safety
Struggling to survive: Over half of Miami-Dade families are just one emergency from crisis
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
A new United Way report reveals that more than 50% of Miami -Dade families are living on the financial edge, unable to qualify for government aid despite working one or more jobs. Rising housing costs and medical emergencies, like the stroke that sidelined single mom Naomi Augustine, are pushing fami
Key takeaway Rising housing costs and medical emergencies, like the stroke that sidelined single mom Naomi Augustine, are pushing families to the brink.
Why this matters in The Miami
The struggles of Miami-Dade families living on the financial edge are deeply intertwined with the county's affordable housing crisis. As housing costs continue to rise, many families are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income towards rent, leaving them with limited savings to fall back on in case of emergencies. This is particularly concerning in a region prone to Atlantic hurricanes and flooding, where unexpected expenses can quickly add up. The fact that over 50% of families are unable to qualify for government aid despite working one or more jobs suggests that the current social safety net is insufficient to meet the needs of Miami-Dade's working-class communities, including those in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood. As local initiatives and new funding aim to provide support, it will be crucial to address the root causes of financial instability, including the lack of affordable housing and job opportunities that pay a living wage.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A new United Way report reveals that more than 50% of Miami-Dade families are living on the financial edge, unable to qualify for government aid despite working one or more jobs. Rising housing costs and medical emergencies, like the stroke that sidelined single mom Naomi Augustine, are pushing fami
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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