An initiative between the City of Miami and the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust has been approved to transform a hotel into a residential building, providing permanent homes for 140 homeless seniors. Mayor Francis Suárez has signed the agreement to convert the La Quinta hotel into permanent housing for elderly individuals currently residing in shelters.
The project is estimated to cost $15 million, with the city contributing $8 million and the county providing $7 million. This investment will turn the recently closed La Quinta Inn, located at 10821 Caribbean Blvd. in Cutler Bay, into a housing complex for the community's most vulnerable members.
"I am proud to announce today that the City of Miami has partnered with the Homeless Trust in an $8 million initiative to transform the closed La Quinta hotel on the outskirts of Miami into permanent housing for homeless seniors," stated Suárez. "This crucial step addresses the homelessness crisis by offering a safe haven to our most vulnerable residents. With shelters at capacity, housing solutions are more critical than ever. This project brings us closer to the goal of zero homelessness. Together, we are providing housing, dignity, and hope," emphasized the mayor.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Housing
After the county's approval, the Homeless Trust released a statement: "We want to ensure that vulnerable individuals in their later years can age with dignity (...). We will work diligently with our partners to meet a critical need in our community and improve the quality of life for everyone." A report from Telemundo51 highlighted that "this initiative arrives at a critical time," as Miami "faces an ongoing homelessness crisis" with shelters "at full capacity," making long-term housing solutions essential.
Challenges and Future Prospects
A spokesperson for Homeless Trust informed CBS News Miami that work contracts have yet to be finalized and a project completion date has not been set. However, they are "under pressure to find housing for the homeless," as from January 1, 2025, sleeping and/or camping in public spaces in Florida will be prohibited.
In mid-October, Miami-Dade opened the application process for the 2024 Public Housing Waiting List, managed by the county's Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD) Department. This program offers the opportunity for low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals to access affordable housing.
After a three-year pause, Miami-Dade reopened applications in February for the Section 8 affordable housing program. More than 70,000 individuals signed up on the first day, vying for 5,000 available spots on the federal rent-subsidized program list, amid rising rent prices affecting thousands.
In November 2023, two public housing communities in Little Havana were reopened after building renovations, totaling nearly 400 apartments. The project aimed to "provide public and affordable housing for a variety of populations, including those with limited incomes," according to authorities.
Understanding Miami's Homelessness Crisis
What is the goal of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust's initiative?
The initiative aims to convert the La Quinta hotel into permanent housing for 140 homeless seniors, addressing the homelessness crisis and providing safe, dignified living conditions.
How much is the project expected to cost, and who is funding it?
The project is expected to cost $15 million, with the City of Miami contributing $8 million and Miami-Dade County providing $7 million.
Why is there urgency in finding housing solutions for the homeless in Miami?
There is urgency due to shelters operating at full capacity and the upcoming ban on sleeping or camping in public spaces in Florida, effective January 1, 2025.