City of Lubbock, Department of Community Development

1611 10th Street Lubbock, Texas 79401

2018 COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSSESSMENT

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Organizational Profile ........................................................................................................................................... 3

Overview of Assessment Process ....................................................................................................................... 4

Assessment Process & Data Collection ........................................................................................................... 4

Results of Overview & Key Findings ................................................................................................................. 6

City of Lubbock

Lubbock County ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Appendix A ................................................................................................................................................................ xi Data Collection; Community and Issue Sources

Appendix B ............................................................................................................................................................... xii Fair Housing Survey

Appendix C Fair Housing Survey Results ...............................................................................................................xxi Fair Housing Focus Group & Interview Questions

Appendix D Fair Housing Goals, Strategies, Issues & Contributing Factors ............................................ xxiv

Appendix E .......................................................................................................................................................... xxvii Community Needs Assessment Survey & Results

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The department of Community Development surveyed low-income individuals/families, stakeholders, partners and citizens within the service area. The survey forms were distributed to citizens, senior citizens, general public and non-profit organizations. The purpose of collecting the data is to identify the needs of our communities as members as our communities see them. Community Development department will provide direct or indirect support to help individuals with social and economic challenges they face.

Our top five needs in no particular order as identified by surveys and interviews are as follows:

1) Health & Social/Behavioral Development 2) Affordable Housing and Utility Assistance 3) Emergency Assistance 4) Education Assistance (attend trade or higher learning) 5) Civic Engagement

Mission Statement

To promote self- sufficiency, economic opportunities & suitable living environments including but not limited to decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for low-to-moderate income individuals and families.

The City of Lubbock is an entitlement city and services Lubbock County residents. The department of Community Development administers the grant with two faith based agencies- Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock. Through coordinated partnerships these agencies, we are privileged to be able to touch a wide variety of needs and/or concerns identified within our community. Together we provide assistance with food, medication, eyeglasses, clothing, tuition and fee assistance for college classes and GED tuition, textbooks, work uniforms for trade schools, childcare assistance, transportation, utility and rental assistances, home rehabilitation, home repair and new construction services. We also provide workshops designed to increase self-sufficiency such as budgeting, scholarships, parenting and disaster preparedness classes.

Community Development has been in existence for over 25 years. The department of Community Development is dedicated to making our community the best it can be. We are committed to being the best steward of funds with which we are entrusted. The department oversees two agencies that assist all age groups who are low-to-moderate income individuals.

Organizational Strengths, Assets and Challenges Some of Community Development’s greatest strengths is our staff and agencies who deliver the Programs. Staff and agencies alike are dedicated to delivering the best service to our citizens staying true to mission, years of valuable experience, service and dedication. Our Community Development and Services Board members come from diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of compassion, experience and wisdom through their service. We have several assets to serve our community.

o Access to one Division one university, two private universities, and a community college o Income based health care is available in Lubbock County o Lubbock has access to WIC, Food Stamps, Medicaid and other assistance programs o Lubbock offers public transit bus system with handicap accessibility o Lubbock partners with Community Housing Resource Board and other agencies to

increase homeownership o Lutheran Social Services provides utility assistance to low income Lubbock county

residents o Lubbock’s graduation rate of 89.9% is better than the national and state averages

Community Development’s greatest assets are the programs that we are privileged to operate to serve our Community’s needs.

Community Development’s greatest challenge is that Communities are plagued with a plethora of needs that must be addressed but with limited funding availability, we are charged with the task of identifying and addressing the immediate needs in our community. Thus, the City of Lubbock’s Community Development department performed a Community Needs assessment in an effort to determine the most pressing social and economic needs of Lubbock County residents.

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Community Development utilized the survey tool provided by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs as well as an online tool through Survey Monkey at Community events as well as our website. Surveys were provided electronically as well as paper. Surveys were provided at various community centers, City Hall, clients at Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities, Board members, elected officials, low-to-moderate income individuals and to the general public.

Self-Sufficiency

Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) assists women and ultimately families to transition beyond poverty. Monthly ongoing case management is provided to participants of the program to ensure their success. Participants are assisted in a vast array of services to remove barriers that might impede progress. Services could include college/trade school tuition, uniforms, rental and utility assistance, book purchases, food assistance, and any other necessities.

