In Miami, the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust opens new aid for businesses, homeowners and students

The Little Haiti Revitalization Trust (LHRT), the City of Miami body charged with revitalising the Little Haiti neighbourhood, opened its fourth-quarter funding cycle on Wednesday 28 October 2026 and launched a new website, littlehaititrust.com. The aid is aimed at the neighbourhood’s businesses, homeowners, homebuyers, students and community organisations.

“Our mission is to ensure that revitalization is done with our residents, not around them,” the Trust’s President and CEO, Joann Milord, said in a post by the Faces of Haiti page. In the launch release, she said the LHRT is “committed to ensuring that the people of Little Haiti have the tools and support they need to thrive.”

Grants and forgivable loans

The Small Business Grant Program offers up to $20,000 for commercial improvements, or up to $10,000 for equipment, operations and technology. It is open to brick-and-mortar businesses and nonprofits in the neighbourhood. According to the Trust, $330,000 in grants have already been approved under the programme.

For housing, the Home Rehabilitation Program provides up to $100,000 as a 10-year forgivable loan for critical repairs to single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes. Homebuyer Assistance can reach $200,000, as a forgivable second mortgage, for a purchase in Little Haiti. The Trust says it has also supported two affordable housing developments: the South Florida Community Land Trust’s Place Louverture and the Haitian American CDC’s Citadelle Village Little Haiti.

“When LHRT approved my grant, I cried tears of joy,” homeowner Roseline Larose told Faces of Haiti.

The College and Trade School Scholarship Program awards $2,500 per recipient; $22,500 has been awarded so far. A Community Education Placemaking Grant of up to $5,000 funds free programmes on culture and education in the neighbourhood.

A city body facing gentrification

The LHRT is a City of Miami board governed by Chapter 12.5 of the city code and Ordinance 13834. It works with the city administration and the Department of Housing and Community Development.