As part of a project to understand the socioeconomic and health status of Hispanic elderly, assess their needs, and examine services available to and utilized by this group, 17 agencies in 9 states (Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Texas) were evaluated through the survey project. Results indicated the majority of clients served by these agencies had little or no formal education and nearly half spoke only Spanish and/or were literate only in Spanish. Nearly all clients were retired, many lived alone, and a significant percentage were disabled. The vast majority were low-income individuals and nearly three-fourths received Social Security benefits. Health care was cited as the most serious problem for clients, with lack of money, insufficient transportation, and language difficulties mentioned as the most serious barriers to adequate health care. Housing and transportation were also among the most serious unmet needs. Most agencies carried out some advocacy on behalf of their clients and half indicated that they were interested in serving as focus sites for further research and advocacy or leadership training. On average, federal funding accounted for 46% of the elderly program budgets, state government for 18%, local government for 21%, and United Way for 11%. (NEC)