Money Matters

The Links Host Virtual Conversation on Estate Planning Oct. 21

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The Miami-Biscayne Bay Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will host an Estate Planning Virtual Conversation designed to educate communities of color on the importance of drafting a will to communicate final wishes and determine inheritance rights to the assets of their estate. A panel of legal and financial experts will share strategies for the process of probate/succession assets and property, ways to protect the legacy of land/home ownership and financial planning. The panelists are Marva Wiley, Esq., Vernita Williams-Eganti, Esq., and Amy Dawkins, Financial Advisor. 

Virtual Conversation on Estate Planning: How to Create Generation Wealth

Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Multiple Platforms: Zoom and Facebook

The entire community is invited to attend this free virtual event, but register in advance at: https://tinyurl.com/65ha4nh4


City of Opa-locka Announces Housing Assistance and Grocery Store Gift Card Program Information

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(Opa-locka, FL)  —  The City of Opa-locka recently announced that its Housing Assistance Program and COVID Relief Grocery Gift Card Program are now available for qualified City of Opa-locka residents. Both programs will assist City of Opa-locka residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The COVID-19 state of emergency brought about economic hardships to residents and businesses. In response, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law, March 2020. Funding is granted through the Florida Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was created as a provision of the CARES Act. On July 21, 2020, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A.  Gimenez and the Board of County Commissioners approved $10 million to be used in aiding landlords who have not received payments since the COVID-19 outbreak began. The following includes two City of Opa-locka programs funded by the CARES Act.

 

Proposed City of Opa-locka Housing Assistance Program

The City has been awarded $2.1 million to assist residents of Opa-locka with arrears payments for mortgage and/or rent. The proposed Housing Assistance Program (HAP) will assist homeowners and tenants with up to six (6) months or $6,000 maximum and will be paid directly to the mortgage company or owner of the rental property.  

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Reside within City of Opa-locka boundaries

  • Show proof of identification with primary address of residence 

  • Proof of household income at or below 140% of Area Median Income (AMI) for Miami-Dade County

  • Submit proof of loss/reduction of income due to COVID-19

  • Submit proof of mortgage/rental payment up to February 2020

  • Must not have received mortgage/rental assistance from any other source for same period covered by HAP award

 

Documentation Requirements

  1. State Picture Identification matching lease address (utility bill with applicant’s name and address if ID does not match) 

  2. Social Security Card of applicant

  3. Current Income 

  • Layoff or Furlough Notice

  • Evidence of loss of wages (bank statements, paycheck records}

  1. Mortgage

  • Paid mortgage statement as of February 2020

  • Current statement showing arrears

  • Payment instructions for mortgage holder

  1. Rental

  • Signed current lease

  • Receipt showing rent was current as of February 2020

  • Contact information for landlord

 

Proposed COVID Relief Grocery Gift Card Program

Residents of the City of Opa-locka who have been adversely affected by the state of emergency imposed as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible to apply for assistance through the Grocery Gift Card Program. Residents may apply for a grocery gift card in the amount of $250.00, while supplies last and limited to one gift card per household. 

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Reside within City of Opa-locka boundaries (photo ID required)

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Must have faced financial hardship, due to COVID-10 

  • Submit notarized affidavit attesting to residency and financial hardship. Affidavit will be provided on line

  • Application will be available online 

  • Gift cards will be distributed at two locations – Segal Park and Sherbondy Park

 

Logistics

  1. How to Apply

    • The Housing Assistance application will be available on the City of Opa-locka’s website as well as www.miamidadecovidrelief.org. The customer will need to upload all required documents. 

    • In-Person at the following Park & Facilities locations:

Segal Park, 2331 NW 143 Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.3092

Sherbondy Park, 380 Bahman Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.2875

  • Customers appearing at the above sites will be assisted with applying online and uploading required documents using computers onsite. 

Mon, Tues, Wed – 9am – 3pm; Thursday – 2pm – 7pm; Saturday TBD 

The COVID Relief Grocery Gift Card application will be available on the City of Opa-locka’s website. Residents will need to print the and complete the application and bring, along with required documents, to Segal Park, 2331 NW 143 Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.3092 or Sherbondy Park, 380 Bahman Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.2875. Applications will, also, be available at the sites. Notarized affidavit must be submitted at time of application. 


