One of the greatest needs for residents in Wichita’s Fairmount neighborhood is jobs, according to the second part of an extensive door-to-door survey that Wichita State University conducted in the area earlier this year.
The survey found that about 1 in 4 Fairmount residents say someone in their household is unemployed. About half of respondents say someone in their home is underemployed. The biggest barrier to employment, residents say, is transportation: the neighborhood surrounding WSU includes many student and low-income households that depend on public transit.
Other concerns include health and food security: Nearly a quarter of those surveyed say they don’t have enough to eat, and many say they don’t have access to good dental care.
The survey was presented Thursday during an event at Fairmount Coffee Co. on 17th Street, just south of WSU.
Related: Organizers Present Results Of Fairmount Community Survey
Fairmount Neighborhood Association President Rickie Coleman says the results of the survey surprised her.
“You know, until you get around to the whole area, you really don’t see how other people live," she said. "And it is heartbreaking.”
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But, she says, now that the concerns have been brought to light, residents and WSU can start working on solutions.
“I just think this is a real big first step into getting things maybe leveled out some," Coleman said.
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