Here to serve in troubled times |
|
Dear Friends of District 8,
This week I joined Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Chairwoman Audrey Edmonson for a deeply emotional ceremony to dedicate a memorial to the over 3,500 lives lost in our county to COVID-19 – parents, grandparents, children, friends, first responders.
We mourn together with all the families across our community who are grieving. And we must continue working together to prevent further loss of life, by following public health guidance, masking up, and keeping one another safe.
Today I sponsored the Transit Alliance's report on their Better Bus Project before the Transportation Committee. For two years the Transit Alliance has engaged our entire community to propose a Better Bus Network that's more reliable and responsive for all residents. I've proudly supported this project from the very beginning and am excited to share the final report with the community. Learn more about the Better Bus Network.
The full Board will vote on the report Tuesday, October 20, and any changes to routes will come forward with an opportunity for public comment to address questions and concerns. Sign up for the October 20 BCC meeting.
Yours with hope for a better tomorrow,
Daniella
|
|
Honoring Hispanic Leaders in Our Community |
|
We are celebrating the close of Hispanic Heritage Month by shouting out some of the phenomenal Hispanic leaders dedicated to changing lives across South Dade. |
|
Helping women heal from abuse and trauma |
Susan Rubio Rivera is the founder and executive director of MUJER, which provides support for victims of domestic violence and abuse to become survivors and thrive despite trauma. Their services include counseling, legal aid, training opportunities, and more.
|
|
|
Uplifting the lives of farm workers |
Arturo Lopez is the executive director of the Coalition of Florida Farmworker Organizations (COFFO), which fights for social justice and a higher standard of living for agricultural workers and the rural poor across Florida.
|
|
|
Helping South Dade children to thrive |
As president of the Mexican American Council, Maria Garza works to break the cycle of poverty and ensure that all children of farmworkers have access to a quality education, the arts, technology, and opportunities for civic engagement, so they can build a brighter future.
|
|
|
Fighting for fair resources for our community |
In her role as Partnership Specialist at the U.S. Census Bureau working to bring down resources for South Dade, Juanita Mainster builds on her career as an advocate improving social and economic conditions for farmworkers, immigrants, and women. She is a board member of the Southern Mutual Help Association and has served on the Florida State Advisory Council for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
|
|
|
With Fire Chief Alan R. Cominsky and the brave men and women of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to welcome a new world-class search-and-rescue helicopter to our fleet. The new craft will help transport patients in medical emergencies, save lives and property, and keep our first responders safe.
|
|
*Today* is the Last Day to Respond to the Census |
|
2020 Census cut short
In a devastating decision this week, the Supreme Court ruled that the Census count must end two weeks early – today, October 15. This will almost certainly mean our community will be undercounted, leaving critical federal resources on the table. Tell everyone you know who hasn't responded that today is the deadline. Respond now!
|
|
|
Apply Now for Rental Relief |
|
Deadline is Friday, October 16
Reminder that the deadline to apply for the Miami-Dade Emergency Rental Assistance Program is tomorrow, Friday, October 16 at 5 pm. Eligible households having difficulty paying their rent can apply for up to $5,000 in relief.
|
|
|
Miami-Dade Youth Commission New Leadership |
|
Congratulations, Sean Greene!
Very proud that my appointee Sean Greene was unanimously elected the new chair of the Miami-Dade County Youth Commission. A senior at Coral Reef High, Sean is also a member of Representative Donna Shalala's Youth Advisory Council and Vice Chair of the Parent Teacher Student Association Student Board among other achievements.
|
|
|
|
Live Jazz to Help Feed Families |
|
Live from Pinecrest to the world
JazzAid Live at the Banyan Bowl is an eight concert jazz series streamed live from Pinecrest Gardens' Banyan Bowl Amphitheater, benefitting World Central Kitchen which is helping to feed families during the pandemic. Homegrown international star Jon Secada will kick off the show this Saturday at 8 pm.
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 Community Relief |
[NEW] DAYCARE CENTERS
Our daycare industry was very hard hit by COVID-19, and while families are getting back to work, we must provide relief to the centers that care for our children and vulnerable older adults. The Board of County Commissioners approved my proposal for up to $10 million in CARES Act relief to daycare centers. We'll follow up once the application is live.
[NEW] RELIEF FOR FAMILIES
The Miami-Dade Pandemic Assistance Program, a partnership of Miami-Dade County and the United Way of Miami-Dade that I proudly sponsored at the BCC, has re-opened for applications – providing financial relief for basic expenses like food, utilities, childcare, and rental assistance. Learn more and apply or call 305-646-7068. The application is available in English, Spanish and Creole.
LANDLORDS AND RENT RELIEF
Miami-Dade County has dedicated $10 million in CARES Act funding for 'mom and pop' landlords to cover their costs while helping to support low- and middle-income households behind on rent. Learn more and apply.
VETERANS
Two different programs are now available to provide rent relief and basic needs assistance to veterans and active duty military households in Miami-Dade experiencing financial hardship related to COVID-19, to help support those who have sacrificed for us. Learn more and apply.
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
The SOBEWFF® & FIU Chaplin School Hospitality Industry Relief Fund provides support to employees of impacted independently owned and operated restaurants, hotel restaurants, bars, and caterers. Learn more and apply.
Hotel employees who have been furloughed or lost their jobs can apply for the Hotel Worker Relief Grant Program, a partnership of the County, Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association, and Miami Dade College. Apply here.
SMALL BUSINESS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
