assistance. A case manager through the Seattle-King County Public Health Department helps with resources in the Renton community. What really makes this program a success is the 'friend to friend" component. Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities "I think the best thing is that Renton takes care of its residents. A fine park system with two beach parks and options for water sports. It takes care of people of all ages—park programs for kids, the senior center, the library." 1;4 , • _ . - The physical facilities in '�t . ` , ' ,' Renton are a primary asset ? , . for a small city. Renton has x , _ a , ,Y F �`"r an extensivepark system, �,-_x ! k a, Y Y fivort t' �. S . a.= , community and „ neighborhood centers, and a -; first class library. r'H TWo parks mentioned in the r ,. - survey were, the Cedar River ''' " - - - Trail and Gene Coulon _ ! Park. Cedar River Trail is 44, ' .. - a four and one half mile paved trail system that - begins in the eastern City limits and follows the 1; i ,°: `y t ' Cedar River to Lake Washington. The trail links Q' = several parks into a continuous corridor called the yam, �° eed,,,,t RateA '7,retee & 9eiritx ee 34 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Cedar River Greenway and is a river of green providing opportunities for walking, jogging, bicycling and even golf Gene Coulon Park is the site of many community activities. In April, 1996, hundreds of Renton parents and their kids attended the Fishing Derby. In the summer, it is a favorite swimming spot. The Renton Senior Center serves 425 seniors daily, including lunch for 125 seniors. One of the favorite spots is the community room. Here, seniors gather during the day for a cup of coffee and socializing. The Senior Center also offers health and recreation services. The recently purchased Senior Center van reaches out to those who cannot attend on their own. Our library, one of the few city- operated library systems in King County, is on just about everyone's list of the best things about Renton. Children's Story Time draws over 75 children three times per week. Jerene Battisti, the Children's Librarian, captivates children with wonderful stories. Public Services and -41" 11111111 Amenities , 769„,....e., 45 "Services the city provides to all ages, from pre-schoolers to senior adults. All the services—parks, police, fire, streets, human services and other agencies— are very good." The community leader . - responses differed greatly from those of the general public. Leaders were much more likely to mention 4,, ..., % recreation (42% to 8%), and - public services and —� amenities (40% to 9%) as the best things about living in .., k - ' u. Renton. ' h .,, 0 , „ i t Often referred to as the "best , u ' kept secret in Renton', the City of Renton Housing . a. °�, Repair Assistance Program helps low and Chapter Two 35 moderate income Renton residents maintain their homes. In the last year, 330 households were helped with leaking faucets, collapsing stairways, broken furnaces, and water heaters. The help is fast,friendly and efficient. In a recent hearing before City Council, one Mother testified that the repairs had given her "hope" to remain in the house and make a home for her two children. The West Hill Community Council, Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), Seattle- King County Department of Public Health, Children's Home Society, and Renton Communities In Schools joined together to open the West Hill Family Enrichment Center. The goal is to let the neighborhood define its own needs and the services to meet these needs, creating a family center to recapture the sense of neighborhood lost over the last 30 years. RAYS has on-going parenting training classes. In the next several months, the Children's Home Society will offer a "Birth to Three"project consisting of a variety of services to families; Program for Early Parenting Support (PEPS), a support group for parents of pre-school children; and the Washington Women's Employment and Education (WWEE) Program, an initial job readiness workshop. In the future, the Center proposes to have a computer technology center, a community drama group, and a variety of programs to strengthen families and build the community. RAYS, Renton Communities In Schools, the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health and the WWEE program have received funds from the City of Renton. Summary Most Renton residents think Renton is a good to excellent place to live. Among all the respondents to the survey, five community assets were most frequently identified— location; small town living; sense of community; parks, recreation, and community facilities; and public services and amenities. CHAPTER 3 Perception of Human Services Needs and Barriers to Service All communities have human services needs and community-wide problems. Renton is no exception. More than half of those surveyed named five issues. Only six percent were not able to identify a major, or a minor, community-wide problem. Also, those surveyed by phone and in writing were asked to identify household problems and characterize the help they received. Many who sought help did experience barriers to service. This chapter gives an overview of the community-wide and household problems, and the barriers to service identified in the survey. Community-wide Needs All citizens ranked youth issues as a top community need. All three survey samples ranked community-wide problems similarly. The top five of all groups included: crime or violence millaPv --- among youth, alcohol or drug abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse among youth. The bottom one-third for each group included four problems: helping families caring for 111111 senior citizens, helping senior ;'_ citizens live independently, accessibility to public places for the disabled, and help for disabled persons and their families. - 16. Some problems were ranked quite differently by the three samples. In their top five community-wide problems, phone respondents included affordable health care, and written respondents included affordable dental care. Community leaders included domestic violence as well as lack of services for the mentally ill and people with emotional problems. The other major differences were that the phone survey respondents ranked homelessness as less of a problem than did community leaders and written survey respondents. Community leaders gave lower rankings to crime and to a lack of recreational facilities, or programs for youth, than the other two samples. A comparison of the results from the three survey groups is in Table 4. 38 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Table 4. Perceptions of Community Problems in Renton Rank Order by Phone Survey,Written Survey and Community Leader respondents Phone Community Written Respondents Leaders Respondents (408) (47) (215) Crime or violence among youth 1 3 1 Crime 2 13 3 Alcohol or drug abuse among youth 3 2 2 Alcohol or drug abuse 4 4 4 Affordable health care 5 9 9 Physical, sexual and emotional abuse 6 1 8 of children and other domestic violence Affordable housing 7 6 7 Poverty 8 7 6 Affordable dental care 9 10 5 A lack of affordable day care for children 10 8 14 Unemployment 11 17 13 Unemployment among teens 12 18 12 A lack of recreational facilities 13 22 11 or programs for youth Sexual assault 14 14 21 Public transportation 15 12 23 Help with housing repairs for 16 19 17 those who cannot afford it AIDS, HIV and other sexually 17 16 15 transmitted diseases Runaway or homeless teens 18 15 16 Lack of services for the mentally 19 5 19 ' ill and people with emotional problems Helping families caring for senior citizens 20 21 18 i Helping senior citizens live independently 21 23 20 ■ Homelessness 22 11 10 Help for disabled persons and their families 23 20 22 ii Accessibility to public places 24 24 24 for the disabled * Rank order is calculated by assigning a value of two to each percentage point for"major problems" and a value of one to each percentage point of"moderate problems". Chapter Three 39 One of the least understood issues for Renton citizens is services for the mentally ill and people with emotional problems. Many of those surveyed by telephone answered "don't know" when asked about certain problems. The highest were: • Lack of services for the mentally ill and people with emotional problems (for which 43% said they did not know if this is a problem in Renton); • AIDS, HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (41%); • Help with housing repairs for those who need it (39%); and • Lack of affordable day care for children (38%). Ninety percent of the community leaders identified seven issues as a major or moderate problem. Community leaders were read the same list of twenty-four human service issues and asked to rate them in the same manner. All of the issues were noted as major or moderate problems by at least 60 percent of the community leaders. Some issues were noted as problems by at least 90 percent of those questioned. These were: 1 . Domestic violence 2. Alcohol or drug abuse among youth r: (, 3. Crime or violence among youth ' 4. Alcohol or drug abuse 5. Affordable housing 6. Poverty 7. Crime The issue of domestic violence and child abuse was mentioned most often as a major problem (64%). Only youth recreational facilities or programs and disabled accessibility were seen as major or moderate problems by less than 70 percent of community leaders. 40 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. In total, 62 percent of the community leaders mentioned issues related to youth as among the most serious two or three human services problems in Renton. When asked what two or three human services needs or problems are the most serious in Renton, the community leaders mentioned a wide number of problems. The most frequently cited were: homelessness and runaway teens (29%), traffic and public transportation (29%), and recreation facilities or programs for youth (25%). Other issues dealing with youth were mentioned: education issues (17%), support for parents (17%), unemployment among teens (8%), day care (6%), alcohol and drug abuse among youth (4%), and other youth issues (4%). Household Problems In addition to asking Renton citizens about community-wide problems, the survey asked about household problems. Household problems were those experienced within their household or family in the last year. Household problems are more focused and help verify and expand the data from the questions about community needs. Both phone and written respondents most frequently mentioned anxiety, stress or depression as a household problem. About one-quarter (26%) of the phone respondents said at least one issue had been a major problem in their household in the past year; 42 percent said at least one issue had been a major or moderate problem. Figure 5. Household Problems in the Past Year by Renton Residents Major Problem 1 1 Moderate Problem Anxiety, stress or depression 1111111ifik, 19% Inability to get dental insurance or care Ems 12% Inability to get medical insurance or care i 0% Lacking money for basic needs i 0% Inability to find work 8% Experiencing discrimination 6% Housing needing repairs that cannot get done 6% Inability to find good, affordable child care MN 5% Trouble finding transportation 5% Inability to get care for someone with a disability 5% Inability to find supervised activities for children or youth MN 4% Inability to get care for a senior citizen ■ 3% Inability to get into public places because of accessibility ■ 3% Children or teens with behavioral problems =1 4% Drug or alcohol problems jjjjj❑ 2% Violence in the home❑ <1% Base—408 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Question 10a-p:Within the past 12 months, has been a problem for you or anyone in your household? Has it been a major, moderate or minor problem? Note: ranked in descending order, where"major problem" equals two points and"moderate problem"equals one point. Chapter Three 41 As shown in Figure 5, phone respondents most frequently mentioned having anxiety, stress or depression as a household problem. Other frequently mentioned household problems included an inability to get dental ton 60 P I insurance or care, inability to get medical insurance or care, and a lack of money for basic Pi needs. Almost half of those responding in writing identified, "not having enough money for basic needs such as rent, utilities or food", as a major or moderate problem in their • households. Those responding in writing were much more likely to cite problems in their households. Almost half (43%) said not having enough money 41*4"414w for basic needs such as rent, utilities or food was a major or moderate problem in their households in the past year; compared to 10 percent of the phone respondents. Almost half of the written survey respondents (44%) said anxiety, stress or depression were problems in their households in the past year; compared to 19 percent of phone survey respondents. Even the least mentioned issue, experiencing violence in the home, was cited by 13 percent of the written survey respondents; compared to one phone survey respondent. Barriers to Help for Household Problems The phone survey respondents with major or moderate problems in their households in the past year were asked about their experiences seeking and getting help. Their responses point to possible barriers to social services. In addition, community leaders were asked specifically what barriers may prevent residents from getting services. About half of those seeking help did not find it. As shown in Figure 6, 42 percent of the phone respondents said at least one of the sixteen issues discussed was a problem in their households in the past year. Among this group, half (48%) said they sought help for their problems, while 52 percent did not. Among those who sought help, 46 percent said they found it, while 54 percent said they did not find the help they sought. 42 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Figure 6 Three main reasons Seeking and Finding Help for Household Problems in the past 12 months for not seeking help were: Had Household Problems in Past 12 Months Sought Help Found Help 1 . Feeling that the 42% 48% 46% household could solve the problem on their own, 2. Not wanting to . ask for help, and Did Not Have Did Not Seek Help Did Not Find Help 3. Feeling that the Household Problems 52% 54% problem was not in Past 58%onths major (mentioned Base =408 Base= 178 Base =82 by 61% of those Question 12, 14: Have you or anyone else in your household looked for help who said they did with the problems you mentioned? (If yes) Did you get the help you needed? not seek help for a household problem). The only other barrier mentioned by at least one-tenth of the respondents was not knowing where to seek help. As shown in Table 5, among those phone respondents who sought, but could not find help for their household problems, many said help was not ■ available. Other frequently mentioned barriers were: not being eligible for ■ assistance, services costing too much, not knowing where to find help, and a lack of transportation. 111 Table 5 . Barriers to Seeking and Getting Help for Household Problems - Among Phone Respondents Who Said Their Households Had a Problem in the Past Year - . Barriers to Seeking Help* Barriers to Finding Help** Could handle problem on own/ 61% Help was not available 34% Did not want to ask for help/ Not eligible 20 Problem not major Service cost too much 14 Don't know where to seek help 11 Did not know where to find help 14 ' Felt ineligible for help 7 No transportation 14 Service cost too much 6 Disliked the service 9 I Disliked services 3 Would have had to wait too long 7 Other 18 Service was too far away 2 Don't know 8 Other 16 Don't know 2 Questions 13, 15: Why did you not seek help for the problem(s) you mentioned?Why did you I not get the help you needed? * Among the 87 respondents who did not seek help for household problems in the past year. **Among the 44 respondents who sought help for household problems in the past year, but did not find it. I Chapter Three 43 Written survey respondents most frequently mentioned not knowing if a service was available (42%), inability to afford services (37%), inconvenient hours (27%), services that were full (26%) and a lack of transportation (22%). Community leaders identified lack of information about services as the biggest barrier. Community leaders were asked what barriers they thought prevented Renton residents from getting help for household problems. By far, the biggest perceived barrier was a lack of information about services available (73%). Other barriers mentioned by more than a quarter of community leaders were cost of services (29%), and lack of transportation (27%). Interestingly, these were not among the barriers most frequently mentioned by the phone respondents who sought help. Those respondents most often mentioned a desire to handle the problem themselves, and help being unavailable. Community leaders perceived children, youth and teens as under-served. Community leaders were asked if there are any groups of Renton residents who they felt were being under-served with social services. These results are shown in Table 6. Children, youth and teens were seen as the largest under- served group, followed by the elderly and non-English speaking minorities. Community leaders also were asked if there are any over-served groups. Only the elderly received more than a few mentions. Over half of the community leaders said there were no over-served groups. Table 6. Groups of Residents Perceived to be Under-Served and Over-Served by Human Services - Community Leaders Under-Served: Single Parents 6 Children,Youth,Teens 35% Alcohol and Drug Abusers 2 Elderly 15 Other 13 Non-English Speaking 14 None 10 Disabled 10 Don't Know 6 Homeless 10 Over-Served Low-Income Residents 10 Elderly 20% Minorities 10 Other 8 Domestic Violence Victims 8 None 61 Mentally Ill 6 Don't Know 12 Questions 5-6: Are there any groups of Renton residents who you feel are currently being under-served with social services? Are there any groups of Renton residents who you feel are currently being over-served with social services? Base=52 44 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Public transportation is perceived as a problem by about one- quarter of the phone respondents. Public transportation was rated as a problem by about one-quarter of the respondents. Respondents over 35 were more likely to rate this as a problem (26%) than were those under 35 (15%). When asked what two or three human services needs or problems they thought were the most serious in Renton, the community leaders mentioned a wide number of problems. The most frequently cited were traffic and public transportation (29%). Trouble finding transportation to work or other places was mentioned as a problem in their households by about one in twenty persons responding to the written survey. In some cases, discrimination may be a barrier to services. Discrimination was reported as a problem by 6 percent of the respondents. The group most likely to say this were: • Minorities (of whom 16% said this was a problem), compared to non-minorities (5%); and • Respondents with low household incomes (15%), compared to respondents with moderate incomes. Summary The community-wide needs most cited by Renton citizens in the phone and written surveys related to youth issues. The people of Renton are concerned about: crime among youth, drug and alcohol abuse among youth, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, affordable health care, dental care, and ..., housing. The least understood issues appear to be mental and emotional problems, as well ., as AIDS, and other sexually transmitted A le diseases. The most frequently identified '' _; household problems were anxiety, stress, or depression. Other household problems 4°'p frequently mentioned were: inability to get 1 : i = dental and medical insurance or care, lack of money for basic needs, and the inability to find work. Many people who sought help did not find it. One of the biggest barriers identified was not knowing the services were available. Also, lack of transportation was perceived as a significant barrier. CHAPTER 4 MEETING BASIC NEEDS Many households in Renton are either at, or below, the poverty level. Some can only meet monthly expenses for rent, utilities, and food with on-going assistance from food banks. Others can just meet basic needs, but when there is a crisis, they must seek assistance from the city, and/or human service agencies. Households in Need Of the over 18,000 households in Renton, more than 4,000 households are low income. Fifty percent of the area median income is r' . the definition of low income used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 01000 Development and in ''" this report. Many households have even Ai lower incomes. r According to the 1990 Census, 596 Renton households were � . below the federal s.f poverty level of $1 ,300 = ° per month for a family of four. A federal Aid to Dependent Children Program subsidy is available upon application to families with no income. The subsidy is $625 per month for a family of four (National League of Cities, 1996). Poverty is not unique to Renton. Nationwide, one out of every five U.S. cities with more than 25,000 in population has at least 20 percent of their population at the poverty level or below (National League of Cities, 1996). 1990 Census data shows that female single heads of household are most likely to be at poverty level or below. These single parent families constitute one-third of all households below the poverty level in Renton. Poverty is usually defined as the inability to 46 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. meet basic needs. Families in Renton with children are more ak likely to be headed by single parents (31%) than in the state (22%), or nation as a whole (23%). Single parent families are at greater risk. k � ► 1111 • In Washington, children ° '�¢" ► _ born to single mothers have a higher likelihood of wind- ing up in juvenile court. • Children from single parent households drop out of school at twice the rate of those from two-parent households. Juvenile crime rates are roughly three times higher among children in single parent households. There is not a direct cause and effect between household type and social problems. Many single parent families are healthy and happy and many two parent families are not. It is a matter of increased risk. Violence in the home is another key risk factor influencing juvenile development. Dr. Karil Klingbeil, Director of Social Services, Harborview Medical Center, concludes that "the single most significant factor influencing juvenile violence is the extent to which families experience violence —regardless of how many parents there are" (Valley Daily News, April21 , 1996). Single parent families are here to stay. What are the solutions? Dr. Bill Womack, child psychiatrist and co-director of the Stress Management Clinic at Children's Hospital, suggests that "there needs to be a community of resources to take over the role of the absent parent". Senior Citizens are frequently unable to meet basic needs. The 1990 Census data show that over 300 households headed by someone age 65 or older were under the poverty level. The groups with the highest rates of poverty were those living alone, female headed families, and African American households. 