Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Kalamazoo County Veterans Community Needs Assessment Purpose: 1. Community evaluation of the veterans of Kalamazoo County with specific focus on those with the greatest social, physical, and economic need. Data will be used to determine stewardship and investment of the general fund dollars, grant funded dollars, and potential Kalamazoo County Veterans Millage funding in the community and to expand the services available to veterans. 2. Evaluation of the availability of service providers who render services in Kalamazoo County that match the needs outlined in section 2E (Pg. 4 Outcome Impact & Assessment Expectations). Service provider evaluation to include their current status for accepting new clients. 3. Comparison of local data collected to like counties of Michigan, State of Michigan, and National data. Findings to be included in final report. B. Target Population to be Assessed: 1. All veterans and surviving spouses who are residents of Kalamazoo County. Substantial emphasis must be given to assessing veterans with the greatest social, physical, or economic need. 2. Informal caregivers of veterans. 3. Professional providers serving veterans. D. Geographic Region to be Assessed: All of Kalamazoo County consisting of a total of 24 city, township, and village municipalities. E. Assessment Expectations: 1. Needs to be Assessed: Who else in the community is accredited to complete VA claims; Access to information on what services are available; Caregiver Support; Corrective lenses/frames and vision services (affordable); Dental care (affordable); Hearing care and hearing aids (affordable); Home repair and safety modification; Homemaking and chore services in the home; Insect or rodent removal; Paying mortgage, rent, or utilities; Transportation; Wheelchair ramp access to the home; Yard work (cutting grass, leaves, snow removal, etc); Food assistance. All demographic information; service information; status of current federal VA benefits including type. *Any needs not listed above that are identified are to be included in the data collection and final reporting. 2. Identify and compile a listing of service providers who render the services listed above in Kalamazoo County (identify for general public vs. veterans), including their current status of accepting new clients. The listing of identified service providers, as well as the comparison of the availability of service providers to the demand of the needs identified is to be included in the data collection and final reporting. 3. Comparison of local data collected to like counties of Michigan, State of Michigan and National data. Findings to be included in final report.
