Windshield Survey

Michelle Lew

NURS 463: Community Health

February 7, 2011

Rainer Valley in Seattle, WA

Zip Code: 98118Population: 11,500 people

13.9% of the population are below poverty line.

• 34.1% Asian• 26.9% Caucasian• 26% African American• 7.2% Hispanic or Latino • 3.4% from other races• 1.6% Pacific Islander• 1% Native American

Physical Environment

Our journey begins…

Lots of housing opportunities.

Lots of housing opportunities.

Lots of housing opportunities.

Lots of housing opportunities.

Lots of housing opportunities.

Lots of housing opportunities.

Lots of housing opportunities.

Most main roads are clean.

Notice all the power lines and transmission towers.

Most main roads are clean.

Notice all the power lines and transmission towers.

Most main roads are clean.

Notice all the power lines and transmission towers.

However, the inside roads could use some help.

However, the inside roads could use some help.

However, the inside roads could use some help.

Lots of pot holes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks.

These one have been fixed….

But these have not…

Lots of pot holes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks.

But these have not…

Lots of pot holes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks.

Sidewalks are clean.

Recreation

Clean parks.

Clean parks.

Clean parks.

Clean parks.

Clean parks.

Playing Field.

Community Centers

Community Centers

Empty Spaces

Transportation

Some like to walk.

Some like to ride bikes.

Some like to drive cars.

Some like to take the bus.

Some like to take the light rail.

Health & Social Services

Helping people find jobs.

Police Station

Fire station

Religion

Many religions.

Many religions.

Many religions.

Many religions.

Education

Schools

Schools

Schools

Schools

Schools

Libraries

Libraries

Economics

Many stores and restaurants.

Many stores and restaurants.

Many stores and restaurants.

Many stores and restaurants.

Many stores and restaurants.

Many stores and restaurants.

Notice the liter.

Many stores and restaurants.

Many stores and restaurants.

Notice the random shopping cart

Problems and Issues

Lots of graffiti.

Lots of graffiti.

Lots of graffiti.

Lots of graffiti.

Lots of graffiti.

Bars are on almost every windows and door.

Bars are on almost every windows and door.

Many sidewalks are in need of repair.

Many sidewalks are in need of repair.

High traffic and congestion on main streets.

Other Problems/Issues

• Many empty lots are available.

• High crime rate.

• Gang activities.

• The physical environment around the edge/border of the neighborhood is clean and well maintained. However, as soon as you get deeper into the neighborhood, you can see how run down it is.

• Rainer is known for drugs in the community.

Assets

• Many community resources.

• Affordable health care, some people may even qualify for free health/dental care.

• Lot of financial assistances are available for the community, people just need to apply.

Community Resources

As shown above, Rainer Valley has many resources available.

• Refugee Women's Alliance • Boys & Girls Club • Asian Counseling and Referral Service • Joel E Smilow Teen Center • Work Source• and more!

Summary/Reflection

I grew up around this neighborhood so I did not feel unsafe while conducting this survey. However, I am aware of the statistics of this neighborhood so I did not see as safe either. Many of the people here keep to themselves so I did not try to interact with them. This would not be an area that I would chose to live or work in.

Summary/Reflection

Rainier Valley is one of the most culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods in Washington. Many resources are available to the people of the neighborhood but getting them to seek or accept the assistance is another issue. One of the most common reason for not seeking assistance is due to a lack of knowledge.