Miami-Dade Economic program to reactivate Housing Hub
From David Volz
The Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT), an agency dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being of the Black community in Miami-Dade County, will reactivate its Housing Hub during the Jazz in the Gardens 2024 Music Festival. The festival is anticipated to draw thousands of attendees on March 9 and 10 to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
MDEAT’s Housing Hub aims to provide a starting point for individuals on their journey to homeownership. From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., festival-goers can engage with MDEAT representatives, community lenders, and HUD-certified housing counselors. The interactive experience will offer insights into housing opportunities and access to resources for aspiring homebuyers.
“MDEAT is committed to breaking down barriers to homeownership that have historically affected our community. The Housing Hub is a testament to our dedication to leveraging resources and partnerships to facilitate access to the American Dream of homeownership,” said Bill Diggs, Executive Director of MDEAT. “We welcome everyone to meet our team and discover how MDEAT can support you in achieving your homeownership goals.”
In addition to providing resources, MDEAT has been actively involved in assisting Black families in purchasing homes in Miami-Dade County since 1995, having invested over $17 million to aid more than 3,100 families. Recently, the agency increased its down payment/closing costs subsidy to $28,500 for eligible participants and expanded its services to include support for home rehabilitation, construction, and housing development projects.
Research from the National Association of Realtors underscores the significant gap in homeownership rates between White and Black Americans, with a nearly 30-percentage-point difference. The fiercely competitive housing market has further exacerbated challenges, particularly for people of color, in attaining homeownership.
New Community Court opens in Hollywood
From David Volz
Broward County’s newest Community Court celebrated an official launch at The Caring Place- Broward Outreach Center on Tuesday, February 20th. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, in partnership with the City of Hollywood, spearheaded a community court location in the City to address low-level first time and repeat misdemeanor and municipal ordinance offenders.
“This is the third community court now operating in Broward County,” said Chief Judge Jack Tuter. “The Court wishes to thank Mayor Josh Levy and the Hollywood Commission for their assistance in getting the Court off the ground.”
Community Court participants will be held accountable for their conduct, via community service, while also receiving access to one-on-one assistance and referrals to available resources, therapies, and opportunities to help them.
“When you are out on the street, it’s hard to know what services are available to you, let alone how to gain access,” said Judge Corey Cawthon. “So, when individuals come here, they really are appreciative of the help they receive.”
Community Court is a collaborative effort between the 17th Circuit, the City of Hollywood, Broward County, Broward County Clerk of Courts, the Law Office of the Public Defender, the Public Defender assigned to Hollywood, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, Broward County Sheriff, and several service and treatment providers, including Henderson Behavioral Health, The Caring Place-Broward Outreach Center, TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Memorial Healthcare System and James Club Recovery.
