Our PACT Involvement So Far

Since the start of this PACT year (beginning around August), I have attended over 13 meetings, including 10 research and steering committee meetings. These meetings have focused on understanding and addressing critical community issues, particularly the ongoing housing crisis in Miami-Dade County.

Key Actions & Engagement

October 13th – We hosted a Listening Session at our church, where community members had the opportunity to learn about PACT, its mission, and, most importantly, to voice their most pressing concerns—ranging from traffic and housing to other community challenges.
October 28th – Mirium and I represented our church at PACT’s Annual Meeting, where we voted to prioritize Housing as the central focus for this year.

Throughout these months, we have engaged with organizations such as Legal Services of Greater Miami, Miami Worker’s Center, Stone Soup Development, Miami Homes for All, and the Housing and Community Development (HCD) department. These meetings have helped us better understand existing programs, major gaps, and the critical challenges residents are facing.

Focus Areas & Solutions

Through PACT’s listening process, we heard hundreds of stories from people struggling with housing affordability. Over 150 members voted for housing as this year’s priority issue. As a result, PACT has committed to two key solutions:

Expansion of the Eviction Diversion Program – This pilot program has already helped around 900 families avoid eviction, but with nearly 19,000 evictions occurring last year, we aim to expand this program to help more families stay in their homes.
Developer Accountability through Community Benefit Agreements – This ensures that real community members have a voice in development decisions that impact their neighborhoods, rather than deals being made behind closed doors.

Upcoming Rallies – A Call for Participation

Before the Nehemiah Action, we will be gathering at two PACT Rallies. These rallies are an opportunity to come together, energize our community, and ensure we have a strong turnout for the Nehemiah Action.

North Rally – Monday, March 17th, 2025, at 7 PM
Cor Jesu Chapel at Barry University
11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33161
South Rally – Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, at 7 PM
St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church
17901 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33157

It would be fantastic if at least one or two people from our church could attend one of these rallies! Your presence will help ensure that our church is actively engaged in the movement leading up to the Nehemiah Action.

Nehemiah Action – The Most Important Event of the Year

The most critical event of the year, PACT’s Nehemiah Action, is happening on:

Monday, April 7th, 2025 (Doors Open at 6 PM)

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church

10701 SW 184th St, Cutler Bay, FL 33157

This is our opportunity to bring our concerns directly to decision-makers and demand real, accountable action on the issues that matter most. A strong turnout is crucial to show the power of our faith communities.

Looking Ahead

Our work with PACT has allowed our church to take an active role in advocating for justice in our community. As we move forward, we will continue to push for meaningful solutions to the housing crisis and encourage participation in both the Rallies and Nehemiah Action to ensure our voices are heard.