Utility Assistance

As indicated in our needs assessment, one-third of Lubbock county households are burdened with household cost greater than 30% of their income. We consistently address this need of these individuals below the poverty threshold through our utility assistance and household crisis programs.

Minor and Major Repairs

Community Development offers grant programs to assist low-to-moderate income homeowners with the mounting costs of maintaining their homes and bring homes with in building codes standards.

In preparation for the development of the City of Lubbock, Community Development’s 2019 Community Action Plan, a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) was been conducted across the City of Lubbock and Lubbock County for which it provides CSBG services.

In April 2018, the City of Lubbock conducted a Fair Housing Study with stakeholders and community partners. The surveys in English and Spanish are provided in Appendix B

This present CNA, submitted in fulfillment of USHHS’s Organizational Standards for CSBG Eligible Entities under 678B of the CSBG Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9914, has been limited to those issues most nationally identified as having relationship to and impact on poverty, and most relevant for address by any potential anti-poverty initiative.

Community Development used a wide range of online databases to collect data, obtain information across our County, and service area to create this report. A comprehensive list of the data sources is provided in Appendix A. Results of Community Development’s Customer

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Surveys are listed in Appendix E.

The Department of Community Development employed qualitative data analysis methodology to interpret the findings of this wide range of information sources: Identifying patterns and themes emerging across data, determining if these patterns support the finding of other corresponding qualitative data, categorizing information and identifying patterns and connections within and between categories. These patterns support the national patterns discussed on page 2; more local detail of these patterns is discussed in the next section.

Various national databases were used to develop the community profiles. While there were differences in year(s) the data were collected, geographic bases and their margins of error, used in concert these databases remain our best and most widely used/accepted tools for decision- making. We believe we have been able to identify and present an accurate condition of our service area.

Community Surveys: Community Needs Assessment Survey Fair Housing Survey Fair Housing Focus Groups and Interviews

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Affordable Housing In April 2018, the City of Lubbock conducted a Fair Housing Study and Analysis of Impediments (AI). Surveys were sent via email, online and through the US Postal Service to stakeholders, Board members, Community Partners and other organizations within the City of Lubbock. The Fair Housing surveys were provided in both English and Spanish and provided in Appendix: A

Causes for the need of affordable housing, are families and individuals struggle with obtaining a living wage. In Lubbock County, an hourly wage for a single mother of two needs to be $25.02 an hour, and the poverty wage is $9.00 per hour, which contributes to the lack of affordable housing.

http://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/48303

The Department of Community Development service area faces the same struggle with affordable housing as the rest of the United States. The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) “Gap Report” https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Gap-Report_2017.pdf indicates that Texas has less than the national level of affordable and available units per 100 households at or below the Extremely Low Income (ELI) threshold as seen below.

Fair Market Rent (FMR) prices in Lubbock are high compared to the National average, which is more expensive than 85% of other FMR areas. FMR for a two-bedroom apartment is currently $842, which is up 6.72% from last year, which was $789 per month.

Education

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Approximately 14.86% of Lubbock County residents have less than a high school diploma, which is less than the state average of 17.65% and less than the National average of 13.02%. Roughly, 85.1% have a high school education or higher, 25.5% have a high school diploma only, which is higher than the state average of 25.1% and less than the National average of 27.5%. We have access to one (1) division one university, two (2) private universities and one (1) community college. In addition to universities, two (2) vocational/technical schools within the City of Lubbock offer a variety of courses. As of the 2016 census an estimated 36,129 students attended as an undergraduate in college.

Education Assistance There are numerous programs for Education Assistance. One such program is through our contractor, Catholic Charities, who provides the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP). Students are provided with a numerous array of assistance for items such as books, tuition, uniforms, counseling, mileage reimbursement, testing fees and assists some who do not have a high school diploma obtain their GED. Catholic Charities also assists with rent, utilities, food pantries and clothing in-house for active students. Post-graduation assistance is also provided to assist with resumes, job searches and mock interviews as well as a high-end professional clothing closet in-house provided by donations Catholic Charities produces graduates consistently. In 2016, there were 26 college graduates, 23 college graduates in 2017 and to date in 2018 there have been 16 college graduates. Families who participate in the program have had success transitioning out of poverty with 27 households/77 persons in 2016, 15 households/41 persons in 2017 and 5 households/17 persons in 2018 to date.

