The purpose of this study was to evaluate programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other specified Federal agencies regarding their responsiveness to the problems and needs of small communities. A major objective was to define a "small" community and to determine how its problems and needs differ from those of a large community. (Each of the 36 communities included in the study had a population of 50,000 or less.) A methodology was established through which the study team could identify and analyze the needs and problems of small communities in a context which is meaningful for an evaluation of Federal program assistance. A small community profile (SCP), appendix A, was designed to provide information on the governmental, economic, physical, and social characteristics of the community and to serve as a methodology whereby such information could be obtained and analyzed concurrently and subsequently by professional staff having familiarity with Federal programs. The SCP and the community study methodology covered 3 types of information: (1) information and data in the "real" characteristics of the community; (2) information on community capabilities; and (3) information on problems as perceived by the community. Twenty-three recommendations for strengthening community programs were put forth, and the SCP and study methodology were recommended for use in the analysis of other communities. (LS)