Miami-Dade County Libraries to be Used for Pick up and Drop Off of Unemployment Applications

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Miami-Dade Public Library System to provide Reemployment Assistance Applications at 26 library locations

Printed copies will be available in English, Spanish and Creole

MIAMI ( April 06, 2020 ) — 

In an effort to help Miami-Dade County residents applying for state unemployment benefits, especially those who do not have computers at home, the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) will be providing printed copies of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Applications at 26 library locations beginning Wednesday, April 8.

Unemployment applications in English, Spanish and Creole and envelopes to return them in will be available for pickup at tables outside the library entrances from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Residents can take the application home to fill out and then return it in the sealed envelope by dropping it off in the library location’s book drop or at any CareerSource South Florida location. Applications will be picked up from the book drops every day and delivered to CareerSource South Florida where trained staff will send them securely overnight to DEO in Tallahassee for processing. Residents can also download and print a copy of the application from DEO's website and return it to any participating library’s book drop.

MDPLS will be practicing social distancing at the library sites, with informational signage and markings on the ground spaced six feet apart.

The following are the 26 library locations where residents can pick up an application:

  • Allapattah Branch
    1799 NW 35 Street
    Miami, FL 33142

  • Arcola Lakes Branch
    8240 NW 7 Avenue
    Miami, FL 33150

  • California Club Branch
    700 Ives Dairy Road
    Miami, FL 33179

  • Coconut Grove Branch
    2875 McFarlane Road
    Miami, FL 33133

  • Concord Branch
    3882 SW 112 Avenue
    Miami, FL 33165

  • Coral Reef Branch
    9211 SW 152 Street
    Miami, FL 33157

  • Country Walk Branch
    15433 SW 137 Avenue
    Miami, FL 33177

  • Edison Center Branch
    531 NW 62 Street
    Miami, FL 33150

  • Fairlawn Branch
    6376 SW 8 Street
    West Miami, FL 33144

  • Golden Glades Branch
    100 NE 166 Street
    Miami, FL 33162

  • Hialeah Gardens Branch
    11300 NW 87 Court
    Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018

  • Hispanic Branch Library
    1398 SW 1 Street
    Miami, FL 33135

  • Homestead Branch
    700 N. Homestead Boulevard
    Homestead, FL 33030

  • International Mall Branch
    10315 NW 12 Street
    Doral, FL 33172

  • Kendale Lakes Branch
    15205 SW 88 Street
    Miami, FL 33196

  • Miami Beach Regional Library
    227 22nd Street
    Miami Beach, FL 33139

  • Miami Lakes Branch
    6699 Windmill Gate Road
    Miami Lakes, FL 33014

  • Naranja Branch
    14850 SW 280 Street
    Miami, FL 33032

  • North Dade Regional Library
    2455 NW 183 Street
    Miami Gardens, FL 33056

  • North Shore Branch
    7501 Collins Avenue
    Miami Beach, FL 33141

  • Northeast Dade - Aventura Branch
    2930 Aventura Boulevard
    Aventura, FL 33180

  • Palm Springs North Branch
    17601 NW 78 Avenue
    Hialeah, FL 33015

  • South Miami Branch
    6000 Sunset Drive
    Miami, FL 33143

  • West Dade Regional Library
    9445 Coral Way
    Miami, FL 33165

  • West Flagler Branch
    5050 West Flagler Street
    Miami, FL 33134

  • West Kendall Regional Library
    10201 Hammocks Boulevard
    Miami, FL 33196

Residents may also call 305-375-2665 to find their nearest library location providing the printed applications. CareerSource South Florida is available to provide assistance with completing the application by calling 305-929-1547.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, information and resources, visit www.miamidade.gov/coronavirus.


$1.1M Available to Black-Owned Businesses in Florida. Come Out Thursday, August 23 to See If Your Business Qualifies

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Thanks to a $1.1 million grant included in last year’s budget,   black-owned businesses across the state can now apply for a loan through a program administered by the Florida A&M University Federal Credit Union in partnership with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Locally, the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and Florida A&M University Federal Credit Union will present LOANS AND LENDING FOR BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS, 6:30pm-8:00pm, Thursday, August 23, 2018, St. Paul AME Church, V.F. Mitchell Fellowship Hall, 1866 NW 51 Terrace, Miami, FL 33142. 

