- Within the boundaries of Harlem Heights, there are 350 single-family homes, 400 apartments and more than 900 children.
- 31% of Harlem Heights families live below the federal poverty level.
- 70% of children in Harlem Heights live in single-parent households.
- Only 45% of adult Harlem Heights residents have earned a high school diploma or GED; no males have completed college.
- The average household income of a typical Harlem Heights family is less than $25,000/year.
- Demographically, the community is 81% Hispanic, 15% African-American, and 4% Caucasian.
Source: 2010 Federal Census
The Children in Harlem Heights Are at Risk
Characteristics of severely distressed neighborhoods:
- Lower performance in school
- Higher risk of teenage pregnancy
- Lack of employment opportunities
The efforts of the Foundation are focused on a particularly under-served area of Lee County. Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.
Census tract 19.06 comprises Harlem Heights. According to the US Census, the 2010 Median income for families was $21,383. More than 60% children in Harlem Heights are living in poverty, and 32% of residents 65 years and over live in poverty. Heights has a poverty rate for children that is 100% greater than the county average, and average family income is 40% below the county average.
Today, roughly 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 71% Latin, 20% African-American, and 9% Caucasian. These families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
