PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — Residents of 12 Missouri counties have a chance to recommend new services for the disadvantaged.

The North East Community Action Corporation is conducting a Community Needs Survey through June 30th. Missouri counties covered are Lewis, Lincoln. Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, St. Charles, Shelby and Warren.

The goal is to identify barriers or gaps in current services and come up with solutions. NECAC conducts the survey every three years as part of its requirements to receive federal and state funding for social service, community health and public housing programs. Past questionnaires led to creation of food pantries at NECAC service centers, a diaper distribution program and an employment readiness service.

The survey features 36 questions covering income, employment, education, housing, transportation and other needs. It can be filled out electronically at NECAC Service Centers, on the NECAC Facebook site or on SurveyMonkey.

In the spring, NECAC will put together focus groups made up of residents, businesses and organizational representatives to study the possibilities.

People with questions may call NECAC at 573-324-6633.