In the Shadow of the Pandemic (RECORDED)

DataHaven's Community Wellbeing Index, which began in Greater New Haven and has grown to encompass regions across the state, has become the premier data guide to the health and wellbeing of our community. The 2023 edition has arrived with added significance, charting how residents in our towns and neighborhoods fared through the COVID-19 pandemic.

On June 20, The Foundation hosted a discussion on the latest data trends and analysis in the 2023 Community Wellbeing Index.

A presentation by DataHaven Senior Research Associate Camille Seaberry is followed by a conversation between Community Foundation President & CEO Will Ginsberg and Dept. of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves about the role of philanthropy and government in response to the issues presented by the data.

What We Heard

• Eight in ten people living in Greater New Haven are happy with where they live.
• Datasets broken out by towns, neighborhoods and demographic groups identify here more opportunities and resources are needed.
• Greater New Haven has become increasingly diverse.
• The region is segregated, with little overlap among high income neighborhoods and highly diverse neighborhoods.
• One-third of state residents, 1.3 million in total, receive assistance from the CT Dept. of Social Services (DSS).
• Working families are the primary recipients of DSS assistance.
• Access to Medicaid has become challenging for many families since the end of COVID-19 pandemic relief programs and introduction of new enrollment qualifications.
• Philanthropy has an independence that allows it to support and develop innovative ideas and approaches to social issues.
• Community input and engagement is an opportunity for collaboration between government and philanthropy.

Resources for You

• 2023 Greater New Haven Community Wellbeing Index
• DataHaven Community Wellbeing Index reports by region.
• Town by town community and neighborhood profiles
• DSS Benefits Eligibility Enrollment

Speakers