SAMENA Survey Results – 2024
The South Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African (SAMENA) Collective is a network providing essential services such as healthcare, education, advocacy, and direct aid in Orange County. Serving for over 40 years, SAMENA organizations offer over 30 services in more than 12 languages. In May 2024, SAMENA conducted a survey to assess service status and community needs, focusing on service utilization, demographics, immigration, education, housing, economic status, health, and civil rights. Data from 13 organizations covering 49,889 clients revealed significant insights. The findings underscore the need for stronger partnerships with SAMENA organizations to better serve the community’s diverse needs.
Key Findings
- Health is Impacted by Housing Conditions, Employment Rates, and Access to Financial Services
SAMENA clientele generally have high employment rates and strong family structures, yet 46% report being at risk for homelessness. This risk is correlated with mental health and chronic disease rates, suggesting that socio-economic status and health are closely linked. The lack of financial assistance indicates either unawareness of available financial services or the absence of such programs for the SAMENA community.
- SAMENA Organizations are Leaders in Immigration and Refugee Services But Need support for Employment and Housing
SAMENA organizations reported an 83% confidence rate in their services for Immigration and Asylum Seekers, highlighting their leadership in these areas. However, they need more support for Employment and Housing services. Mental Health Services and services for older adults are growing areas of confidence but also require further support as immigrants age and establish citizenship. Grants, funding, and assistance should focus on Employment and Housing to ensure equitable service for the SAMENA population.
- The SAMENA Community is Diverse and Can Benefit from Targeted Services
The SAMENA community includes over 26 ethnic and national identities, speaking more than 12 languages. Many clients lack confidence in English, creating challenges in understanding available services. Disaggregating the population by ethnic and linguistic differences can help create targeted services and avoid treating the community as a monolithic group.
- SAMENA Organizations Report Low Confidence in Local Government but Are Likely to be Civically Engaged
SAMENA organizations recorded 464 hate incidents in 2023-2024, leading to low confidence in Orange County’s elected government. However, SAMENA clientele are likely to be civically engaged, indicating the community’s potential to effect change where the government has not.
- Most Common Needs are in Employment, Housing, and Mental Health
Top needs in order by the most frequently reported by SAMENA Organizations:
- Employment and Financial Assistance
- Housing and Affordability
- General Health and Mental Health Services
- Immigration and Pro Bono Services
- Trauma and Displacement
- Relationship Issues and Loneliness
- Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian Racism
- Transportation and Shelter
- Public Benefits and Disability Services