In 2014, when we initially approached the Developer regarding this project to construct 105 units, we entered into an agreement to collaborate, under the condition that we would provide half of the tenants for the units. Our aim was to support the community in the 33311 area by selecting individuals based on their income, subject to a basic credit check and no prior convictions. We also extended our assistance to numerous individuals by helping them improve their credit scores and expunge records, all in an effort to give back to the community.

Furthermore, our organization intended to hire local staff members from the community for the building and allocate space within the structure for our Community Center. This space would have facilitated the provision of services and programs to residents, thanks to our collaboration with various partners.

Regrettably, it didn't take long for the Developer to betray our trust and renege on every single promise they had made. They brought in a management team from Miami, consisting of Cuban individuals, and proceeded to hire people from outside the community. Soon after, they began evicting the initial group of residents by unreasonably raising their rent, initiating the process of gentrification. As a result, our plans to implement programs and services, including after-school programs for families, seniors, veterans, and entrepreneurship initiatives, were never realized. We later discovered that the Developer had never intended to follow through with their commitments.

In essence, we were exploited, discarded, and treated with utter disregard. Unfortunately, this is an all too familiar experience for a grassroots Black organization endeavoring to assist the broken and disadvantaged individuals within our communities.