Mobile homeowners urge Miami‑Dade to raise relocation awards, provide earlier access to funds

Mobile homeowners and advocates testified at length that the county's proposed relocation assistance—$10,000 plus $5,000 in rental aid—will not cover the real cost of displacement in Miami‑Dade and urged the committee to strengthen the program during implementation.

"I am homeless because I lived in a building that someone inspected that had 28 violations," Renita Holmes told the committee, describing years of instability and objecting to how some residents have been treated. Residents from Silver Court and Solar Park said many households are elderly and unable to restart after displacement. "Please ensure the assistance is available as soon as the family receives the eviction notice," Christina Rodriguez said, asking for funds at the eviction notice stage rather than after eviction.

Advocates recommended raising caps, creating mechanisms so municipal residents (whose cities receive SHIP funds) are not excluded, and exploring land‑acquisition models to preserve communities. "This should be a supplement on top of what the developer should be providing to the residents," said Jeffrey Hearn of Legal Services of Greater Miami, warning the county against allowing owners to shift relocation responsibility entirely to public funds.

The committee directed staff to meet with residents and advocacy groups, inventory mobile home parks, and return with implementation details and possible adjustments to award amounts.