2023 Poverty Needs Assessment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2023

Greybull, Wyoming– Yellowstone Country Assistance Network is proud to announce the release of its 2023 Community Poverty Needs Assessment Report. The report is a comprehensive analysis of the poverty needs of our community, covering a range of topics such as access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment.

The report results from extensive research conducted by our team of experts, who worked tirelessly to gather data and conduct surveys to understand our community’s challenges better.

“This report provides us with invaluable insights into the needs of our community,” said Dunlap, CEO of YCAN. “It will help us to make informed decisions about how to address these needs and work towards creating a better future for everyone in our community.”

The 2023 Community Poverty Needs Assessment Report is available to the public free of charge and can be accessed by clicking on the link https://ycanhelp.org/community-poverty-needs-assessment/

For more information about the report or to learn more about Yellowstone Country Assistance Network, please get in touch with Julie Dunlap at ycanhelp@protonmail.com

About Yellowstone Country Assistance Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving people’s lives in our community. We work to address issues such as substance abuse, poverty, health, education, and employment and are committed to creating a brighter future for everyone in our community.

2023-Community-Needs-Assessment-YCAN Download

2023 Key Findings

Key Findings: Park County, Wyoming

Community members in Park County have identified the following issues as top concerns for low-income individuals and families.

1. Housing: Affordable housing is scarce and expensive, causing people to stay in shelters or motels/hotels for long periods.

2. Employment barriers: Low wages and limited childcare options prevent people from finding gainful employment, and transportation is a significant challenge.

3. Transportation: Owning and maintaining a car is expensive, and transportation is critical, especially for smaller towns like Meeteetse.

4. Services for Senior Citizens: There is a high demand for affordable, in-home care services for the elderly to help with household chores, medication management, and hygiene routines.

Key Findings: Hot Springs County, Wyoming

Hot Springs County in Wyoming has several issues that concern low-income individuals and families. The top concerns include:

1. Employment: Hot Springs County faces challenges recruiting and retaining a qualified workforce due to a lack of affordable housing, childcare, low wages, inadequate transportation, and insufficient training/education.

2. Housing: Affordable housing is scarce and expensive in the community.

3. Medical Care: Healthcare costs are high and prohibitive. Respondents felt that medical care and health insurance were the community’s first and second most needed resources.

4. Senior Care: Caregivers for older adults are severely understaffed. Seniors face several challenges, including transportation, housing, medical care, food security, the cost of utilities, and prescriptions.

5. Mental Health Services: There is a need for affordable medical care, including mental health services.

Qualitative Data and Analysis

We are excited to share our comprehensive analysis of data collected from diverse low-income individuals and organizations, including community-based, faith-based, private-sector, public-sector, and educational institutions. Our findings are based on thoughtful focus groups and interviews.

2023 Poverty Needs Assessment

2023 Key Findings

Qualitative Data and Analysis

Quantitative Data Collection