Equitable Pathways to Housing

Life’s Lessons

by Cesar Rodriguez

Picturing the future:

The center of the photo is a new building project – the present. The building on the left is the past – a historic building that was the first Black school in Miami– a lot they are preserving. The buildings in the background are the future. You have to start from the foundation and build up, but it’s always important to remember the past.

Call to Action

Change is good. Change is hard work. New Hope helped me make a change with a Section 8 housing voucher. Housing is giving me an opportunity to get out of the streets, where I was basically all my life. Housing helps me behave differently, give me new responsibilities, and a peace of mind.

MORE PHOTOS BY CESAR RODRIGUEZ

  • A Pillow is a Privilege

    Remembering the past: Miami is a hard spot to find a place to sleep. You have to worry about your safety, stay out of the weather, and now be worried about going to jail. When you find a spot it’s never secure. I always tried to take care of my space so I could hold… (Read more)

  • Keep It Real, Don’t Sugar Coat It

    Navigating the present: I used to sleep here and hang out here. Not too many places you can go without the police or other people harassing you. Back then it was worse – across the street was a trap house. They tried to keep the place clean, but not like the way it is now.… (Read more)

  • Life’s Lessons

    Picturing the future: The center of the photo is a new building project – the present. The building on the left is the past – a historic building that was the first Black school in Miami– a lot they are preserving. The buildings in the background are the future. You have to start from the… (Read more)