The 2017 Hispanic and Latinx Community Assessment, commissioned by United Way of York County, was conducted by Vinny Cannizzaro, Public Policy Fellow at the Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy.
According to data from Pew Research, the Hispanic and Latinx population in York County increased by 155% from 2000 to 2014. The 2016 Census reported Hispanic or Latinx persons as 7.2% of the total population in York County. In York City, that jumps to 30.9% of the total population.
“As the demographics of our community change, it is imperative that we have an honest discussion as to how we’re meeting the needs of residents in York County,” said Anne Druck, United Way of York County President. “The feedback from the countywide assessment and the recommendations based on these findings provide a jumping-off point for the community to develop strategies that can improve how individuals access human and social services and how we, together, can improve the quality of life for all residents.”
The assessment focused on quantitative and qualitative data, surveying more than 200 individuals throughout the county. Findings focused on understanding well-being and access to resources; community and trust; and social services sought and perspectives on social services.
“Engaging the Latinx and Hispanic community is the first step,” said Louis Rivera, one of the founders of Latinos Unidos of York. “The assessment is an opportunity to understand the current gaps in services and barriers that exist for Latinx families and, from there, work together with funders, business owners and community leaders to build stronger bridges between Latinos and the rest of the community.”
CLICK HERE to view the 2017 Hispanic & Latinx Community Assessment in English.
CLICK HERE to view the 2017 Hispanic & Latinx Community Assessment Executive Summary in Spanish.