How a special Miami partnership on homelessness helped us reach an 11-year low

Miami Herald

10-07-2025

As the nation grapples with rising rates of homelessness, Miami-Dade's unique alliance between Chapman Partnership and the Homeless Trust stands out as a national model.
According to the region's latest Homeless Census report, Miami has the lowest rate of homelessness per 100,000 people of any major U.S. city. In fact, the number has dropped to an 11-year low.
It wasn't always like this. In 1993, more than 8,000 people in Miami were living on the streets. Now, that number is just under 900. This sharp decline didn't happen by chance but through a coordinated system that Ron Book, chair of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, calls 'the greatest public-private partnership that could possibly exist.'
In 1992, then-Gov. Lawton Chiles created a task force of business and civic leaders with a singular mission: End homelessness in Miami-Dade. That task force was led by the late Alvah H. Chapman Jr., CEO of Knight-Ridder and publisher of the Miami Herald. Chapman Partnership was formed in 1995 as the operating partner of the newly created Homeless Trust, managing two Homeless Assistance Centers in downtown Miami and Homestead.
This fall, Chapman Partnership will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Now serving over 1,000 individuals daily, it is the largest emergency housing provider in South Florida.
At Chapman Partnership, we understand that homelessness is a symptom of deeper systemic issues. That's why our mission extends beyond shelter and meals. Through workforce training, financial literacy, medical, behavioral and spiritual wellness programs, we tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide individuals with the tools and support needed to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
We're proud of the results.
Despite a severe shortage of affordable rental housing, more than 1,800 people transitioned from our campuses into permanent homes last year alone.
Through partnerships with Miami-Dade Public Schools, Miami Dade College and CareerSource South Florida, our clients have access to courses both on and off campus. They gain valuable skills, training and certifications that help them secure employment.
Each year, our Employment and Education Specialists place over 500 clients in jobs with an average hourly wage of $17.76 — 26% higher than Florida's current minimum wage.
But our impact isn't just about numbers. It's about people.
Many are surprised to learn that over 45% of our clients are families. Currently, Chapman Partnership is the only emergency shelter in Miami-Dade that allows entire families to stay together in the same room. We also serve a large number of elderly individuals, many of whom have lost spouses or face health challenges that make independent living difficult.
The face of homelessness is more familiar than most people realize.
Here's an example of how we help people and families: Paula was once thriving in a nursing career with a happy family. After the tragic loss of her husband to cancer, she lost her job and became homeless. Working with our employment team, Paula reinstated her nursing certification. Her young daughter, with support from the Family Resource Center, began to excel in school. Within just five months, Paula secured a job at a local hospital and moved into her own home.
Her story is just one of 145,000 we've supported in the past 30 years.
Our success is rooted in the deep civic pride of Miami. Ending homelessness has been made possible by extraordinary leaders and funders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Homelessness doesn't affect only a few — it impacts all of us. We view our work as essential to the health of our local economy. The lower street homelessness stays, the more tourism grows and businesses thrive.
Moving forward, continuing to invest in Alvah H. Chapman's vision that 'no one sleeps on the streets' is both a moral and economic imperative.
Scott Hansel is president and CEO of the Chapman Partnership in Miami.