Community Needs Assessment: Franklinton

Written by: Hugo Gonzalez & Sally Dunlap

During the summer of 2015, engineering and social work students completed a needs assessment in Franklinton, an underserved neighborhood on the West side of Columbus, OH.  Below is a write up of the community needs assessment and also some suggested solutions:

Methodology

The Tech4Community research team used a variety of methods to conduct a needs assessment within the Franklinton community.  In an effort to engage the residents of Franklinton, the team conducted two focus groups at the Gladden Community House food pantry.  In addition, the team did intercept surveying at the Franklinton National Night Out 2015 event.  During this event, 38 residents were surveyed and the responses were analyzed.  Lastly, the research team met with a community leaders and organizational stakeholders.  Through meetings with the following stakeholders, the team was able to gather information about key needs throughout the neighborhood.  These stakeholders included:  Mt. Carmel West Health Resource Center, Franklinton Cycleworks, Gladden Community House, and Westside Food Mapping Committee (which involved representatives from Lower Lights Christian Health Center, Mt. Carmel West, Gladden Food Pantry, Franklinton Gardens).

Key Findings

Community Assets

In looking at the information gathered in Franklinton, one can see there are important assets that are hidden within the neighborhood.  It is clear that the most prevalent strength is the sense of community and identity within the neighborhood.  Many residents and stakeholders described groups of neighbors who look out for one another and communicate regularly.  From watching out for each other’s homes/belongings to simply conversing on a regular basis, the residents of Franklinton blocks connect on a more regular basis than one would see in a typical suburban neighborhood.  This creates a strong bond within what one agency representative called “micro-neighborhoods” within Franklinton.  

Furthermore, the residents/stakeholders described some avenues of communication as assets to the community.  They emphasized the importance of the neighborhood newspaper published by Gladden Community House, Franklinton News.  In addition, residents discussed that most people have smart phones and are active on Facebook which often becomes an important source of neighborhood updates and information.  Lastly, word of mouth is essential in Franklinton.  

Tying into communication, community centers and common spaces are seen as a definite strength.  The local social service agencies, recreation centers, churches, the library and schools provide common ground where residents can gather.  All of these locations have a great impact on the atmosphere of the neighborhood and are avenues for easy communication with the masses.

In looking at the role of technology in Franklinton, it is essential to consider these characteristics that are already strengthening the community.  One can then explore how different technologies can further grow what has already begun in Franklinton.  Yet, it is important to note that these listed assets have their limits and still have room for improvement which is further explained below.

Community Needs

While there was varied response and opinion throughout the needs assessment, many of our interviewees, focus group participants and survey respondents agreed on the following issues that the neighborhood residents face on a regular basis: