Coconut Grove, located in Miami, Florida, stands out as a distinctive neighborhood with a rich history. In the 1880s, it became a haven for the first Black Bahamian residents who aimed to establish a Bohemian community. Drawing inspiration from their roots in the Bahamas and West Africa, they constructed homes that mirrored the architectural styles found in those regions.

 

In 1925, Coconut Grove was annexed by the city of Miami, resulting in a decline of resources and marginalization within the area. This unfortunate turn of events led to the present-day social injustices witnessed in the neighborhood.

 

Coconut Grove remains geographically divided into East and West, with West Coconut Grove enduring significant marginalization. Despite the challenges, Coconut Grove proudly retains its vibrant cultural heritage. On the East side, one can find luxurious waterfront properties, lavish hotels, and upscale shops catering to the affluent population. Conversely, the West side of Coconut Grove portrays a community grappling with severe poverty, elevated crime rates, and racial divisions.

 

Gentrification has also taken hold in Coconut Grove, a phenomenon that has drawn attention and concern. At a meeting addressing West Grove homeowners, Cecelia Holloman expressed her view on gentrification, describing it as a process that transforms a long-neglected, low-income community into a thriving and revitalized area. While the concept itself is not inherently problematic, it becomes unacceptable when it displaces low-income residents, seniors, or people of a certain race. This displacement undermines the essence of gentrification.

 

At Seeking Shelter, we work closely with the children and families residing in West Coconut Grove, offering support and guidance. Our mission revolves around encouraging families to make healthy choices and providing assistance in various aspects of their lives. We strive to empower these children academically, athletically, and by supplying them with clothing and food. Our ultimate goal is to prevent homelessness and ensure that these families never have to endure the hardships associated with being without a stable home.

 

Seeking Shelter organizes joyous Christmas events for the Coconut Grove community. These events are eagerly anticipated, especially by the children in the neighborhood. We make it a priority to fulfill their wishes by ensuring that each child receives their top three gift requests. Additionally, we provide clothing, recognizing that these essentials are often needed but may not be specifically asked for. The presence of Santa Claus adds an extra touch of magic and excitement to the festivities. Alongside the main event of gift-giving, we incorporate various holiday programs and activities, creating a wonderful sense of community togetherness. These Christmas events foster a warm and joyful atmosphere, bringing smiles to the faces of both children and adults alike.

 

We have a vision of establishing a comprehensive one-stop-shop resource center for the families in Coconut Grove. This center would serve as a hub for various essential services aimed at supporting at-risk families in our community. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where families can access a wide range of resources conveniently. Within this center, we plan to offer academic tutoring to support children's educational needs and after-school programs to provide a safe and enriching environment. Parenting workshops will be available to empower parents with valuable skills and knowledge. Additionally, we will collaborate with local organizations and businesses to provide resources such as laptops, books, and educational materials. These partnerships will help us create a well-rounded support system that addresses the diverse needs of the families we serve. To learn more about our exciting initiative, be sure to check out the MOBILE project for further details and updates on our progress.