Introduction
Homestead, a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, has a rich historical background derived from the Homestead Act of 1862. Homestead was established in 1913 and experienced rapid expansion due to the railroad’s arrival, facilitating transportation and making it more affordable. The town flourished with agriculture, supplying fresh produce to visitors of South Florida and serving as a winter retreat for wealthy northern industrialists in the early 20th century. In recent years, Homestead has evolved into a substantial community of diverse cultures with a thriving tourism industry.
Community Vitality
According to the United States Census Bureau (n.d.), as of 2020, Homestead had an estimated population of 80,737. The age range of the population varies, but the largest age group is between 25 and 44.
Indicators of Social and Economic Conditions
In Homestead, single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses are the most prevalent types of homes. Public transportation options in Homestead include the Miami-Dade Transit bus system and the South Miami-Dade Busway, which provides a more direct route to the northern parts of Miami-Dade County. Personal autos are prevalent in the area, but biking is becoming more popular as the city works to improve its bike infrastructure.
Homestead has various job opportunities, including small businesses, local government, and retail stores. The Homestead Air Reserve Base is also located just outside the city limits, providing job opportunities in the military sector. Homestead has several public and private schools, ranging from preschool to high school.
Health Resources and Environmental Conditions Related to Health
A full-service Homestead Hospital in the community provides a range of medical services. There are also several clinics in the area. The Miami-Dade County Health Department has facilities in the area, offering health services and programs to residents. Homestead has various recreational facilities, including parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. The area has several parks, such as Harris Field Park, Audubon Park, and Mayor Roscoe Warren Municipal Park.
There are also several preschools and daycare facilities in Homestead, including private and public options. Some of the private preschools and daycares in the area include KinderCare Learning Center, La Petite Academy, and Smarty Preschool Academy. As with many areas in Florida, Homestead residents may encounter common pests such as ants, mosquitoes, flies, and rodents. However, the city has various programs and initiatives in place to reduce these pests’ populations.
Attitude Toward Health and Health Care and Social Functioning
In Homestead, there are multiple Christian denominations represented, including Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian. There are also several synagogues serving the Jewish community. While Homestead has some social problems, such as drug abuse and youth delinquency (Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, 2022), the city has several initiatives in place to address these issues. There is no significant evidence of folk medicine practices, such as the presence of botanical or herbal medicine shops.
Health Resources in Homestead are generally well-utilized, with several hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers serving the area (Homestead Hospital, 2016). Based on the assessment of the community, I suggest that the most prevalent health issues among the residents include: •Risk for injury related to high incidence of traffic accidents and industrial accidents. •Anxiety related to the impact of socioeconomic stressors on mental health. •Ineffective coping related to limited social support and exposure to violence and crime.
Conclusion
Homestead is a diverse community with several religious institutions and a strong sense of neighborliness. Although the community faces social challenges such as substance misuse and juvenile misconduct, there are several initiatives in place to address these issues. Homestead also has sufficient health resources, including hospitals, clinics, and private healthcare providers.
However, the community faces challenges related to access to healthcare services, adequate nutrition, and exposure to injury and violence. There is evidence of preventive and wellness care initiatives, including public health campaigns for exercise and healthy eating. Overall, the presence of social problems and health challenges suggests a need for continued efforts to promote the well-being of the Homestead community.
References
Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. (2022). 2022 Community Health Assessment. Web.
Homestead Hospital. (2016). Homestead Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment. Web.
United States Census Bureau (n.d.). U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Homestead city, Florida. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Web.