HUNDREDS of families are facing eviction with nowhere to go, just days into the New Year.
Mobile homeowners at the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater, Miami-Dade County, Florida, got notified in November that they needed to leave their homes by May 19. This sudden notice set off a wave of uncertainty and fear among the residents.
Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park, which houses about 900 families, will be redeveloped into an affordable housing facility.
The park was notified in November by its owner, CREI Holdings, that all its residents must vacate their properties by May 19.
CREI Holdings informed the park’s residents that those who vacate their homes by the end of January will qualify for $14,000 in compensation.
Miguel Gonzalez, a resident who had recently moved into the mobile home park at the end of October, was still adjusting to his new life when he received the eviction notice in early November. Like many others, he was shocked and distressed by the news, considering his future plans and stability.
“This situation is complex,” Gonzalez told NBC affiliate WTVJ.
“We’re making this transition with my family. There are six of us, and we came from New York here.
“We spent our savings to have a better life in Florida. It’s very cold in New York.
“We understand that this is not our property, but eight or 15 days later to receive a letter is frustrating for us,” he added.
Expressing his desire to stay in the community for the long term, Gonzalez voiced the sentiment shared by many others facing the same predicament. The uncertainty and upheaval caused by the imminent eviction have left residents scrambling to find solutions and save their homes in the midst of this challenging situation.
Maria Carla Hernandez held back tears as she watched some neighbors load their belongings into U-Haul trucks during the holidays.
“There isn’t a reason to celebrate,” Hernandez, 21, told NBC News.
“My mom doesn’t have a lot of money, and we don’t have anywhere to go.
“We’re staying here until the end and figuring things out. It’s our only option.”
At least 190 mobile homeowners have banded and signed up for a class action lawsuit against the property’s owners, according to WTVJ.
The suit asks a judge to declare the evictions improper, arguing the landlord did not follow the law by giving notice to the homeowners association and the right to first refusal.
Florida law prohibits a rent increase 90 days before giving notice, but the suit claims the rent was increased within that time frame.
The complaint further claims that the city and county did not follow proper procedures by failing to conduct studies to ensure residents had somewhere to go.
Sweetwater Mayor Jose Diaz said his office is working on finding a solution for the families affected by the evictions.
“We have a heartfelt understanding of the difficult times the residents of Lil’ Abner Mobile Homes are facing,” Diaz told WTVJ.
“However, we have been working tirelessly to find resources and possible solutions, from the creation of a resource center to charitable organizations.
“We remain committed to assist the residents and will stand alongside them throughout these difficult times.”
