Health Resources
The Miami health department is easily accessible, and the main public hospital is located within walking distance of the department. There is evidence of large public and private hospitals in Miami providing in-patient and mental health services. Several physician and dental offices in the community provide services to the community, though it can be observed that many of the private institutions and physician offices are concentrated in high-end neighborhoods. There is evidence of health promotion programs mostly targeting lifestyle diseases, drug abuse, and alcoholism.
Drug stores are located in commercial streets as well as in neighborhood centers; hence they can be easily accessed by car, bicycle, or foot. There is evidence of many public and private schools, though it can be observed that most private schools are located in high-end neighborhoods of the community while most public schools are located in densely populated low-end neighborhoods. There is also evidence of several university colleges.
Moving on, there is evidence of agencies providing occupational health services to workers. Additionally, there is evidence of a comprehensive network of official and voluntary services run by the local authority and non-governmental agencies to provide assistance to incoming immigrants as well as poor African Americans, Latinos, and Asians. Faith-based charities and programs sponsored by predominantly Christian churches provide support and spiritual services to the needy. There is evidence of numerous economic activities as demonstrated by the many businesses and stores within the community; however, there are very many fast food outlets in the area compared to farmers’ markets and grocery stores. This observation reveals unhealthy eating habits pervading the population within the community. Rail and road transportation in the area is extensive and well developed.
Citizen Safety and Protective Services
There is a heavy presence of police stations in Miami, particularly in crime-prone areas in poor neighborhoods. There is also evidence of a major fire department as well as other public and private fire emergency services and fire hydrants. There is evidence of well-maintained and secure gated houses in high-end neighborhoods with visible high-voltage security systems and alarms. However, the situation changes in low-end neighborhoods due to the absence of high perimeter walls and security systems. In contrast, there is evidence of neighborhood watch and community policing kiosks in predominantly poor neighborhoods, perhaps demonstrating the fact that members employ these initiatives to deal with crime. Shelters for victims of domestic violence, the homeless as well as victims of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornados are strategically placed within the community.
Miami is clearly demarcated geographically from the other neighboring counties such as Broward, Monroe, and Collier. There are no distinct political boundaries in the community. Economically, commercial streets in Miami appear busier than the suburbs and neighborhoods. In housing and zoning, one cannot fail to identify high-end neighborhoods from low-end neighborhoods due to elaborate plans as well as expensive houses and state-of-the-art parking lots found in the former. Most of the houses poor neighborhoods are constructed using low-quality, rusty materials with no regard to any form of the building plan. Available statistics from the local county offices show that 10 percent of the people in Miami are unemployed. These people, it seems, are mostly found in poor neighborhoods due to prevailing social decay in these areas, as demonstrated by the high levels of crime, youth idleness, and prostitution.
Other Services
There is ample evidence of services provided for senior citizens, such as homes for the elderly and centers for long-term care. For working parents, there is evidence of several daycare facilities for children. Transportation networks in the community are elaborate, and there are several well-maintained recreational facilities and parks for leisure activities. Additionally, there are several open spaces used by children to play during weekends.
Community Welfare Services
Several of the welfare organizations operating within the community are subsidiaries of international organizations engaged in providing a multiplicity of services to people globally. Most of these organizations provide shelter, food, and clothing to the homeless members of the community and beyond.