Meet Denny Baldonado, Director of Hideaway Bay—the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust’s first hotel to housing conversation project dedicated to housing seniors aged 55 and older. Under Denny’s leadership, Hideaway Bay is more than just housing; it’s studio apartments that are a model for dignified, supportive, permanent living. He oversees a team that delivers onsite case management tailored to the medical, emotional, and social needs of residents. As a vital community liaison, Denny ensures that tenants have seamless access to transportation, educational resources, and financial services—equipping them for long-term stability and success. He serves in this role through New Hope CORPS, the property management and services provider selected by the Homeless Trust.
Q: How did you become interested in helping people experiencing homelessness?
A: My wife and I started a nonprofit before I joined New Hope, feeding people experiencing homelessness throughout Miami-Dade. It’s always been something on my heart—a calling to serve the less fortunate. One day, I saw a job posting for a Homeless Outreach Coordinator at New Hope and thought, “I’ve been doing this already—maybe I can turn this passion into a full-time position.” That’s how the journey officially began.
Q: How have your views on homelessness changed since starting as an outreach worker and now director of Hideaway Bay?
A: Honestly, I used to believe the stigma—that homelessness was mostly due to substance abuse or mental illness. But once I got out there and started talking to people, I realized that many of them are just like us. Some were working, living stable lives, and then life happened—a medical emergency, job loss, or a rent increase—and they spiraled into homelessness. I’ve met people who had savings, careers, families, and just one unexpected event changed everything. That really opened my eyes. It could happen to any of us.
Q: Walk us through a typical day for you at Hideaway Bay.
A: No two days are the same. I usually start by helping prepare breakfast—we serve three meals a day. After that, I check in on any overnight issues and make sure everything is running smoothly. Throughout the day, I make sure residents have what they need—transportation to appointments, laundry supplies, clean rooms, emotional support. I talk with them over meals, check on their well-being, and just try to be present. It’s a lot of multitasking, but the goal is simple: make sure our residents feel cared for and at home.
Q: What would you like the Cutler Bay community to know about Hideaway Bay?
A: I know there was a lot of debate before we opened, but this is not a shelter. This is supportive housing for seniors—our most vulnerable population. These are people who want to live peacefully, be part of the community, and contribute to their living situation. I had a man break down in tears because he’d been living in his car for months. Now he finally has a place to sleep safely. That’s what this is about—restoring dignity. We’re also working with local adult day care centers and helping some residents find employment. They want to be engaged, and we want them to be.
Q: How can the public help your residents; support them in this new journey?
A: It takes a village. Many of our residents come with little more than the clothes on their backs. Donations go a long way—gently used clothing, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, towels, and basic household items are always needed. We also welcome volunteers who can teach art, music, fitness—anything that can uplift our seniors. If you’re curious or want to get involved, come by. Talk to us. See for yourself the impact you can make.
Q: After everything you've seen, how do you feel about the future of homelessness in our community?
A: I’m actually hopeful. I know people say homelessness will never end—and maybe that’s true—but I believe we’re making real progress. Projects like Hideaway Bay, and the incredible work the Homeless Trust is doing, give people what they truly need: a stable, permanent place to call home. That gives me hope. A lot of hope.
Take Denny up on his offer! Come by and see Hideaway Bay for yourself and meet our residents - they never turn away an opportunity to get to know a neighbor. Contact Denny at dbaldonado@newhopecorp.org.