How to Access Underserved Communities

Our clients addressing food insecurity often ask, “How do we hear from people who are not accessing our services?” It is a great question and one rooted in wanting to ensure that everyone knows and has access to services. 

My answer: Ask organizations who may be missing from their services, who may encounter barriers to their accessing services, and who may be accessing similar services at another location. Once you identify these groups, think about the questions you would ask them.

In Alexandria, VA, when the local working group noticed that our surveys did not include any new African Immigrants, we went directly to organizations serving that population and asked for their help. They not only welcomed us to do focus groups, but they sent out invites to their participants and helped with translation. In that same project, we did surveys at health centers, public libraries, and government offices. All of those partners were happy to welcome us, knowing that the data we collected would support the well-being of their entire community. 

It often feels like people are surprised by this response. Maybe it seems too easy, or maybe they think the other organizations will not be interested in helping out. In our experience the opposite is true. Sometimes we miss out on partnerships simply because we are afraid to ask without strings attached. Leaders of organizations both in the nonprofit and government sectors that are serving disproportionately impacted populations understand the interconnectedness of needs like food, housing, employment, education and the like. If we are willing to share what we learn and collaborate on our response with other organizations, they have generally been very willing to support our efforts. 

The best part of the Alexandria story is that some of the most helpful information we gathered was from those organizations that weren’t originally on our list. It helped us to recognize whole populations that were being missed by traditional charitable food programs and communications. In broadening who we were listening to, we were able to support the City of Alexandria in setting meaningful strategies to meet people we often miss. 

Building partnerships builds access and possibilities for the people you are trying to serve and the mission at the core of your work. If your organization is looking for ways to listen to the people you often miss or to build partnerships with organizations that are reaching populations you hope to serve, schedule a discovery session and let us help you get started.