Newton Mayor Says Covid Had A Racially Disproportionate Impact

NEWTON, MA — The findings of the Newton Community Needs Assessment reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on people of color, said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement Friday.

The comprehensive assessment was launched last fall to determine the most pressing needs of Newton’s economically vulnerable residents. The city contracted with the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) consulting group for assistance in creating and conducting a survey to hear directly from those most impacted by the pandemic.

The city received the report last month and the findings show that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on people of color in Newton, led to substantial challenges with income and managing household expenses, and negatively affected people’s mental health and well-being, said Fuller.

The rank order of needs varied slightly by demographic, but here is a general idea of the most pressing challenges faced by lower income households in Newton.

1. Ability to pay bills
2. Loss of a job or decrease in hours
3. Meeting mental and physical health needs
4. Finding sustainable employment
5. Finding/maintaining stable housing
6. Securing affordable childcare
7. Food insecurity

The following chart shows the percentage of respondents reporting each challenge by race/ ethnicity (red is the highest percentage, gold is the second highest, light yellow is the third highest, and green is the lowest):

CGR made the following recommendations for the city to consider in light of the findings:

• Provide direct immediate support to individuals
• Pilot a new program aimed at holistic long-term stability for households
• Adapt approaches to customize them to serve specific populations
• Continue to engage with under-resourced Newton residents.

Newton is currently reviewing the findings and considering how best to use ARPA funding to address the critical needs identified in the report. Anyone with thoughts or ideas may email communityneeds@newtonma.gov.