4 .F Chapter Four 47 Food banks in Washington are seeing middle class households in their expanding clientele. These new clients are middle class working families who are being forced to cut food from their budgets. Families, many with two parents working for minimum wage, pay rent, utilities, medical and auto insurance, and other mandatory bills, then head to the food bank for their groceries (Valley Daily News, May 8, 1996). The attendees to a recent Northwest Harvest Annual meeting were "alarmed by the growing numbers of working poor seeking not just short-term emergency aid from food banks, but longer- term help for tightly stretched budgets". Food banks reported they are stressed to the maximum doing more with less each year due to federal budget cuts. A sample budget for a low income family of four (50 percent of the median income) shows the slim margin for meeting a crisis. Table 7. Low Income Family Monthly Budget Income Expenses * Balance Family of Four Housing $566 (average cost for 2-BR apt. in Renton) Food 300 Utilities 125 Transit 60 Child Care 950 (full time care for 2 small children) other 100 $2,200 $2,101 $99 * Without insurance, medical or dental care Another indicator of low income is the percentage of children who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches in the Renton School District. The monthly income level for a family of four to qualify for a free lunch is $1 ,642, and for a reduced rate, $2,336. For the Renton School District as a whole, 28 percent of the students are eligible for free and reduced lunches. The rate is higher at some elementary schools. At Kennydale Elementary School, 32 percent of the children qualify and at Tiffany Park Elementary School, 45 percent qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. It is not surprising that poverty ranked high both as a community problem and a household problem. As a community problem, poverty rated eighth among phone respondents, sixth among community leaders, and sixth among written participants. As a household problem, it ranked fourth among phone respondents, and first 48 Linking People Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. among those completing the written survey. The residents of the Highlands neighborhood (54%) were likely to rate poverty as either a major or a minor problem, compared to all other neighborhoods as a whole (35%). One out of ten Renton households cited not having enough money for basic needs such as rent, utilities or food as a household problem. Overall, those most likely to say this were respondents with low household incomes (of whom 31% cited this as a problem), compared to respondents with moderate incomes (8%). In addition, minorities (16%) cited this as an issue more often than non-minorities (7%). Renters (14%) cited this as a problem more than homeowners (6%). Emergency Services ! ' , me roo. • i-3 3-4 $ a r„ The demand for emergency assistance — food, clothing, it # . utility assistance, rental ,. assistance and shelter — is an indicator of need. The level of need is demonstrated by the service ti% records of some of the key providers in Renton — Emergency Feeding Program x =, . The Salvation Army and YWCA. • 7,450 meals were distributed by the Emergency Feeding Program at St. cIVf NIMatthew's Church in 1995. • The Salvation Army Food > V � 0 Bank reported 9 397 families • 'LtLO ON p used the food bank in 1995. A The Salvation Army limits residents to one visit per month. There are three other small food banks in the City. There is evidence that this may not be enough because the Maple Valley Food Bank turns away approximately 200 Renton households a year. • Other assistance from The Salvation Army included: rental financial assistance for 44 households, winter relief utility and rent assistance from the Seattle Times fund for 65 households, and utility assistance to 540 citizens using Puget Power funds. In all these categories, The Salvation Army reports increased demand based on the first quarter of 1996. In 1995, The Salvation Army interviewed and referred 517 households to other sources. Chapter Four 49 • Over 4,000 persons sought assistance at the Renton Clothing Bank. Clothing is also provided by many churches in Renton. • 46 Renton families received shelter from the YWCA in 1995. 163 adults and 223 children were turned away and sent to other sources. • 54 Renton households requested rental financial assistance in 1995 from the YWCA, and only 6 received help. • 165 elderly and disabled persons received discounts on utility bills from the City of Renton in 1995. Unemployment A factor contributing to the inability to meet basic needs is job loss or under-employment. Unemployment rated near the middle among the twenty-four community problems studied. The groups most likely to rate unemployment as either a major or moderate problem were low income persons, renters more than homeowners, and women more than men. Households which reported not being able to find work as a problem included: • Households with low incomes (22%), compared to respondents with moderate incomes (5%); • Minorities (16%), compared to non-minorities (7%); and • Renters (14%), compared to homeowners (6%). The unemployment rate in Renton is around 5 percent. Renton employment has stabilized over the last three years. However, many low income persons work at seasonal or low-wage, unskilled work. Some types of employment present special problems. Many members of the Hispanic community work in landscaping, hotel and restaurant businesses. With this type of seasonal employment (seasonal due to the weather, and number of tourists in the winter), layoffs every winter for up to four months is the norm. With no income, these families lose their apartments and have no food or money to meet basic needs. 50 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. Housing Affordable housing was ranked in the top ten by all persons surveyed. The definition of affordable housing is the expenditure of no more than 30 percent of gross household income on housing each month, excluding utilities. Affordable housing was most likely to be perceived as either a major or moderate problem by: • Respondents with low household incomes (54%), compared to those with moderate incomes (33%); • Renters (46%), compared to homeowners (33%); and • Women (43%), compared to men (30%). Most low income families rent rather than own their homes with the exception of senior citizens. First time home buyers must have a moderate income to purchase a home. The average sales price during the first quarter of 1996 for single family homes in Renton was $120,070 (Northwest Multiple Listing Service), down from $120,777 in 1995. The cost of housing in Renton has remained relatively stable, even so, `` Af buying a home is out of reach ' for most low income persons. To buy a house for $118,000, t .; t a family will need an income 111711111111111141114 : above $3,380 per month. v' _ -;. This monthly income allows $1 014 per month (30% of income) for housing 1 expenses after a down ,.,44.4 ;_" 1; Iiiittatio, ; payment of $3,500 (3%). Families unable to buy must ��711 111111111� 1111111111111 1111111111li1 I���Illllllia rent. As the demand for ` `' 111111111111 11 � rentals increases developers tend to build what is most profitable. In the next 20 years, the City of Renton predicts that the ratio of multi-family housing in the market will increase from 33 percent to 44 percent (City of Renton Comprehensive Plan,1995) of the total housing stock. All housing with two units or more are classified as multi-family. Chapter Four 51 The cost of rental housing in Renton is increasing. The majority of new, young families moving into Renton are more likely to rent rather than buy because of affordability. The Renton vacancy rate in Spring, 1996 was 5 percent, the lowest rate in Southeast King County (Seattle Times, April 28, 1996). Finding affordable housing has become competitive. The demand exceeds the supply, especially for families with children and individuals on fixed incomes. The average rent for a three- bedroom unit in Renton is $738 per month, significantly above the affordability level for low income families with children. There are 3,593 households in need of less expensive housing (1990 Census). The 1990 Census showed that Renton residents were in need of less expensive housing. The criteria for housing need is any household that pays more than 30 percent of its gross monthly income in rent. For example, a low income family of four, earning between $16,000 and $24,000, should spend only between $400 and $600 per 101101. month for housing. A very low -- income family should spend less -- than $400 per month for housing. +r t, In King County, many � , ,, „I households do spend well above '��` , ', 4 "To, 30 percent of their income on `$i boo housing, some as high as 71 v ° ` .T "h percent (King County Housing Stability Program Evaluation Report, 1996). These households `'` are the most at risk. When an emergency occurs, they do not have the financial resources to pay both rent and emergency expenses. Another indicator of need is overcrowding. To save money, families will squeeze more people into smaller units. Approximately four percent of Renton residents are living in overcrowded conditions, due to the lack of affordable units (Renton Planning Department). Affordability of housing is a key issue in housing stability. This is confirmed by the first year evaluation of the King County Consortium Housing Stability Program. The purpose of the Housing Stability Program is to help families avoid the cycle of homelessness. It provides one time assistance to low 52 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. income individuals and families experiencing a crisis, such as job loss, which can result in eviction or mortgage default. The Community Information Line screens all calls for eligibility. The agency reported receiving 475 calls from Renton residents in 1995. The mean monthly income for those callers was $973, and the mean cost of housing was $544 ("Mean" is defined as the average cost). Many of these callers were paying well over 30 percent of their incomes for housing. Few of the callers were homeowners. The supply of affordable housing rentals is decreasing, while the population is growing. As shown in Table 8, Renton has 1,070 affordable housing rentals designated for low, and very low income families through the Department of Housing and Urban Development programs. Very low income means below 50 percent of the median income. Because of the expiration of some programs, Renton may lose as many as 357 of these units. Congress is Table 8. Affordable Housing in Renton Name No. of units Type of Households Served Status Renton Housing Authority Houser Terrace 104 ' Elderly/Disabled P full Hillcrest Terrace 60 Elderly/Disabled full Evergreen Terrace 50 Elderly/Disabled full Cedar River Terrace 72 Elderly/Disabled full Sunset Terrace 100 Family(80)/Elderly and Disabled(20) full Cole Manor 28 Family/Individuals full Cedar Park 100 Family/Individuals full Other privately owned affordable housing Cedar River Court 4 Elderly full Spencer Court 73 Elderly full Golden Pines 53 Elderly/Disabled full Good Shepherd I 12 Disabled full Good Shepherd II 12 Disabled full Cama Apts 12 Family/Individuals/Elderly full Heritage Grove 56 Family/Individuals full Heritage Sunset 38 Family/Individuals full Eagle Point Apts 4 Family/Individuals full Royal Hills 220 Family/Individuals full Avalon Ridge 72 Family/Individuals full Total 1070 Future Facilities Way Back Inn 2 Homeless Family Catholic Community 22 Homeless/Low Income Families Services g Chapter Four 53 considering cancelling Section 8 renewals and new applications, and eliminating the Low Income Housing Subsidy Program. The population in Renton has increased 13,859 in the last fifteen years and is expected to grow 12,519 in the next fifteen years. (1995 Trends for Washington State/Office of Financial Management and City of Renton Comprehensive Plan, 1995.) The Renton Housing Authority (RHA) owns and manages 658 rental units at various sites. 514 of these units are rented to low, and very low income households. These rental units are subsidized through: • Section 8 funding, • HUD Low Income Housing Subsidy, and • 1989 Renton Housing Levy to build Houser Terrace (This 30 year bond paid for the construction of the facility and has made it possible for elderly tenants to keep their rents low; $300 per month is the minimum rent). The other 144 RHA units are rented at fair market rates. First priority is given to applicants who are elderly and/or disabled, and live in Renton. The second priority is families with a disabled person. The Renton Housing Authority also manages 414 Section 8 Vouchers ' �' and Certificates. These provide housing subsidies directly to landlords so low income families *: can find units in the private MIS unsubsidized market. RHA is no •:: longer taking new applications for �.:.,: Section 8. The waiting list for the tenant-based subsidy programs is �'00, •�,,,x �,,,, '" substantial, with 800 to 1 ,000 i names. It will take 3 to 5 years to owl t 7jK complete. They are also having some difficulties finding landlords willing to participate. The turnover rate is low, so very few spaces become available as a result of tenants moving out. The supply of affordable housing in the future does not appear to be adequate when all factors are considered: cuts in subsidies, discontinued tax credits, low turnover, and expiring programs. Future households requiring housing assistance will need a range of unit sizes, assistance for first time home buyers, and subsidy programs for low income families that rent. r ,, 54 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Seventy percent (306) of the RHA subsidized rental units are allocated to the elderly and disabled. The elderly and disabled represent less than 20 percent of the Renton population according to the 1990 Census. Housing preservation is a way of maintaining low income housing. No recent physical condition survey is available for Renton's housing stock. Data from a 1981 King County study �`�, indicated that 35 percent of single family, 1 % duplex, and triplex units in Renton needed moderate repair; 20 percent needed major repair. A 1989 study of multi-family units found that 41 percent IFir were in moderate condition and needed I " . a only minor repair, and three percent were in poor condition and in need of 11 stigg major repair. ��r-.11, C ' w In 1995, the City of Renton Housing .. Repair Assistance Program assisted 327 low and moderate income homeowners J -- with minor home repairs. Of these, 240 I of the homeowners were elderly. ► �'�; Housing repairs can help those living 14 alone maintain their independence. 300 �4 of the clients assisted, were living alone gt.41 4.- and on fixed incomes. 219 clients (73%) 011011111 . .4. .. had an income below $1 1 ,000 per year. At this income level, it is extremely difficult to afford housing repairs after p paying the monthly bills. The housing repairs are commonly neglected until they become a major issue, and threaten the structure. In the Renton Human Services Needs Assessment, some of those surveyed were living in housing that needed repairs that they could not get done. Those most likely to mention this as a problem were: • Respondents with low and moderate incomes (of whom 1 1% said this was a problem), compared to respondents with higher incomes (4%); and • Respondents who did not graduate from college (8%), compared to college graduates (2%). These people may either not know about the Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program or may be living in rental units. The Renton program is for homeowners only, living within the city limits. Chapter Four 55 Housing Stability and Homelessness An issue with many low income families is housing stability. A recent study of the King County Consortium Housing Stability Program (Housing Stability Program Evaluation Report, 1996) showed that clients seeking assistance listed three reasons as the main factor leading to eviction: • Lost job (27%), • Physical illness (14%), and • Family or relationship breakup (12%). The study further looked at each family's history of homelessness. Of the 223 clients assisted by the program in the first year, 34 percent indicated that they had been without housing in the last two years. Economic reasons may help explain this finding. The average family income was $1 ,507. When asked what was the main factor of homelessness, the most frequently cited main reason was domestic violence (22%), with three additional clients listing domestic violence as a contributing factor (25%). Two other factors were job loss (32%), and physical illness (21%). Twenty-six Renton clients were assisted by the King County Consortium Housing Stability Program in 1995. Community leaders and those completing the written survey rated homelessness as a major problem. However, phone respondents rated homelessness near the bottom of their concerns. One interpretation is that the general population of Renton does not view homelessness as an important issue. Another is that homelessness is not well understood in Renton. A significant percentage of those surveyed by phone didn't know if homelessness was a problem or not in Renton. A recent study by the Seattle-King County Coalition for the Homeless reported a significant increase in homelessness in 1995. In November 1995, all King County homeless shelters provided 2,347 bed nights of emergency housing shelter and 530 transitional bed nights for homeless persons. Fifty-one programs serving the homeless participated in the survey. Some of the key facts are: • There were 13,266 requests for 1 ,977 beds. A total of 3,967 clients were served and 9,299 were turned away. This is a 23 percent increase in turnaways over the previous year. • Of the 3,967 clients served, 1 ,094 were children between the ages of 0- 17. About half (40%) of these children were five years of age or younger. 56 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. • Members of ethnic minority groups are disproportionately represented in shelters and transitional housing. A sample taken in November showed that 68 percent were members of minority groups. Emergency housing is free housing for up to three months. Transitional housing is longer-term housing, three months to two years, at minimal or no cost, to facilitate a transition from emergency to market rate or other subsidized housing. Transitional housing is intended to provide time for families to become stable enough in their living situations to deal with other issues in their lives. It usually lasts from 6 to 12 months. South King County and Renton have few shelter beds. Over 80 percent of shelter beds are in Seattle with the remaining number scattered in other parts of the county. Renton has only four emergency housing beds which are operated by the YWCA. However, there are grassroots efforts to assist the homeless. In Renton, homeless families are given transitional housing shelter by 002, Way Back Inn, a volunteer _.. organization that rehabilitates houses and makes them available at no cost to homeless families for up to six months. Last year, five families, all with children, were helped. A new duplex in Renton, Rainier Vista, will be ready for occupancy this summer. The closest teen shelter is in Auburn. For most homeless men, the closest shelter is in Seattle. However, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church is one of twelve "Congregations for the Homeless". Each month a congregation sponsors thirty homeless men with shelter and a hot meal. At St. Matthew's these men are referred to as "The Men of March". This program does not just provide for physical needs. It also counteracts isolation and helps the men to network,find jobs, housing, and human services. One characteristic of homelessness is its invisibility. Kris Klinebough, a previously homeless person well on her way to self- sufficiency, discussed homelessness in a + recent newsletter of the South King , '' County Multi-Service Center: "People i, to have many preconceived ideas about , I1:41 f what a homeless person looks like, that ��; are usually far fro reality. In reality, ..° you can rarely tell a person is homeless • ..ri just by looking at him or her. Most , . ` homeless people look just like you and me. Homeless people range from ,r-- newborn to senior citizen; it is an . occurrence that shows no prejudice". "M As the saying goes, many people are just "one paycheck away from being homeless". Summary Meeting basic needs is cited both as a community-wide and household problem in Renton. The term basic needs usually refers to the ability to provide food, shelter and clothing. In Renton, thousands of households seek some sort of assistance each year. Only a small fraction can obtain help. Unemployment and low wages contribute to poverty and homelessness. Low income housing is limited in Renton with only 1 ,070 low income subsidized units with a growing population. Many residents are having problems maintaining permanent housing because of high housing costs. Some residents slip into homelessness. CHAPTER 5 Health And Safety Health and safety were listed as high needs by Renton residents. Health care includes: primary health care for children, youth and families; preventive care; dental care; reproductive health services; and care for mental and emotional problems. Crime or violence by adults and other public safety issues have reached a level of severity, and are increasingly characterized as a public health issue. Primary Health Care Low income families are at greater risk for health problems. The Health of King County 1990 (1992) found that "death, illness and injury are strongly associated with residence in low income county areas". While Renton is not cited as a high risk area, South King County and Renton rank well above North and East King County in all health indicators. Affordable health care rated fifth among phone respondents of the 24 community-wide problems studied. One in four Renton residents (25%) thinks that affordable health care is a major community-wide problem. Persons most likely to rate affordable health care as either a major or moderate problem were those under 65 (45%), compared to respondents 65 and older (32%). As a household problem, not being able to get medical insurance or care was cited as a problem in 10 percent of Renton households. The groups most likely to say this was a problem were: • Respondents with low household incomes (of whom 31% said this was a i!lif f$ problem), compared to respondents with r moderate incomes (6%); • Minorities (25%), compared to non-minorities (8%); • Renters (20%), compared to homeowners (6%); • Respondents under 55 (12%), compared to respondents 55 and older (4%); and o; • Respondents who did not graduate from college (12%), compared to college grads (5%). 