At 93 years old, Teresa Álvarez Montero faces the daunting reality of eviction from her trailer at Silver Court Mobile Home Park, nestled on Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Originally from Costa Rica, she arrived in the United States in 1976 and now finds herself in need of assistance to secure a new home. A compassionate neighbor has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help provide her a stable roof over her head during her twilight years.
Univision 23 Miami's journalist, Javier Díaz, highlighted Teresa's plight in a viral Facebook video. Living entirely on her own—having never married nor had children—Teresa lacks Social Security and Medicaid benefits. Her lifelong savings were invested in purchasing her trailer in 1993 for a mere $8,000.
Over the years, her humble abode appreciated to an estimated $50,000 value, yet the landowners offer a mere $10,000 compensation if she vacates before May 31. Adding to her distress, Teresa has bravely battled cancer and is currently living with diabetes, details shared in the campaign description.
"I'm heartbroken, having to leave my little home, having to leave everything," Teresa expressed emotionally to Univision in recent interviews.
Mass Eviction Ripples Through Silver Court
On March 11, all residents of the park were informed of the mass eviction by 1989 Sunny Court LLC, a subsidiary of California's Marquis Property Company. Notices plastered on doors announced the park's closure, after the company's acquisition of Silver Court in 2021 for $50 million. Residents have until September 30, 2026, to leave, with no clarity on future plans for the land.
Teresa's situation isn't isolated; the eviction impacts over 200 families, predominantly low-income, retirees, and immigrants, who reside in the 65-year-old park. Community leader Joseph Madera condemned the offered compensations as "economic annihilation," noting many trailers are immovable due to their cemented foundations.
Legal and Political Advocacy
Florida's Chapter 723 statutes mandate only a six-month notice and minimal compensation ranging from $1,375 to $6,000 per trailer when land use changes occur. Residents, however, have suggested a compensation of $60,000 and a three-year notice, though the company remains unyielding.
Republican State Senator Ileana García has visited the park twice, bringing legal aid teams and pledging to push for reforms to extend notice periods to nine to twelve months. Miami Commissioner Ralph Rosado is also mobilizing municipal resources to support displaced residents, as reported by local media covering the Silver Court eviction.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In a personal show of support, Teresa's neighbor Kathya Salgado has opened her home to the elderly woman and initiated a GoFundMe campaign on April 14, aiming to raise $50,000. Salgado described Teresa's dire circumstances: "Teresa has no family and needs help with her medication and rent. She has survived cancer, is diabetic, and lives alone."
Díaz, who shared Teresa's story, emphasized the community's role, stating that neighbors have already begun to support the 93-year-old. He concluded his video with a heartfelt plea: "A dollar makes a difference."
As of this Monday, the campaign has gathered $1,446 from 38 donors, a mere 2.9% of the goal set to ensure Teresa's housing security for her remaining years.
Impact of Evictions on Little Havana Community
What prompted the eviction at Silver Court Mobile Home Park?
The eviction was initiated by 1989 Sunny Court LLC, a company that acquired Silver Court in 2021 with plans to close the park by 2026, affecting over 200 families.
How is the community supporting Teresa Álvarez Montero?
Teresa's neighbor launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her housing and medical expenses, and local residents have begun providing support.
What legal measures are being taken to address the eviction?
State Senator Ileana García is advocating for reforms to extend eviction notice periods, and Commissioner Ralph Rosado is coordinating municipal resources for displaced residents.