Clark County Community Services is opening its doors to residents this October for a series of four public forums aimed at gathering feedback on a low‑income community needs survey conducted earlier this year. The agency will use the comments collected to finalize its Community Needs Assessment Report, a key document that informs how county funds are allocated to programs serving families in need.
Forum Schedule and Locations
Battleground Community Library – Monday, October 5
Open House and Data Walk, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Forum discussion, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Address: 1207 Southeast 8th Way, Meyer Memorial Trust Community Room.
Virtual Forum – Wednesday, October 14
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom (Meeting ID 829‑1443‑9966). Registration details are available on the Clark County Today website.
Vancouver Community Library – Thursday, October 22
Open House and Data Walk, Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Forum discussion, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Address: 901 C Street, Columbia Room.
Camas Public Library – Monday, October 26
Forum discussion, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Address: 625 NE 4th Ave., Dual Meeting Rooms A and B.
What to Expect
Each in‑person forum will provide light refreshments and will offer interpretation services for those who request them. Attendees will first see a presentation of the survey data, then have the opportunity to ask questions, share personal experiences, and suggest priorities for future county programs.
Why Community Input Matters
The low‑income survey asked residents about the needs of their families, covering topics such as housing stability, access to nutritious food, transportation, and childcare. By reviewing the findings with the public, Clark County aims to ensure that the final assessment reflects the lived realities of its most vulnerable neighbors.
State law requires the county to conduct a community needs assessment every three years. The resulting report helps county officials decide which services—such as emergency assistance, job‑training initiatives, and health‑care outreach—receive funding in the upcoming budget cycle.
How to Participate
Registration is encouraged but not required. Residents can sign up through the Clark County Today website or by calling the Community Services office. For the virtual session, a Zoom link and meeting ID are provided on the same page.
Community Services stresses that every voice matters, especially those of families facing economic hardship. By participating, residents help shape policies that protect traditional families, uphold individual liberty, and reflect the values of faith‑centered neighborhoods across the county.
Looking Ahead
The final Community Needs Assessment Report will be released later this year, after all feedback has been incorporated. County leaders anticipate that the data‑driven recommendations will guide a more effective allocation of resources, strengthening the social fabric of Clark County for years to come.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
