Miami-Dade finds $46 million for FIFA, but not $3 million to halt evictions | Opinion

A promise made is apparently not a promise kept in Miami-Dade County.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s proposed 2025-2026 budget dishonors a commitment she made in April to fully fund Miami-Dade’s Eviction Diversion Program designed to help at-risk tenants facing eviction by providing free legal assistance and support.

The program aims to keep families in their homes, allowing them to relocate on their own time frame, avoid eviction judgments and prevent homelessness.

These are difficult times for residents of Miami-Dade. As faith leaders, we advocate for vulnerable residents who are already losing benefits and access to services. That’s why this county program is more important than ever.

How we spend public dollars reflects our values. It is disappointing to see the county has found $46 million for FIFA, but not the full $3 million to keep residents in their homes.

The mayor had personally committed to fully fund the pilot program once again. She made the promise in person to more than 850 constituents while attending the People Acting for Community Together (PACT) Nehemiah Action Assembly, a direct action organization that hosts community assemblies where public officials are held accountable. And that’s where the mayor made her promise.

But after pledging that amount three months ago, the mayor’s proposed budget of $12.7 billion falls short. Funding for the program has been decreased by $1 million.

The county’s Eviction Diversion Program, with its 98% success rate, offers an efficient solution to a major crisis in our housing system.

It helps fill a critical gap and protects families from displacement.

Without adequate funding, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office will show up to evict children, seniors and other vulnerable residents from their homes. This program is a matter of life and death for many in our community.

Not only does the Eviction Diversion Program save the county $3–$6 per dollar invested, but $3 million is the bare minimum needed. To fully fund the program, Miami-Dade would need an estimated $12.1 million.

More than 26 jurisdictions around the country already fully fund Right to Counsel programs to ensure tenants don’t have to face the complicated eviction process alone.

We have all heard that Miami is ranked the most cost-burdened rental market in the country. And to make matters worse, jurisdictions across South Florida are gaining national attention for criminalizing homelessness.

Cutting this county program’s funding increases the risk of homelessness while criminalizing those left behind. We are speaking out because as people of faith, we are guided by sacred texts like Deuteronomy 15:8–11, which commands us to care for those in need.

It’s not too late to save lives and livelihoods. We urge Levine Cava and the county commission to honor their promise.

We ask them to restore the $3 million for the Eviction Diversion Program — and help those in need in our community.

Rev. Sherlain Stevens is the president of the People Acting for Community Together (PACT)