Miami Herald: Miami-Dade Slashed Eviction Aid Program
Faith Leaders Demand Funding for Miami Dade Eviction Program
By Lauren Costantino
At 67 years old, Raimundo “Ray” Ricardo is one of the youngest members of a senior center in Miami Beach — but he still shows up almost every morning.
A retired industrial engineer, he found the Diener Family Center on Española Way about a year ago when he sat down for a free lunch. Now the Miami Beach native is a regular member and a volunteer, organizing activities like domino tournaments for other seniors — many of whom are reliant not only on the daily meals but the community and friendships fostered at the center.
“I get to meet a lot of people here that, financially, can barely survive. They need this for food. They need this for entertainment, for getting together with people, giving them exercise … making them aware that somebody else cares about them.” Ricardo said, stopping to collect his emotions. “We’re like a family.”