Miami-Dade County Mayor delivered a Christmas miracle to one lucky homeowner

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivered Christmas cheer to one lucky Miami-Dade County homeowner in the form of a $50,000 check for home renovations. The winner, Darryl Williams, was selected through a Christmas In July promotion earlier this year, spearheaded by Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department’s (CAHSD) Energy, Facilities and Transportation Division in partnership with HOT105-FM. 

“It was my delight to be the bearer of great news to this Miami-Dade County resident who works so hard, contributes to our community, but has not been able to make vital repairs to his modest home,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “As mayor, I am so proud to be able to support our residents in a meaningful way, saving homes and money, through home energy efficiencies.”  

Mr. Williams relocated to Miami in early 2000 to care for his ailing parents. He has suffered major losses in recent years, including his mother last year. The desire to honor his deceased parents and bolster their legacy led him to apply for the Christmas In July promotion, which he learned about on HOT105FM. After eligibility screening, Mr. Williams was selected as recipient of a total home renovation award. Eight additional Miami-Dade County homeowners were selected to receive a gift of up to $10,000 worth of weatherization for their homes.

“The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is designed to reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and is administered through the State of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity,” said Energy, Facilities, and Transportation Division Director, Adrian Frazier.

“Christmas is very special, it’s a time that brings friends and families together, when gifts are exchanged. It stirs excitement and promotes goodwill. It prompted us at CAHSD to launch Christmas In July to share with county residents the many critical services we provide year round,” said CAHSD Director Sonia J. Grice. 

The following CAHSD divisions took part in the Christmas in July campaign and provide services to low-income residents at no cost: 

·    Energy, Facilities, and Transportation, reducing the energy burden on low-income families
·    Family and Community Services, strengthening resiliency among low-income individuals, families, and communities 
·    Head Start and Early Head Start, closing achievement gaps through quality early childcare
·    Greater Miami Service Corps, empowering youth through training, education, and employment opportunities
·    Office of New Americans, increasing access to legal and other services to immigrant families for successful integration into the county’s civic and economic life
·    Elderly and Disability, improving the quality of life for seniors and the disabled
·    Rehabilitative Services, fighting the opioid epidemic and providing rehabilitative services to combat substance and alcohol use
·    Violence Prevention and Intervention, supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking

CAHSD is the largest provider of comprehensive social services in Miami-Dade County, empowering individuals, and families at every stage of life, from before birth to the elderly. To learn more about CAHSD’s programs, call 786-469-4600 or visit us on the web at www.miamidade.gov/socialservices