60 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. Thirty-three percent of the written respondents indicated that being unable to obtain medical insurance, or care, was a major or moderate problem. There is a high demand for affordable health care in Renton. The Community Health Centers of King County and Southeast District of the Seattle-King County Public Health Department are the main providers of affordable health care in Renton. Both serve low income families on a sliding fee scale. The Renton Public Health Clinic provides .f primary care to children and teens and targets care to certain populations. Examples are: well 01611.111. child care, reproductive health services including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, immunizations and family planning. The Renton Community Health Center provides comprehensive family care to low income residents of all ages. Some indicators of demand are: • In 1995, 1 ,527 Renton clients were served by the Renton Community Health Center. These clients received 3,806 medical visits. The Renton clinic had the highest demand of any Community Health Center clinic. Forty-six percent more Renton medical visits were provided than originally projected. • In 1995, 1 ,327 patients were served by the Southeast District of the Seattle-King County Public Health Clinic with 3,318 pediatric visits as well as 3,131 maternity visits. There is a current case load of 1 ,400 for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, a food and nutrition program. • In 1992, according to the Department of Social and Health Services Community Data Report, 3,005 Renton DSHS clients, largely children, were assisted through Medicaid with medical assistance such as early screening and diagnosis, inpatient and outpatient care, physician and clinic services. The demand in Renton is complicated by the fact that in 1995 over sixty percent of families coming to the Renton Community Health Center Clinic had no health insurance whatsoever. This rate is twice as high as any other South King County city. This means that it is much more expensive for providers to treat Renton families because often there is no reimbursement. The provider is then donating services to Renton residents. At the same time, the City of Renton lags behind other cities in its support for affordable health care. Chapter Five 61 The average contribution to Community Health Centers by Kent, Auburn, and Federal Way is over $50,000. Renton's annual contribution is less than $20,000. The new Washington Basic Health Plan is helping the situation. Families must still sign up for this coverage. Coverage is not free, but offered on a sliding scale. A low income family of four can pay from $33 to $96 per month. The Basic Health Plan does not cover all services and is less comprehensive than Medicaid. Health Care Issues There are indicators which demonstrate the health of our community. Jo Abraham, Clinical Operations Manager, Community Health Centers of King County identified five of these indicators. 1 • The Renton Community Health Center Clinic sees many young women for family planning and sexually transmitted diseases. The most common and difficult is Chlamydia because there are few symptoms and if untreated, it can produce infertility in women. Data from the Renton Health Planning Area shows that the rate is increasing for the 18-19 age group. In the Needs Assessment, AIDS, HIV Infection and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases had a high percentage of respondents (41%) saying r they did not know if these are problems �; ; •` in Renton.: • Many older adults need medication for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. The Renton Community Health Clinic stocks these medications and sells them at a reduced rate. However, some of the medications are very expensive and getting more so. r ` • Renton has a high incidence of asthma. While not a vast number, the Renton rate is higher than the rest of the county and the disease here is more severe. (Asthma is a measure of access to health care. Higher rates indicate a gap in primary health care delivery (The Health Of King County 1990, 1992) characteristic of low income populations.) • The Renton Clinic is seeing many more Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish speaking clients. This creates a need for more interpretation services . 62 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. • There are more disabled clients. The absence of a disabled restroom is becoming an increasing problem. Teenage pregnancy is on the decline in King County. Births to teenagers continue to be an issue of public concern because adverse outcomes to these families include: poverty, unemployment, and poor educational opportunities. A new report released by the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, Changing Direction: An Update on Teen Pregnancy and Birth in King County (April, 1996) shows that: • The adolescent pregnancy rate decreased 21 percent since its peak in 1988. One in 20 adolescent females became pregnant in 1994. • Adolescents living in high poverty areas had birth rates five times higher than the wealthier areas of King County. Renton is a high risk area, but not as high as Central Seattle, White Center and other high poverty areas. A factor associated with adolescent pregnancy is a history of sexual abuse. One study showed 66 percent of pregnant and parenting teens in Washington were sexually abused as children (Public Health Improvement Plan, 1994). Despite the reduction of this one indicator, adolescents, according to Jerry DeGrieck, District Administrator, Southeast District, Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, continue to be a population of concern. This is indicated by identified problem behaviors including substance abuse and violence. People of color can be at higher risk for health problems. A 1992 study, Washington State Health Data Report on People of Color, details the higher health risk of minority populations. African Americans are at a higher risk, no matter what measures or comparison groups are used. Some of these problems may be related to economic factors demonstrated by higher use of social services, and/or higher poverty rates. The report concludes that "considering all data..., it is hard to to identify any area where African Americans are not at risk". These risk factors are: low birth weight babies leading to high infant mortality rates, high homicide rates particularly for those under 18, and high incidence of AIDS cases. Other major concerns about African American health include hypertension, substance abuse, and the genetic condition of sickle cell anemia. Asian/Pacific Americans are the most diverse color group. The subgroups —Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese— differ considerably in diet, adoption of Western medical practices, and access to the health care Chapter Five 63 system. Income and employment rates vary from high to low. Even so, a few general statements can be made. The overall group has relatively few teenage births, abortions, and have smaller families. Childhood and adolescence are characterized by low death rates. Death rates are even lower than the general population, except for girls (aged 1-12) whose rates are 14 r ,, percent higher. Cancer is the leading - vs cause of death for this group. In early and middle adulthood, Asian/ Pacific American male death rates continue to be about 80 percent lower than the general population. The exception is young adult males who have a relatively high cancer death rate. Filipinos do have a low birth weight greater than the state average as well as the highest incidence of mothers with chronic hypertension. Hispanic is not a distinct racial category, but instead refers to country of origin. The Hispanic population is a mixture of ethnic cultural and racial origins. As a group, the report states that: "Hispanics present a challenge to health care programs. They do poorly in some areas (many teen births, late prenatal care, death from homicide, and diabetes). On the other hand, they do very well in other areas (low maternal smoking and drinking, fewer low birth weight infants, and low, age-specific death rates including infant mortality rates). The report characterized the health status of Native Americans as poor, with high mortality, high rate of infectious disease, and limitation of major activities. Native Americans are more likely to report smoking, heavy drinking, being overweight, and not using seat belts. With the increasing diversity of Renton's population, health and other human services in our community need to take into account the unique needs of our minority populations. Dental Care Not being able to get dental insurance or care was cited as a problem by about one in eight phone respondents. This means that 31 percent of Renton residents are having trouble getting affordable dental insurance and care. 64 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. The groups most likely to report this were: • Respondents with low household incomes (of whom 31% said this was a problem), compared to respondents with moderate incomes (10%); and • Renters (21%), compared to homeowners (8%). In the phone survey, affordable dental care was most likely to be seen as a major or moderate household problem by: • Respondents with low household incomes • tt 48% , compared to those with moderate incomes (30%); • Respondents who did not attend college or vocational school (41%), compared to those who did (26%); Mtir • Renters (41%), compared to homeowners (28%); and • Residents of the Highlands (39%) and Benson and Talbot Hills (37%), compared to all other neighborhoods (26%). In Washington State, the lack of access to dental care is at crisis levels for low income and Medicaid eligible clients. Dental disease is one of the most prevalent and preventable diseases. In the United States, 84 percent of children and 96 percent of adults have experienced cavities. Over 36 percent of four year old preschool children in Head Start programs in Washington need dental treatment. The public often perceives, especially those who can afford dental care, that dental disease is a "natural occurrence" that deserves little attention or dollars. However, it is a high need in Washington, King County and Renton. As stated in the most recent Public Health Improvement Plan (1994), "the lack of access to dental care is at crisis levels for low income and Medicaid eligible clients". Hospital emergency rooms are handling cases costing up to $3,000 to treat a child with infant caries (baby bottle tooth decay), a painful debilitating dental disease which is totally preventable. There is high demand and few resources for affordable dental care in Renton. The Renton Community Health Center and the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health are the main providers of dental care to the Chapter Five 65 low income residents of Renton. The Community Health Center clinic serves people of all ages. The Public Health Dental clinic which serves only children and the elderly is located in Renton. Community Health Centers sees Renton clients at the Eastside clinic in Redmond and at the Federal Way clinic. An Auburn clinic is scheduled to open in July and a Kent clinic in the Fall of 1997. Dental services are heavily used and reflect the high demand for dental care in Renton. In 1995, 1 , 160 persons (52% Renton residents) received dental care at the Public Health Center in Renton, and 58 received dental care at the Community Health Center dental clinics. Low income clients on the whole have more serious problems than wealthier clients who have ready ; _ access to preventive care. This means that each client takes longer } and is more expensive to treat. In it 1995, the Seattle-King County r. Department of Public Health received funds to renovate the Renton Dental ° �' � Clinic. Mental Health The Health of King County 1990 �. (1992) report states "that mental `1 c health problems cause a significant amount of disability, yet their prevalence is difficult to measure". l Rates of hospitalization are an indicator. Hospitalization rates for substance abuse and psychosis or depression are comparable to the rates for heart disease, cancer and injuries. Also, substantial evidence shows that poverty and mental illness are interrelated. Mental illness can have a genetic component. However, environmental factors such as poverty, chaotic home situations, or child abuse and neglect, may generate mental illness problems, or make the problem worse. In particular, this is true of depression. Mental illness was the second most stated reason for homelessness (14%) behind income and job loss (28%) by users of the State Emergency Shelter Assistance Program (Data Summary & Guide to Community Planning, 1995). The issue of mental health services has not been a priority for the City of Renton. Therefore, one of the surprises of the study was its high identification as a household problem. It was also recognized as a community-wide problem by community leaders. 66 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. The number one household problem was anxiety, stress, and depression. Having a lot of anxiety, stress or depression was cited as a problem in about one out of twenty households. The groups most likely to say it was a problem were: • Respondents with low household incomes (of whom 37% cited this as a problem), compared to those with moderate incomes income (17%); and • Renters (26%), compared to homeowners (16%). The issue of mental health is not well understood. Lack of services for the mentally ill and people with emotional problems had the highest percentage of "don't knows" (43%). No group stood out as being most likely to rate this as either a major or moderate problem. Data from the King County Forgotten Children report (1988) estimated that 12,000 school-age children suffer from severe emotional disturbance in King County. There is no way to identify all the children in King County who need mental health services. A partial way is to use information about mental health services for children paid for by public funds. Of the 1 ,167 cases in King County publicly funded mental health services for children — 47 percent were 6 to 12 years old, 40 percent were 13 to 18 years old and 13 percent were under the age of 6. Other statistics relate to adolescent suicide. Thirty percent of adolescent girls in the state have ° . - contemplated suicide in the past 12 months according to the Data Summary & Guide to , Community Planning (1995). Half of this number attempted suicide. Males were more likely to , " actually commit suicide. The availability of mental health services for 'Ai. 4 �I all ages is very limited in Renton. There are two types of care available for mental and emotional problems. The first is inpatient care for severe illness; the second is outpatient services , 4 for less severe problems such as anxiety and i depression. For Renton residents, inpatient care for publicly funded clients is primarily provided by Northwest Mental Health Services. Outpatient care is primarily provided by Northwest Counseling Institute. Additionally, Valley Medical Center takes Chapter Five 67 Medicare and coupons for inpatient care. A few other providers, such as Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation, also provide outpatient services to publicly funded clients. There are some other providers that offer outpatient treatment on a sliding scale, but the per hour charge can be $40. Overall, mental health care receives little public subsidy. The DSHS Community Data Report Fiscal Year 1992 (1994) shows only 75 Renton residents received assistance for psychiatric services. Public Safety Crime or violence among youth rated highest among the 24 problems. Youth crime is rated as the number one concern in Renton among the phone survey respondents with 64 percent responding that it is a major to moderate problem. Community leaders rated it third, with 98 percent identifying youth crime as a major to moderate problem. For the written survey, 80 percent say it is a major to moderate problem. Crime in general is also rated high, but not as high as youth crime. The groups most likely to rate this as either a major or moderate problem were: • Residents of the _ a Highlands (73%) and .; r. the Earlington, West " Kennydale, North • Renton, South Renton, and West Hill { to. ` • group of 4 eIt. Pat neighborhoods (72%), compared to all other 4 neighborhoods as a � .01\ t tk whole (60/); and • Non-minorities (67%), compared to 1, minorities (45%). Crime, overall, was rated as a problem by two-thirds of the phone respondents. The groups most likely to rate crime as either a major or moderate problem were: • Residents of the Highlands (79%), compared to all other neighborhoods (66%); and • Non-minorities (70%), compared to minorities (51%). b8 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. In 1995, crimes committed did not significantly increase from 1994 according to the Renton Police Department. The actual statistics are included in Table 9. In Renton, youth commit a small fraction of crimes. Most studies and surveys rate youth crime far above adult crime as a concern. However, Renton's 1995 year-end crime statistics show that there were 9,507 crimes committed for all age groups which includes all Class I, II and III crimes. Only 370 were committed by youth; of which 80 were classified as violent crimes. Clearly, youth are not committing the majority of crimes in Renton. In fact, according to the article "Single, With Children" in the Valley Daily News on April 21, 1996, only 6 percent of youth in Washington commit crimes. Nationally, the FBI reports that in 1994 the rate of juveniles being murdered in the United States was 7 per day. The majority of the victims were ages 15 -17 (53%), and 30 percent were younger than the age of 6. Of all the juveniles murdered in 1994, 1 in 5 were known to be murdered by another juvenile, and those victims were in the 15-17 year age bracket. Additionally, the majority of violent crimes committed by juveniles happens on school days between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., not after curfew. The State of Washington statistics are almost identical to the FBI's for the entire country. Summary Affordable health care and public safety are issues of high concern to Renton residents. The primary providers of health and dental care for low income people in Renton are the Renton Community Health Center and the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. These clinics experience high demand. Dental care is a particular issue because of the difficulty in getting dental insurance coverage. Anxiety and depression rated as the number one household problem. Mental health services for low income persons are virtually nonexistent in Renton. Crime and youth crime were listed as high concerns for all surveyed. Statistics show, however, a small percentage of crimes are committed by youth in Renton. Table 9 shows the trends for crime over the last three years. Chapter Five TABLE 9 CITY OF RENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME STATISTICS 1993-1994- 1995* CLASS I CRIMES 1995 1994 1993 Homicide 11 3 3 Rape 27 40 28 Robbery 111 105 109 Assault 845 889 916 Burglary 611 600 643 Larceny 2,507 2,595 3,093 Auto Theft 559 567 483 TOTAL CLASS I 4,671 4,799 5,275 CLASS II CRIMES 1995 1994 1993 Arson 25 38 29 Blackmail/Extortion 1 0 1 Crimes Against Children 147 155 222 Disturbances 660 750 677 Embezzlement 5 8 4 Explosives 15 18 16 Forgery/Counterfeiting 173 214 192 Fraud 77 46 52 Kidnap/Abduction 5 8 6 Liquor Laws/Detox 70 83 43 Narcotics/Drugs 229 178 163 Property Stolen/Pawned 143 129 120 Sex Offenses 116 115 117 Malicious Mischief 742 886 1 ,077 Vice 2 4 2 Weapons 31 44 41 Felony Flight 10 4 4 TOTAL CLASS II 2,451 2,680 2,766 * Class III crimes not included CHAPTER 6 Children , Youth and Families Children, youth and family issues were rated highest by all those surveyed. Issues include: family violence including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, and drugand alcohol a abuse. Teen issues 3' including: teen unemployment, runaway or homeless teens, and lack of recreational facilities for youth were also rated high. - • Families with children comprise the majority of Renton households. The age group, 54 years of age and younger, represents eighty = percent of Renton's population. • Family Violence r, d Family violence includes physical, sexual, r and emotional abuse of any family member. w This term encompasses domestic violence ��• � which normally refers to spousal abuse and - child abuse. These destructive patterns rated very high as community-wide problems. Domestic Violence Physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and other domestic violence rated very high as a problem in Renton. Forty-three percent of people surveyed by phone felt family violence was a major to moderate problem. Further, the written survey results showed that 64 percent of those responding perceived it as a major to moderate problem. Community leaders rated family violence as the number one problem in Renton, with 96 percent identifying it as a major to moderate problem. The groups most likely to rate this as either a major or moderate problem were: • Residents of the Highlands (55%), compared to all other neighborhoods as a whole (41%); • Respondents with children at home (52%), compared to respondents without children (39%); • Renters (51%), compared to homeowners (40%); 72 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. • Women (49%), compared to men (37%); and • Non-minorities (45%), compared to minorities (29%). Domestic violence is one of the greatest threats to family and community health. What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior. The pattern includes physical, mental, or sexual abuse toward the partner, and all too frequently escalates into threats and death. Another risk is that, without intervention, children witnessing such abuse learn to see it as a way to solve problems, and later in life often repeat violence in their relationships. Attorney General Janet Reno is quoted as saying, "It is imperative that we really focus on the whole issue of domestic violence and family violence in its larger context. On many occasions, the child who sees his mother being beaten accepts violence as a way of life". Domestic violence is recognized in King County, Washington State, and nationally, as a major health care problem. Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop has stated that domestic violence affects more individuals and families than any other single problem. Families in which domestic violence occurs visit physicians eight times more often, and visit the emergency room six times more often, than those in the general population (Group Health Cooperative of Seattle, King County, 1994). Domestic violence is also a serious problem in Renton. In the first six months of 1995, there were 978 domestic violence related emergency calls received by the Renton Police. By the end of the year, less than half of those calls were filed as misdemeanor cases, and 60 cases were filed as felonies. Of the 746 criminal non-traffic violations, 24 percent were domestic violence related. Clearly, domestic violence is a major health and human services issue in Renton. As one community leader in Renton pointed out, "There is a desperate need for intervention for minor domestic violence situations. It may be [a] minor criminal case, but the problem is larger because of repeat offenders. The husband may lock his wife in the bathroom, he gets arrested, she needs him home for money or she'd be homeless — this person is headed to worse consequences in escalating events; it could even lead to murder. Victims recant and the justice system is not effective. They need intervention, not a legal person, but an advocate to encourage follow-through, a brief intervention to encourage prosecution. It would change the whole picture". OR"' Chapter Six 73 Child Abuse Child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault put children at risk for other problems later on. Youth violence, in part, is caused by violence in the home. A recent study by the King County Youth Services Mental Health Unit found that 95 percent of the girls and 65 percent of the boys in detention had been sexually abused. Of those young people, 85 percent had been physically abused (Safe Communities, 1995). Homicide is the leading cause of injury-related death for children under the age of six. Child abuse and neglect causes children to have other problems even when it is not fatal. It causes developmental delays, brain damage, mental health problems, academic failure, future problems with drugs 4 and alcohol, and various other disabilities. In the 12th grade, approximately 19 percent of youth report having a history of child abuse. Available data oftentimes does not include white, middle and upper income families because there is a problem of under-reporting in that community. The rate in these communities can be as high as 60 percent, according to the Washington State Department of Public Health. Local agency reports an increase in sexual assault cases involving children. Between the years of 1989 and 1993, a local Renton based agency (funded in part by the City of Renton), King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) had an 85 percent increase in clients from the Renton area. In 1995, KCSARC had 65 Renton children on their case load. Children's Protective Services (CPS) reported that in King County 24 percent of their case load was sexual assault. Studies show that 61 percent of all rape cases occur before the victim reaches 18 years of age, and that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 5 boys are sexually assaulted by the age of 18. CPS also reports that the majority of cases reported are physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. Only 50 percent of them are at low risk of further incidents for abuse. According to the Public Health Improvement Plan for Washington State (1994), sexual abuse can be linked to: drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues, teen pregnancy, runaways, prostitution, school dropouts, 'vvV xw< 74 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. child abuse and neglect, and suicide. Two-thirds of teens that become pregnant have been victims of sexual assault. Teen Issues "Teens need to be made a priority and should not be overlooked anymore..." (Community leader). Unemployment among teenagers was most likely to be perceived as either a major or moderate problem by: • Respondents 45 and older (39%), compared to respondents under 45 (25%), and • Respondents who did not attend college or vocational school (39%), compared to those who did (29%). When looking for employment, teens face the handicap of lacking the skills and/or the experience that employers seek. However, there are several programs in Renton that help teens deal with these issues. The YWCA offers two programs: Youth Options, and Youth Works. • Youth Options is a program for teens, ages 16-21 that have dropped out of school and are low income. They offer help for teens in getting their GED, and into vocational programs to further their education. There are case managers to help with pre- employment counseling which includes; how to dress, attitude, interviewing skills, ~..: and help in finding suitable . employment. p • Youth Works is for low income youth ages 16-21 still in �` school, with a GPA of 2.0 or greater, and living in South King County. They offer pre- employment training, job readiness training, resume writing, and interviewing skills. They also have some funds available for transportation, work clothes and other basic needs in securing employment. Both programs have open enrollment. The West Hill Family Enrichment Center also provides access to the King County Work Training Program. This program is designed to help low income youth catch up on school credits and work part-time during summer months. It is a 30 hour per week program in which teens attend classes in Chapter Six 75 the morning and work in the afternoon. They are paid minimum wage for the full 30 hours. A lack of recreational facilities or programs for youth rated near the middle of the 24 issues. The groups most likely to rate this as either a major or moderate problem were: • Women (32%), compared to men (22%); and • Respondents who did not graduate from college (31%), compared to college graduates (18%). There are programs for youth in Renton. Recreation is a top priority for the City of Renton, and there are many city- sponsored programs. The City's Parks and Recreation Department has two sites where youth programs are available at night. The Community Center has recreation for youth ages 13-18, and up to 120 youth show up on Friday nights during the school year. Programming includes: basketball, volleyball, help on the fitness equipment, movies, music, a game room, and snacks. The activities are scheduled every other Friday night, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There is also the Highlands Community Center that offers the same programs on alternating Friday nights. Club Highlands is a project of the Highlands Community Church. Started by Chris Renzelman, a youth pastor at the church, it has been a success since it opened - , w two years ago. Club Highlands offers an alternative place for kids to hang-out "instead / of roaming the streets looking for trouble', with about 60 high school youth and 25 " • middle school youth attending nightly. There _ • are recreational activities, tutoring, clubs, and . .A counselors available to talk with teens. There are mentors, and spiritual guidance is available for those who ask. For high school _ youth, it is open on Tuesday and Friday nights during the school year. During the summer it is open on Tuesday and Thursday nights. There is a separate program for middle school youth open on Monday and Wednesday from 3-6 p.m., as an after school program. Project Lighthouse, also described in Chapter 2, is open to youth ages 13 to 19 at Nelsen Middle School. Every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., up to 150 young people gather for recreation, and homework help. This project helps young 76 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. people grow by giving them opportunities to develop their self-esteem, and giving them a sense of belonging to the greater Renton community. The Skyway Teen Center is located at Black River High School and is run by King County Parks Department. The majority of youth accessing the center are Renton School District kids, although it is open to everyone. They are open Tuesday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. They have basic recreational programming, such as sports, video games, snacks, and a big screen T.V. There is also tutoring, homework help, and field trips. Some of the field trips that have been offered in the past are: inner tubing, wild waves, sporting events, drama, opera, community festivals, BBQ's, parties, horseback riding, and camping trips. During the busy season in winter months they average around 40 to 50 kids a night. In the summer there is usually 10 to 20. Another significant issue is runaway and homeless teens. Runaway or homeless teens were most likely to be rated as either a major or moderate problem by: • Highlands residents (31%), . compared to all other neighborhoods as a whole g i a � ' , (20%); and • Respondents with household ' e' 4' r low or moderate incomes (30%), compared to those ' with higher incomes (19%). There is little information on the issue of runaway and homeless teens in the Renton area, however, some studies have been done in the King County/ Seattle area over a period of 5 years. There are many factors leading to teens running away or becoming homeless. According to an article in The Source, February 1996, 95 percent of youth that run away return home within 3 days, and the other 5 percent usually have other issues that need to be addressed. There is usually something wrong in the family system such as: drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, hunger, abandonment, change in the family structure, physical or sexual abuse, or other problems. Teens are the most under-served homeless population. They become at risk for many other problems because of their homeless status. Many times these youth use drugs or alcohol, resort to prostitution, get raped while on the street, are malnourished, and are susceptible to Chapter Six 77 disease. The Becca Bill was passed in 1995 to try to address some of these issues, making it illegal to harbor a runaway. However, it does not address the more serious nature of youth being chronically homeless. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Alcohol and drug abuse is a state and national problem. Nationally, alcohol and drug abuse is a major factor in accidents, crime, health, child abuse, domestic violence, and birth defects. Traditionally there have been two ways to combat this issue: by stricter sentencing in drug related crimes, and by lowering the demand for illegal substances. / According to The State of Y Washington's Children, fewer youth drink heavily (27 percent) than the national �, �� � - average which is about 32 �� percent. More youth use �` Mgr L ' " -- cocaine on a regular basis at '0 4 ,, ""` about 3 percent, with a � � national average at about 2 .�;; percent. � � A 1993 report by Washington , State, Substance Abuse Trends in Washington State, concluded that about 70 percent of the efforts against alcohol and drug use are aimed at law enforcement, while only 30 percent is aimed at education, prevention, and treatment. Alcohol is, by far, the most abused drug, followed by cigarettes, then marijuana. These are considered "gateway" drugs because they are often the precursor to other substance abuse. Although most people that use these drugs do not go on to use more illicit drugs, youth that do use marijuana on a regular basis, are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than those that have never tried it (Washington State Survey of Adolescent Health Behaviors, 1995). Alcohol and drug abuse is considered a problem in Renton. Alcohol or drug abuse was most likely to be rated as either a major or moderate problem by: • Residents of the Highlands (63%) and the Earlington, West Kennydale, North Renton, South Renton and West Hill group of neighborhoods (62%), compared to all other neighborhoods as a whole (47%); and • Renters (62%), compared to homeowners (48%). 78 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Experiencing a drug or alcohol problem was noted as a problem by 2 percent of the households. Respondents with children at home were more likely to say this (5%) than were those without children (1%). According to DSHS Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, there are consequences other than addiction to alcohol and drug use. These include: • birth defects and complications, • reduced productivity on the job, • increased risk of accidents, and • health risks such as: cirrhosis of the liver, drug psychoses, drug dependence, poisoning, and suicide. People who use alcohol and drugs are at greater risk for infectious diseases, such as: AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Crimes related to drug and alcohol include: drug abuse violations, prostitution, driving under the influence, and property crime. Violence, whether it is stranger violence or a person known to the victim, can be attributed in part to alcohol or drug abuse. In Washington State in 1991 , 518 crimes against persons per 100,000 can be linked to alcohol or drugs. There is also a direct correlation between alcohol and drug use and family violence. Alcohol or drug abuse among youth ranked in the top ten problems following crime. The phone survey showed that 57 percent of Renton residents felt alcohol and drug abuse is a major to t � ,, moderate problem. For the written survey, 82 percent felt it is a major '`�; to moderate problem; and forrfa community leaders, 98 percent felt alcohol and drug abuse among .. . youth is a major to moderate problem. The groups most likely to rate thisi>- � as either a major or moderate problem were: E • Residents of the Earlington, West Kennydale, North Renton, South Renton and West Hill group of neighborhoods (72%), compared to all other neighborhoods as a whole (56%); Chapter Six 79 • Renters (68%), compared to homeowners (53%); and • Respondents under 45 (63%), compared to respondents 45 and older (53%). Drug and alcohol abuse among youth is a national problem. A recent study done by the National League of Cities showed drug and alcohol use as the top issue for youth ages 15-18, in towns with a population under 49,000. In Washington, reports show that 25 percent of all twelfth grade students use hard liquor, 26 percent smoke cigarettes, and 37 percent drink beer on a regular basis. Childcare Childcare is a national problem. In a survey done by the National League of Cities, childcare was rated as the number one problem facing families in the United States. The survey included cities with a population ranging from 10,000 to 300,000+. The two most important criteria for childcare are affordability, and the quality of care your child receives. Children from low income, and minority families receive lower quality of care in general, than children in middle or higher income families. Their choices are more limited because of affordability. Without subsidies, low income families may not be able to afford care that includes: educated workers dedicated to children's development, higher adult to child ratios, planned learning experiences, continued training for staff, and quality toys. The cost of having two children in day care can be as high as a house payment, so some low income parents are forced to switch childcare providers when the monthly rate is raised even $10 more per month. A lack of affordable day care for children was rated as a problem by about one-third of A. "` • the respondents. p 11114 Among respondents with children, stir 4 46 percent cited day care as a problem. ` 'f Renton's survey asked if there was `} a lack of affordable childcare available to its residents. Out of the phone survey, 31 percent rated it as a major to moderate problem, 80 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. 87 percent of Renton's community leaders rated it as a major to moderate problem, and the written survey, 51 percent rated it as a major to moderate problem. However, 38 percent of those surveyed by phone said, "don't know", when asked if childcare was a community-wide problem. This means that among those with an opinion, day care rated highly as a problem in Renton. The availability of affordable childcare is limited in Renton. There are 26 centers in Renton, and the average amount of spaces available in centers are 50. There are 123 day care homes in Renton, and each have approximately 5 spaces available. The total number of spaces in Renton are about 2,800. However, these may not be affordable for low income persons. The average costs of day care in Renton are: $484 a month for infant care (2 months to 1 year), $432 for toddler care (1 year to 2.5 years), $400 for preschoolers (2.5 years to kindergarten), and $2.96 an hour for school age children (kindergarten through 5th grade). The amount of subsidies that are available through the State and King County are very few, and the amount of subsidized spaces available in Renton, even fewer than that. Child Care Resources reports that 72 percent of Renton residents using their services are low income; 10 percent are moderate; and 18 percent are middle class. Of the 72 percent low income families accessing their services for care, only one-fourth are using subsidies. About half of childcare providers in Renton take subsidies from the state, but there may only be one or two spaces available in each day care that accepts them. The problem, in part, is that state subsidies do not pay the going rate for childcare. For a school age child they pay $2.65 an hour; the provider is asked to absorb the difference in price. They also are not paid when the child does not show up for day care because of illness, or the ' family is on vacation. Most providers charge parents to keep the space available, whether the child is there or not. With childcare workers and day care homes already making barely above minimum wage they cannot afford to open many spaces for families on state subsidies. King County has a subsidized program, but has only 500 subsidies for the County. In Renton, 179 families received the King County subsidies for 1994-1995. Chapter Six 81 The quality of childcare in Renton is variable. There are basic health and safety standards that have to be met when applying for day care licensing through the State of Washington. For instance, restrictions are placed on adult to child ratios, and first aid/CPR training is required. However, King County restricts access to only approved providers, to assure that low income children get the same quality care that children from more advantaged homes can afford. In Renton, only 10 percent of childcare providers are approved to take the King County program. Two of the centers in Renton are nationally accredited programs. These centers apply for accreditation through National Academy for Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The standards for accreditation are above and beyond the standards for State licensing. The adult to child ratio is lower; the education level of workers is higher; it is required to continue with education for staff and administrators; the nutritional standards are higher; and overall is a safer environment. Renton Technical College, which is only open to their students and staff, is one of Renton's tip accredited centers. Children's World is the other. Summary Issues affecting youth and W , families rated the highest ' among all those surveyed. Family violence was rated - as the number one problem for Renton residents, according to the community leaders, and 16119 often leads to other problems for youth that live in violent homes. It is, in part, the cause of youth violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and homelessness. Although there are recreation programs for teens in Renton, the need is higher than the capacity of facilities available. More programming is needed to accommodate the youth, and give them positive outlets for their energy. Affordable, quality childcare is needed to maintain family stability, to continue in the workforce, or to attend school. CHAPTER 7 Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Overall, issues related to senior citizens r T• _ �. F Y and persons with disabilities were ranked low as community-wide problems. =� # mgrs. "�~ " Senior citizens comprise a little over 10 , rear- percent of Renton's population and `_. air persons with disabilities, about nine � �.r ,- percent. About forty percent of the f 1 disabled population are frail elderly with t -71 mobility and self-care limitations. if ,541 Senior Citizensr � Overall, Renton residents ranked the wt needs of senior citizens low on the list of community-wide problems. Residents surveyed by phone were asked about helping families care for needs of the elderly (persons 65 and over) and helping senior citizens to live independently. The first ranked as twentieth of the twenty-four problems areas and the second, twenty-first. Helping families caring for senior citizens was most likely to be perceived as either a major or moderate problem by: • Respondents with household low and moderate incomes (28%), compared to those with higher incomes (18%); and • Women (26%), compared to men (16%). Helping senior citizens who want to live independently was most likely to be rated as either a major or moderate problem by: • Respondents with a person 65 and older living in their home (30%), compared to other respondents (17%); and • Respondents with household low and moderate incomes (26%), compared to those with higher incomes (16%). Three percent of Renton residents surveyed by phone noted that not being able to get care for a senior citizen was a problem. Interestingly, no groups �. z, 84 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. stood out as being the most likely to say this, including respondents with household members 65 or older. Persons over 60 represent just over 14 percent of Renton's population. In 1990, people over 60 in Renton numbered 5,891 . Of this number, 4,390 are 65 and older. The number of persons 60 and older living in Renton has remained quite stable. In 1979 it was 14.7 percent and in 1989 it was 14. 