Miami, Florida, usually thought of as a wealthy, glamorous destination, is facing a rising homelessness crisis, mirroring a broader United States trend driven by ever higher living costs and lack of social support.
Martín Heller, a 23-year-old volunteer with “Hermanos de la Calle,” helps the homeless in Miami’s streets.
He shares supplies and conversations with those in need, aiming to break the stigma surrounding homelessness. He emphasizes that many homeless people once had stable lives, but personal hardships without family support can push anyone into difficult situations.
María Legarre, co-founder of the organization, stresses the importance of empathy, pointing out that every homeless person once had a family and a childhood. She warns that unexpected life events can leave anyone vulnerable to living on the streets.
Hanoi Mares, a 52-year-old Cuban living on the streets for three years, lost his home and job after an accident led to depression. He describes the experience as “horrible” and dreams of regaining stability despite his current struggles.
The problem extends beyond Miami. Homelessness has risen by 18.1% across the U.S. this year, mainly due to unaffordable housing, natural disasters, and increasing immigration.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported over 770,000 homeless people nationwide, excluding those temporarily staying with others.
Programs like “Hermanos de la Calle” (Brothers of the Street) aim to address the crisis by providing shared housing and essential support to help people rebuild their lives. Miami officials, including Commissioner Manolo Reyes, are also working on reintegration programs to help homeless individuals find work and receive mental health support.
Luis Rodríguez, a former drug addict who turned his life around through such programs, now helps others on the streets, believing that recovery, though difficult, is always possible.
Source: VOA Spanish.
