SNAP & WIC benefits at risk — there's help.
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If the government shutdown continues until November 1, millions of Floridians will stop receiving public benefits like SNAP and WIC. If you need resources for free meals and groceries during this time, please click here.
Tracey Bowen (center) surrounded by Catalyst Miami staff and community members at a Florida Decides Healthcare tabling event.
A key sticking point of this shutdown — Medicaid cuts and Obamacare subsidies — has been top of mind for us lately with the passing of Tracey Bowen, a beloved community member and fierce advocate for health care justice.
Over a million Floridians, like Tracey, make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford a plan through Obamacare. This “coverage gap” is only getting worse.
There is hope. If we expand Medicaid eligibility, 3+ million Floridians could get access to affordable care — and the federal funding is still there to make it happen.
As FL state legislators pass bills to stifle citizen-led ballot initiatives like the campaign to expand Medicaid, our focus has shifted to winning in court and delayed gathering the needed 900,000+ signatures to 2028. But the fight continues together.
Are you impacted by this shutdown? Uninsured or have medical debt? We’re gathering stories to boost advocacy efforts. Reply to this email if so and keep the good work going!
Need health insurance or want to learn more about options for advocacy efforts? Visit our landing at catalystmiami.org/health.
Volunteers Needed
Help your community claim every dollar they deserve and avoid scams by becoming a tax volunteer! You will receive IRS-certified training, enabling us to provide free tax preparation services to hundreds of Miami-Dade residents and small businesses. Click the button below to learn more and apply.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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☀️ Miami Climate Alliance General Meeting | Saturday, October 25th, 12 pm – 4 pm @ Model City Branch Library (2211 NW 54th St, 33142) Join us to learn more about the work that the Miami Climate Alliance is doing, get involved in group conversations on topics like Hurricane Preparedness, and receive updates on members’ latest work.
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📣 Community Rountable | Our partners at GreenLight Fund Miami are inviting residents to give direct input into the programs they are considering investing in. Participants will receive $50 stipends. Registration Link: bit.ly/glfmia-roundtables
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Wednesday, November 5 at PowerU: For residents and parents to share input on services needed for financial wellbeing, access to housing, & early learning and childcare in Miami-Dade.
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Thursday, November 6 via Zoom: For case managers, financial coaches, and home childcare providers to share input on connecting residents to financial resources, housing, and affordable quality childcare.
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Wednesday, November 5 at PowerU: For residents and parents to share input on services needed for financial wellbeing, access to housing, & early learning and childcare in Miami-Dade.
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Miami Our Way x Give Miami Day | Thursday, November 20th, 6 pm – 9 pm @ Little Haiti Cultural Complex (212 NE 59th Ter, 33137): Save the date for our last Miami Our Way of the year! We'll come together to celebrate the year and plan for 2026. This Miami Our Way is a special one too as it is also Give Miami Day, one of the largest annual giving events in the US. Join us for this special end-of-the-year celebration!
Looking Ahead to 30 Years
Before we close out this newsletter, a special thanks to our Catalysts for Change members and our founder, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who recently hosted us in her home for a celebration of our work. Next year Catalyst Miami will be turning 30 (!!) and we were honored to reflect on our history together and dream about what comes next.
🎉 Special thanks to our founding members of Catalysts for Change at our top impact levels!
Motivators ($20,000+)
- BankUnited
- Tim and Mary Casey
- Daniella Levine Cava and Robert Cava
- The Barry and Mimi Sternlicht Foundation
Curious how you can join their ranks and support our work for years to come? See the full list of members and learn more at catalystmiami.org/change.
In Solidarity,
Catalyst Miami
Do you have an urgent need? Please visit www.AxisHelps.org or call 2-1-1 for a list of emergency and non-emergency resources available to you.
This work is made possible through the generosity of our donors.
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