A 70-year-old Cuban man from Cienfuegos is confronting the loss of everything he owns following an eviction notice from Silver Court Mobile Home Park in Miami's Little Havana. This situation has been widely shared through videos on Facebook by journalist Leonel Allegues.
The man had invested all his retirement savings in purchasing a trailer about two and a half years ago, after dedicating 30 years to working in the United States.
Now, alongside more than 200 families, he must vacate the park by September 30, 2026. The land's owner, The Urban Group, issued eviction notices on March 11, 2026, intending to develop a real estate project there.
"After working 30 years, buying a trailer here two and a half years ago, and now being kicked out like I'm worthless," the retiree expressed in a video.
The company is offering $10,000 to those who leave by May 31, $5,000 until July 15, and $2,500 until the end of August. However, the man from Cienfuegos refuses the offer, as it is insufficient to rent in Miami, where a studio apartment costs around $1,500 per month.
"I can't accept that money because how will I rent, and I don't want to leave my home because where will I live? In a car?" he questioned, as his only income is $1,000 per month from social assistance.
Additionally, the trailer cannot be relocated to another park, making the eviction a complete loss of his investment. "I'm staying here until they kick me out," he insisted.
Impact on the Community
The eviction at Silver Court impacts over 200 families in Little Havana, mostly elderly, retirees, and low-income Cuban and Latino immigrants. The park, which has been around for 65 years, was purchased in 2021 for $50 million.
Another significant case from the same park is that of Teresa Álvarez Montero, a 93-year-old woman also from Cienfuegos, who lives alone and does not receive Social Security or Medicaid. A neighbor started a fundraising campaign for her with a goal of $50,000.
Residents of Silver Court proposed a compensation of $60,000 per family and a three-year period to relocate, a proposal rejected by the company. Within a month of the notifications, about 25% of the residents had already begun the relocation process.
Ongoing Housing Crisis
This type of displacement is not new to Miami. In November 2024, residents of Lil' Abner park faced similar evictions and demanded $50,000 per family and a six-month period to move, in a recurring pattern as the city's real estate market pushes out the most vulnerable.
The state compensation in Florida for mobile home park evictions ranges between $1,375 and $6,000 depending on the trailer's size, figures that fall far short of what the retired Cienfuegos resident would need to rebuild his life in a city where rental prices remain out of reach for those living on a fixed pension.
FAQs on Miami Evictions and Housing Crisis
What is the impact of the eviction at Silver Court Mobile Home Park?
The eviction affects over 200 families, mainly elderly, retirees, and low-income Cuban and Latino immigrants, forcing them to vacate by September 2026.
What compensation is being offered to the displaced residents?
The Urban Group is offering up to $10,000 for early departure, decreasing to $2,500 by the end of August. Residents have proposed $60,000 per family, which was rejected.
How does this eviction compare to past incidents in Miami?
This eviction follows a pattern seen in other parks like Lil' Abner in 2024, where residents demanded similar compensations amid rising real estate pressure.