RAI Case Study #1

Topic: Community Needs Assessment across Key U.S. Regions

Background

Research America Inc. (RAI) conducted a large-scale community needs assessment focused on vulnerable populations across multiple counties in the United States. This multi-state initiative aimed to generate actionable insights to support public health and social service interventions for communities experiencing systemic inequities, economic hardship, and housing instability.

Geographic Scope

The study was implemented across nine counties in three states. These locations were selected for their demographic diversity, population size, and elevated levels of community need. (All county and state names have been removed for confidentiality.)

Research Objectives

The study focused on understanding the needs, challenges, and lived experiences of populations that are typically underrepresented in traditional research, including:

• Households earning at or below 60% of the area median income
• Families with children, teens, and young adults
• Individuals experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness
• Respondents with lived experiences related to substance use, addiction, or involvement with the justice system

A total of 5,000 in-person surveys were completed. Notably, 2,500 respondents were unhoused individuals.

Methodology

In-Person Fieldwork Approach

All surveys were conducted face-to-face by trained field teams using a hybrid approach:

• Door-to-door canvassing in residential neighborhoods
• Street intercepts in high-traffic public locations such as:
1. Shopping centers and malls
2. Community centers and parks
3. Public libraries and schools
4. Food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters

This methodology ensured equitable representation and emphasized capturing data from underrepresented populations, particularly those experiencing housing insecurity.

Field Team Composition

Each field team consisted of 2–3 experienced interviewers who:

• Reflected the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the communities
• Had backgrounds in social work, military service, or lived experience
• Were trained in trauma-informed, culturally competent, and respect-centered interviewing practices

Technology & Quality Oversight

Survey Platform

Interviews were conducted using a proprietary mobile survey application integrated with a secure survey platform to enable accurate, real-time data capture. (All references to proprietary or third-party tool names have been removed.)

Oversight & Training

RAI led:

• Recruitment and management of all field staff
• Training tailored to the survey and on-the-ground conditions
• Protocol compliance and interviewer safety

A supporting partner organization provided:

• Training resources (including remote onboarding)
• Observational visits in select regions to monitor interviews
• Optional guidance for capturing qualitative components (e.g., photos and videos, with consent)

Outcomes

The initiative highlighted RAI’s ability to:

• Execute a multi-region, community-centered study under tight timelines
• Successfully reach 2,500 unhoused individuals — a group often left out of traditional data collection
• Deliver high-quality data through fully in-person, ethically grounded fieldwork
• Coordinate cross-team efforts to ensure representativeness and rigor