News

January 8, 2024

[CRE Sources] CREI Holdings Refis Affordable/Workforce Housing In Miami-Dade

"CREI Holdings, a development firm, secured a $41 million loan from Lumen to refinance the Li’l Abner II apartments in Sweetwater. The 8-story building, completed in April 2023, features 244 one- and two-bedroom units dedicated to affordable and workforce housing, with 40 percent for low-income seniors and the rest for residents earning up to 120 percent of the area’s median income. “We’re deeply appreciative of the dedication shown by Marc and the Lument team in finalizing this loan before the year’s end,” said Raul Rodriguez, Managing Member of CREI Holdings. “The creation of affordable and workforce housing has become increasingly challenging, and we extend our gratitude to Miami-Dade County for its crucial support, which has played a role in facilitating this refinancing. It is essential for both the public and private sectors to collaborate in addressing the affordable housing crisis. With each sector fulfilling its responsibilities, there’s no reason why we cannot overcome this challenge together.” READ MORE

November 4, 2023

[CityBiz] Sweetwater Celebrates Successful 14th Annual Thanksgiving Bash By Li’l Abner Foundation

Members of the Sweetwater community were invited to attend a Thanksgiving Bash hosted by the Li’l Abner Foundation in Miami’s Sweetwater. The annual event was filled with activities designed to create unforgettable memories for Sweetwater residents. Adults and children participated in complementary family activities, games for the little ones, shows and entertainment, and lunch for everyone. The event benefited some of the lowest-household-income zip codes in Miami-Dade County. The 14th Annual Thanksgiving Bash was the brainchild of Sweetwater resident, entrepreneur, and affordable housing developer Raul Rodriguez. Born and raised in Sweetwater, Raul uses this opportunity to invest in the community and give back. READ MORE

March 3, 2023

Local nonprofit treats 16 children fighting medical conditions, families to Disney vacation

Raul Rodriguez, founder of the Li'l Abner Foundation, expressed his emotional response to the foundation's annual Disney on Wheels trip, saying "It gets a little bit emotional, right? Because these kids, just the fact that they’re there, are smiling and crying." Li'l Abner Foundation took 16 children with medical conditions and their families on a trip to Disney World as part of its efforts to provide support and opportunities for families dealing with medical challenges. READ MORE

March 3, 2023

16 South Florida Children With Terminal Illnesses Head to Disney World For Trip of a Lifetime

Before the Li'l Abner Foundation's Disney on Wheels trip, Diana Insignares, who helped organize the trip to Disney World for children with terminal illnesses, noted the importance of safety and ensuring that the children are well taken care of during the trip. She said, "So that's why Raul makes sure that we are well-equipped with paramedics. We have the police department that goes with us to help us." READ MORE

February 18, 2023

State to tackle affordable housing crisis as newest senior housing project opens in Miami-Dade

Raul Rodriguez, managing member of CREI Holdings, highlights the importance of collaboration between developers and the government to address affordable, workforce housing challenges. He said, "Not only do you need the developers, but you need the government to work together to come up with solutions." Florida has proposed a bill that aims to increase funding for workforce, affordable housing developers and limit local rent controls, with the goal of boosting the supply of workforce, affordable housing in the state. READ MORE

February 17, 2023

Opening of affordable housing in Sweetwater

According to Raul Rodriguez, managing member of CREI Holdings, the cost of development, including hard construction, soft costs, and the price of the property, was nearly $45 million, with the cost of building and materials alone totaling $30 million. The development aims to provide affordable housing options for workforce, low-income families and help address the affordable housing crisis in the region. READ MORE

February 15, 2023

Inauguran viviendas asequibles en Sweetwater

El desarrollador CREI Holdings se asoció con el gobierno de la ciudad para desarrollar nuevas unidades de vivienda asequible en Sweetwater, Florida. El desarrollo tiene como objetivo brindar opciones de vivienda asequible para la fuerza laboral, las familias de bajos ingresos y contribuir a abordar la crisis de vivienda asequible en la región. READ MORE

November 21, 2022

“Alarming” Housing Crisis In South Florida Spurs Search For Solutions

Raul Rodriguez, managing member of CREI Holdings, points out the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the workforce, affordable housing crisis in Miami. He noted that more funding is needed to support affordable housing development, saying, "Now more than ever we need that private-public relationship to work harder to get more funding." READ MORE

November 15, 2022

CREI Holdings Plans 316-Unit Affordable Housing Expansion in Sweetwater, Florida

Raul Rodriguez, managing member of CREI Holdings, stated, "CREI Holdings is committed to providing affordable and workforce housing for seniors who are being squeezed out of the Miami-Dade market by skyrocketing rents." The company plans to expand its affordable housing development in Sweetwater, Florida by adding 316 new workforce, affordable housing units in it's Li'l Abner III building. READ MORE

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