1 percent of the population. This stability is probably due to the balancing of decreases due to death and increases with new residents moving into new senior housing complexes. Those 75 and older were 1 ,780 persons (4.3 percent). Renton older adult population is diverse. In 1993, the Seattle-King County Division on Aging published its South King County Subregional Report analyzing the needs of people aged 60 or older. There were two findings that are especially relevant to Renton: • In Renton, the senior adult population is diverse. Renton has the highest number and proportion of three minority groups in South King County —Asian/ Pacific Islanders (685), African Americans (299), and Native Americans (69). Renton was also home to 116 Hispanic older adults. • The group most in need in Renton is ; women living alone. Persons living alone represented 53 percent of all • senior households and 84 percent of the senior households, living in poverty. For a single adult the poverty guideline is $645 per month. In Renton, the population proportionately in most need was African Americans (33). The 1990 Census data presented in Chapter 1 shows that one of the populations in greatest need are low income African Americans over the age of 65. Chapter Seven 85 The four greatest unmet needs for senior citizens in South King County are health care services, housing, in-home services and transportation. The four greatest unmet needs in South King County are: • Health care services for those with impairments, • Housing, • In-home services such as personal care, and • Transportation frequently related to access to day care services and health care providers (South King County Subregional Report, 1993). These data are confirmed by the Senior Information and Assistance Program which provides information and referral on issues of concern for older adults as well as case assistance or help with a specific problem. Overall, the four highest requests for 101 t. information in 1995-1996 were: residential long term care, in-home health care and f other health related concerns, home '"'44► maintenance, and transportation. In 1995, the Senior Information and Assistance Program provided case assistance to 228 Renton residents from a total of 4,800 King County cases. The distribution of cases was: 22 percent for in- home health care, 21 percent for long term care, 12.5 percent for home maintenance, 10 percent for other health assistance, 10 percent for economic security, 8 percent for transportation, and the balance, other issues. High need health care services include: treatment for alcohol and substance use, mental health, and dental care. While alcohol and substance abuse and mental health needs occur throughout King County, there seemed a greater need in the South (South King County Subregional Report, 1993). This is also true for dental care. In the South King County Subregional Report, 75 percent of those questioned listed a need for increased alcohol and substance abuse services compared to 48 percent of the county as a whole. Seventy-five percent also identified dental services. 86 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. Another major cause of impairment and death are falls (Public Health Improvement Plan, 1994). Unintentional fall-related injuries were the leading cause of injury and death among older adults during 1989-91 . Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization in Washington, averaging 14,754 per year or three times that of motor vehicle accidents. Almost 60 percent of fall-related hospitalizations are adults age 65 and over. A portion of South King County has been identified by the federal government as primary medical care health professional shortage area for its poor and homeless populations. This area includes parts of Renton, Kent and Auburn. Senior adults may be particularly impacted by this shortage, especially those between the ages of 60 and 64 who are below the poverty level and are not yet eligible for Medicare (South King County Subregional Report, tks '' 1993). In Renton, health and dental care services for low income senior citizens are provided by the Community Health Center and the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health Dental f. Clinic. Some mental health services are offered at the Renton Senior Center. Overall in South King County, day care services are a stable, but still not a heavily utilized resource (South King County Subregional Report, 1993). Adult Day Care in Renton is provided by Connection. This service offers a break from care giving for care givers as well as therapeutic activities for clients. The City of Renton has funded the Connection program for several years. For the senior population, housing and health care needs can overlap. Senior citizens need a wide range of housing options. The range includes: independent living with some assistance such as in-home chore services, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. In Renton, there are four Nursing Homes which provide 24-hour supervised nursing care, five Boarding Homes and 25 licensed Adult Family Homes. Boarding Homes offer private apartments along with varying levels of services from meals to nursing assistance. Some of these homes would be considered Assisted Living Facilities. By definition, Assisted Living Facilities offer apartments, Chapter Seven 87 private or semi-private rooms with meal service, housekeeping, and activities. Additional care may be provided at an additional fee. Adult family homes are residential homes that provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and personal care. They can care for up to six individuals. Payment sources include private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or Veterans Administration funds. There is one facility in Renton that has an Assisted Living Contract with the Department of Social and Health Services. There are several new large retirement homes located just outside of Renton. Another alternative to maintaining independent living with a low income is homesharing. Senior Services of Seattle/King County operates the only Homesharing Program in Seattle for Seattle residents. Homesharing is a shared-living arrangement that matches older homeowners, or those looking for housing, with similar aged or younger people. The program receives almost 20 percent of its calls for service and information from the southend. However, the Seattle program is limited to Seattle City limits. Also, older adults need services such as weatherization, energy assistance and home maintenance in order to maintain what is frequently older and affordable housing. The Renton ■ty . Housing Repair program assisted 240 senior citizen households in 1995. Renton has one of the most extensive • housing repair programs in King County. It includes not only minor repairs such as steps, roofs and "` appliances, but also painting and yard work in the summer. South King County has two-thirds of the housing available for persons over - the age of 62. Still, there are senior adults on waiting lists for subsidizedJO ilkhousing. Many seniors do pay more than 30 percent of their monthly income for rent. In Renton, of the per,ait 1070 units of subsidized housing, forty , percent are restricted to senior citizens and the disabled. The Renton Housing Authority reports that one of its biggest problems is seniors "aging in place". These residents need some level of service to remain independent, yet are not in need of the intensive care of a nursing home. 88 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. In-home services help senior citizens stay in their homes as long as possible. In-home services include assistance with personal care and related household chores such as laundry, meal preparation, escorted transportation and shopping. Another name for in-home services is chore services. Chore service needs are partially met; however, there are still those in need. In Renton, Catholic Community Services has just instituted a chore services program in cooperation with St. Anthony's Church. Since July of 1995, Catholic Community Services received 23 requests for assistance from Renton. The new St. Anthony's program can assist up to 30 households. Meals on Wheels serves 75 to 85 households in the Renton area each month and provides 1 ,200 meals. Meals On Wheels is a program administered by Senior Services of Seattle/King County, and is provided locally by the Renton Senior Center. Senior Center volunteers deliver frozen meals once per week with a minimum of seven meals per delivery to the home-bound disabled and elderly. For the nursing home eligible senior, the state offers the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES). The objective of the program is to allow senior citizens to remain in their homes. A senior applies to the DSHS Long Term Care Office in Seattle and an assessment is done. If eligible, the senior is provided medical coupons and the care of the patient is managed by the Seattle-King County Division on Aging in Kent. Many Renton residents are served by this program. As part of the program, participants can also receive a chore option for a certain number of hours per week. Transportation needs frequently concern access to day care services and health care providers. The public transportation system has many barriers and is very limited. The Options Program (formerly Reserve-a-Ride) provides door-to-door transportation for low income senior citizens (65 and over). For Options, seniors need a reduced fare permit available with proof of age or disability. Another transportation program is Metro ACCESS. This special American with Disabilities Act Program operates seven days a week and requires a more detailed application. The weekday rate is 25 cents and weekend rides are 85 cents. There are long waits on the telephone to make reservations. A rider must call a week in advance and waiting times to make appointments are long. The provider for South King County is the Northeast King County Multi-Service Center in Bellevue. Chore workers may meet some of these needs by providing emergency transportation and bringing some services to the home. The Renton Senior Chapter Seven 89 Center has a van service that picks up Renton residents and brings them to the Center. Volunteer Transportation for Seniors offers transportation to low income, frail, older adults. In 1995, the program served 147 Renton clients with 927 trips for 16,445 miles. Most trips are for medical and dental appointments. The City of Renton supports the Renton Senior Center. In addition, human services funding is provided for adult day care, senior transportation and senior health care. Persons with Disabilities Accessibility to public places for the disabled was seen as the least of the 24 problems discussed. The City of Renton in the last five years has stressed accessibility for persons with disabilities. For example, using Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the City has made extensive improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These ' include: the Renton Senior Center; Cedar River Trail; g I' North Highlands Library; and �. Renton Community Center. This may account, in part, for the low priority of this issue. Ices >q e '''`� The phone survey found that, as a community-wide problem, help for disabled persons and their families was not well understood. Help for disabled persons and their families had a high proportion of respondents saying they did not know if this is a problem in Renton. No groups stood out as being the most likely to rate this as either a major or moderate problem. However, not being able to get care for someone with a disability was noted as a household problem by 5 percent of the phone respondents. Respondents of the Heather Downs, Glencoe, Briarwood, Maplewood, Sierra Heights, President Park, Honey Dew, East Kennydale and North Highlands group of neighborhoods were more likely to say this (13%), than were those from all other neighborhoods as a whole (4%). c' ` 90 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. Further, not being able to get into public places or buildings because of accessibility was noted as a household problem by 3 percent of the phone respondents. No group stood out as being the most likely to say this was a problem. The 1990 Census reported that there were 2,571 persons between the ages of 16 and , s. , 64 in Renton with mobility and self-care .. 4 limitations. Y Persons with disabilities age 64 and under represent about 6 percent of Renton's • population. Disabilities include mobility --=, limitations, self-care limitations, and work disabilities. The total population of persons with 3. disabilities including seniors represents about 10 Foos percent of Renton's population. The total number ' rik: of persons with disabilities is 4,088. �, i , , Summary The needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities were ranked low as community-wide needs. The four greatest unmet needs in South King County for senior citizens are: (1) health care services for those with impairments, (2) housing, (3) in-home services such as personal care, and (4) transportation frequently related to access to day care services and health care providers (South King County Subregional Report, 1993). In recent years, the City of Renton has focused on accessibility for persons with disabilities to community facilities and parks. Chapter 8 Community Resources What resources are available in Renton to meet identified needs? Where are they located? This chapter answers these questions by providing a Renton Community Resources Guide and Map. Human services are supported with federal, state, and local funds. An expanding need in Renton for human services is coinciding with proposed reductions at the federal, state, and county level. Jurisdictions, public agencies, and providers are working together to provide more effective services in South King County. Renton is part of these efforts which may affect the way resources are distributed. A wide variety of human services are available in Renton. Renton is fortunate to have a wide variety of services available to residents. A Renton Community Resources Guide on pages 98 to 116 lists services ranging from basic services such as food banks, housing, and employment to services for families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. This guide not only lists the service, address and contact number, but also the capacity of the agency, how many individuals and families can be helped, and eligibility requirements. While it looks like there are many resources available, these resources have limited capacities and specific eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, the services available are not sufficient to meet current needs. A map locating key services follows on pages 118 and 119. Human services in Renton are supported by a mix of public and private dollars. Some of the federal funds for human services in Renton come from the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In 1996 $54,414 funded six human service agencies in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $16,960. The balance of the CDBG grant is restricted to capital projects. These funds have been stable in the past, but it is not known if they will continue in the future. In 1996, the City of Renton, through General Funds, allocated $155,004 to seven human service programs. The amount of CDBG and General Fund allocations total $577,566. The services provided by agencies which were funded include: • Youth at Risk Programs that help youth and their families deal with substance abuse, violence, dating violence, teen parenting, conflict resolution, 92 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. counseling, referrals for basic needs, and shelter. In addition, recreational activities for youth in a group home setting were funded. • Seniors Respite care for caregivers, transportation for low income seniors, health care assessments for older adults, and a minor home repair program that targets seniors and low income home owners. Additionally, the City of Renton funds the Senior Center. • Persons with Different Abilities American Disabilities Act improvements in public places, and adapting home environments to make them accessible for people with different abilities. • Health Care Primary health and dental care for low income, uninsured individuals, and families. Partial funding for a new dental clinic in Renton. • Employment Workshops for low income heads of household - teach resume writing, job readiness skills, and assist in finding employment. • Child abuse and family violence Parenting classes for low income, high risk families, counseling and advocacy for sexual assault survivors and their families, programs for sexually abused children. Additionally, general services for domestic violence survivors. • Food Programs that provide nutritionally balanced meals to those in emergency situations, with special diets taken into consideration. • Clothing Clothing for low income Renton residents. • Housing Capital projects included: transitional and permanent housing for homeless families, deferred loans for major home improvements, and a minor home repair program for low income home owners. Other sources of support for human services include: King County, Washington State, United Way, foundations, Medicaid and Medicare, and public health funds. These sources are also decreasing. Chapter Eight 93 Federal, state, and county funding for human services is declining. In 1996, seven months into the fiscal year, Congress finally passed the Appropriations Bill. There were 200 federal programs eliminated in the process, and many others will see a reduction in funding. Washington State, for the 1996 fiscal year, is receiving $134 million dollars less than in 1995. The area hit the hardest is housing and homelessness prevention. There are less dollars for emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for very low income families, and the elderly. Under the housing category, the program receiving the largest proportional cut is energy assistance. Other reductions fall under the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Program, which was reduced by 17 percent; in Washington State that means a reduction of $18,862,010. As cities incorporate additional areas, King County is losing more and more of its tax base. In the past, the County has provided services for some city residents. Now cities are being asked to absorb the cost of these services, such as, childcare subsidies. There are three new South King County initiatives that are trying to increase the effectiveness of human services. In addition, Renton has two initiatives affecting Renton residents directly. The South King County efforts are: South King County Community Public Health and Safety Network, South King County Youth Violence Committee, and South King County Housing Forum. South King County Community Public Health and Safety Network In 1994, legislation was passed that produced 52 Networks in the State of Washington. The State Legislature appropriated money to fund the Networks. The Networks have to go to the Legislature for funding every year. Because King County is so large, it is divided into seven geographical areas and each has its own Network. Each Network is governed by a twenty-three member board representing different areas of expertise, and from within the community. The purpose of the Networks is to prioritize seven at-risk behaviors of youth, then, through a Request for Proposal process, contract with agencies to address the behaviors identified. In South King County, community meetings were held in each of the eight school districts. The State mandated that at least three behaviors must be reduced within the first five years after the Comprehensive Plan is approved. Approval of the Comprehensive Plan is expected by September, 1996. South King County was unable to narrow it to only three behaviors; therefore, there are four behaviors that will need to be reduced. The seven behaviors are as follows, with the top four, in order of priority, being those identified for South King County, and Renton: 94 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. • Delinquency and Violent Criminal Acts • Substance Abuse • Child Abuse and Neglect • Domestic Violence • School Drop-outs • Teen Pregnancy and Male Parentage • Teen Suicide Renton is represented by one voting member on the Board, and an alternate Board member. South King County Youth Violence Committee The South King County Youth Violence Committee's mission is to create partnerships of organizations and individuals which support youth and families in their efforts to reduce and prevent violence, both by and against youth. The committee advocates for youth, and promotes information sharing, regional collaboration and solutions. The committee was awarded a grant to help communities look at what behaviors need to be addressed, and how they can be resolved. A coordinator was hired to work with each community in South King County. The coordinator's primary responsibility is to educate volunteers. These volunteers, in turn, educate agencies, schools, and individuals, on behaviors that place youth-at-risk, and how to identify programs that help youth develop the ability to cope with change, or resiliency. In Renton, a committee of The Communities In Schools Program, is looking for at-risk behaviors and ways to address them. The committee is comprised of representatives from human services providers in Renton, and staff from the Human Services Division. South King County Housing Forum The Forum is a network of representatives from churches, civic groups, social service agencies, nonprofit developers, lending institutions, landlords, local governments, and citizens concerned about the region's housing needs. The mission of the Forum is to build a committed and cohesive alliance among communities in South King County and to create affordable and appropriate