MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — When Local 10 launched “Good News South Florida” in April, the goal was not only to share uplifting stories but also to inspire viewers to become part of them.
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That mission is already making a tangible impact.
Two months ago, “Good News South Florida” introduced viewers to Edward and Clara Knox, a Richmond Heights couple spending their retirement years in a home that had fallen into severe disrepair. Today, thanks to an outpouring of community support, volunteers, donations, and partnerships, restoration work is underway—and hope has been restored alongside it.
A major milestone was recently reached when the project received its building permit, clearing the way for construction to begin in earnest. Volunteers and supporters celebrated the achievement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the start of a long-awaited transformation.
The effort began when Rixys Alfonso, CEO of the Nonprofit Executive Alliance, brought the Knoxes’ situation to the attention of Local 10.
“I want to support Mr. Knox and I want to do all I can to make sure he is not homeless,” Alfonso said.
She shared video showing the deteriorating condition of the couple’s home and issued an emotional appeal for help. The call resonated with volunteers throughout South Florida.
“We just need to roll up our sleeves and get this project done,” said volunteer Liudmila Esquerdo.
“If you’ve asked yourself how can you make a difference, this project is it,” added volunteer and police officer Robert McKay.
Local 10 shared the Knoxes’ story with viewers on April 3, launching a community response that continues to grow.
“I got faith that this is actually going to happen,” Edward Knox said at the time.
That faith quickly turned into action.
Today, what may appear to be a construction zone is actually a symbol of progress. Crews and volunteers have removed the home’s failing roof and begun critical repairs.
“I gave the go-ahead to remove the roof, which was the real issue facing this structure, and everything else is good to go,” said structural engineer Eliezer Diaz.
Additional materials have already been secured through donations.
“We already have the tiles donated. We have the windows. We have the doors, so we are going to secure the home once we have the roof,” said Joe Puentes, co-founder of WikiVoice.
For Edward and Clara Knox, the speed of the progress has been both surprising and uplifting.
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“It’s moving faster than I thought it would,” Edward Knox said. “Great. Feel great. And all of the band of angels are working so fast.”
Those “angels” are volunteers donating their time, skills, and labor—not for a paycheck, but for the opportunity to help neighbors in need.
Max Santiago, a volunteer with Bedrock Renovations, traveled home from Tallahassee during his summer break to participate.
“I usually never come home during the summer break,” Santiago said. “But coming back and being able to help someone that’s in the community that I grew up in is awesome.”
The project remains entirely volunteer-driven and continues to welcome community involvement.
“This is a 100-percent volunteer project,” said volunteer and real estate appraiser Deiky Vergel. “We welcome anyone in the community that wants to be part of it.”
As work continues, Edward Knox remains grateful—and optimistic that more helping hands will join the effort.
“When I pray, I say, ‘Lord, find some more angels,’” he said. “Just like he found this group, he’ll find some more.”
How to Help
Community members who would like to support the restoration of the Knox home have several ways to get involved.
Those in the construction industry are invited to attend a networking event on June 18. Supporters can also make secure monetary donations to the project.
One hundred percent of donated funds go directly toward the restoration of the Knox home. Local 10 will continue providing monthly updates, allowing donors and volunteers to see firsthand how community contributions are making a difference.
- To donate: If you’d like to make a monetary donation toward a Good News South Florida story or project, click here. Local 10 has established the Local 10 Fund with The Miami Foundation and 100% of your donation will go toward the cause you designate in the “additional information” box.
- To volunteer or submit a story idea: If you’d like to volunteer for a Good News South Florida project or would like to submit a story for consideration, email [email protected].
Good News South Florida airs Fridays on the Local 10 morning news at 10 a.m. It will encore Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings, beginning at 6 a.m.
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