Harrison Neighborhood Needs Assessment: A Community-Based Project for Neighborhood Improvement Planning

• NCJ Number: 117943
• Author(s): C Campbell; P Schersten
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 37 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; University of Minnesota; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Residents in the Harrison neighborhood of Minneapolis participated in a 1984 needs assessment survey to identify important neighborhood problems and desired programs.

Abstract

Following an initial planning session with block club leaders, the entire neighborhood was surveyed. Volunteers delivered and picked up surveys, and local churches helped reach newly-arrived minorities and others with language difficulties. These efforts yielded a 24-percent response rate from neighborhood residents. Respondents identified the most serious problems as crime, youth jobs and activities, housing conditions, and general neighborhood appearance. Crime was the most serious problem, and burglary and vandalism were the most significant offenses. Almost half the residents said their sense of safety and security had diminished in the past few years. When asked for ideas on priorities for the neighborhood association, residents suggested that it concentrate on crime, housing, and youth. It is recommended that the neighborhood association develop strong relationships with organizations and resources both within and outside Harrison, including local schools, the Minneapolis Community Development Agency, and the Minneapolis Police Department. Appendixes contain the survey instruments and statistical data. Tables and figures.