housing for everyone. The Forum does this through educational materials and presentations on the subject. The South King County Housing Forum promotes the following solutions to expand housing: • Rehabilitation of existing houses and apartments, promote home ownership, and assist low income working families. Chapter Eight 95 • Provision of housing for people with special needs (seniors, people with disabilities, homeless youth, and others). • Creation of a regional entity to help South King County cities provide affordable housing for those in need. The Housing Specialist from Human Services and a Renton Senior Planner are members of the Housing Forum. They work cooperatively on strategies to accomplish the solutions for Renton. Specifically, in Renton, there is the Renton Communities In Schools Program, and the One-Stop Human Service Center initiative. Renton Communities In Schools Renton Communities In Schools (RCIS) began in 1994, and is affiliated with National and State programs. Both the City of Renton and Renton School District help fund this program. In addition, staff from the City of Renton Mayor's office, Parks and Recreation, and Human Services are on the Executive Committee of RCIS, the Board of Directors, and various committees. RCIS promotes connections with needed community resources and schools to help youth learn, stay in school, and prepare for life successfully. There are currently four programs offered through RCIS. They are: 1 . Four Family Liaison Workers in four elementary schools and two middle schools, 2. A Mentor/Tutor Program, 3. Business Partnerships that work on career and life skills programming; and, 4. Family Support Services such as the West Hill Family Enrichment Center at Dimmitt, and parent education classes throughout the school district. RCIS is also collaborating with the City of Renton's Human Services Division to facilitate monthly meetings of Renton Human Services Providers. The purpose of the Providers meetings is to: have the providers familiar with each other's services, to learn about common issues that affect either the agencies or their clients, to collaborate on projects, and to help each other when possible. Renton One-Stop Human Service Center The purpose of a One-Stop Human Services Center is to have agencies located in one facility to improve accessibility and overall customer service. Instead of having to go to multiple locations to receive services, a client or family can go to one location. Ideally, the rent for the facility would be less 96 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. than the current market rate, so that more money can be spent on services and less on overhead. Services may also be consolidated to better serve clients. Forty agencies have shown an interest in this concept. They have formed three committees to work on this initiative: • The first, is to find a facility in Renton where agencies can co-locate by the end of 1996. • The second, is to look at agencies' long term needs; come up with a five year plan; and possibly build, renovate or lease a facility in that time frame. • The third is to look at models that fit with Renton's plans on how services should be offered, and different options for financing. The City of Renton Human Services staff has facilitated the meetings with the different agencies for it is felt that such a center will greatly benefit the residents of Renton. Summary Barriers to service and lack of knowledge rated the highest among the community leaders. There are a wide variety of resources in Renton, but residents need to know where to find them. The Renton Community Resources Guide and map in this chapter not only show where services are, but who is eligible for those services. The funding for human services is shrinking. As federal, state, and county cuts occur, cities are being asked to pick up the slack. Because funding is decreasing, South King County and Renton are looking at cooperative ways to increase the effectiveness of what is already available. The South King County Community Public Health & Safety Network, South King County Youth Violence Committee, and Renton Communities In Schools address problems facing youth and their families. The South King County Housing Forum deals with housing needs of all South King County residents. Finally, Renton's One Stop Human Service Center is looking at both long and short term remedies to better serve clients using human services. With agencies working together, and co-locating, services in Renton will become more effective. 97 Renton Community Resources Guide When community leaders were asked, "What barriers do you feel prevent Renton residents from getting help for any problems their households may have?", the overwhelming majority said it was a lack of knowledge of available resources. According to one community leader, "Educating people of the services available is the biggest issue". In the following pages, we have developed a Renton Community Resources Guide. This resources guide is meant to help service providers, health care professionals, social workers, case managers, counselors, school district personnel, and Renton residents find the community resources needed. Over 100 resources are listed by the types of service they provide, such as basic needs, housing, employment, or help for seniors. Included is the name of the agency, address, phone number, some detailed information of services offered, how many people or families they are able to help, and what requirements are needed to receive help. Addresses, phone numbers or services are subject to change. However, all information provided is current as of June, 1996. For additional information on services, call City of Renton Human Services Division at (206) 235-2553. Table 1 1 . Renton Community Resources Guide . , = al = , AGENCY ADDRESS PHON. - SERVICES ,. - . APA CITY ' IGIBILIT 5 , n 0 BASIC NEEDS -o rIT- Bed Bank Information line only. 461-3200 Referral for temporary housing Referral point Call for z co needs in King County. only. availability. CrE Information updated updated daily on o- o shelter bed availability. -S-' o Calvary Baptist 1032 Edmonds NE 255-3273 Food and clothing bank open Highlands area Low income. a .,) Church Renton, WA 98056 Tue. & Thu., 1-4 p.m. only. ru = 0 Catholic P.O. Box 398 854-0077 Emergency hotel vouchers, as Based on Low income n 0 Community Kent, WA 98035 funding is available. Phone availability, families with 2 Services intakes. Mon.-Wed., 9-11 a.m. children. 2 c c Community Information line only. 461-3200 General information and referral Unlimited. None. Information Line Line for social service agencies in (f) --i King County. o cra 0 . - E Crisis Line Not available. 461-3222 A resource for those in emotional Unlimited. None. .(2, distress. 0 Department of 1737 Airport Way S 626-5900 Financial assistance including All income Families with Social and Health Seattle, WA 98134 food stamps, medical assistance, eligible, children or Services (DSHS) social services, and JOBS adults with program. disabilities, etc. Domestic Abuse P.O. Box 1521 656-STOP Emergency shelter for victims of 21 shelter beds, Women and Women's Kent, WA 98035-1521 domestic violence, with a 28 day children. Call Network stay. for availability. (DAWN) Emergency 1700 Edmonds NE 226-2420 Prepared meal packs of Voucher Low income. Feeding Program Renton, WA 98056 emergency food. Packs provide needed. two days of food for each family member; special diet packs available. Mon.-Fri., 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Friendly Kitchen 1800 Index NE 255-6106 A free hot meal is provided on 45-100 people Low income. Renton, WA 98055 Thu., 5-7 p.m. per week. I Map AGENCY „.= ,_ King of Kings 18207 108th SE 226-1480 Food bank open Mon. & Wed., Limited. Low income. Lutheran Church Renton, WA 98055 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Millionair Club 2515 Western Ave. 441-6026 Energy assistance, rent and Funds limited, Low income. Seattle, WA 98121 emergency needs. Call for an based upon appointment. availability. Operational 3800 S Myrtle, #A 725-2100 Clothing, food bank and some Serves all King Low income. Emergency Center Seattle, WA 98118 energy assistance for King County. County residents. 0 Renton Clothing 1025 S Third 271-5091 Clothing for Renton residents. 450-500 Low income. Bank Renton, WA 98055 Mon. & Wed., 1-4 p.m., Tue. & families per Thu., 4-7 p.m. month, sufficient to meet needs. 0 The Salvation 720 Tobin Street 255-5969 Service programs, clothes, food Up to 800 Low income. Army and Food Renton, WA 98058 235-6445 bank, rent and utility assistance. families per Bank Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-11:45 month for food a.m. and 12:30-4 p.m. bank. Utility assistance to 180 per month during winter. St. Stephen of the 13055 SE 192nd 631-1940 Energy assistance for people 100 families per Low income. Martyr Renton, WA 98058 living within the parish month, 60% boundaries, located on the south from Renton. hill of Renton. St. Vincent De 909 8th Ave. 767-6449 For limited financial assistance, Limited to funds Low income Paul Seattle, WA 98104 utility vouchers, clothing, available. with Renton zip furniture and fuel. code. South King 202 W Gowe, #D 854-3437 Emergency shelter, energy Approximately Low income. County Multi- Kent, WA 98032 Shelter assistance, literacy program, 55 Renton Service Center 850-1338 furniture and clothing, families per Energy transportation, and information month. Assist, and referral to other resources in South King County. I N 0 0 Ma` AGENC SERVICES ' ELIGIBILITY r. -0 South King County 816 F Street SE 939-2202 Auburn Youth Resources Call for Open to youth o Youth Shelter Auburn, WA Program. Mental health services, availability. and families, To- 98022-6121 sexual abuse victims, gay and sliding scale z lesbian support groups, drug and fees, medical co alcohol treatment, teen parenting coupons CS classes. Emergency shelter for accepted. o youth 10-17. o 0 0_ United Christian 1707 Edmonds SE 226-3080 Food bank operating the last 70-85 families Must bring your Church Renton, WA 98058 Friday of the month. per month. medical card. a. n 0 Volunteer Legal Not available. 623-2551 Program matches low income Call for Low income. 3 Services through people with civil legal problems availability. King County Bar with volunteer attorneys. �. Association v) 0 IQ YWCA South King 1025 S Third 255-1201 Temporary emergency housing Call for Low income. `�° 22 County Emergency Renton, WA 98055 for families. Up to six months availability. Housing Program transitional housing for families leaving the shelter. Limited rent assistance. EDUCATION/ EMPLOYMENT 0 ANEW Renton Technical 235-2212 Training for women in non 40-45 students Must meet College traditional employment, trades, per class, twice Federal low 3000 NE 4th, Bldg. and apprenticeship. Two classes yearly. income L P.O. Box 2490 offered per year. Five month guidelines. Renton, WA 98056 program. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Bureau of Renton Plaza 277-52 I Federal registration agency for Call for packet At least 16 years OApprenticeship 1400 Talbot Rd. S apprenticeship training in the on specific old, high school Training/U.S. #100 trades. Apprenticeship positions trade. diploma or GED, Department of Renton, WA 98055 are paid while in training. some trades have Labor entry exam. II PHONE SERVICES CAPACITY ELIGIBILI . Alliiiiilifilillik Career 919 SW Grady Way 271-0488 Resource Room: resume writing, Unlimited. None for © Development Renton, WA 98055 cover letters, occupational Resource Center directories, newspaper listings, Room. Must on-line with Jobnet. Training for meet Federal basic skills, ESL, GED and pre- guidelines for vocational skills with computer Workforce/JTP- applications, administers A program. Workforce/JTPA. Center for Career 901 Rainier Ave. S 322-9080 Classes offered in commercial First come, first Eligibility Alternatives Seattle, WA 98144 baking, cooking and office skills. serve basis. depends upon Help with job placement and Enrollment on- program. JTPA readiness. going. Program requirements serves about for youth 155 adults, 85 program. youth. RCH Technical 500 SW 7th 271-0587 Vocational training and Up to 350 Must have GED Institute Renton, WA 98055 employment services for disabled students. or high school and low income. Help to enter or diploma. re-enter job market in technical Disabled and fields. low income. O City of Renton 200 Mill Ave. S 235-2514 Job line for city positions only. Depends on job None. Renton, WA 98055 openings. O Renton School 435 Main Ave. S 204-2300 Offers educational programs for All in Renton Inside district District Renton, WA 98055 children living within district School District boundaries. boundaries. Regular K-12 and boundaries. special populations. O Renton Technical 3000 NE 4th Street 235-2352 Full range of technical and degree Capacity 18 years or College Renton, WA 98056 programs. Vocational counseling dictated by older. for students who need help program. Individual setting priorities and assessing programs vary skills. Financial aid available for in entrance low income students in programs requirements. with 600+ class hours. ESL classes available. N 0 H N 0 N A �m • Mu r , ' ADDRES 'H I ERVICE CAPA - ', ELI BILITY- n CD Valley Literacy P.O. Box 59042 277-0973 Remedial reading, ESL, one-on- Limited. Anyone wanting °a Council Renton, WA 98058 one tutoring for adults 18+ and to learn to read. fD out of school. z 0 uo OWashington State 1000 Index NE 277-7160 File unemployment insurance Unlimited. None. o 9 Employment Renton, WA 98056 claims, occupational directories, o Security job listings. Computers available o.. Department for job search efforts. I Washington 841 N Central, #232 859-3718 Classes offered to low income Classes are Low income Women's Kent, WA 98032 parents to develop job readiness three weeks parents; priority Employment and skills. Help finding training, long, given to those on n) Education employment, writing resumes and approximately the JOBS o (WWEE) job board. Professional clothes 15 people per program through 0 bank. class. DSHS. Working Highline Community 1 (206) Job readiness workshops for Call for Must be female, Connection College, S 240th & 828-5647 displaced homemakers. Class is availability. single displaced Pacific Hwy. S., Des 58 hours long. Free to women homemaker or Moines, WA 98198; who are separated, divorced, have unemployed South Seattle widowed, single mothers on /underemployed Community College, AFDC, or married with spouse spouse. 6000 16th Ave. SW that is unemployed/under- Seattle, WA 98108 employed. 6 YWCA Youth 1107 SW Grady Way 226-1266 School to work program for Approximately 16-21 and Options #209 youth 16-21. Emphasis on 100 youth per qualify for free/ Renton, WA 98055 employment and education. quarter. reduced lunch. © YWCA Youth 1107 SW Grady Way 226-1266 Workshops on employment for Approximately 16-21 and Works #209 low income youth with good 150 for all qualify for free/ Renton, WA 98055 attendance and 2.0 GPA. Must be South King reduced lunch. in school to participate. County. • Map AGENC ADDRESS PHON1 SERV CAPACIT ELJGIBILIT FAMILY/ YOUTH SERVICES Apple Parenting 1102 J Street SE 833-7002 Free parenting classes on anger Three parent None. Auburn, WA 98002 management, parent classes, lab, classes per year, Classes: Renton classes for ages 2-5 with parents, 30 slots each Technical College K-3 and parent-infant classes, class. 12 3000 NE 4th Street community education and support children per lab Renton, WA 98056 groups. class. Asian Counseling 1032 S Jackson #200 46 I-3606 General counseling, counseling Call for an Agency serving and Referral Seattle,WA 98104 for battered women,job training, appointment, the greater Service placement and education, food Asian bank information and referral. community. Boy Scouts of 3120 Rainier Ave. S 725-5200 Scouting activities for boys 6-17. Serves about Boys ages 6-17. America Seattle, WA 98144- Educational activities, community 1200 Renton 6025 service opportunities, career boys. exploration, citizenship training and character building. Camp information is also available. Camp Fire Boys 1404 S Central #109 854-3676 Social group for youth grades K- 150+ Renton Annual fee for and Girls Kent, WA 98032 12. Emphasis on leadership skills, youth. groups, small environmental and cultural fee for classes awareness, and self- esteem and fee for building. Short term classes camps. offered on home-alone skills, Financial babysitting skills, conflict assistance is resolution, avoiding peer pressure available. and teen parenting. Resident camping, day camp & group meetings. N 0 .P Map A.GENC ,' ADDRESS PHO SERVICES CAPACITY. ELIGIB a Child Care 841 N Central Ave. 852-3080 Referal service for parents in Serves Anyone seeking o Resources #126 TTY: King County. Will help find day approximately information on a Kent, WA 98032 850-1165 care options fitting the needs of 300 Renton child care. Free z parents and children. Subsidy families per to low income. m referrals and educational services year. for child care licensing. o 0 0 Children's 1313 Meeker, #102 872-2665 State agency investigating claims Takes reports on Based upon case a- Protective Kent, WA 98032 of child abuse. all incidents. evaluation. m Services n. n O Club Highlands 3031 NE 10th 255-4751 Late night teen program, Tue., 6- Open to all High school late Renton, WA 98056 9 p.m., and Fri., 6-11 p.m. youth. night program. 3 c Separate program for middle Middle school = school youth during school year, youth after Mon. and Wed., 3-6 p.m. school program. -3 Recreational, mentoring, cm counseling, tutoring & movies. Consejo 3808 S Angeline 461-4880 General counseling, support Call for Agency serving Counseling and Seattle, WA 98118 groups and counseling for availability of Hispanic/Latino Referral Service battered women. Outpatient programs. community. treatment program for drug/ alcohol. Other programs available. DAWN P.O. Box 1521 656-8423 Community advocacy program, Open to all Victim of Kent, WA 98035 support groups & education on women and domestic the cycle of domestic violence for children victims violence. Call victims and their families. of domestic for screening. violence. Family 12320 80th Ave. S 204-2870 Family support activities: Availability Depends upon Enrichment Seattle, WA 98178 parenting classes, parent support varies on the program or Center groups, other special interest program; call service being support groups,job readiness for details. sought. Call for workshops and information on information. other services that strengthens families. Map AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE SERVICES CAPACITY ELIGIBILITY 0 Family Services 305 S 43rd Street 226-1253 Counseling for individuals, Call for Varied, sliding Renton, WA 98055 marriage, children and families. availability; will fee scale; Family life education, elderly try to get accepts medical concerns/counseling, domestic anyone in coupons for violence treatment program, and within one children. bereavement groups. week. Friends of Youth 2500 Lake 228-5776 Residential treatment center. Maximum 24 in Different for all Washington Blvd. N Teen Other programs include runaway treatment programs. Renton, WA 98056 Program: shelter, teen parenting program, program. Other 1 (800) counseling and foster care. programs 442-8336 depend on Shelter: availability. 236-5437 10 Girl Scouts Totem 305 S 43rd Street 854-8358 Various activities for girls 5-17 Currently, about Girls ages 5-17. Council South Renton, WA 98055 years of age. Day, overnight and 300 Renton girls County Office family camps. Also camps for in programs. girls with disabilities. . 10 Good Neighbor 305 S 43rd Street 226-0210 Multi-service center, has a variety Serves as a Varies with the Center Renton, WA 98055 of agencies. Provides information referral point to agency. and referral to human services in agencies in the South King County. community. Head Start/Even 400 SW 152nd St. 204-3540 Pre-school programs focusing on 90 slots Low income. Start of King Seattle, WA 98166 health and education. Social available per County services available, some parent year. involvement required. Classes available to parents, ESL, GED and job readiness skills. 1-4 Ui 0 am ADDRESS giY PHONE Highline-West P.O. Box 69080 248-8226 Self-esteem group for survivors 15-20 slots per Women Seattle Mental Seattle, WA 98168 of violence. Group is free and 10 week class. survivors of -CD Health Center child care provided. Also, Screen for violence for self atl— individual counseling available to general mental esteem class. s survivors of domestic violence, health services. Sliding fee o women's treatment program, scale, some o working on relationship and medical fl.. parenting issues around anger and coupons a, violence, state certified for court accepted. a_ or self referral. Also, general o mental health services. 3 3 Jones Ethnic 13611 SE 116th 255-1446 Teaches spiritual, moral and Up to 150 youth Call forin Academy, Martin Renton, WA 98056 ethical principles for cultural and per quarter. availability. w°� Luther King Jr. spiritual growth. Open to youth Memorial Church ages 6-18. Field trips and guest speakers. Runs on quarterly schedule. Some scholarships available. Sat., 9 a.m. to Noon. Ina Maka United 1945 Yale Place E 325-0070 Cultural approach to issues of Call for an Perpetrator Indians of All Seattle, WA 98102 domestic violence. Group process intake programs on a Tribes includes education, traditional appointment. sliding scale sweat lodge, role plays, written fee, victims exercises, art therapy, talking services free. circles, cognitive and behavioral exercises. Men and women groups are held separately. King County 506 2nd Avenue 296-1362 Daycare subsidies for families 500 families in Depends on Child Care 2123 Smith Tower outside Seattle city limits and low King County. family size and Program Seattle, WA 98104 income. low income. 0 . - '11111Er .. . #p.' AGENC ADDRESS PHONE' SERVICE ' CAPACITY LIGIBILITY King County P.O. Box 300 Renton, 226-RAPE Crisis counseling and advocacy Serves Victims of Sexual Assault WA 98057 services for sexual assault/rape approximately sexual assault/ Resource Center victims, children and their 100 Renton rape and their families. Community education clients per year. families. available. King County 506 2nd Ave., #305 V/TTY Help in job placement, skills 500-800 youth Low income Work Training Seattle, WA 98104 296-5220 training and basic education for per quarter for and ages 16-21. Program low income, at risk, and single all King County. parent youth ages 16-21. Phone Friend Not available. 