Why Community Needs Assessment?
A major function of United Way’s role in improving lives and strengthening communities in the River Region is identifying community needs, so that we can address them by solving community problems.
The Community Needs Assessment is the process we use to identify needs in Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon and Montgomery counties. This assessment provides us with a tool that shows what our communities need and identifies gaps in existing programs and services. These results then help us identify emerging priorities that demand immediate attention.
River Region Demographics by County
2025 River Region United Way Needs Assessment
The 2025 Needs Assessment is based on calls collected through 2-1-1 from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, requesting assistance in four categories for Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery Counties. The categories are Basic Needs, Health, Financial Stability, and Education. These categories are defined as follows:
Basic Needs - 89%
Providing help with essential human needs like food and shelter.
- Housing & Shelter - 41.57%
- Utility Assistance - 24%
- Food Insecurity - 17.6%
- Government & Legal - 7%
- Clothing & Household - 6.1%
- Transportation Assistance - 2.5%
- Child Care & Parenting - 1%
Health - 6%
Encouraging healthy living and promoting well-being.
- Health Insurance - 32.2%
- Substance Abuse & Addictions - 11%
- Prescription Medications - 9.4%
- Medical Providers - 8.8%
- Medical Expense Assistance - 8.7%
- Crisis Intervention & Suicide - 7.5%
- Mental Health Services - 6.8%
- Dental & Eye Care - 6.4%
- Death Related - 3.7%
- Nursing Homes & Adult Care - 3.1%
- COVID testing - 1.2%
- Marriage & Family - 1.06%
- Other Healthcare - .05%
Financial Stability - 3.4%
Promoting income stability and self-sufficiency.
- Job Search - 76.32%
- Tax Preparation - 15.05%
- Money Management - 4.8%
- Financial Assistance - 3.1%
- Job Development/Unemployment - .8%
Education - 1.4%
Helping children, youth, and adults achieve their potential.
- Adult Education - 61.2%
- School Supplies - 27%
- Other Education Providers - 5.4%
- Tutoring - 2.5%
- Scholarships & Aid - 2%
- Literacy - 1.5%
- ESL/Citizenship - .25%
The River Region United Way allocates funds according to the greatest needs, determined by the highest percentage per the four categories.
.jpg)
Next Steps
At River Region United Way, it is our firm belief that once problems are uncovered, solutions can be found, and we intend to become part of the solution-finding process. RRUW will achieve this by directing resources to address identified needs and collaborating with local community partners who are ready to work together to meet those needs. This report will be used as a tool to help direct resources to areas of greatest need by those committees assigned to that task.
We are pleased to share the results of our Community Needs Assessment with the community. See links below to download the 2025 Needs Assessment Report.
