Miami Counts!
There has never been a lack of need for funding for schools and community programs. It is easy to see what many neighborhoods are lacking and how the funds should be spent. This year is the year for change. The census 2010 is here and it is in our hands. Many communities have a history of non participation in the census, namely those of a large immigrant or population, and retirees. The Census has been reaching out to these communities and promoting awareness of the importance of the census.
In Miami, FL, they have posted an article on their website encouraging community members to be counted . Retirees are a hard to count population in Florida because many have two homes. Miami is known for its influx of immigrants, celebrities, and vacationers. Many people come to Miami and stay only a few months out of the year vacationing in hotels. Every person can chooses which address they would like to be counted for if they have more than one place in which they reside. The census asks that you use the address you are at for most of the year, or the address you are at the time of the Census, April 2010.
For many communities that have grown significantly in the past ten years, it is imperative for their continued funding that they participate with the census. Many allocations, such as bus routes, school buses, Libraries, hospitals, etc.., depend on the information gathered from the Census.
The Census reports that these two hard to count populations in Miami are hard to count for very different reasons. Retiree communities do not wish to be bothered and feel like the have no need to participate. Immigrant communities do not participate out of fear. Many are undocumented and either unaware that they can participate, or afraid of giving up their status. There have been many immigration raids linked to the Census leaking information. They are trying hard to build trust within these communities and repair a bad reputation.
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