Miami Families Fight to Save Their Homes from Eviction.
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In Miami, many families are being forced to leave their homes in a neighborhood called Li’l Abner. Even though these homes are listed as trailers or mobile homes, they are more like regular houses. Families have lived there for many years, improving their homes and spending their life savings to make them safe and comfortable.
In November 2024, all residents were told they had to leave by May 19, 2025. The owners of the land, a company called CREI Holdings, want to build new apartments. They offered families small payments if they left early, but many said the money was not enough. Most families already left, but about 200 are still there, refusing to leave.
Many of these people are immigrants or older adults. They say they trusted the owners, who promised they could live there forever. People like Vivian, who bought her home in 2008 and made many upgrades, now feel scared and hopeless. Some, like Milagro, bought homes just before the eviction notice. She used all her money thinking it would be a safe place for her family.
Residents are now taking legal action. They say the eviction is not fair or legal. Florida law gives special protections to people who live in mobile home parks, including enough time to move and the chance to buy the land. The families also say the city and county let this happen by changing the rules to help the developer.
Some residents say the stress of losing their homes caused serious health problems. One man even died from a heart attack the day after leaving. Another took his own life.
People are protesting and demanding justice. They are marching with signs, sharing their stories, and fighting in court. Many homes that were left behind have been damaged, and fires have broken out. Residents also worry about asbestos, a dangerous material found in some of the buildings being torn down.
Even though the deadline to leave is close, the families still living there hope a judge will stop the eviction. They are fighting to save the place they call home and want the world to understand what is happening.
This story shows how hard it is for working families to afford a place to live in Miami. Housing prices have gone up too fast, and many people can’t keep up. The future of Li’l Abner will be decided in court, but for now, the families are standing strong and not giving up.