Top Needs for HealthConnect Pathways Clients

SWACH regularly works with the Center for Outcomes Research and Education (CORE) to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and efforts. These evaluations have been important in understanding the community we serve and what their needs are. For January’s HealthConnect Bulletin data visualization, we are comparing the top need for participants of HealthConnect Pathways before and ruing COVID-19.

This visualization includes the following needs:

• Housing

• Transportation

• Food

• Clothing

• Legal assistance

• Medication

• Ultilities

• Childcare

The image above highlights which needs were highest before COVID-19 and during.

During the pandemic, HealthConnect Pathways clients’ housing concerns remained relatively stable. There were small relative increases in the number of clients experiencing homelessness and who faced a family crisis in the last year and a relative decrease in the number of clients with housing concerns.  While clients’ housing characteristics have not been significantly negatively impacted by COVID-19 so far, they still face significant challenges and instability: 40% are homeless, while approximately two-thirds (66%) have housing concerns or have experienced family crises in the last year. Over 25% have safety concerns in the home. The mental and physical health impacts of housing and safety concerns, such as fear of eviction or domestic violence could be further exacerbated by COVID-19.

Housing and transportation were clients’ top needs both before and during the pandemic, although the percentage of clients reporting housing as a priority rose from 19% to 23%. This further underscores the housing instability that Pathways clients face during COVID-19.

Interestingly, the need for clothing, medication, and utilities decreased, while legal services and childcare rose.

This data informs us on the trends (and tangible needs) of people in our community. Through our growing network, the HealthConnect Hub remains nimble enough to meet these changes over time to ensure community members have the support they need.