Team Thrive

Identified Challenges

Nonprofit safety net providers are struggling to meet increasing demand in a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

• Community events paused which were major fundraisers.
• Challenge of reaching hard-to-reach community members.
• Changing donor interests and funding.
• Increased demand; extent of need not fully known.
• Some nonprofits enjoy greater community support than others.
• Changing population, lack of connection to place.
• Capacity issues (staff with right skill sets).

Small businesses are vital to our local economy and have been most adversely impacted by the pandemic.

• Changing restrictions and regulations.
• Lack of awareness about investing locally.
• Lack of planning and preparation.
• No financial cushion or reserves.
• Changing consumer needs.
• Difficulties with government funding.
• Lack of digital presence.
• Lack of access to credit.

Recommendations

• Develop a small business assistance center at the Chamber of Commerce.
• Develop a community lending strategy which includes an assessment of borrower needs, capital gaps and appropriate lending options.
• Continue to develop a more coordinated and integrated approach among Coastside nonprofits providing safety net services for the most vulnerable individuals and families.
• Increase and strengthen capacity of Coastside safety net providers to connect vulnerable residents to rental, financial and other public benefits assistance for which they may be eligible.

Research & Implementation

The Coastside Recovery Initiative is actively researching and seeking solutions to implement the recommendations.