“The MDCPS Office of Economic Opportunity is excited to partner with the FAMU Federal Credit Union and provide meaningful information on loans and lending to local black businesses,” said Torey Alston, head of OEO for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Learn more about the application process and requirements to access these funds. The event is FREE to attend. You may RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introducing-florida-am-university-credit-union-tickets-48927176502. Please share this information with your networks.

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@vanessawbyers

 


Nelson secures federal funding for Floridians

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U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

 

Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) announced that the $1.3 trillion spending package Congress unveiled last night includes funding for several projects and programs important to Floridians including: increased spending  to fight the opioid epidemic, additional funding for citrus greening research and significant funding for democracy programs in both Venezuela and Cuba, as well as provisions Nelson co-sponsored to address gun violence. 

Funding for the following Florida projects and programs sought by Nelson have been included in the federal spending package: 

·         $3.3 billion to fight the opioid epidemic and mental health crises. An estimated 2.6 million Americans suffer from opioid use disorder. In Florida alone, more than 5,200 people have died from an opioid-related event in 2016 – a 35 percent increase from 2015. Nelson requested additional funding for treatment, prevention and research. 

·         $67.47 million in total funding for citrus greening research and the Citrus Health Research Program. As citrus greening has hurt growers across Florida, Nelson has advocated for increased funding to study and address the problem to help the state’s citrus industry. 

·         $895 million for Kennedy Space Center to modernize launch facilities, more than doubling what the center received last year.  Nelson requested the increased funding to bolster work on launch and processing infrastructure needed for NASA’s initiative to explore deep space. 

·         $121 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to purchase a reliable backup for its aging hurricane hunter jet.  Nelson has been pushing for a replacement since 2015. The funding comes in the wake of several incidents over the last two years when the jet NOAA uses to gather hurricane measurements was grounded during hurricane season. 

·         $76.5 million in total funding to protect and restore the Everglades. U.S. Army Corps budget was also increased, allowing additional funding for Everglades restoration. 

·         $82 million to repair the Herbert Hoover Dike. U.S. Army Corps budget was also increased, allowing for additional funding for dike repairs. 

·         $279.6 million, a 14-percent increase, in funding to support Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The four historically black colleges and universities in Florida—Florida A&M in Tallahassee, Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach and Edward Waters College in Jacksonville – prepare over 16,000 students for careers in STEM, aviation, law, nursing and other fields. 

·         $250 million in federal funding for positive train control grants.  Positive train control technology will help prevent deadly crashes on our railroads. It’s critically important for those railroads that carry passengers, like Sunrail and Tri-Rail.  Nelson, the ranking member on the Senate Commerce Committee, pressed for the funding to help passenger railroads meet a federal deadline to install the lifesaving technology.  

·         $100 million for research and development program for automated vehicles. The SunTrax facility at Florida Polytechnic University is a qualified proving ground and will have the opportunity to benefit from the program. 

·         Restored and increased funds to $35 million for democracy programs in Venezuela and Cuba. Nelson requested Congress “redouble, not eliminate support for democracy and human rights” in Venezuela. The democracy programs support civil society organizations and promote human rights. 

·         Included $60 million for the Nonprofits Security Grant Program. The program helps certain non-profits harden their facilities against attack, such as organization like the Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) in Orlando and Miami and elsewhere. Nelson requested this funding after JCCs across Florida received a series of telephone bomb threats. 

·         Increased funding for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program to $5 million. Nelson requested $5 million in funding to provide long-term support and services for Holocaust survivors. 

 

The spending package included several provisions Nelson co-sponsored to address gun violence in Florida and across the country, including: 

·         Fix NICS Act. Nelson cosponsored this bipartisan bill, which requires federal agencies and states to develop implementation plans to upload to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) all information prohibiting a person from purchasing a firearm, rewards states who comply with these plans through federal grant preferences, and reauthorizes and improves programs that help states share information on criminal records with NICS, among other things. 

·         STOP School Violence Act. Nelson co-sponsored this bipartisan bill that would allow schools to access federal funds to invest in programs, training and technology to keep students safe. 

·         CDC Gun Violence Research. The spending package included language to clarify that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can conduct research on gun violence.


NAACP Releases Report Card: Florida Failing in Key Categories

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The NAACP Florida State Conference releases a statewide Economic Development Report Card upon examining the records of cities, counties, school districts and private sector organizations.

