Recession Stresses Community

The achievement gap is narrower but more children need mental health services. Real estate is more affordable but the waiting list for subsidized housing has doubled during the past year. The newly released 2010 Community Indicators Report reveals signs of progress in Norwalk but also indicates the stress of the ongoing economic recession.

Prepared by the Human Services Council, the study explores the changes in the economic and social conditions of Norwalk and reveals the strengths, trends and issues the community needs to address. Unemployment in Norwalk reached record highs during 2009, averaging above seven percent. Poverty, especially among children, appears to be increasing. The demand for low cost housing has doubled while there has been little change in the supply. More people than ever are relying upon public transportation. “The report shows the economic downturn continues to have an impact on our community,” said Betty Karkut, the council’s executive director.

In the midst of economic hardship, the study reveals good news, too. Norwalk agencies designed to meet these basic needs are effectively coordinating their outreach services and the report highlighted the work of the Food, Fuel and Shelter Council. Norwalk Public Schools are beginning to close the achievement gap. More third graders are proficient in reading including low-income and minority students. Scores on the CMT’s are rising among eighth graders with 82 percent showing proficiency in math. However, work still needs to be done on providing pre-school opportunities as fewer children enroll in kindergarten having had the benefit of pre-school.

Health issues challenge the city. Children in the city have easy access to affordable health care and the area boasts one of the highest immunization rates in the state. However, childhood obesity is increasing. Domestic violence has increased. Agencies that provide mental health report increases in both the numbers and severity of the cases.

The next step, Karkut said, will be to identify constructive ways to address these challenges. Better coordination of services and partnerships between agencies and local businesses are two areas the council will explore. The full report is available on the council’s website, www.communityplanning.org/hsc

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