Manzanita Mobility Project Needs Assessment
Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program
Community Transportation Needs Assessment
Native American Environmental Protection Coalition | Manzanita Mobility Project Needs Assessment
Project Details
The Native American Environmental Protection Coalition's (NAEPC) needs assessment's grant term ran from January 2021 to October 2021. It involved the use of a variety of culturally appropriate methods, such as community events, in-person or one-on-one interviews, educational forums, and sessions with tribal leaders to engage and do outreach with the community groups and community members to collect information about travel needs and preferences. Outreach events included all residents and tribal leaders from the proposed area and provided the traditional concept of cultural reciprocity around transportation and mobility options. NAEPC also engaged contacts known to the community and staff to ensure all residents and tribal leaders were included in this process.
To learn more about project implementation, watch this video.
Project Outcomes
Funding Details
Voucher Total: $50,000
Community Engagement Activities
- 4-5 One-on-one interviews
- 2-3 Education forums
- 2-3 Sessions with tribal leaders
Community Details
The project focused on the Manzanita Band of Diegueno Mission Indians (Manzanita Band) aka Manzanita Band of Kumeyaay Nation and the Manzanita Reservation, which is located in the remote area of eastern San Diego County near Interstate-8. The project targeted tribal and community members, people without internet access and/or a personal vehicle, low-income residents, and families with children. Manzanita, like many tribes, is underserved by local, state, and federal programs. Manzanita like other similarly located tribes is in the remote mountains of San Diego County. Transportation planning is only now a discussion with local government agencies. Tribal citizens have faced discrimination due to poverty and race. County Transportation Authorities have not adequately addressed the needs of the rural residents which is exemplified by the twice a week bus service to this area and no other transportation services made available. If tribal members do not have transportation, they cannot maintain employment, attend to health care, or meet other basic needs. Current vehicles used by both the tribal government and individuals are aging. Access to education, health, and employment is impacted by the current state of transportation.
Partners
Grantee
Native American Environmental Protection Coalition
Project Partners
The Manzanita Band of Diegueno Mission Indians
Contact
Jill Sherman-Warne | (619) 957-7467 | NAEPC