Miami - How would you feel if you would lose your home including all your personal belongings to a fire in February and are still without a home in November, with no change in sight?

This happened to the Morenos, a Miami couple, who owned a condo in the PINE GROVE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION. With nothing left than the cloth on their bodies this couple is homeless since that horrible evening of February 23rd, 2002. Some people, especially the board of the association, blame them for not having a private fire insurance. But the family paid their dues, which includes fire-insurance for their unit. And replacement of their condo is all they are asking for. Blame for this horrible event and the fact that so far nothing really has been done to correct the existing problem is being shifted from one "guilty" party to the other. But now Mirna Moreno is taking things in her own hands. Getting sick and tired of being pushed around by the people who should help her getting back her home, the sign in her hands explains the full extend of her frustrations.
 

It all started with a fire in their home, something that could happen to all of us. But then things really turned ugly. The fire alarm obviously didn't work and it took quite a while before a neighbor was able to alarm the fire department. According to available information a lot of the damage could have been prevented. 

Helpful neighbors tried to help and support the now homeless family, while the board of the association seemingly couldn't care less about the problems. A petition to the board to allow postponement of payment of maintenance fees - for a condo that is useless for the moment anyway - was declined. But the board members actually "found it in their hearts" to waive the late fees. 

But then the problems really started for the Morenos. After quite a few weeks and still nothing visible happening they started some inquiries , but were told that certain necessary permits hadn't been retained yet and certain regulations were preventing contractors from starting the repairs. As usual, the responsible parties blamed each other, but seemed to forget that a homeless family was still waiting to get back in their home. Mrs. Moreno finally dared to inquire with the Dade County Building Department in order to find out what kept the work from being started. Instead of support from her association, she received a letter dated May 30, 2002, from the association attorney, Maria Victoria Arias, blaming her and accusing her of interfering and causing the delays. 

It looks like the board, attorney and management company have time to harass the victim and blame them for any delays instead of trying to "speed" up the permitting process and get the victims back in their home. 

Still, nine month after the fire no real work has been performed to get this family back in their home. Some cleaning has been performed but only because neighbors complained about the bad smell. It is high time to get things done and see that this family has again a place to call home. There is no question that the association board is responsible for the necessary actions. Putting the blame on everybody else, including the victims, doesn't get the work done. It seems that even nine month after the fire no visible efforts have been achieved - see picture above!

It is really time now to see to it that this family gets back in their home, so their lives can get back to normal. Pushing papers and writing letters blaming others definitely doesn't get this family back into their home.