Latest news with #ChapmanPartnership
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
How a special Miami partnership on homelessness helped us reach an 11-year low
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.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
"Sons of Thunder" helps young men rise above homelessness and hardship
In a small room filled with determination and hope, a group of young men speak in unison: "I am the creator of my life." For teens grappling with the harsh realities of homelessness and aging out of foster care, these words are more than a mantra, they are a declaration of self-worth and a vision for a future they're still learning to believe in. That belief is being nurtured through Sons of Thunder, a mentorship initiative launched in partnership with the Chapman Partnership and led by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Nu Nu Chapter. The program offers consistent mentorship, life skills coaching and a safe space for teenage boys to redefine their narratives—and their futures. A purpose-driven mission "I understood that a lot of the kids in the program are aging out and there's no opportunity for them," said life coach John Ramirez, one of the program's lead facilitators. "I saw there was an opportunity if we give them some tools—resiliency, self-advocacy—so they can thrive and live a thriving life." For Ramirez, who overcame a childhood marked by trauma, poverty and disempowerment, this work is deeply personal. "This is how I took myself out of the trauma, victimhood and entitlement life I used to live," he said. "This fills my heart. This is my life's purpose." Ramirez has been mentored for over 16 years by Zeta Nu Nu Vice Basileus Pat Lawrence, who was instrumental in forming the collaboration with Chapman Partnership. The two saw a critical need: not just to provide shelter, but to provide a roadmap for long-term success. "We want to have things they can take away and implement in their life to help them better themselves and better their situation," Lawrence said. Beyond shelter: Building life skills and confidence Each month, the Sons of Thunder meet at Chapman Partnership's Downtown Miami and Homestead campuses to explore topics like emotional regulation, communication and relationship management. These aren't just workshops—they're opportunities to break generational cycles. "If we can do that and get people out of survival mode, into believing that they can thrive, it's about as noble a thing as you can do," said Scott Hansel, CEO of Chapman Partnership. Hansel's organization is celebrating 30 years of service this year, marking three decades of helping individuals and families in Miami transition out of homelessness with dignity, stability, and hope. Creating their own stories At the heart of Sons of Thunder is the belief that no matter where a young man starts, he has the power to rewrite his story. And it starts with one simple, powerful affirmation. "I am the creator of my life." Send us your story at MiamiProud@
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Six-Time Emmy Award Winner Laurie Jennings to Receive Trish Bell Lifetime Achievement Award at 2025 Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Luncheon
MIAMI, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chapman Partnership is proud to announce that 6-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Laurie Jennings will be honored with the Trish Bell Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Take a Walk in Her Shoes Luncheon on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Jungle Island in Miami. The highly anticipated annual event brings together over 400 guests to honor exceptional women who have made a lasting impact on South Florida. The event raises critical funds to support Chapman Partnership's programs, which provide safe shelter, essential resources, and long-term stability for women and children experiencing homelessness in Miami-Dade County. Since 2016, The Trish Bell Lifetime Achievement Award has recognized individuals in South Florida who inspire and motivate the people around them to achieve a greater vision of hope and opportunity for those most in need. Just as Trish Bell leads with determination, courage, introspection and faith, Laurie Jennings is passionately committed to representing the best of South Florida, helping to lift others professionally, and leading the way in improving the quality of life and well-being of others. "We are so fortunate to have Chapman Partnership in our community. It's a safe haven like nowhere else I've ever witnessed in other cities. Chapman provides a path forward for families in dire need, and they do it with compassion and dignity. What an honor to be recognized by such an impactful organization and in the name of Trish Bell who actively changes lives every day," says Jennings. "I will always use my voice and deep connections in South Florida to tell the stories of our community, and I'm honored to join the select few women who have received this award and never stop making a difference." Laurie Jennings is a distinguished journalist and philanthropist whose career spans three decades, earning her six Emmy Awards and a place in the prestigious NATAS Silver Circle. Her journey has taken her from Cleveland and Boston to MSNBC in New York, and ultimately, to Miami, where she became one of South Florida's most trusted news anchors. After 15 years leading WPLG Local 10's evening newscasts, Laurie stepped away from the anchor desk to focus on her family and launch Laurie Jennings LIVE, her own media company. Today, she is a sought-after host, moderator, and commercial spokesperson. Corporations worldwide look to Laurie for keynote speaking and executive coaching. In addition to her stellar journalism career, Laurie has dedicated herself to philanthropy, supporting organizations including Chapman Partnership, Voices for Children, United Way, Baptist Hospital, The American Red Cross, Holtz Children's Hospital, and Sylvester Cancer Center. She and her husband are the proud parents of 19-year-old identical twin boys, both freshmen at Laurie's alma mater, Cornell University. "Laurie Jennings has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of others, shining a light on important issues, and using her platform to uplift those in need," said Trish Bell, namesake of the award. "Her commitment to this community and her ability to inspire through storytelling and action make her the perfect honoree for this year's award." The Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Jungle Island. With over 50% of Chapman Partnership's residents being families with children, this event directly funds life-changing programs that provide safe housing, education, and essential resources, helping families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Event and table sponsorships are available. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact 305-329-3092 or visit About Chapman Partnership: Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates the largest emergency Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds with locations in Miami and Homestead. For thirty years the nonprofit has provided a comprehensive and innovative "village" of support for unhoused men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, wellness programs, employment training and placement, and assistance with securing permanent homes. Aided by generous donors and sponsors, we uplift the unhoused, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman Partnership is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at Media Contact:Christina Scott(786) 261-5181 cscott@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Chapman Partnership Sign in to access your portfolio
