The document summarizes the findings of a windshield survey conducted in the Rainer Valley neighborhood of Seattle, WA. The neighborhood has a population of 11,500 people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. While there are parks, schools, stores, transportation options and community resources available, the physical environment suffers from issues like potholes, sidewalk damage, graffiti and bars on windows. Crime is also a safety issue, particularly at night. Overall, the survey found resources in the community but noted challenges around disrepair and getting residents to utilize available assistance.

1. Windshield Survey Michelle Lew NURS 463: Community Health February 7, 2011

3. 26.9% Caucasian

4. 26% African American

5. 7.2% Hispanic or Latino

6. 3.4% from other races

7. 1.6% Pacific Islander

9. Our journey begins…

10. Lots of housing opportunities.

11. Lots of housing opportunities.

12. Lots of housing opportunities.

13. Lots of housing opportunities.

14. Lots of housing opportunities.

15. Lots of housing opportunities.

16. Lots of housing opportunities.

17. Notice all the power lines and transmission towers. Most main roads are clean.

18. Notice all the power lines and transmission towers. Most main roads are clean.

19. Notice all the power lines and transmission towers. Most main roads are clean.

20. However, the inside roads could use some help.

21. However, the inside roads could use some help.

22. However, the inside roads could use some help.

24. These one have been fixed…. Lots of pot holes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks.

25. But these have not… Lots of pot holes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks.

26. But these have not… Lots of pot holes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks.

27. Sidewalks are clean.

28. Recreation

29. Clean parks.

30. Clean parks.

31. Clean parks.

32. Clean parks.

33. Clean parks.

34. Playing Field.

35. Community Centers

36. Community Centers

40. Empty Spaces

46. Transportation

47. Some like to walk.

48. Some like to ride bikes.

49. Some like to drive cars.

50. Some like to take the bus.

51. Some like to take the light rail.

52. Health & Social Services

63. Helping people find jobs.

64. Police Station

65. Fire station

66. Religion

67. Many religions.

68. Many religions.

69. Many religions.

70. Many religions.

75. Education

76. Schools

77. Schools

78. Schools

79. Schools

80. Schools

83. Libraries

84. Libraries

85. Economics

86. Many stores and restaurants.

87. Many stores and restaurants.

88. Many stores and restaurants.

89. Many stores and restaurants.

90. Many stores and restaurants.

91. Notice the liter. Many stores and restaurants.

92. Many stores and restaurants.

93. Notice the random shopping cart Many stores and restaurants.

98. Problems and Issues

99. Lots of graffiti.

100. Lots of graffiti.

101. Lots of graffiti.

102. Lots of graffiti.

103. Lots of graffiti.

104. Bars are on almost every windows and door.

105. Bars are on almost every windows and door.

106. Many sidewalks are in need of repair.

107. Many sidewalks are in need of repair.

108. High traffic and congestion on main streets.

109. Other Problems/Issues Many empty lots are available. High crime rate at night = safety issue. 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.

111. Boys & Girls Club

112. Asian Counseling and Referral Service

113. Joel E Smilow Teen Center

114. Work Source

116. 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.