Public Services

People are unaware of public services, perceive that they do not have access to the services, or think that they cannot afford them.

Outsiders' Views

Despite actions taken by outsiders to improve access to services and to improve availability of information regarding services to community members, it is apparent to some outsiders that many Latinos are not utilizing services for which they are eligible. Outsiders have mixed views on the cause for this underutilization of services. One outsider noted that organizations and agencies are not actively seeking out people in need. Another outsider suggested that agency marketing should directly target the Latino community. Although some agencies have tried to reach Latinos by distributing educational materials regarding services or by placing PSAs (public service announcements) on Spanish language radio stations, most outsiders believe that more needs to be done within the realm of advertising services. Suggestions to remedy the deficit of Latino-specific marketing include advertising in non-traditional locations, such as the flea market or ESL classes.

Beyond the more formal methods of marketing, "there is a need for more communication, and participation…coming together, sharing [so that] bridges can be built." Many organizations and agencies recognize that they are lacking these ties with the community; in response, they are hiring bilingual staff.

In addition to deficits in advertising and communication, documentation has been cited as a barrier preventing Latinos from accessing public services. One service provider stated that, "Latinos don't like to use social services because they are scared of being caught without papers or documentation." In reference to medical services, one outsider stated that "with no papers, you can't get Medicaid, so they get huge medical bills and pay for medication." Another said that, "Going to the ER at Wake Med creates big bills, and it's a bigger problem with no Social Security number." Outsiders report that there is confusion regarding services that require presentation of a Social Security number (SSN). One outsider said that health staff emphasize to clients that legal status is not an issue and that the agency does not report to the INS.

Another barrier to accessing public services is cost. Many agencies that once offered subsidized services are now transitioning to a sliding scale fee system. Consequently, many Latinos are unable to pay the fees, even at a reduced rate. Some health care providers noted that year-round residents have more limited access to health services than migrant farm workers (MFWs), who receive health care from the Migrant Farm Worker Health programs.

Insiders' Views

Community members do not access many services because they are not aware of them. The discrepancy between the available services and the services that are familiar to Latinos became apparent through interviews and focus groups. During the course of a focus group discussion, one person would typically mention a service that they had accessed, and another participant would remark that they were unaware of that service.

Latinos reported that a barrier preventing access to services is the lack of documentation. Those without legal documentation fear that certain actions may result in deportation. This fear is exemplified in the recent controversy surrounding the flea market (La Pulga) in Fuquay-Varina. After the owner of the market surrounded the building with a gate in order to protect it from vandalism, rumors quickly circulated within the Latino community (Caicedo, 2002). People were concerned that the owner had installed the fence as a measure to retain Latinos if, for example, the INS were to arrive and attempt to collect all undocumented customers. Although the INS confirmed that they have neither the budget nor the power to engage in such an operation, fear persists in the Latino community. This fear keeps a lot of undocumented Latinos from asking for help from the state. Furthermore, they expressed concern that if they receive governmental assistance, they may jeopardize their ability to become citizens later.

Insiders further identified cost as a barrier to accessing services. Specifically, dental services are deemed very expensive; affordable dental care is not readily available in the community. Therefore, Latinos perceive that they do not have access to such services.

Comparison

Outsiders and community members agree that more outreach to the Latino community, whether it be in the form of formal marketing campaigns, the hiring of more bilingual staff, or the "building of bridges" between groups, is necessary. In addition, both outsiders and insiders said that cost is a barrier to health care. Some Latinos cannot afford services that are offered on a sliding scale. Furthermore, there are services available for migrant farm workers, but many community members feel that there are limited services for year-round Latino residents.

Documentation is another barrier that both outsiders and community members identified. However, among some outsiders, there was the sentiment that many Latinos choose not to become legal residents of this country because they plan to return to Mexico some day. Through outsider interviews, it became apparent that some may not have an appreciation for the complexity of the legalization process. An individual cannot suddenly decide that he or she wants to become a legal resident, sign his or her name on a document, and then immediately be awarded this status.

Assets

Transportation