Princeton To Launch Comprehensive Community Needs Survey To Shape Local Priorities

PRINCETON, NJ — On Monday, Princeton announced the launch of a community needs assessment by the CARES Committee, focusing on housing, healthcare, and other critical areas.

The announcement was made by Councilman Leighton Newlin. CARES is the Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Economic, Social Equity and Services, which was formed last year by merging different municipal boards and committees.

“While we conducted a needs assessment with stakeholders during the height of the pandemic, this will be the first comprehensive effort since 2014 where we reach directly to the heart of our community, to the end users, to hear their voices and better understand the critical areas of need among our most vulnerable neighbors, our low income families, seniors, working families and those facing daily struggles that too often go unseen,” Newlin said.

Through the survey, the Municipality will cover essential areas like housing, healthcare, mental health, childcare, food security, and more. The goal is simple but “urgent,” Newlin said.

The councilman then released a call-to-action for all community partners, including nonprofits, houses of worship, advocacy groups, service providers, healthcare leaders, educators, and others to invest their time, resources, and talents to help in this “critical initiative.”

“We cannot and should not do this alone,” Newlin said. “Help us listen, help us learn, help us act.”

The survey is scheduled to be undertaken during the summer. Officials will then compile and analyze the data in early fall and deliver a full report and set of recommendations by November, Newlin said.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more just, and more compassionate Princeton. But only if we listen first. Help us do this very important work.”

The initiative is spearheaded by Newlin and Councilwoman Leticia Fraga.

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