On the Grid

Daniella Pierre is a Miami based community activist, a leader in the social justice movement and single mother.

She is also a recognized advocate for affordable housing and homeownership.

As an advocate, Daniella has contributed to elevating the dialogue about the need for equitable solutions to address widespread housing inequities, un-affordability & shortages.

Over the years, she has written many op-eds, led housing rallies, advocated for renters, and provided empirical data concerning housing inequities and barriers on Twitter as well as other notable mediums. In 2017, she launched & authored "Affordable Housing Matters" in The Miami Times and was later featured in The Penny Hoarder - "The American Nightmare."

Daniella  holds a master's degree in Human Resources Management from Florida International University; a member of the NAACP & graduate of their inaugural national leadership training program; the recipient of many awards and accolades for her contributions and service within society.

1. What problem are you committed to solving? 

There is a growing shortage of available and affordable shelter all across South Florida. This is a problem for far too many. In fact, recent reports reveal no state or major metropolitan area has an adequate supply of affordable and available homes for renters with extremely low incomes. For these reasons and more, I am committed to solving the housing shortages for the severely cost-burdened renters, those priced-out of the market and for those who are homeless.

2. What project are you proposing? I propose activating underused abandoned land, rehabbing and retrofitting it into habitable affordable development fully equipped with business centers. 

3. How could your project elevate humanity? My project will elevate humanity in numerous ways. For starters my project will restore dignity, build community and fulfillment of an individuals basic needs.

Describe the specific problem that you are working to solve. My project will address the gaps in housing shortages here in my community. Due to stagnant wages, finding a safe, decent and affordable place to rent is nearly impossible. In fact, reports reveal that at the minimum hourly wage, it would take a person to work 87 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom unit at a rate of $957. This affects over 35 percent of residents in just Miami-Dade County alone. To combat this, On the Grid desires to make a difference by activating people (providing the tools to meet their basic needs) and affordable living spaces ( turning abandoned properties into habitable spaces) across the county. 

Simply put, my project aims to turn abandoned properties and vacant underused land into habitable affordable living. 

What is it? It is an answer to solving the housing shortages that we currently have in South Florida. 

What does it do? It offers shelter and safe spaces for people to live. In addition, the sites will come fully equipped with a business center where residents and community may hold meetings, connect to WIFI, have access to computers and technology as well. The overarching goal of this project is to be a two-year/ short term "housing connection" that will work with local housing agencies and non-profits to ultimately secure (transitioning) a place for families to live.  

My project will serve the least, the lost, the left out and the un-sheltered. These include women, men, homeless, seniors and those who are just without a place to live and in need. As a longstanding resident of the community, I understand the needs and know the gaps that need to be addressed. Data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) reveals " The shortage of affordable and available homes is most acute for renters with extremely low incomes." This is what makes my project so important because it will serve this population. In addition, my project addresses not only housing shortages but the slum and bight in our community as well. 

Being a single mother, having a safe, decent and affordable place to live is the upmost importance. 

After loosing my home to foreclosure in 2014, my children and I find ourselves without a place to live.

Though I remained employed and had just completed graduate school, I was rejected to live in many places because I told either "made too much money or "didn't make enough" to rent. 

Through that, it sparked my passion, I came up with the idea of #affordablehousingmatters and launched On the Grid Community Development, LLC. I began speaking out, meeting others in the community in similar situations and later became a voice concerning fair housing and housing un-affordability.

I am passionate about it because too many families are without shelter and battling renter cost burdened. 

This is not just a Miami-Dade County problem it is happening all across the globe. 

If the problem continues to go unaddressed, more people will become homeless; more instances of domestic violence will occur; and more communities will become gentrified. 

I am well positioned to deliver and take this project to the next level because it is my story too. 

Being a single mother, having a safe, decent and affordable place to live is the upmost importance. 

And after loosing my home to foreclosure in 2014, my children and I find ourselves without a place to live. 

Though I remained employed and had just completed graduate school, I was rejected to live in many places because I told either "made too much money or "didn't make enough" to rent. Priced-out and renter cost-burdened is what it all translates too.

So from that I decided to make a difference not just for myself but for others. 

I have first hand experiences in housing shortages and I have been a part of countless training programs, town hall meetings, teach-ins and conference all in effort to solve the affordable housing crisis.

I confront all challenges optimistically and support collaboration when solving the problem. 

Adversity is only a challenge if a person fails to see it through. This is why I work through ups and downs knowing a brighter day will come. 

Specifically, when faced with obstacles what I have done to resolve the matter is seek understanding and listen.    

My story transcends and highlights from pain, progress to advocacy.   

I am leader with demonstrated ability because of my people skills, vision, empathy, know-how and overall resilience.  

Links to support my leadership ability. 

https://blog.extension.uconn.edu/2016/09/19/pep-graduate/