Greater Valdosta United Way Needs Assessment
Identifying community needs across Greater Valdosta United Way’s service region
South Georgia Research Partners conducted a regional needs assessment for Greater Valdosta United Way covering 11 counties across South Georgia. The project examined how economic pressures and the COVID-19 pandemic affected residents, with particular attention to mental health, household stability, and access to nonprofit services.
The assessment used a community survey developed in collaboration with Greater Valdosta United Way and distributed through its network of nonprofit partners. The survey received 1,300 responses and examined housing, food security, childcare, transportation, internet access, financial stress, emotional well-being, and the use of community resources.
The findings identified both the services residents relied upon and the resources they needed but could not access. The analysis also documented barriers such as limited operating hours, transportation, cost, service availability, and complicated application requirements, helping Greater Valdosta United Way and its partner agencies better understand needs throughout the region.