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Transportation is also offered within the City of Lubbock, Citibus. Citibus has offered services to students of Texas Tech since 1968, which provides both on and off campus shuttles to and from nearby apartment complexes to the interior of the campus.

Emergency Assistance Emergency assistance is provided to citizens through numerous resources within the Community. Among these resources are Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services both of whom provide utility assistance, food boxes, clothing and rental assistance.

According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s website http://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/48303 a contributor to needing these services, is a lack of making a living wage and the rise of typical living expenses such as food, housing, childcare, medical needs and transportation. The Community Action Partners hub in Community Commons, Lubbock County’s indicates that the median household income is $48,587.00, which is lower than the state average of $56,583.00 and the Nation of $57,617.00.

Health & Social Behavioral Development

Citizens in the City of Lubbock have numerous low cost or even free healthcare options available to them. The City of Lubbock has partners throughout the Community to offer free health and dental screenings and treatment in addition to wellness education including diet, diabetes, immunization clinics cardiac, pediatric and other related topics.

The lack of personal health and life choices has led to the majority of healthcare issues. There is an ongoing effort to educate the Community and offer many wellness opportunities both through mobile services, Community events and screenings.

Civic Engagement

The City of Lubbock is always finding ways to involve the Community in an ongoing effort to be transparent of implore the Citizens to become active. The City of Lubbock website https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/ provides citizens with important announcements, meetings, financial updates, news, events and much more. The City also offers an option to Citizens to become more informed by provided emergency updates sent directly to the phone, for both mobile and landline services. The City offers a variety of family and pet friendly events, arts and cultural events, education, healthcare updates and much more.

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SUMMARY

Both quantitative and qualitative data support the following as contributors of poverty, in our service area:

□ Lack of sufficient income □ Unaffordability of housing based on that income □ Lack of education in various aspects of finance □ Barriers to securing more sufficient income such as:

o Education o Transportation o Job skills

City of Lubbock, Lubbock County

The City of Lubbock is the seat of Lubbock County and it our service area. The City of Lubbock has a population of 229,573 residents and Lubbock County has 278,831 residents. Lubbock County has a poverty percentage of 25.2%.

Lubbock County has more female residents living in poverty than male living in the service area, and the rate is more than twice that of the Texas (9%) and US average (10.7%).

Total Population: 278,831

Male: 137,786 Female: 141,045 White: 77.3% Black: 7.5% Hispanic: 31.9% Age 65 +: 3.3% Age 5-17: 21.3% Age 0-4: 7.2%

% Households in Poverty: 25.2% Male: 24.1% Female: 26.3% White: 23.1% Black: 39.4% Hispanic: 33.4% Age 65+: 2.3% Age 5-17: 22.2% Age 0-4: 25.2%

Per Capita Income: $25,139

Unemployment: 3.5%

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o Strengths and Challenges

o The City of Lubbock is growing economically and tourism is increasing. o Lubbock has had an economic impact since 2011 of 1,050 jobs created, 302 businesses

opened and a capital formation of $36,144,479. http://www.ttusbdc.org/lubbock/ o The closest employment services through the Texas Workforce Solutions is located in

downtown Lubbock. o Public transportation is a concern within the City of Lubbock, as bus routes do not

extend to the entire City, which limits routes and access to other employment locations. o Causes of Poverty

o Lack of jobs o High cost of housing, food and utilities o Lack of higher education

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Appendix A

Data Collection; Community and Issue Sources

US Census https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml

Community Commons https://www.communitycommons.org

Small Business Development Center http://www.ttusbdc.org/lubbock/

Lubbock Chamber of Commerce http://www.lubbockchamber.com/

Massachusetts Institute of Technology http://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/48303

United States Department of Labor https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news- release/countyemploymentandwages_texas.htm

