SOUTH REGION
$351,200 FCLF financing
Acquisition / rehab of multifamily housing
6 units of affordable housing
SMASH – Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing, Inc. – was formed in 2015 by community residents who came together to challenge poor housing conditions and advocate for improvements. The organization has a vision of a city free of slumlords and climate gentrification and where housing is a human right. SMASH has played an integral part in the development of the Miami Housing Justice Agenda which was a broad community-based initiative actively developed with a broad range of support including Miami Homes for All, Greater Miami Housing Alliance, FIU Metropolitan Center, City of Miami Connect Capital Initiative, among others.
Over time, SMASH has broadened its focus to include developing affordable housing under a Community Land Trust model. With financing from Florida Community Loan Fund, SMASH purchased a previously leased home which provides co-housing space for low-income adults who contribute a portion of their time to volunteer with SMASH in community outreach and organizing. The property is a 2-story structure, originally built in 1951, and it underwent extensive renovations prior to purchase by SMASH. Additional financing was provided by Solar Energy Loan Fund.
This 6-bedroom house is located in Miami’s Liberty City, a historically African-American neighborhood. The census tract is low-income, 99% minority, with 57% of the population below the poverty line, and median income at just over $23,000 – only 1/3 of the Area Median Income (AMI). Like other traditionally underserved neighborhoods that are close to the center of Miami, this area has seen significant speculation of real estate, both residential and commercial, with property values rising dramatically over the last 10 years.
SMASH hopes to replicate the co-housing model with the purchase of additional properties in low-income areas of Miami. This loan from FCLF helps the organization keep operating costs down so they can support their mission and continue this planned expansion.
Pictured above, SMASH Juneteenth day of service. Below, the home under renovation with FCLF financing.
