AGENDA DATE: 7/15/2026
TITLE:
2026 Human Services Needs Assessment
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation of the 2026 Albemarle County Human Services Needs Assessment
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Dimock
PRESENTER (S): Kaki Dimock
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On June 21, 2023, the results of a human services needs assessment were presented to the Board of Supervisors. The assessment served as a review of available reports and studies on the well-being of Albemarle County community members and included broad subjects such as housing and homelessness, criminal justice, behavioral health, community safety and basic needs. Staff recommended prioritization of programs that addressed adolescent mental health, family homelessness, community safety, and senior navigation services.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Safety and Well-being: Nurture a safe and healthy community
DISCUSSION: The 2026 Human Services Needs Assessment provides updated data on many of the same categories from 2023 and has revised recommendations for prioritization.
Staff reviewed updated reports and revised data points on self-sufficiency, food insecurity, housing instability, homelessness, food insecurity, health, and well-being to understand changes and challenges in these areas. In addition, staff consulted area service providers for information on the level and acuity of community need they experience in the field.
While many indicators reflect positive changes in this community's well-being, the number and percentage of families that are unable to make ends meet is increasing. Overall affordability is a growing concern for households with lower incomes or other forms of vulnerability including age, disability, medical vulnerability, or engagement with other systems of care. This means that there are more families who are experiencing housing instability and food insecurity. Providers in the county universally report t...
Click here for full text