City of Lubbock https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/

Texas Education Agency https://tea.texas.gov/Reports_and_Data/

Economic Policy Institute https://www.epi.org/ https://www.epi.org/publication/the-new- gilded-age-income-inequality-in-the-u-s-by-state-metropolitan-area-and-county/

National Low Income Housing Coalition https://nlihc.org/gap

Citibus http://www.citibus.com/index.php

RentData https://www.rentdata.org/lubbock-tx-hud-metro-fmr-area/2018

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey Respondents: Community stakeholders, Public officials, CD Staff

Total number of respondents: 57 Process: Fair Housing surveys were sent to Community stakeholders, collaborating agencies, community centers, City Hall, Libraries, Faith-based organizations, housing organizations, during client in-take and to the general public. Surveys were sent via email, online, social media as well as dropped off at all locations listed above. A total of 250 paper surveys were distributed. The total number of surveys received out of all paper and electronic responses were 57.

Note: The online survey created for the Fair Housing Survey also was made available to both employees and citizens. Employees were sent the link to the Community Development website to complete the survey. Citizens were provided this information when they came for services with our collaborating agencies, during in-take or through other public venues and invited to participate. The survey intentionally did not provide the means to distinguish between all groups. Therefore, the weighting of low-income individuals’ responses from any other responses cannot beanalyzed.

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

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Appendix B

Fair Housing Survey continued

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Appendix C Fair Housing Survey RESULTS Results from the Fair Housing Study are currently unavailable, as the outside consultants have not yet released the results to our department. The consultants have been addressing disaster relief efforts and will report the results as soon as possible. Once the results have been reported, we will forward that information.

Appendix C

Fair Housing Focus Group and Interview Questions Respondents: Community stakeholders, Public officials, CD Staff Total number of attendees: 27 Process: in April 2018, Fair Housing focus group was conducted to find various aspects of Far Housing in the Community. Attendees to the focus groups and interviews included stakeholders, collaborating agencies, community centers, City Hall, Libraries, Faith-based organizations, housing organizations, during client in-take and to the general public.

Focus Group Participants by Sector and County

City & Co Public Sector Faith- based

Lubbock Legal Aid of NW Texas; Michael Bates, Kimberly McDaniel

Catholic Charities, Sabrina Robbins

Lubbock Community Housing Resouces Board; Maggie Trejo, June Rangel

Open Door; Katherine Hennecke

Lubbock Family Promise of Lubbock; Doug Morris, Keely Garland

Lutheran Social Services; Joy Loper

Lubbock Salvation Army; Erica Hitt, Tammy Garcia, Troy Smith

Lubbock Lubbock Community Health Center; Nedra Hotchkins

Lubbock Women’s Protective Services; Jeana Moore, Monica Montelongo

Lubbock Lubbock Apartment Assoc.; Suzanne Conner, Todd Steelman

Lubbock Community Foundation of West Tx; Stephen Warren

Lubbock Community Development & Services Board; Bill Curnow

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Appendix C

Fair Housing Focus Group and Interview Questions continued

AGENDA

I. Introductions

II. Definition of Fair Housing

City of Lubbock Fair Housing Focus Group

III. Discussion (See questions below.)

IV. Wrap Up QUESTIONS

1. Brief review of past impediments that have been identified and discussion that emphasis has been

on actions to overcome impediments. How have previously identified impediments changed over

the years? Describe positive and negative changes.

2. Are you aware of any questionable practices or barriers to fair housing choice in the housing

market? (Rental, Real Estate, or Lending)

3. What do you see as barriers to housing choice in Lubbock?

4. What would you (your organization) do to further fair housing if money was no object?

5. Please describe current activities or projects that you are aware of in Lubbock to address fair

housing impediments.

6. What level of support is being provided to Non-English speaking residents of Lubbock? What level

of support does your organization provide, if any?

7. What types of fair housing training or technical assistance is needed?

8. Which protected classes are most often experiencing fair housing violations?

9. What suggestions do you have to improve the process for reporting fair housing violations?

DEFINITIONS Fair Housing: Equal and free access to housing choices regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or disability, familial status, and national origin. Fair Housing Choice: Equal and free access to residential housing (housing choice) is fundamental to meeting essential needs and pursuing personal, educational, employment, or other goals. Because housing choice is so critical, fair housing is a goal that Government, public officials, and private citizens must achieve if equality of opportunity is to become a reality.

