What is a primary purpose of community assessments?

• A. Identify strengths and challenges
• B. Determine service area budgets
• C. Preselect service areas
• D. Evaluate staff performance

Answer: (C)

A community assessment aims to map what’s happening in the area—where strengths exist, where challenges rise, and what needs are not being met. The main purpose is to identify strengths and challenges so planners and social workers can prioritize issues, design effective interventions, and marshal the right resources. This broad understanding guides decisions and helps set priorities that reflect real conditions in the community. While service areas, budgets, and staff performance may be addressed later in the process, they aren’t the primary aim of the assessment itself. For example, finding high housing insecurity alongside strong local organizations would point toward housing-focused work that leverages those existing community assets.