Closing the Gap: Miami's Homelessness Progress & the Final Push

Join us on November 4th for the Trustee Luncheon & 12th Annual Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. Award of Excellence

Homelessness isn't an abstract statistic; it's a reality that could affect anyone. A job loss, a medical crisis, or a mental health setback can shift circumstances in an instant. That's why the work being done in Miami to address homelessness matters to our entire community. 

This November, as we recognize Homelessness Awareness Month, we have reason to celebrate remarkable progress while continuing to push for even greater solutions. 

From Crisis to Transformation

In the early 1990s, according to Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, over 8,000 people were living on Miami-Dade's streets with little coordination between agencies. In 1992, Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Alvah Chapman to lead a commission on homelessness. Chapman and community leaders recommended three critical actions: secure dedicated funding, create a coordinated body to implement solutions, and research best practices.

That vision worked. Today, Miami-Dade County has reduced homelessness by over 56% - down to 3,570 individuals - through expanded shelter and supportive housing programs. This represents decades of sustained commitment from leaders who refused to accept homelessness as inevitable.

But the work isn't finished. The most recent data shows a 7% overall decrease, yet the numbers reveal complexity: unsheltered counts have increased 6% while sheltered counts have decreased 12%. This tells us that innovation and comprehensive strategies remain essential.

Why November 4th Matters

Homelessness is intertwined with mental health, addiction, and housing instability. Addressing it requires understanding the whole picture - and that's exactly what you'll hear on November 4th.

Scott Hansel, President and CEO of Chapman Partnership, will moderate a compelling discussion featuring Ron L. Book, who will share what's currently being done to address homelessness and the progress we've made, and Judge Steve Leifman, who will explore the critical intersection of homelessness, mental health, and addiction.

This is where you'll discover what's actually moving the needle, what challenges remain, and how Miami can close the gap for good.

The Legacy Continues

The Alvah H Chapman Jr. Award of Excellence honors those who understand that a thriving city is measured not just by its economy, but by how it cares for its most vulnerable. Chapman's legacy continues through today's leaders who are building a compassionate, resilient Miami.

Let's close the gap. Join us on November 4th.

Event Details

Trustee Luncheon featuring Alvah Chapman Awards
Program: Closing the Gap: Miami's Homelessness Progress & the Final Push
Date: November 4, 2025