Data Collection

Southwest Action conducted in-person surveys three times at Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) during their food distribution, in December 2020, January 2021, and February 2021. Online surveys were also conducted via social media, NextDoor, and posts to local building links by Southwest Action members, and an article in the February 2021 Southwester, directing people to the link for the survey.

The online survey was accessible from mid-January 2021 to February 27, 2021. Southwest Action did not re-advertise it via social media, list-servs, et cetera.

In April and May 2021, nineteen additional paper survey responses were collected and recorded

Key Takeaways

1. What type of businesses would residents like to see in SW?

• Over 60% of all total respondents would like to see some type of hardware store

• Over 50% of all total respondents would like to see coffee shops

• Over 40% of all total respondents would like to see restaurants, bars, grocery stores, medical/doctor’s offices, floral/garden stores.

• Over 30% of all total respondents would like to see banks or credit unions.

Spotlights:

• Long-term residents of 10+ years also identified hardware stores, coffee shops, banks or credit unions and medical/doctor’s offices

• Residents that identified as Black/African American identified medical/doctor’s office as a top choice. This was closely followed by a dollar store, as well as interest in seeing a Barber’s shop/hair salon, banks/credit unions, grocery stores, convenience stores and coffee shops.

This question highlights the biggest difference among key demographics.

2. What community organizations do you feel are important to have in SW?

• Over 50% of all total respondents chose youth-serving organizations (scouts, summer day camps, clubs, etc).

• Over 40% of all total respondents chose Senior Center and after-school programs, arts programming, health access/education.

• Over 30% of all total respondents would like to see job training.

Spotlight: Long-term residents of 10+ years and residents that identified as Black/African American identified Youth-serving organizations (scouts, summer day camps, clubs, etc.), Senior Center and after-school programs and job training as top needs.

3. Which businesses & community services in SW do you use the most?

• Over 50% of all total respondents use Safeway/grocery stores

• Over 30% of all total respondents use the CVS pharmacy

• Over 20% of all total respondents use the restaurants

Spotlight: Long-term residents of 10+ years and residents that identified as Black/African American identified these same businesses & community services as most used.

Questions?

Contact swdcaction@gmail.com to get more information on the project