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Appendix C

Fair Housing Focus Group and Interview Questions continued

CITY OF LUBBOCK ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEW FORMAT

Name of Interviewee: Organization: Phone number: Date of interview: Interviewer:

Instructions: Refer to the attached summary of impediments from the 2014 City of Lubbock Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing with the interviewee before beginning interview questions below. A. Please explain what role your organization has in addressing fair housing issues and what your

organization may have done to help address concerns raised by the 2014 AI impediments.

B. To your knowledge, which of the impediments do you think the City has made the most progress in addressing since 2014?

C. In your opinion, are the 2014 impediments still relevant in 2018? If so, which ones?

D. Based on your knowledge of the housing and community development issues throughout the City,

what would you identify as the current major impediments to fair housing in the following categories?

1. Economy 2. Protected Classes (Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Familial Status, Disability) 3. Community Awareness 4. Local Government

Which category do you think presents the greatest challenges and why?

E. In your opinion, what areas of the City have the most significant fair housing challenges and why?

F. What do you think the role of the City should be in addressing fair housing concerns in the future?

G. How do you think your organization could assist in addressing the challenges you’ve mentioned?

FOR FAIR HOUSING CENTERS ONLY: H. Will you share your complaint data for the past three years so that we can assess trends in fair housing

complaints?

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Appendix D

Fair Housing Focus Group Goals, Strategies, Issues, Contributing Factors

Appendix D

Fair Housing Focus Group Goals, Strategies, Issues, Contributing Factors continued

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Appendix D

Fair Housing Focus Group Goals, Strategies, Issues, Contributing Factors continued

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Appendix E

Community Needs Survey and Results

Respondents: Low-income individuals/families, stakeholders, partners and citizens within the service area Total number of respondents: 78

Process: Community Needs Assessment surveys were sent to Community stakeholders, collaborating agencies, community centers, City Hall, Libraries, Faith-based organizations, housing organizations, during client in-take and to the general public. Surveys were sent via email, online, social media as well as dropped off at all locations listed above. The total number of surveys received out of all paper and electronic responses were 78.

Note: The online survey created for the Community Needs Assessment were made available to both employees and citizens. Employees were sent the link to the Community Development website. Citizens were provided this information when they came for services with our collaborating agencies, during in-take or through other public venues and invited to participate. The survey intentionally did not provide the means to distinguish between all groups. Therefore, the weighting of low-income individuals’ responses from any other responses cannot be analyzed

Em

erge

ncy

Ass

ista

nce 1. What type of assistance do you feel is most needed?

o Help applying for SSI, SSDI, WIC, TANF, etc. 9%

o Help finding resources in the community 38%

o Help finding childcare 13%

o Food 9%

o Transportation 31%

Inco

me

& A

sset

Bui

ldin

g 2. Express the need for assistance, to become self-sufficient.

o Do not know 31%

o Not needed 15%

o Rarely needed 8%

o Needed 26%

o Very needed 13%

3. What do you feel is most needed in your community?

C

ivic

Eng

agem

ent o Neighborhood clean-up projects 41%

o Crime awareness/reduction 22%

o Public parks & facilities 12%

o Employment opportunities 22%

o Other (please specify) 2%

4. Select an option below that best describes an educational need. o GED classes 8%

Ed

ucat

ion o English as a second language 14%

o Adult education/night school 19%

o Computer skills training 14% o Assistance to attend trade or technical school/college 44%

5. Select a service that you feel is most important.

Hea

lth/

Soci

al

Beha

vior

al o Parenting classes 18%

o Nutrition education/healthy eating workshops 9%

o Family counseling services 15% o Programs & activities for seniors 6%

A

ffor

dab

le H

ousi

ng 6. What need listed below do you feel is a priority?

o Affordable housing 56%

o Help paying rent 0%

o Help with utility bills 18%

o Help to make home more energy efficient 26%

Hea

lth/

Soci

al

Beha

vior

al 7. What medical issues do you feel need to be addressed?

o Affordable health insurance 45%

o Affordable medical care 42%

o Prescription assistance 13%

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