Community Survey Results

The following is a partial and preliminary summary of the survey of needs of the local Jewish community that was sponsored by the JFSVI. The survey was divided into to two parts. The second part dealt with cultural and other matters and will be discussed in a later report.

The survey was answered by a large range of ages. 32% of respondents were between 65 and 74 years old, 19% older than 75, 12% between 35 and 54 and 7% between 18 and 24 years old. 60% were female and 40% male. There was some criticism that we did not allow for a binary response. 61% of the respondents had lived in Victoria for more than 10 years and 5% lived outside of Victoria. 50% were retired, 32% worked full-time and 12% part-time. 5% were seeking employment. In terms of income 19% earned at least $150,000 per year,20% between $100,000 and $150,000 10% between$15,00 and $30,000 and 5% less than $15,000 per year. 68% owned their residence and 32% rented.

In terms of needs 2% stated that their housing was barely satisfactory. 3% said they needed assistance to have adequate housing 4% stated their mental or emotional health was poor and 13% responded that their emotional needs were not being met with loneliness, isolation and depression being the main problems. 5% indicated a need for assistance.. None of the respondents claimed current assistance from JFSVI. 10% received assistance form other sources. 10% stated they could use assistance for rent, food or senior housing. Priority for suggested needs were senior housing, emergency food and housing and more Jewish cultural activities.

Many thanks to Ari Kinarthy who arranged the survey and dealt with the technical issues in a masterful way. Gratitude to the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island for promoting the survey and Congregations Emanuel and Kolot Mayim for including the survey in their publications. Special thanks are due to JFSVI for offering $100 to a randomly chosen person who filled out the survey and for the $100 to another randomly chosen respondent by the generous Leon Zetler of Aubergine’s delicious foods. These were intended as inducements for people to fill out the survey. Todah rabah to all who did.

Rabbi Louis Sutker

Congratulations to the Kirshenbaum family from San Francisco who received the Aubergine Foods gift certificate. They generously donated the certificate to a JFSVI family in need.