FORT LAUDERDALE— Adora Obi Nweze, President of NAACP Florida State Conference and Torey Alston, State Economic Development Chair released a statewide Economic Development Report Card after examining the records of leading public and private organizations over the last several months.

“I am excited to release this year’s Diversity Matters Report Card the records of public agencies from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys,” says Adora Obi Nweze, who also serves as a member of the National Board of the NAACP. “Diversity and inclusion continue to be a challenge in Florida and the NAACP will continue to sound the alarm for equality and fairness for all Floridians.”

The Diversity Matters Initiative examined the records of targeted cities, counties, school districts and private corporations statewide.  The NAACP Florida State Conference examined their records on employment, advertising and spending with minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.  The NAACP Florida State Conference conducts this review annually, proposes recommendations and releases its findings to the public. 

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“Our Diversity Matters Report Card is an annual investigation reviewing workforce diversity, local contracting expenditures and advertising budgets in urban, rural and suburban areas,” says Torey Alston, who led this statewide effort on diversity and serves as 3rd Vice-President of the NAACP Florida State Conference. “This year’s report card continues to show cities, counties, school districts, and private companies have diversity and inclusion as the last priority.  While there are some bright spots, there is still much work to be done ensuring diversity and inclusion is reflected in all aspects of government and the private sector.”

Here is the grading scale and methodology used for the report card:

Diversity Metric /Overall Total = Grade

  • A – Excellent (25% and higher): Meets and exceeds diversity and inclusion standards
  • B – Above Average (20% to 24%): Above average performance on diversity and inclusion standards 
  • C – Average (15% to 19%): Average performance on diversity and inclusion standards
  • D – Below Average (14% to 18%): Below average performance on diversity and inclusion standards
  • F – Failing (13% and below): Does not meet diversity and inclusion standards
  • *F – Not Reported

TOTAL

GRADE

#

PERCENTAGE

A

0

0.0%

B

5

12.5%   

C

1

2.5%

D

12

30.0%

F

22

55.0%

Total

40

 

Looking closer at the report card, none of the 40 entities evaluated received a total grade of “A.” Only five entities received a total grade of “B” --- Duval County School District, Hendry County School District, Miami-Dade County School District, City of Fort Walton Beach, and Manatee County Board of Commissioners. One entity, Osceola County Board of Commissioners, received a total grade of “C.” Thirty-four, or 85% of the entities evaluated, received a total grade of “D” or “F.”

There is significant room for improvement in the categories dealing with spending and advertising & marketing. No surprise, is the abysmal failing grade in those areas as several local individuals and organizations have complained of this disparity in contracting with black businesses for many years. All the entities received an “F” in the “Small, Veteran & Minority Business Spending” category except one. Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners received a “D.”

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The NAACP releases report cards every year. Now that this report card has been released, it is crucial that organizations and individuals throughout Florida are relentless in demanding transparency and diversity in how the tax dollars in their respective communities are allocated and spent.

 


Bank of America shut down!

On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, 200 people from the 99% marched on the 1%, Bank of America, in Miami. They marched from the Bethel AME Church in Overtown, one of the hardest hit Black communities in Miami, to the downtown branch of Bank of America, where bank managers locked the doors before angry customers could go in and close their accounts.

BoA is a clear representative of the 1% and how they treat the rest of America. BoA continues to foreclose on homes, continues to nickel and dime customers through stupid fees, and continues to function on greed.

The Miami Workers Center will continue fighting for the 99%, working towards racial and economic justice for all people. Stay tuned!

Bank of America shut down!


HSC→Catalyst Miami Prosperity Campaign and Financial Planning Association of Miami-Dade Offer Vital Tax Preparation Guidance

NoTagCatalystHSClogo2    FPA

Miami, FL  - With the 2010 income tax season quickly approaching the April 18th filing deadline, HSCCatalyst Miami  (formerly the Human Services Coalition) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA®) of Miami-Dade strive to heighten awareness of the free income tax help, financial counseling, and government assistance available to South Floridians.

