Unmet Needs - Q1 2009
edmonton
Q1 2009
Compiled & Submitted by: Nicole Nerenberg
On 211, we track calls when we’re unable to find a referral to meet the caller’s need. We also record trends that indicate gaps in the service system. We’re distributing this information to increase awareness about the kinds of gaps there are in our community services. Please contact us if you’re aware of a service that might fill a need.
Out of 12,251 calls reported on 211 this quarter (January 1st to March 31st, 2009) there were 64 unmet needs recorded. This is a decrease of 218 calls compared to last quarter. Consistent with past reports, the top two unmet needs were for housing (30%) and transportation (12.5%). If you combine all of the basic needs (housing, health, food, clothing) this accounts for 41% of the unmet needs in this quarter.
The number of unmet needs calls has taken a drastic decrease in the first quarter of 2009, and we can only speculate as to the reasons behind this. One possibility is the way our community views the current economic downturn in relation to available resources. In times of boom, it is hard to believe that there are still many people in our community whose needs are not met – resulting in high numbers of calls from people looking for available options. In times of recession, it is to be expected that many people will be negatively affected by the lack of resources and money. This would in turn, reduce the number of calls from people looking for support for unmet needs – they may already have anticipated that there will be no resources available and are looking to find alternatives themselves without bothering to contact community agencies. We will monitor the numbers to see if there is a possible trend. Despite the low numbers of unmet needs call this quarter, there are a couple of themes that we have noticed.
The first people to hear from distressed clients in the community are often front line workers. Staff from call centers and agencies in the community are noting an increase of stress as a result of working with clients who are in desperate need. Client numbers are increasing, as well as the severity of need and issues (including suicidal thoughts), and in turn workers are more overwhelmed than ever before. These agencies are looking for support to help their staff cope better with workplace stress, as well as improving their skills to support clients in crisis.
Some of the calls we do receive from persons negatively affected by the economic slump are skilled trades persons who no longer have work. In the past few years, there has been a big push by companies to hire, train and recruit trades people of all kinds. With less jobs available now, we are hearing from these families who are feeling the pinch. Many have come here from other provinces, and are now looking to go back home but have no resources to do so.
Regardless of income level or job security, many Albertans are facing challenging times right now. It is troublesome to see gaps in community needs during peak economic times, and even more challenging in times of financial uncertainty. Hopefully, out of these times of crisis there can be opportunity for change.
Last updated: May 28, 2009