Survey looks to improve city services that combat poverty

Every year, Austin Public Health receives Federal Community Services Block Grant money to develop and support city and county services that aim to combat poverty. The funds are distributed among the department’s six Neighborhood Centers, which then provide the services, such as food pantries, health screenings by registered nurses, social work and more. To keep up with the changing population, the department conducts a survey every three years to assess the biggest needs in the community. The data collected in the survey are used to determine how to distribute the funding to the centers. All Austin and Travis County residents are encouraged to complete the survey, which takes about 15 minutes. It will be online until March 30.