Needs Assessment for RESCUES ON85TH

At Rescues On85th, we are dedicated to addressing the pressing needs of our community, ensuring that families facing financial hardship can care for their furry family members. Through our assessment, we have identified several key areas requiring support.

Key Findings:

Transportation Barriers: Many households in Jefferson County face challenges with reliable transportation, making it difficult for families to access food, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Birmingham Watch

Healthcare Access: Limited access to affordable healthcare services impacts families' ability to meet both their medical and nutritional needs, affecting the well-being of their pets. Alabama Public Health

Employment Challenges: High unemployment rates in certain areas of Birmingham lead to financial insecurity, limiting the ability to provide for both family and pets. AL Daily News

Local Demographics and Challenges:

Unemployment Rate: Alabama's unemployment rate stands at 2.2%, but the labor force participation rate is 57.4%, indicating a significant portion of the population is not actively seeking employment. AL Daily News

Healthcare Access: Access to healthcare is a major concern, with many residents lacking timely access to necessary services. Alabama Public Health

Transportation Issues: Transportation barriers significantly affect healthcare access, with many individuals missing medical appointments due to lack of reliable transportation. Birmingham Watch

Human Health and FAMs: The well-being of FAMs is directly tied to the health of their caregivers. When individuals face barriers to healthcare, employment, and transportation, their ability to care for their FAMs is compromised, leading to increased rates of abandonment, malnutrition, and illness. Ensuring both humans and their FAMs remain healthy is crucial to sustaining loving, long-term companionships.

How You Can Help:

Your support is crucial. Whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, you can make a significant difference in the lives of our community's furry family members.

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We invite you to join us in meeting these needs.

Note: The statistics provided are based on the latest available data as of March 2025.