An elderly group camped out on Monday night for a shot at affordable housing. The applications for the new complex were being accepted on Tuesday.
It was a long night for dozens of people who camped out at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Miami. It was barely sundown and already fatigue settled in for the elderly hoping for a chance at affordable housing.
"I'm praying, that's the only thing, but it looks very difficult," said Martha Diaz.
Chairs served as beds for Betty Milia and her aunt on Monday night. She's trying to get her aunt into the highly sought after apartment building for those 62-plus or with disabilities, through the Catholic Archdiocese.
"My aunt has been bounced from house to house. She has a limited income and she lives in somebody's room now in their house, so she's looking for something on her own," Milia explained.
200 applications will be accepted. NBC 6 was told many more than that have already signed up to apply.
The Archdiocese said they will be selecting tenants on a lottery basis, not first come first serve.
"Within a few hours, we got 200 people. Problem was, some people came and left and some of the ones who stayed overnight didn't think that was fair. So the second day there was a new list for the people who were here again," Milia said.
There was a lot of confusion on the process, and that's why many slept in their cars. They didn't want to lose their chance at what might be their only opportunity for low rent in a safe place.
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However, some people in line couldn't take the wait. A few needed an ambulance, and one elderly woman was even hit by a car in the parking lot.
Police officers tried to keep order as the crowd pushed forward.
It's unclear how many of the 200 applicants will eventually be approved and then how soon they'll be able to access the housing. It could be months or even years until some of them get into the units.
Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, with many still flowing in.
