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Everyone, meet an aging, diversifying population. With a population of approximately 150,000, Indian River County encompasses 503 square miles and is centrally located on the East coast of Florida in an area known as the Treasure Coast. The County seat is located in Vero Beach. Overall, the population of Indian River County is growing, with adults over the age of 65 representing the fastest growing age group. In addition, the population is becoming more racially and ethni- cally diverse, with Hispanics/Latinos representing the fastest growing minority group. Rich and retired, meet the working poor. Indian River County is one of the top] 0 richest counties in Florida. At the time of the Community Needs Assessment, the County's economy was healthier, and unemployment was lower than in previous years. Even with this progress, fully one-half of the County's households were severely financially stressed, living either in poverty or one paycheck away from it. At least 1 percent of the County's total population in 2019 was homeless, including more than 150 children. Indian River County has the 10th largest income gap be- tween the top 1 percent and bottom 99 percent of earners out of 3,061 counties nation - Indian River County wide. Annually, the top 1 has the 10th largest percent earn an average income gap between of $2.9 million, and the the top 1 percent and bottom 99 percent earn an bottom 99 percent of average of $43,373. Yet, it earners out of 3,061 costs $63,145 for a family of counties nationwide. four to afford to live in our community. In 2019, typical jobs for low-income individuals and families were service-ori- ented and paid lower than other communities in Florida. This includes housekeepers, waiters, landscapers and laborers. It also includes many of the County's 3,000 teachers that earn an average annual salary of $43,094. Unfortunately, the 10 -year job growth projections for our area have tended to be highest in these lower paying categories, a trend that favors single indi- viduals but does not do much to help working families striving to get ahead. Big problems, meet some solutions. The Community Needs Assessment documents hard-earned progress in many areas especially in the last 3 to 5 years. Here are a few worth highlighting. • Infant mortality decreased. • Collaborative efforts such as the community's literacy initia- tive, the Moonshot Moment, better prepared children for grade -level reading. Kindergarten readiness improved but more improvements are needed. • Access to mental health and substance abuse recovery services were increased through a collaborative effort of agencies and health care professionals. A 2,