LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — Many areas in Florida are historically under-counted in the United States Census.
Residents met in Lehigh Acres to brainstorm tactics to ensure everyone is included in the 2020 census count set for April 1st.
Fox 4 spoke with community activists about why this year’s count could mean a world of difference for you and your community.
Gwynetta Gittens of the Lee County School board says these next few months are crucial when it comes to spreading awareness about how important the 2020 census is to the future of our communities.
In 2010 data showed pockets of Lehigh Acres where nearly forty percent of citizens were not included.
This left the area both undercounted and underfunded. In filling out the form, you are helping to increase resources.
“For our schools, for education, transportation for health and all types of infrastructure...If we don’t show then we are not able to get that help,” said Gittens.
Today’s meeting was set in place to create a plan of action for Lehigh Acres.
The census form is confidential and can be filled out online, via phone, or by mail.
A major push for tonight was improving the school system in Lehigh Acres.
The environment in which student’s learn has a direct correlation with success in the classroom.
“We are bursting at the seams, we need a bigger school, but because we can’t have that we do need more portables,” said Lehigh Middle School teacher Pamela Jenkins.
The census is a much-needed effort to develop the community for years to come.
“We need to make sure that everyone is counted,” said Gwynetta Gittens.
If you would like to get involved with grassroots efforts to make sure Lehigh is fully represented.
Contact Gwynetta Gittens at leeccc@gmail.com
