HOME GARDEN - It doesn't take a Ph.D. to see poverty's problems on the streets of Home Garden.
Unkempt properties. Lack of youth recreation outlets. Bad influences on the street. Roads in disrepair.
Over the past several months, children living in this unincorporated community area south of Hanford have been documenting just that from their own eye level, through photographs and narratives.
"There are lots of bad things happening in Home Garden," a 12-year-old child wrote on a poster depicting graffiti.
A 14-year-old student wrote: "Kids are having nowhere to play at, so they are playing in the streets." Another 10-year-old added, "Make a recreation center to keep kids off the streets."
Ralph Berrett/The Sentinel
Alicia Gonzales, research assistant of the institute discuss the results of their survey of Home Garden with residents at Gardenside School, Tuesday evening.
These testimonials took the forefront Tuesday, as the Central Valley Health Policy Institute and Hand In Hand Family Resource Center shared the results of their recent community-wide study with an overflowing crowd at Gardenside School cafeteria.
Dubbed "Home Garden Community Project," the study revealed children there are inherently dissatisfied about the appearance and safety of their neighborhood and lack of parks.
The study also found that many families and the elderly - often a majority of them - expressed similar discontent about various issues concerning general quality of life as well as access to health care and social services.
Government and community leaders say documentation of needs by a study like this would help them leverage more outside funding for this impoverished community of 1,700.
"The most striking thing about the study is that the young people, families and elders perceived the same challenges for the community," said John Capitman, executive director of Fresno State's health think tank.
"The challenges go beyond the reality of poverty. There's a history of neglect. People are less dissatisfied about their life here than they are typically found in other areas."
With the anticipated opening of an Adventist Health clinic this year and growing programs by the family recourse center, positive changes are happening. But Home Garden remains home to some of the neediest and most hungry.
In 2005, more than 80 percent of families in Kings County had an annual income of $15,000. Families on the average earn less in Home Garden.
Among the findings:
Of the 183 families surveyed, 55 percent expressed more need for depression help and nearly half wanted more help with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
More than half of the 53 elders surveyed needed better asthma care, while expressing dissatisfaction with care for diabetes, asthma and depression. More than a third needed help with daily living.
Participants also expressed need for community programs, improved police response, beautification and recreation for youth.
Despite the apparent needs, the community has so far faced difficulty attracting grant money, according to Kings Partnership for Children, which runs the family resource center.
The nonprofit is hoping the study by the institute would turn the tide.
"The question is, where do we go from here?" said Kim Wildey, executive director of the nonprofit. "We can use this study to leverage other funds as we apply for grants from different foundations."
But how soon the study results can translate into action - and by how much - remain in question.
Kings County Supervisor Alene Taylor, who represents the area, said it's impractical to expect immediate changes.
The only immediate action that could be taken is to rid the community of the squalor often created by illegally dumped rubbish, Taylor said.
Even then, the government's help isn't enough, she said.
"We're always there to help people accomplish their goals," Taylor said. "But community members also should be responsible. The survey shows they want to be part of the solution. It's a good beginning.
"Many studies are done and just sit on the shelf," Taylor said. "It's my responsibility and this community's responsibility to make sure that it won't happen here."
Assemblywoman Nicole Parra's office said the Sacramento law maker will review the study report before making comments regarding the plight of Home Garden.
The study was not all bad news for the community Tuesday.
Residents of Home Garden were also reminded that the new Adventist Health clinic will soon bring health care within walking distance.
"It was a matter of evaluating what community was in need, and they were identified as one," said Derrick Guen, administrative director of Central Valley Family Health.
The 4,500-square-foot clinic, currently under construction, is expected to open doors on June 1.
