The second step in the Community Asset Mapping Tool (windshield survey) includes a structured tool to use as you drive or walk through your community.
A Community Asset Mapping Tool helps you identify and describe specific assets, needs and challenges that impact the health and well-being of children and families in the community assessed.
Part of the observation is to also explore existing resources in the community. This includes community structure as well as community-based organizations that are involved in various aspects of community development.
Examples of community structure include: housing and zoning, retail services, schools and childcare, places of worship, human services, open spaces, transportation, public safety and neighborhood life.
Once the mapping tool is completed you can reflect on what you discovered:
This is where you connect the background data to a specific community and start to identify both the needs and the assets- working to identify community partners that are working in this space. What about local organizations and people who are already finding the solutions?
Dr. Beth Volin created the Kids Shelter Health Improvement Project (KidsSHIP) at Rush University Medical Center after identifying health challenges among children living in homeless shelters. Her initiative began with a needs assessment of shelters serving women and children in Chicagoland, leading to targeted efforts to improve healthcare access for these vulnerable families.
11/12/2025
American Academy of Pediatrics