The "Lethbridge Community Wellbeing Needs Assessment Report" (April 2019) provides a detailed evaluation of social, economic, health, and safety trends in Lethbridge, Alberta, along with community insights and actionable recommendations to enhance local wellbeing. This report, developed through extensive data analysis and comprehensive community engagement, serves as the foundational step for developing targeted Community Social Development (CSD) and Wellbeing & Safety Strategies (CWSS).
Key findings from the report include:
Population and Demographics:
- Rapid population growth with increased diversity, including significant growth in senior populations and Indigenous residents, impacting housing, healthcare, and social service needs.
- Higher dependency ratios due to an aging population and increased youth demographics requiring targeted services and infrastructure.
Economic Insights:
- Stable local economy, driven primarily by agriculture, food processing, and public sector employment.
- Despite economic stability, disparities persist with median household incomes lower than provincial averages, and notable inequalities affecting Indigenous communities, visible minorities, and recent immigrants.
- High percentage of households experiencing housing affordability challenges, spending over 30% (and often 50%) of income on housing costs.
Social Issues:
- Persistent homelessness, exacerbated by economic pressures and housing scarcity, with a notable increase in homelessness rates between 2016 and 2018.
- Prominent issues related to mental health, substance use (notably opioids and methamphetamines), discrimination, and public safety concerns.
- Significant economic and social barriers experienced by Indigenous communities, recent immigrants, visible minorities, and single-parent households.
Community Wellbeing and Engagement:
- Community input highlighted needs for improved service integration, increased accessibility to mental health and addiction services, and expanded culturally appropriate services for Indigenous populations.
- Public and stakeholder consultations identified critical needs such as affordable housing, enhanced economic opportunities, improved healthcare accessibility, and better integration of newcomers and marginalized populations.
Systems and Resources:
- Utilization of tools such as the HelpSeeker platform facilitated comprehensive asset mapping of over 400 social services, identifying gaps and enhancing real-time resource availability.
- A thorough financial analysis of local charitable organizations revealed insights into resource distribution and operational capacity.
The report underscores strategic directions for future community development efforts, including:
- Increased coordination and strategic planning across sectors, emphasizing collaboration among social services, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Adoption of comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches to address systemic inequalities, particularly among Indigenous communities and immigrant populations.
- Strengthening economic inclusion initiatives, enhancing wage supports, and ensuring affordable living conditions to improve overall community resilience and safety.
Ultimately, this assessment serves as a crucial resource guiding policymakers, stakeholders, and community members toward collaborative solutions for a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Lethbridge.
Read Full Report:
https://hubs.ly/Q01VmYMW0