1 (800) Help line for kids at home alone. Call during Available to KID-TALK Call if you need to talk to operating hours. youth during someone. Sponsored by Camp after school Fire. Free service. Mon.-Fri., 3-6 hours. p.m. 11 Project 2403 Jones Ave. S 859-0300 Recreational activities and teen Serves Open to middle Lighthouse Renton,WA 98055 support groups for substance approximately school youth Nelsen Middle abuse and dating violence. On- 125-150 youth through 19 School site counseling, teen leadership per week. years old. program, and "Ask a Nurse" program. O Renton Area 1025 S 3rd St., #B 271-5600 Various programs for families Approximately Open to youth Youth Services Renton, WA 98055 and youth. Classes are offered 150 youth for ages 4-20 and through Renton School District all programs. their families. and other locations. Drug/ alcohol treatment, teen parent support, parenting classes, peer education on violence, and others. i 0 c0 m 7 SEE. 4Vi co o Renton Black P.O. Box 78023 204-3400 Support group to Renton School Will try to serve None. -0 Parents Seattle, WA 98178 235-628.5 District that focuses on issues anyone who -fD Association which affect African American calls. rD Gil students. Seeks to eliminate barriers for those students. o Provides tutoring, resume writing, o interviewing techniques, o- conferences, workshops, and cu leadership camps. a_ n 0 3 9 Renton 200 Mill Ave. S 277-6248 Agency connects community As needed. Must be referred 0 Communities In Renton, WA 98055 resources and schools to help by staff from Schools youth stay in school and gain life school site. skills. Programs include family �o co liaisons working at six Renton schools, a mentor program, and business partnerships. OCity of Renton 200 Mill Ave. S 235-2553 Provides referral and information Unlimited. Available to Human Services Renton, WA 98055 about human services available in Renton Renton. Includes City programs, residents. scholarships to City of Renton recreational activities, and Summer Lunch Program. City of Renton 1715 Maple Valley 235-2560 Recreational activities for youth Call for specific Preference to 12 Community Highway of all ages. Special events, after information on Renton Center Renton, WA 98055 school programs at neighborhood programs. residents. parks, preschool, youth and teen programs. Map . .. AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE SERVICE "`CAPACI ELIGIBIL Seattle 200 W Mercer#300 323-0220 General counseling, support Call for Agency for Counseling Seattle, WA 98119 groups and counseling for appointment. sexual Services for battered women. minorities. Sexual Minorities Seattle Indian 611 12th Ave. S 324-9360 Health and dental care, inpatient Call for Some programs Health Board Seattle, WA 98144 drug and alcohol treatment center availability of specifically for at separate location, employment programs. Alaskan counseling, general counseling, Native/Native support groups and counseling for American. battered women. South King 505 Washington Ave. S 854-6513 Outpatient drug/alcohol treat- Will serve those Accepts County Recovery Kent, WA 98032 ment, sober parent group, 8 hour who call. medical stamps, Center information group, community sliding fee scale information group, and an anger for uninsured. management group. Teen Link Not available. 461-4922 Help for teens by teens. Advice Unlimited. Open to all and emotional support for teens teens. in distress. Sun.-Thu., 6-10 p.m. UJIMA Program 2103 S Atlantic St. 872-4032 A group working with schools, Call for Agency The Ethnic Seattle, WA 98144 service providers, community availability. working with Connection groups, churches and businesses youth of color. on issues facing people of color in South King County. Activities include crisis intervention, cultural awareness and advocacy for youth 12-20 years of age. a N N 0 Map ,-- A GEN ADDRESS Q HEALTH o FD- AIDS Caregivers 17707 140th Ave SE 228-5464 Peer support for friends and Call for Open to all z Support Group Renton, WA 98058 family memembers of those availability and friends and E living with AIDS. Meets second verify times. family of AIDS o and fourth Thu., 6:30-8 p.m. patients. o 0 a. Basic Health Plan Phone access only. 1 (800) Resident of Washington State, not Unlimited. Resident and low a) State of 529-7639 eligible for Medicare. Small income for 0- Washington monthly premium and co-pay. reduced o Subsidized program for low premium. 9 income; children are free. Non- Regular premium c subsidized premiums based upon amount for all household size, income and ages others. of members. o Oa Cedar River 4300 Talbot Rd. S 255-0471 Reproductive health care and Call for Accepts medical m Clinic #403 education. appointment. coupons; sliding Renton, WA 98055 fee scale for uninsured or low income. 0Hearing, Speech 305 S 43rd Street 226-6111 Services for speech, hearing Limited by None. Medi- 10 and Deafness Renton, WA 98055 323-5770 impaired and deaf persons. appointment care/Medicaid Center only. sliding fee. KIDS' Second Floor Lobby 656-KIDS A resource center for parents with 900 families and Open to parents 10 HealthQuarters at 400 S 43rd Street a lending library. Information on 90 calls per and professionals Valley Medical Renton, WA 98055 childhood illnesses, stages of month. seeking services Center development, methods of for children and discipline, etc. Free families. immunizations for school age children. Information and referral by phone. Ma` ' AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE SERVICES CAPACITY ELIGIBILI Lions Club P.O. Box 554 None Eye and ear care for low income Based on Low income. Renton, WA 98057 Renton residents. Help with eye availability. exams, glasses, hearing aids, and Must contact in organ donations for the Lions Eye writing through Bank. Also conducts youth post office box. camps, sponsors youth park and sports. Northwest 3900 East Valley Hwy., 656-8408 Counseling for adults, children Serves Medicaid/ Counseling #205 and families. Manage case approximately Medicare; Institute Renton, WA 98055 contracts, psychiatric medicines, 300 Renton sliding fee for psychoanalysis, psychiatric residents. uninsured assessments. clients. Northwest Mental 10900 SE 176th 271-3159 Comprehensive treatment for Serves Medicaid/ Health Services Renton, WA 98055 adults with long-term psychiatric approximately Medicare; disabilities, assessments and case 200 Renton sliding fee for management. residents. uninsured clients. Pacific Medical 601 S Carr, #100 255-4045 Primary and specialty care. Based on Medicaid Center Renton, WA 98055 Sliding scale for low income and appointment sliding fee for uninsured patients. availability. uninsured clients. Center for 105 14th Ave., #2C 461-6910 Advocate for refugees with health Unlimited. Refugees - eight MultiCultural Seattle, WA 98122 care issues, how to get access to languages Health, Refugee doctor, interpreter, case spoken. Health Advocacy management; advocates with Project social service agencies, help accessing DSHS, social security, schools and housing. Overcome barriers to become self-sufficient. N N ffir II r ap AGENCY ADDRESS ir, *_� SERVICES =ELIGIB 0 Renton 149 Park Avenue N 226-5536 Primary medical care, Call for Low to -o 13 Community Renton, WA 98055 immunizations, referrals for appointment. moderate z Health Center specialty care, pre-natal care and income. a dental care. 0- 0 Southeast Seattle 3800 S Myrtle 461-6981 Dental care for low income Call for Low income. 0 Community Seattle, WA 98118 residents of King County. availability. Dental Clinic Medical coupons accepted; Q sliding scale fee. on 3 Southeast Seattle- 3001 NE 4th 296-4700 Health clinic services include Based on Low income. g 14 King County Renton, WA 98055 children's health/primary care, appointment �; Public Health teen clinic, family planning, availability. Department reproductive health and 0 cro immunizations including travel. Administers Women, Infant and Children (WIC) supplemental food vouchers, maternity screening and support services, public health nursing home visits, health education and pharmacy. Dental clinic for children, teens and seniors. Health cards. Valley Medical 400 S 43rd Street 656-4055 Outpatient drug/alcohol treat- Up to 12 per One scholar- Recovery Center Renton, WA 98055 ment, relapse program, alcohol class. ship available information school and assess- per eight week ments. Have both a.m. and p.m. course. Private classes on a rotating schedule. pay or insur- ance, arrange- ments can be made. I Map~ ' AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE SERVICES CAPACITY . ELIGIBILITY HOUSING King County 14440 41st Ave. S 244-0119 Weatherization services for Call for Meet federal Weatherization Seattle, WA 98168-9908 eligible homeowners and renters. availability, guidelines for Program Must live in King County, outside low income. Seattle city limits. Free to Priority for households which meet seniors, disabled requirements. and households with children under age 6. King County 506 Second Ave. 812 296-7640 Assists homeowners with major Call for Meet federal Housing Smith Tower housing repairs through deferred availability, guidelines for Rehabilitation Seattle, WA 98104 home loans, low income. Program 0 Renton Housing 970 Harrington NE 226-1850 Low cost housing for low income Waiting list one Meet federal Authority Renton, WA 98056 families, persons with disabilities to seven years. guidelines for and seniors within City of Taking low income. Renton. Also manages Section 8 applications for program. seniors and persons with disabilities only. 0 City of Renton 200 Mill Ave. S Renton, 235-2553 Minor housing repairs, exterior Call for Renton resident Housing Repair WA 98055 painting, and yard maintenance. availability, and meet federal Assistance Assistance for major repairs guidelines for Program through deferred home loans, low to moderate income. Royal Hills 3000 SE Royal Hills Dr. 228-4488 Housing for low income persons Waiting list six Meet federal Apartments Renton, WA 98058 and families. Must fill out months to one guidelines for application, show WA State ID year. low income. and social security card for all family members. N Map AGENCY �. . - Ari; . -- # APAC . 3 -o South King 202 W Gowe, #D 854-3437 Emergency shelter program. Approximately Low income. o ID County Multi- Kent, WA 98032 Energy assistance, furniture, 55 Renton Service Center clothing and transportation. residents per z Information & referral to other month for all South King County resources. programs. = LT 0 OYWCA South 1025 S 3rd 255-1201 Temporary family housing Four temporary Low income. o 2 King County Renton, WA 98055 emergency housing for victims of shelter units in a domestic violence. Up to six Renton. Call for u) months transitional housing for availability. families leaving the shelter. e' n 0 SENIORS/ 9 DISABLED c AARP - 525 4th Ave. N 624-6698 Full and part-time work for Call for Must be 55 or E American Kent, WA 98032 people 55 or older with limited availability. older and low 0 Association of financial resources. income. (° Retired Persons rn ARC of King 10550 Lake City Way 364-4645 SPECTRA program provides Limited capacity Varies with County NE, #A TDD protective-pay, helps disabled in some program. Seattle, WA 98125 clients control their money. programs. Independent living, helping developmentally disabled live on their own. Advocacy and referral, helps access benefits. Parent to Parent, assists families with newly diagnosed children. Ethnic support for African American, Spanish and Chinese speaking advocates. Catholic 1229 W Smith 850-6595 Personal care for seniors and Up to 30. Low income. Community Kent, WA 98032 disabled to keep from being Services - St. institutionalized. Help in Anthony's Chore preparing meals, grocery Ministry shopping and housekeeping. On- call transportation. m Map AGENCY ADDRESS PHONE SERVICES CAPACITY ELIGIBILITY 16 Connection Adult 3921 Talbot Rd. S 656-4030 Day care for seniors and disabled. Up to 20 per Seniors or Day Care Renton, WA 98055 Cannot be incontinent. Sliding fee day. disabled scale. needing respite day care. Easter Seal 521 2nd Ave. W 281-5700 Modifications to homes and Serves five to Available to wa Society of Seattle, WA 98119 apartments for disabled persons. six residents per disabled Washington year. persons. 01Hearing Speech 305 S 43rd Street 226-6111 Services for speech, language, By appointment Medicaid. and Deafness Renton, WA 98055 323-5770 and hearing impaired. Parent- only. Sliding fee Center infant program. Hearing aid sales scale. and service. Learning 7819 159th Pl. NE 882-0792 Community information and Call for Learning Disabilities Redmond, WA 98052- referral for diagnostic availability or disabled. Association of 7301 consultations, tutoring programs, referrals. ADHD/ADD. Washington parent support groups and workshops. Meals on Wheels 1601 2nd Ave. #800 235-2533 Meals delivered to homebound Call for Age 60 or older Seattle, WA 98101 seniors age 60 and older. No salt, availability. and homebound. low fat, nutritious meals; up to 14 meals per week. Multiple Sclerosis 753 N 35th St. #208 V/TTY Services for people with multiple Unlimited. Suffering from Association of Seattle, WA 98103 461-6914 sclerosis and their families. multiple King County Physical therapy, support, sclerosis. education, information and referral. RCH Technical 500 SW 7th 271-0587 Vocational training and Up to 350 GED or high Institute Renton, WA 98055 employment services for disabled students. school diploma. Disabled and low income. and low income. Help to enter or re-enter job market in well paying technical field. N ELIGI. ciz 0 City of Renton 211 Burnett Ave. N 235-2533 Programs for seniors including 420 seniors per Ages 55+ for -o Senior Center Renton, WA 98055 social services, education, day; 125 per regular program; z transportation to and from Center, day for nutrition 60+ for nutrition (1). and nutrition program. Some program. program. health and mental health services. 0 0 0 o... cn Senior 1601 2nd Ave. #800 448-3110 Information and referral for Unlimited. None. Q Information and Seattle, WA 98101 community resources available to 0 Assistance seniors. Advocacy services 2 Services available. C o Special Olympics 2150 N 107th#220 362-4949 Sports competition for Call for 8 years of age or 2 Seattle, WA 98133 developmentally disabled. appointment. older. 4. 1 8 Social Security 901 SW Powell 1 (800) Applications for Social Security, Unlimited. Depends upon Administration Renton, WA 98055 772-1213 Supplemental Security Income, program. Medicare, disability and survivor/death benefits programs administered. Volunteer 601 2nd Ave. #800 448-5740 Transportation to medical and Call for 60 and older and Transportation Seattle, WA 98101 dental appointments. Service for availability. low income. Services all of King County. Call Wednesday for following week. 117 Figure 7 Renton Community Resources Map To Public Service Facilities And Organizations You will find these agencies and facilities located on the Directory Map at a site corresponding to the numbers below. 1 Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) 2 Renton Clothing Bank Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS) YWCA South King County, Emergency Housing Program 3 The Salvation Army and Food Bank 4 ANEW Renton Technical College 5 Bureau of Apprenticeship Training/ U.S. Dept. of Labor 6 Career Development Center YWCA Youth Options YWCA Youth Works 7 City of Renton City Hall Renton Communities In Schools City of Renton, Human Services Division City of Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program 8 Renton School District Administration 9 Washington State Employment Security Club Highlands 10 Family Services Girl Scouts-Totem Council South County Council Good Neighbor Center Hearing, Speech and Deafness Center Kids' HealthQuarters at Valley Medical Center 11 Project Lighthouse, Nelsen Middle School 12 City of Renton Community Center 13 Renton Community Health Center 14 Southeast Seattle-King County Department of Public Health 15 Renton Housing Authority 16 Connection Adult Day Care 17 City of Renton Senior Center 18 Social Security Administration towl Renton, Washington N?Bd1 SL i EE'95th Strill _. 1 '� 25U w NE 25U NE 24U St NE 24U t St ?7U Ct IQ N 24U NE 24U 11 NE 20rd w NE ! 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N 9J SE 1AthR d 4' W0 oll 1 N ' IP ; 'ysY 4 9 RNA *' @3 y SE ltkh 'b`P. �i ' IC. mien,St"' /S 19th st Ally $ i y 'F'�. y N g .w t Seattle, Washington SW zI, sty° s tl. s °y t o . � d �= i I ., 4, '-" (r(r^^,, SE 21st St ���ys� SE 60th St (ft RDY 1l♦ ���� 1 III - L SW 2Yd St S 1bd St w SE 1810 St , ,//to II) `.319 III r\ 'f l °1 IA � � ill III ' / ` e SEt StW ; 41 RK il a s 2su,s 515 , < s Iilr III 1G_[ or iAJ d St --� iriIIIi III C1\ � 5NII t _ SE I84fh St -swnnstntn stIlii III SE lesth St Ilii, ►' t a Lin 1 s{L ill SW 78th st v c4 - SE 1ABth�s' 4,,,i < 4 ��, �''llI5 i § SE 1A7fh St �• � 1[ lard gill SW JOM st N S 37nd St W IN SE 188th St SE 1AAd,St I II 11--rt I {' _ Bns 167 S SE 169tA 514'i Il th i 'I i i _ 1 3 ; s�©�. 19 ss. < = I .I" A ALKER En r 511 34th St �jSE 17fid Std ( Vg 5 I I j ¢ I• I r I IIIIIIII■ 6 s liN! I STACY o,� y9 43' S JBth 4,, .. N Ilk 5W swh St s E �" " \�I - D� Ili Ii 5 Pe ONUY Rd SE Pe6o5tek Rd Ill ire_ < I SW 41.1 St lif IMO Q1211 fileglitg.0 I! moll elneemor i Po,W,i©dill SW+>d St L S 43 d 54 ffi. - SEARth_P1/"—'-- !, IOF ♦ ©■�! Met 1 SElt -11111111 1 �. I U HINDS milDARK 6 e ' I 1 �� �Illvc FRW I ��'r Vi ,I -R ¢ qr — ;Mr' SPOYAN,'g . ST --. .( i\f71 rt . Recommendations The 1996 Linkages Report provides baseline information regarding needs, and reveals many gaps and trends impacting human services in Renton. Through partnerships. with the community, the City will be a leader in shaping human services systems which are responsive to the changing needs of Renton. The City has a role in assisting the community in building linkages and relationships that can address the needs, and begin working on solutions. Small town living and sense of community were mentioned as assets for Renton. These assets can be the foundations for solutions. Develop a common vision for human services in Renton. We need to develop a common vision for human services in Renton which looks at the quality of life in the community, and what we desire for individuals and families in the future. It is a guide as to how to be a vibrant, sustainable, healthy community. Business leaders, Valley Medical Center, Renton Technical College, Renton Office of Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Renton School District, Renton Mayor and City Council, Seattle-King County Departmentof Public Health, Downtown Renton Association, Renton Housing Authority, United Way, Renton Communities In Schools, human service providers, churches, fraternal and service organizations, neighborhood associations, parents, and youth, all need to be part of this process. Questions to be addressed in the vision include: What do we want for families and individuals in the future? What do we want for a healthy community? How do we link the diverse communities within Renton? What linkages do we want between human services and economic development, education institutions, public safety, culture, parks, recreation, and residents? Is the vision representative of the changing community, and reflective of the diversity? The vision will tell us where we want to go. We must have a shared commitment as to what is important to the community, and the values of the community. Define and achieve benchmarks and outcomes. After a human services vision is developed, the next step is to define outcomes or benchmarks, which are indicators of the progress toward achieving the vision. There are many examples of communities developing visions and benchmarks (Oregon Benchmarks, King County Children and Family Commission, and Sustainable Seattle). The human services field is moving in this direction, as citizens, and those who fund human services, 122 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. want to know if services are making a difference in their community. It no longer is enough to simply say that an agency serves a specified number of people and therefore is meeting a need. This approach does not address the quality of service, the effect of the service upon those the recipients, or long- term sustained results for the community as a whole. The South King County Community Public Health and Safety Network, Renton Communities In Schools, and the South King County Youth Violence Committee are all looking at desired outcomes for the populations they serve. A Renton Human Services vision will provide clear guidance as to what is important for the outcomes to address. Until a strategic human services vision is developed, assumptions will be made about what Renton residents value, service delivery systems will remain fragmented and uncoordinated, and resources may or may not be directed toward areas of highest priority and need. Prepare and adopt a Human Services Element in the Comprehensive Plana The Comprehensive Plan guides the City for the future. The policies stated in the Human Services Element can help direct the development of Renton in the future. It can also provide the basis for the adoption of regulations, programs, and services which implement the plan. In the current plan there is no element which addresses the people's needs, trends, and priorities. The Renton Human Services vision will be an integral part of this element. Appoint an Ad Hoc Committee that will guide the process for citizen input. An Ad Hoc Committee which is representative of the groups mentioned above, needs to be appointed. One of the primary responsibilities of this committee will be to work with citizens on the human services vision, Citizen input is critical as common values will be defined. Citizens need to be involved for the outcomes to be sustained over time. The type of outreach and active participation we anticipate, expands the historical public participation for the other elements. For example we suggest public meetings at the neighborhood level, and culturally appropriate concentrated outreach to low income and minority populations. The Ad Hoc Committee can also be instrumental in developing the outcomes and benchmarks, which will be used to gauge the progress towards reaching the vision. _rrNix ..: Appendix A Community Leaders Ms. Susie Albrecht Special Programs PTA Hazen High School Ms. Jerene Battisti Children's Librarian City of Renton Mr. Richard Brooks Executive Director Renton Area Youth Services Mr. Sam Chastain Community Svc. Admin. City of Renton Mr. Dan Clawson City Council Member City of