 

 

Via the Prosperity Campaign outreach initiative, HSCCatalyst Miamileads community efforts in connecting low-and moderate-wage workers with free tax preparation and filing to capture the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

 

 

The Prosperity Campaign works intimately with businesses to assist workers with access to publicly-funded economic benefits and financial literacy education to improve quality of life.  Additionally, they are generously supported by the business community which not only contributes time, but donations such as Bank United's recent gift of 30 computers to Prosperity Center and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program partners.

 

 

In collaboration with the FPA of Miami-Dade chapter, who has provided pro-bono tax season counseling to South Floridian individuals and families on CBS4 Neighbors 4 Neighbors Phone Banks, here are the following essential pointers for free tax preparation at Prosperity Campaign sites:

 

 

  • The best way to receive free tax preparation direction and help is to dial 211, 311, or 305-576-5001. Also, see www.prosperitycampaign.org for further details. Services are available in English, Spanish, and Creole.

 

  • The refundable EITC is a tax credit which applies to earned income, such as wages from employment. Households with income of less than $49,000 (for 2010) are qualified for free tax preparation and potentially eligible for EITC.

 

  • To obtain free tax preparation assistance, bring employer W2 and 1099 forms, information on any other income (i.e. Social Security, unemployment, and benefit statements), and photo identifications and Social Security cards (including spouses and children) of all individuals and dependents appearing on the return.

 

 


March Financial Tip by Lisa Rogers-Cherry

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Lisa Rogers-Cherry is the author of Lifting the Burdens of Debt:  A Helpful Guide to Getting Your Debts Paid and Your Life Back on Track (2005; $14.95). Lisa writes monthly financial tips for www.bloggingblackmiami.com and writes articles for various newpapers and magazines.  If you have a question or for more information go to www.redpenpress.com, e-mail her at [email protected], or write Lisa Rogers-Cherry, Red Pen Press, P. O. Box 1196, Dania Beach, FL 33004.

Judge Karen and the Anybody Can Serve Challenge

Miami Judge Karen Mills-Francis of the new tv court show "Judge Karen's Court" premiering this fall is the Celebrity spokesperson for the" 30-60-90 Day Challenge". The "30-60-90 Day Challenge" will pit low-middle income families (families that make $50,000 or less a year) from all over the country against each other in a competition to see who can conserve the most energy.

   

From the website http://www.anybodycanserve.org/challenge.html

   

"Anybody Can Serve is about helping people become informed and engaged in the movement towards a more affordable, energy efficient, eco-friendly society; and Anybody Can Serve is putting the tools and resources in people's hands to do so without putting a strain on their pocketbooks.

Now more than ever, Americans are paying the costs associated with our inefficient use of energy services. Whether it's frustration over our ever-increasing utility bills or concern over depleting our natural energy resources, we appreciate the affects of inefficient energy consumptions in ways unrealized by previous generations. We all recognize the importance of energy efficiency, just as we realize that time is of the essence, but oftentimes we tend to overlook the simple things that we can do at home to impact our energy consumption.

This is why Anybody Can Serve—we each play a role in reshaping our environmental future no matter our socio-economic background; and we each have the power to minimize the costs of energy inefficiency. We can change the tide and alter history by making simple changes to our daily lifestyles that will help improve the environment with the added benefit of reducing our energy bills."

Judge Karen's role is to encourage people to participate with the winner of this challenge having their electric bills paid up to 3 months. Those eligible should sign up on the website before the April 1, 2010 deadline. Please spread the word!


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Financial Tip of the Month by Lisa Rogers-Cherry

Income Tax

Many people are preparing to file their income tax returns. I recommend that you do not opt for the rapid refund, because most of the time you leave too much money on the table. This year, if you are one of the individuals who will receive a refund, make your best effort to put away as much of that money as possible in some sort of account which will allow you to build a savings. Your ultimate goal should be to have atleast four to six months of your monthly salary in a savings account.  Prepare now for your rainy day.

 
 
Lisa'spic_pdf[1] Lisa Rogers-Cherry is the author of Lifting the Burdens of Debt:  A Helpful Guide to Getting Your Debts Paid and Your Life Back on Track (2005; $14.95). Lisa writes monthly financial tips for www.bloggingblackmiami.com and can be heard on www.wmbm.com  on the Let's Talk Money Show.  If you have a question or for more information go to www.redpenpress.com, e-mail her at [email protected], or write Lisa Rogers-Cherry, Red Pen Press, P. O. Box 1196, Dania Beach, FL 33004.