On October 20, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed Resolution R-888-26, earmarking $10 million to prevent at-risk families from losing their homes.
This initiative, led by Commissioner Marleine Bastien, combines funding from two sources: $7 million from Destination: Home SV, an affiliate of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and an additional $3 million from local food and beverage tax revenues.
The funds will be distributed through the national Right at Home Homeless Prevention Initiative during the fiscal years from 2026-2027 to 2028-2029.
The grant agreement between the county and Destination: Home SV aims to assist at least 1,000 households most at risk of losing their homes over three years. The document clarifies these are ambitious learning objectives rather than binding approval or rejection criteria.
Right at Home Initiative Participation
Miami-Dade is among just 10 communities nationwide invited to join Right at Home, a $77 million national program designed to prevent homelessness before it begins. The county formally joined the initiative in February 2026, following a planning grant of $325,000 through Resolution R-235-26.
Funding Distribution and Conditions
Destination: Home SV's $7 million contribution will be disbursed in six installments, contingent on progress reports, with an initial payment of up to $1,150,000 upon receipt of the signed agreement. The agreement's term spans from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2029.
Recommended service providers for receiving funds include MDG Associates LLC ($5,658,626), the county's Department of Community Services ($1,446,188), Chapman Partnership ($1,157,076), Legal Services of Greater Miami ($945,000), and Brothers of the Street Foundation ($793,110).
Current Housing Crisis
The decision comes amidst a severe housing crisis. An August 2026 count by the Homeless Trust recorded 3,748 homeless individuals in the county, a 5% increase from the previous year, with a staggering 123.4% surge in unsheltered individuals in the county's southern region.
The affordable housing deficit exceeds 118,000 units for households earning up to 80% of the area's median income, with median rent around $2,900 per month.
The demographic of those at greatest risk has also shifted. "Many are employed but do not earn enough to cover rent," stated Katherine Martínez of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust to Telemundo 51. "We're seeing more seniors. We're seeing more women," she added.
As of now, the resolution doesn't open applications for individual residents. The funds are in the process of being contracted with service providers, and the Homeless Trust has noted in the filing that it seeks to finalize these agreements "in the coming weeks."
Addressing Miami-Dade's Housing Challenges
What is the main purpose of the $10 million fund allocation by Miami-Dade County?
The primary goal is to prevent at-risk families from losing their homes by allocating $10 million through the Right at Home Homeless Prevention Initiative.
Who are the main beneficiaries of the Right at Home initiative in Miami-Dade?
The initiative aims to support at least 1,000 households at high risk of losing their homes over three years.
What are the current housing issues faced by Miami-Dade County?
The county is experiencing a severe housing shortage, with over 118,000 affordable units lacking and a median rent of approximately $2,900 monthly, amidst a rising homeless population.