Struggle for Miami's Affordable and Sustainable Housing, Inc. (SMASH)

Miami, FL

"SMASH began when Adrian Madriz and Berlinda Dixon, residents of Overtown, got together with Porgie “Gigi” Town, Sharice Taylor and other residents of Liberty City to do something about slumlords that were taking advantage of the neighborhoods. Forming the group was not easy, and in Gigi’s case, she was reluctant to be involved in the campaign for fear of repercussions from her slumlord. But with time, and many conversations that focused on the collective need, even residents like Gigi came to be part of the campaign, and through our efforts, in partnership with other grassroots organizations, we were able to take legal action against the slumlord and have their property placed under the City’s control. Now SMASH is dedicated to creating a new future for our residents, where they control the land and their destiny." –SMASH's website