Newton Mayor Says Covid Had A Racially Disproportionate Impact

Newton MA

07 March, 2022

12:19 PM

Description

NEWTON, MA — The findings of the Newton Community Needs Assessment reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on people of color, said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement Friday. The comprehensive assessment was launched last fall to determine the most pressing needs of Newton's economically vulnerable residents. The city contracted with the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) consulting group for assistance in creating and conducting a survey to hear directly from those most impacted by the pandemic. The city received the report last month and the findings show that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on people of color in Newton, led to substantial challenges with income and managing household expenses, and negatively affected people's mental health and well-being, said Fuller. The rank order of needs varied slightly by demographic, but here is a general idea of the most pressing challenges faced by lower income households in Newton. Ability to pay billsLoss of a job or decrease in hoursMeeting mental and physical health needsFinding sustainable employmentFinding/maintaining stable housingSecuring affordable childcareFood insecurity The following chart shows the percentage of respondents reporting each challenge by race/ ethnicity (red is the highest percentage, gold is the second highest, light yellow is the third highest, and green is the lowest): CGR made the following recommendations for the city to consider in light of the findings: Provide direct immediate support to individualsPilot a new program aimed at holistic long-term stability for householdsAdapt approaches to customize them to serve specific populationsContinue to engage with under-resourced Newton residents. Newton is currently reviewing the findings and considering how best to use ARPA funding to address the critical needs identified in the report. Anyone with thoughts or ideas may email [email protected].