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- CDBG-CV: Coronavirus Response
- 2020 Coronavirus Survey
- Community Member Survey Highlights
Community Member Survey Highlights
A total of 3,512 community members responded to the Community Member Survey, generating a response rate of 10%. Of the community members who completed the survey, 1,464 identified as low-income Billings residents. Data highlights shown in the tabs below offer insight into the needs and gaps in services for low-income Billings residents.
Analyses of the Coronavirus Community Member Survey indicate that low-income Billings residents report the greatest impacts of the pandemic have been Decreased Income and/or Lost Employment, a Lack of Food/Groceries, and difficulty Keeping Utility Payments Current. Nearly half of all low-income Billings resident respondents (48%) report experiencing No Impacts as a result of the pandemic.
Analyses of the Coronavirus Community Member Survey indicates that low-income Billings residents report Disinfecting/Sanitizing Wipes, Mental Health Care, Hand Sanitizer, and Reliable Internet Access as the top four resources in which additional access is needed.
The majority of respondents (61%) are reporting higher levels of stress as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This trend is not isolated to Montanans. It is reported in the American Psychological Association’s first volume of Stress in the Time of Covid-19, stress levels are significantly higher now than they were during this time in 2019.
Over one-third (36%) of respondents report inadequate access to mental health services in Billings. Listed below are a few resources intended to reduce stress and promote positive mental health practices.
Support Helplines
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: Speak with trusted crisis counselors about your experiences with the pandemic. This line is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential. Call 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
- YGBR Connect: Connect with trained mental health professionals to receive guidance, referrals, and crisis management support. Many services require no payment. Call (406) 350-7650.
- Community Crisis Center Crisis Line: Get connected with professional mental healthcare advocates to find individualized support regarding mental health concerns, chemical dependency struggles, or social challenges. Call (406) 259-8800.
- Veteran’s Crisis Line: Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255!
Virtual Support Groups
- NAMI Billings: Offers free support groups twice a week via Zoom. Available to anyone experiencing or recovering from a mental health condition. Call (406) 256-2001.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa-montana.org/covid19.php
- Narcotics Anonymous: https://www.namontana.com/#meetings
Highlights from the Service Provider Survey can be found by clicking here.