Needs assessments leverage newly collected data, existing data, GIS mapping, and other analyses to help communities better understand the characteristics, circumstances, priorities, and perceptions of the populations they serve. They are useful in identifying current and future needs and service gaps, supporting data-driven planning processes, and informing realistic options for addressing community needs.

Needs assessments can be general or may focus on a single program area like housing. See Big Water Consulting’s Areas of Focus to read more about the topics and groups we specialize in collecting data about.

At a minimum, needs assessment should bring together:

• Different data sets (economic and employment trends, community demographics, housing inventory and conditions)

• Existing policies, history, current plans, and other relevant information

• Input from various stakeholders and members of the community through surveys, listening sessions, key stakeholder interviews, and other methods of collecting data

The survey is being carried out by the Little Shell Tribal Housing Authority with support from various other tribal departments and programs.

If you have any questions, please contact the Sarah Gaines at s.gaines@lstribe.org or 406-315-2400 ×133.

This survey is funded by a grant provided through the Montana Healthcare Foundation, a statewide foundation with a branch that supports Native-led solutions to improving the quality and availability of health care.

The survey is designed to collect information from all households that have members of the Little Shell Tribe Band of Chippewa Indians within them across the world. This includes members who are currently unhoused, incarcerated, or otherwise not located in a dedicated housing unit.

Since this is a household survey, each household should only complete ONE survey. If you are currently unhoused, incarcerated, or otherwise not located in a dedicated housing unit, please complete one survey with the people you share resources with.

NOTE: If there is another housing unit located on your property such as - but not limited to - an ADU, mother-in-law suite, or trailer, AND those living in that unit pay separate bills, have separate income, and have separate access to this unit, that household should fill out a separate survey.

The survey will include questions covering a range of topics, including:

• The number of adults and children who live in your home and their ages, races, and employment statuses

• The type and condition of your housing unit, as well as the amount you pay for housing and utilities

• Your household’s total income, education levels, health care coverage, and more

• Your barriers to housing, accessing health and wellness resources, and your priorities for your community

We encourage you to answer every question; if you don't know the precise answer to any question, please give your best estimate.

The survey should take between 30 minutes and one hour to complete, depending on the size of your household.

There is an option to stop the survey and complete it again. Keep in mind this survey only runs for 10 weeks.

Please don’t be discouraged by the length of this important survey; this tribe-wide data collection effort will support the future of the tribe through program development and grant applications.

ONLINE: The survey will be available online for all other Little Shell tribal member households, wherever they are located.

BY PHONE: Anyone – wherever you are/your household is located – can contact Sarah Gaines at 406.315.2400 Ext. 133.  

If you need assistance completing the survey, please contact Sarah Gaines.

The responses you provide will remain anonymous and your name will not be collected as a part of this survey. All of your responses will be held and kept confidential. Your eligibility for services or assistance cannot and will not be impacted by your answers or by your refusal to participate.

The data from this project will only be reported as a collective, combined total, and no one will have access to your individual information.

The purpose of the survey is to collect accurate information about the households and members of the Little Shell Tribe Band of Chippewa Indians so that the Tribe can develop programs and services to meet your needs.

The tribe will use the data collected in this survey to apply for state and federal programs supporting the development of housing and other services. The tribe will also use the information to make decisions about the Tribe’s priorities for the future.

The Housing Authority will share the results of the survey with the community at the conclusion of the survey.