The HOPE Fair Housing Center family mourns the loss of Shirley Taylor Prakelt. Those familiar with HOPE’s history know that the organization was created by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to Miami-Dade County. The County employee responsible for writing that grant proposal at the time was Shirley Taylor-Prakelt.

Shirley dedicated over 30 years at the local government level to implementing neighborhood revitalization, redevelopment programs, and a myriad of housing programs. She fought for the removal of discriminatory housing practices and furthering housing choice for all. A public servant with a vast knowledge of housing policy, Shirley served as a model for affordable housing advocates and professionals. We salute her life’s work.

“Farewell to a fair housing pioneer and benefactor for Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.”

~Bill Thompson, HOPE Founder and President Emeritus