Renton Mr. Jeff Connell Student Renton School District Mr. Randy Corman City Council Member City of Renton Mr. Jay Covington Executive Assistant to Mayor City of Renton Mr. Ken Curl First Vice President Renton Black Parents Association Mr. Shawn Daly Senior Service Coordinator Renton Senior Center Mr. Jerry DeGrieck District Administrator Seattle-King County Dept. of Public Health Ms. Mabel Dilley Independent Living Coordinator Easter Seal Society Mr. Bob Edwards City Council Member City of Renton Ms. Juanita Grant Member Human Services Advisory Committee Ms. Donna Gucker Director Health Services Renton School District Capt. Jim Halvorson Director The Salvation Army Ms. Terry Higashiyama Recreation Director City of Renton Mr. Bill Higgins Recreation Specialist City of Renton Ms. Shannon Inglis Prosecutor City of Renton Ms. Sharon Jones Community Advocate Domestic Abuse Women's Network Ms. Linda Joy ET & T Teacher Renton School District Mr. Tony Ladner Executive Director Renton Housing Authority Ms. Patricia Garcia-Lantz Adolescent Access Coordinator Seattle-King County Dept. of Public Health Mr. Dixon Long Member Human Services Advisory Committee Ms. Jayne Leet Executive Director Community Health Centers Hon. Roger Lewis Municipal Court Judge City of Renton Mr. Ron McDonald Member Human Services Advisory Committee Ms. Laura Miccile Community Educator Renton Area Youth Services Ms. Toni Nelson City Council Member City of Renton Mr. Pat Newbury Owner PASHA Mr. King Parker City Council Member City of Renton Mr. Roger Paulsen Representative REACH Deputy Chief Don Persson Renton Police Department City of Renton 124 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. Ms. Vickie Puckett Principal Black River High School Dr. Keith Renfrew Exec. Director Special Renton School District Programs Mr. Chris Renzelman Director Club Highlands Highlands Community Church Mr. Jerry Rerecich Recreation Supervisor City of Renton Ms. Susan Richards Program Director Renton Communities In Schools Mr. Rickie Robinson Substance Abuse Prey. Renton Area Youth Services Coordinator Ms. Rosalyn Robinson Principal Hillcrest Special Services Mr. Timothy Schlitzer City Council Member City of Renton Ms. Sally Scott Supervisor of CPS unit Division of Children/Family Services Ms. Linda Sharp Director/Special Ed. Secondary Hillcrest Elementary School Hon. Jesse Tanner Mayor City of Renton Ms. Anna Laura Tapia Community Leader Renton Reverend Kirby Unti Reverend St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Chief Alan Wallis Police Chief City of Renton Ms. Kathy Keolker-Wheeler City Council Member City of Renton Ms. Sharon White Transition Coordinator Washington Women's Employment & Education Commander Brian Wilson Renton Police Department City of Renton Ms. Penny Wilson Operations Manager Employment Security Department Ms. Terry Zimmerman Children's Program Valley Medical Center Coordinator Appendix B Selected Bibliography Children, Families and Youth Elway Research, Inc. Issues Facing Families in King County. King County Executive. Seattle WA, 1991. King County Law, Justice and Human Services. King Coun y Responsibilities and Resources. King County: King County Service and Capital Programs for Children and Families. Seattle WA, 1994. King County Children and Families Task Force. Partnerships for the Future: A Vision for King County's Children and Families. King County Children, Youth and Family Services Policy Plan. Seattle WA, 1991. King County Regional Support Network. Foundations for the Future. King County Department of Human Services Mental Health Division. Seattle WA, 1994. Meyers, Judith and John E. Kyle. Critical Needs. Critical Choices: A Survey on Children and Families in America's Cities. National League of Cities. Washington DC, 1996. "Number of Juvenile Murderers Tripled over Ten Years", Nation's Cities Weekly, March 18, 1996. The Annie E. Casey Foundation. KIDS Count Data Book: State Profiles of Child Well-Being. Washington DC, 1994. The King County Children and Families Commission. Envisioning a Healthy Community Benchmark Report. Seattle WA, 1995. The King County Children and Families Commission. The 1993 State of the County Report. King County Office of Financial Management Program Development. Seattle WA, 1993. The King County Children and Families Commission. The King Coun y Social and Health Indicator Report: Phase One. King County Office of Financial Management Program Development. Seattle WA, 1993. The King County Children and Families Commission. The King County Social and Health Indicator Report: Phase Two. King County Office of Financial Management Program Development. Seattle WA, 1994. 126 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. University of Washington School of Public Health. The State of Washington's Children. Washington Kids Count. Seattle WA, 1995. Washington Department of Health. Youth Risk Assessment Database. Washington Office of Epidemiology. Olympia WA, 1995. Washington Department of Social and Health Services. Substance Abuse Trends In Washington State. Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Olympia WA, 1993. Washington, Department of Social and Health Services. Helping Our Neighbors in Need in King County. Seattle WA, 1995. Family Violence, Domestic/Youth. "Background on Runaway and Throwaway Adolescents", Youth Care, Seattle WA, January, 1995. Greater Puget Sound Domestic Violence Conference. Creating Change. Seattle WA, 1995. Human Services Roundtable. A Regional Plan to Help Children Affected by Domestic Violence. Seattle WA, 1993. King County Department of Judicial Administration. Regional Domestic Violence Priorities for Joint Action: Final Report. Seattle WA, 1995. King County Sexual Assault Resource Center. Final Report Outcomes Pilot Project. King County Outcomes Pilot Project. Renton WA, 1995. King County Public Safety Task Force. Recommendations to King County Executive Gary Locke. Seattle WA, 1994. King County Department of Judicial Administration. King County Domestic Violence Comprehensive Plan: Phase II. King County Community Services Division Women's Program. Seattle WA, 1995. "Providers", Valley Daily News. Renton WA, May 8, 1996. "Renton team brings trophy, smiles home from Cheney", Valley Daily News. Renton WA, March 27, 1996. "Renton and King County Child Care Program Fact Sheet", King County Child Care Program. Seattle WA, March, 1996. Appendix B 127 Renton Police Department. Memorandum, re: 1993 Domestic Violence Results. Renton WA, 1995. "Runaway-youth problems raise complex concerns", Archuleta, Josephine. The Source. February, 1996. Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. Too Many. Too Young: Violence in Seattle and King County. Epidemiology Planning and Evaluation Unit. Seattle WA, 1994. "Single With Children", Valley Daily News. April 21, 1996. "The Teen-Age Problem: "It's Us". Peirce, Neal R. Nation's Cities Weekly. April 8, 1996. Washington Domestic Violence Task Force. Final Report of the Washington State Domestic Violence Task Force. Washington Office of the Administrator for the Courts. Olympia WA, 1991. Health Institute for Public Policy and Management, Health and Human Services Needs Assessment of South King County. University of Washington. Seattle WA, 1989. King County Department of Human Services, Mental Health Division. Foundations for the Future. King County Regional Support Network Mental Health Service Plan for Children and Youth. Seattle WA, 1990. Washington State Department of Human Services. Forgotten Children. Mental Health Division. Olympia WA, 1988. Office of Research and Data Analysis Planning, Research and Development, DSHS Community Data Report Fiscal Year 1992. Olympia WA, 1994. Renton STD Task Force. Goals and Strategies for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Renton WA, 1994. Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. The Health of King County 1990. Seattle WA, 1992. Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. The Health of King County's Children 1990. Seattle WA, 1992. 128 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. Healthy Children. Youth and Families in King County. King County Children and Family Commission. Seattle WA, 1995. Washington Department of Public Health. Public Health Improvement Plan 1994. Olympia WA, 1994. Washington Department of Public Health. Washington State Health Data Report on People of Color. Olympia WA, 1994. Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Analytic Report: Washington State Survey of Adolescent Health Behaviors. Olympia WA, 1996. Housing "From bust to boom", Valley Daily News. April 11, 1996. King County. 1994 City Per Capita Public Health Payments-Sorted by Population. Seattle WA, 1994. Moore, Elizabeth J., Ph.d. and Annie Laurie Armstrong, M.P.A. King County Housing Stability Program Evaluation Report. 1996. King County Housing and Community Development Program. Seattle WA, 1996. Renton Planning/Building/Public Works Department Renton. City of Renton: Comprehensive Plan. Renton WA,1995. "Spring apartment vacancy/rent rate report", The Seattle Times. Seattle WA, April 28, 1996. South King County Housing Forum. Housing That Works in South King County. Kent WA, 1995. United States Census Bureau. 1980-1990 Trends in King County: Vacancy Rates. Washington DC, 1990. Washington State Office of Finance Management. 1995 Trends for Washington State. Olympia WA, 1995. Human Services Needs Assessments Renton Department of Community Development. Community Profile. Renton WA, 1989. Appendix B 129 Ryherd-Majken, Keira and Mike Ryherd. Impact of Federal Cuts in Human Services on Washington State. Human Services Roundtable. Seattle WA, June 1996. King County Planning and Community Development Division. King County Demographics 1990 Census Bulletin. Seattle WA, 1993. King County Planning and Community Development Division. King County Demographics 1990 Census Bulletin. Seattle WA, 1992. Renton Department of Housing and Human Services. City of Renton Human Services Policies and Plan. Renton WA, 1991. Renton Department of Planning/Building/Public Works. Housing Element Background Report. Renton Planning and Technical Services Division. Renton WA, 1994. US Census Bureau. 1990 Census Tracts. Washington DC, 1990. Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Seattle-King County Division on Aging. Division on Aging Service Area Study: Adult Day Services. Department of Housing and Human Services. Seattle WA, 1995. Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. Living Longer Staying Healthy: The Health Status of Older Adults in King County. Seattle WA, 1995.. Seattle-King County Division on Aging. 1992-1995 Area Plan on Aging. Department of Housing and Human Services. Seattle WA, 1995. Seattle-King County Division on Aging. South King County Subregional Report. Department of Housing and Human Services. Seattle WA, 1995. Seattle-King County Division on Aging. South King County Subregional Report. Department of Housing and Human Services. Seattle WA, 1993. Seattle-King County. Division on Aging Update Area Plan on Aging. Department of Housing and Human Services. Seattle WA, 1995. US Census Bureau. Distribution of Population by Age Group in South and North/East King County. 1990. Washington DC, 1990. Appendix C Phone Survey Questionnaire Human Services Needs Assessment Phone Survey INTRODUCTION INTR. Hello, I'm calling from the Gilmore Research Group on behalf of the City of Renton. We're conducting a survey of Renton residents to learn more about the concerns and needs of people in this city. May I speak with a (male)/(female) age eighteen or over living in your household? IF NOT AVAILABLE, ARRANGE CALL-BACK. USE AS NEEDED: • This is a study of human service needs in Renton. We are part of a research team that includes community leaders from Renton. • Results of this studywill be used to help make recommendations for long- term planning as the city grows. • This interview will take about twelve minutes, and all of the information obtained in the survey will be confidential. Your name will not be used, and your responses will be grouped together with information from others participating in the study. • If you wish to verify this study, please call Gilmore Research Group in Seattle, 726-5555, or Dee Arntz or Tracy Thomas at 235-2553. • Your responses will help others who do need help. Please stick with us and give us your opinions -- even if you, yourself, do not need help. • Your number has been randomly chosen to be in this study and your responses will be kept confidential. 1 . Are you a resident of the City of Renton? CONTINUE < Yes 1 THANK & TERMINATE < No/DK/Ref - 132 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. COMMUNITY CONNECTION 2a. First, a general question about Renton and what kind of place it is to live in. Overall, would you describe Renton as an excellent, good, fair, or poor place to live? Excellent 1 Good 2 Fair 3 Poor 4 Don't know/Not sure 5 Refused 6 2b. (IF Q2=3 OR 4, START WITH: We'll talk about some community problems later, but first,) What do you like best about living in Renton? COMMUNITY CONCERNS 3. I'm going to read a list of community concerns. For each one, please tell me in your opinion, if it is a problem in Renton. First, (READ STATEMENT), would you saythat is a problem in Renton? IF YES, ASK: Is it a major, moderate or minor problem? ROTATE STATEMENTS Not a Major Mod- Minor Don't Ref- Prob- Prob- erate Prob- Know used lem lem Prob- lem lem a. Public transportation 1 2 3 4 5 6 b. * Unemployment, or a lack of 1 2 3 4 5 6 jobs in general c. * Unemployment among 1 2 3 4 5 6 teenagers Appendix C 133 Not a Major Mod- Minor Don't Ref- Prob- Prob- erate Prob- Know used lem lem Prob- lem lem d. * Alcohol or drug abuse 1 2 3 4 5 6 e. * Alcohol or drug abuse 1 2 3 4 5 6 among youth f. A lack of affordable daycare 1 2 3 4 5 6 for children g. * Crime 1 2 3 4 5 6 h. * Crime or violence among 1 2 3 4 5 6 youth i. Poverty, meaning the lack of 1 2 3 4 5 6 money for basic needs j. * Sexual assault 1 2 3 4 5 6 k. * Physical, sexual and 1 2 3 4 5 6 emotional abuse of children and other domestic violence I. Lack of services for the 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mentally ill and people with emotional problems m. Affordable housing 1 2 3 4 5 6 n. * Help for disabled persons 1 2 3 4 5 6 and their families -- by disabled, I mean people who cannot work or perform normal activities for whatever reason o. * Accessibilityto public places 1 2 3 4 5 6 for the disabled p. Affordable health care 1 2 3 4 5 6 q. Affordable dental care 1 2 3 4 5 6 r. * Helping senior citizens who 1 2 3 4 5 6 want to live independently s. * Helping families caring for 1 2 3 4 5 6 senior citizens t. A lack of recreational facilities 1 2 3 4 5 6 or programs for youth u. Homelessness 1 2 3 4 5 6 v. * AIDS, HIV infection and other 1 2 3 4 5 6 sexually transmitted diseases 134 Linking People, Neighborhoods,and Communities Together. Not a Major Mod- Minor Don't Ref- Prob- Prob- erate Prob- Know used lem lem Prob- fern lem w. Help with housing repairs for 1 2 3 4 5 6 those who cannot afford it x. Runaway or homeless teens 1 2 3 4 5 6 "These questions always are grouped together. 5. Are there any other areas of concern you have about Renton's human service needs? 6. What do you feel is the one human service need or problem that is the most important in Renton? 7. What actions can you recommend to address that issue? HOUSEHOLD PROBLEMS 9. These next questions are about basic concerns households sometimes have. I'll name several concerns and ask if any of these issues have been a problem for your household within the past 12 months. Some of these have to do with problems associated with children. Do you have any children under the age of 18 currently living in your household? Yes 1 No 2 Refused 3 Appendix C 135 10. The first issue is . Within the past twelve months, has this been a problem for you or anyone in your household? IF SO, PROBE: Has it been a major, moderate or minor problem for your household? Not a Major Mod- Minor Don't Ref- Prob- Prob- erate Prob- Know used lem lem Prob- lem lem a. Trouble finding 1 2 3 4 5 6 transportation to work or other places b. Not being able to find any 1 2 3 4 5 6 work c. Experiencing a drug or 1 2 3 4 5 6 alcohol problem d. Not being able to find good, 1 2 3 4 5 6 affordable child care e. * Not having enough money 1 2 3 4 5 6 for basic needs such as rent, utilities or food f. * Having children or teens who 1 2 3 4 5 6 experience behavioral problems at home, school or in social settings g. Having a lot of anxiety, stress 1 2 3 4 5 6 or depression h. Not being able to get care for 1 2 3 4 5 6 a senior citizen i. Not being able to get care for 1 2 3 4 5 6 someone with a disability j. Not being able to get into 1 2 3 4 5 6 public places or buildings because of accessibility k. Not being able to get medical 1 2 3 4 5 6 insurance or care I. Not being able to get dental 1 2 3 4 5 6 insurance or care m. Being discriminated against 1 2 3 4 5 6 n. * Not being able to find safe, 1 2 3 4 5 6 supervised activities for children or youth 136 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. Not a Major Mod- Minor Don't Ref- Prob- Prob- erate Prob- Know used lem fern Prob- lem lem o. Living in housing that needs 1 2 3 4 5 6 repairs you cannot get done p. Experiencing violence in the home *These questions are asked only of respondents with children. 11 . Was there anything else that was a problem for your or a household member in the past twelve months? 12. (IF ANY MAJOR OR MODERATE PROBLEMS IN Q10) Have your or anyone else in your household looked for help with (IF ONE PROBLEM MENTIONED, INSERT IT; OTHERWISE: the problems you mentioned)? Yes 1 No 2 Don't Know 3 13. (IF NO TO Q12) Why not? Could handle problem ourselves/Don't want to ask for help 01 Not eligible for help/Didn't qualify 02 Don't know where to seek help or information; have no information 03 Dislike the service 04 Service not available, doesn't exist 05 Have to wait too long/Couldn't get help when I need it 06 No transportation, no way to get there 07 Location too far away, inconvenient 08 No help to care for child/Other family member 09 Language problem 10 Cost too much 11 Worried about confidentiality 12 Had a previous bad experience 13 Other (SPECIFY:) 14 Don't know/Not sure 15 Refused 16 Appendix C 137 14. (IF YES TO Q12) Did you get the help you needed? Yes 1 No 2 Don't Know 3 15. (IF NO TO Q14) Why not? Not eligible for help/Didn't qualify 02 Don't know where to seek help or information; have no information 03 Dislike the service 04 Service not available, doesn't exist 05 Have to wait too long/Couldn't get help when I need it 06 No transportation, no way to get there 07 Location too far away, inconvenient 08 No help to care for child/Other family member 09 Language problem 10 Cost too much 11 Worried about confidentiality 12 Had a previous bad experience 13 Other (SPECIFY) 14 Don't know/Not sure 15 Refused 16 DEMOGRAPHICS 16. Finally, we have some questions that will help us group your answers with other people participating in this survey. How many people are currently living in your household, including yourself? Refused 99 17a. (IF 2 OR MORE TO Q16) Are any, including yourself, 65 or older? Yes 1 No 2 Refused 3 IF Q9=2, SKIP TO Q18. Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. 17b. Are there any children in your household in the follgwing age groups? 0 Don't Re- Yes No Know fused 5 or younger 1 2 3 4 6 to 12 1 2 3 4 13 to 17 1 2 3 4 18. What is your age? Refused 99 19. IF REFUSED: Is that. . .READ 1-7: 18 to 24 years 1 25to34 2 35 to 44 3 45 to 54 4 55 to 64 5 65 to 74 6 Or 75 years or older 7 Refused 8 20. IF CHILDREN: Would you describe your household as a one-parent or two- parent household? One parent household 1 Two parent household 2 Other (SPECIFY:) 3 Refused 4 21 . What is the highest level of education you have had the opportunity to complete? PROBE TO FIT Less than high school graduate 1 High school graduate (GED) 2 Some college/Technical school/ Community college 3 4 year collage graduate 4 Post graduate work/degree 5 Refused 6 �p , \rt; !�ijiv 22. Do you own or rent where you live? Own 1 Rent 2 Other: 3 Refused 4 23. Do you live north or south of the Cedar River? North 1 South 2 DK 3 (If North) Which of the following names best describes your neighborhood? West Kennydale 1 East Kennydale 2 North Highlands 3 Highlands 4 President Park 5 Glencoe/Sierra Heights 6 North Renton 7 or something else 8 DK/ Ref 9 (If South) Which of the following names best describes your neighborhood? Talbot Hill 1 Renton Hill 2 Benson Hill 3 Tiffany Park 4 Earlington 5 West Hill 6 South Renton 7 or something else 8 DK / Ref 9 24. What is your racial or ethnic background? Are you... READ 1-6 White 1 African American 2 Asian or Pacific Islander 3 Hispanic or Latino 4 American Indian or Native American 5 Or something else (SPECIFY:) 6 Refused 7 140 Linking People, Neighborhoods, and Communities Together. 25. And finally, is your household income above or below... (If household size is one) $28,000. If below, is it... If above, is it... Below $18,000 $28,000 to $35,000 $18,000 to $28,000 $35,000 to $50,000 $50,000 to $75,000 or Over $75,000 (If household size is two) $32,000. If below, is it... If above, is it... Below $21 ,000 $32,000 to $50,000 $21 ,000 to $32,000 $50,000 to $75,000 or Over $75,000 (If household size is three) $36,000. If below, is it... If above, is it... Below $23,000 $36,000 to $50,000 $23,000 to $36,000 or Over$75,000 (If household size is four) $40,000. If below, is it... If above, is it... Below $26,000 $40,000 to $50,000 $26,000 to $40,000 $50,000 to $75,000 or Over$75,000 (If household size is five) $28,000 If above, is it... $28,000 to $43,000 $43,000 to $50,000 $50,000 to $75,000 or Over$75,000 (If household size is six) $30,000 If above, is it... $30,000 to $47,000 $47,000 to $75,000 or Over $75,000 (If household size is seven) $32,000 If above, is it... $32,000 to $50,000 $50,000 to $75,000 or Over$75,000 Appendix C 141 I (If household size is eight or more) $34,000 If above, is it... $34,000 to $53,000 $53,000 to $75,000 or Over$75,000 28. That concludes our survey. Thank you for your time and opinions. If we do further research on this subject, may we contact you again? Yes 1 No 2 29. Would you be interested in receiving a report about the information the Renton Needs Assessment Project is collecting? Yes 1 No 2 30. (IF YES TO Q28 BUT NO TO Q29) May I get your first name so we can contact you again for future research? 31 . (IF YES TO Q29) May I get your name and address? 32. Again, thank you for your time and opinions. 33. RECORD SEX Male 1 Female 2 M