Our work
For more than 100 years, Community Solutions has been a leader in Northeast Ohio’s health and human services space. Our policy, consulting services, and data for the public good informs decision-making, programming, and priorities across the region and statewide.
Transforming data into progress
We help make connections between people and organizations working to improve community conditions and the quality of life of all Ohioans.
Policy
Organizations in Northeast Ohio and across the state use our public policy analysis to understand policies that affect their work. Testimony at the Statehouse, education events like the Medicaid Institute, and legislative relationships amplify community voice and explain a complex system.
Research
Governmental entities, nonprofits, foundations, state associations, and other organizations use our research for the public good. Surveys, narrative analysis, demographic research, and community health needs assessments reveal trends, spark conversations, and inform next steps.
Data Analysis
Fact sheets, Census analysis, poverty trends, and social drivers of health research are among the most popular analyses that we produce. Direct service organizations, funders, and policymakers use our analysis to formulate strategies to develop informed policy and plans.
Our focus areas
Three focus areas define our work, spanning public benefits and the safety net, health across the lifespan, and tax and revenue policy. We explore how SNAP, Medicaid, poverty, and behavioral health policy impacts families in Ohio, and how responsible funding makes it possible.
Poverty & the safety net
There is a deep disconnect between policy narratives and lived reality. A strong safety net can lift Ohioans out of poverty and support people of all ages and circumstances. Accountable spending ensures that public benefit programs like SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and Child Care remain and respond to the realities of poverty and community conditions.
Our focus is on policy relating to hunger, health, income, and meeting basic needs. We continue to identify administrative and policy reforms that improve services while reducing waste and inefficiency.
Ohio needs and accountable, effective safety net. We work to strengthen Ohio’s public benefit systems so people can meet basic needs and move toward stability.
Progress across the lifespan
Policy decisions should ensure that people of all ages are supported to thrive and live healthy lives. Data show gaps in health and economic outcomes shaped by longstanding differences in access, opportunity, age, and geography. Successful systems and policies would mean that all Ohioans have a fair opportunity to thrive throughout their lives.
We build on our established expertise on issues impacting older adults, people in poverty, and women while providing reliable, useful data on community conditions.
Our work is to focus on identifying and addressing gaps, improving the health, social, and economic outcomes for Ohioans across the lifespan.
Tax + revenue policy
Ohio needs stable, sensible tax and revenue policy. Some of this is math; some is policy reform. Now is the time to be clear on the role of publicly funded services. The people who live in our communities, our institutions, and the businesses that locate here rely upon one another and the public resources that make Ohio a great place to live. Every policy change involves tradeoffs. Leaders must make choices to fund their mandates and right-size programs to achieve goals and meet needs.
Throughout our history, Community Solutions has been trusted to provide clear and direct research on the impact of policy change. We continue to examine the interplay of funding at the federal, state, and local levels, the revenue systems unique to Ohio, and point out the impact of decisions. Our work is to evaluate policy choices to align government resources with the needs of Ohio communities.
Our Collaborations
Community Solutions works with and supports organizations and initiatives that align with and amplify our work. Through shared policy advocacy, education, and outreach, we elevate the needs and voices of Ohioans, reaching new and diverse audiences.
Policy wonks and data nerds
Our staff are experts in policy, data analysis, and communications. More than 80 percent of our staff hold advanced degrees. Our Board is comprised of executives, educators, and health professionals in legacy institutions in Northeast Ohio.
Work with Community Solutions
Agencies and organizations in Northeast Ohio and across the state contract with Community Solutions for research and data analysis to improve conditions in their communities.