This past summer, the United Way of Blair County announced it was changing the way it disperses money to the variety of human service organizations throughout the county.
Thirty-thousand surveys have been sent out to Blair County residents to determine focus areas for United Way funding.
According to executive director of United Way of Blair County, Kay L. Johnson, the return rate has been extremely low, with responses reaching only 800.
Johnson said the survey only takes about five minutes to fill out and consists of ranking issues that are important to the residents of Blair County.
The survey asks residents to rate, in order of importance, specific issues such as healthcare, housing, jobs, food, transportation and utilities.
Associated critical issues, such as child abuse, elderly care, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence and literacy are also being ranked in order of importance.
“The importance of the survey directly impacts how community dollars will be spent,” said Johnson.
She said this is the first time the United Way has asked the people who give them contributions how the organization should spend the money.
She is hoping for better participation with the surveys once people understand the importance of the new concept.
The deadline for the survey responses is March 31. After the deadline, the United Way will compile the information and go from there, said Johnson.
She also said if anyone has a survey that hasn’t been mailed in yet, to do so before the deadline at: United Way of Blair County, 1216 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Suite C, Altoona, PA 16602 or fax it to 946-5113.
Also, if anyone is interested in obtaining a survey, they may contact Johnson at 944-0884, and one will be sent to them.
According to Johnson, the changes the United Way decides upon will present new opportunities to engage the community, form new partnerships, and achieve measurable goals.
Without survey responses, the United Way will be unclear of community concerns that matter most and will be forced to choose what issues it believes needs to be resolved first, instead of letting the community lead the way.
According to the United Way web site, the organization conducts annual fund-raising campaigns, fund allocation processes and other activities to support a variety of human services in Blair County.
The United Way works with county government in joint planning and funding of various services. It also works with business, government, labor organizations and individuals to make referrals to appropriate agencies.
