$400 a Week: The Motel Families in Your Employ
Gabriel Cunningham
Founder & Executive Director at For My Bonus Child, Inc. | Podcast Host | Advocate for Homelessness Awareness & Humanization | Social Impact Leader
Walking past Miami's endless strip of budget motels in the morning, I see what others miss. Behind those numbered doors aren't tourists or temporary visitors—they're families. Our neighbors. People who work in our local businesses, whose children sit next to yours in school. They're what I call the "invisible homeless," and they're falling through every crack in our system.
The Reality We Don't Talk About
Let me paint you a picture that might surprise you: A mother working full-time at a local restaurant, paying $400 per week for a single motel room where she and her children share two beds. That's $1,600 monthly—more than many 1-bedroom apartment rentals—but without the upfront security deposit, first and last month's rent, and utility setup fees that traditional housing requires. They're trapped in an expensive cycle that makes saving for permanent housing nearly impossible.
These families don't fit the government's definition of "chronically homeless" because they don't have a qualifying disability or substance abuse issue. They're not mentally ill. They're not living on the streets. They're working parents caught in an impossible mathematics problem: low wages + high housing costs + no safety net = perpetual instability.
Government definition or not: They are chronically homeless.
The Hidden Cost of Hotel Living
Here's what a typical week looks like for these families:
Why Traditional Systems Miss These Families
The current system has a blind spot. Because these families don't meet the official definition of "chronically homeless," they often don't qualify for many assistance programs. They're too poor for traditional housing but too "housed" for homeless services. It's a cruel paradox that keeps them invisible and underserved.
The Devastating Impact on Children
Here's what breaks my heart: By age three, 50% of homeless children experience developmental delays. Think about that. Before these kids even start kindergarten, they're already facing nearly insurmountable obstacles.
These children:
The Business Case for Change
As business leaders and entrepreneurs, you understand the concept of hidden costs and inefficient systems. This cycle of motel living is perhaps one of the most inefficient systems in our community. Think about it: these families are often paying more for temporary housing than they would for permanent homes, while simultaneously being unable to build credit, save money, or contribute fully to our local economy.
The talent pool you're trying to build for your growing business? It includes parents trapped in this cycle. The stable customer base you're seeking to develop? It includes families one rate increase away from moving to another neighborhood. The future workforce you're counting on? It includes children whose education is constantly disrupted by housing instability.
What We Can Do Right Now
Understanding Through Stories
Our podcast, "When I Was Homeless..." features many stories of families who've lived this reality. While their situations might not fit the government's definition of chronic homelessness, their experiences are just as valid and their struggles just as real.
?? Listen to our latest episode.
A Call to Business Leaders
As entrepreneurs focused on growth, we have a unique opportunity to impact this crisis. Your business decisions—from wage scales to hiring practices to community involvement—can help break this cycle. Moreover, addressing this issue isn't just about social responsibility; it's about building a stronger, more stable community that can support sustainable business growth.
Consider this: ?? How many of your employees might be one paycheck away from this situation? ?? How might your business model change if you knew it could help prevent families from falling into this trap? ?? What innovations could your company introduce to address this challenge?
????????Let's start a conversation about real solutions. Share your thoughts in the comments????: How can the business community better support these invisible homeless families? What creative solutions can we develop together?
Gabriel Cunningham Executive Director & Founder For My Bonus Child, Inc.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit www.formybonuschild.org or follow us on LinkedIn for regular updates on our work and impact.
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6 天前Thank you! Also - who is in charge of making sure these people have food and the other necessities of life? How can they do laundry? This is egregious!