Seniors 55 and older as well as residents with disabilities at Chapman Partnership will receive augmented transporation assistance through the federally funded Section 5310 program, awarding Chapman Partnership a 2016, 12-passenger Ford Van fully equipped with a wheelchair lift and three wheelchair securement devices.
The Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program provides forumla funding to states for the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities. The van will assist in addressing transportation barriers experienced by Chapman Partnership residents when attempting to access healthcare, education, employment, or other life-sustaining activities.
“This is the third van delivered in the state of Florida, and the first van that has the smart floor system for increased flexibility and convenience,” said Les Burres, transit and commercial sales from Creative Bus Sales Inc., an organization that works with the Federal Transit Administration on building the customized vans.
“People will get around town in a safe manner,” Burres added.
During the 2015-16 fiscal year, ending Sept. 30, 2016, nearly 750 persons experiencing homelessness aged 55 and older resided at one of Chapman Partnership’s two Homeless Assistance Centers, representing 20 percent of the total population served. From FY 2014-15 to 2015-16, the 55 and older population grew by 4 percent. Currently, 30 percent of Chapman Partnership’s residents have a physical disability impairing mobility.
With the dearth of low-income housing in Miami-Dade County, outplacement options for elderly and/or disabled individuals remains a challenge. Within this subset of the population served, coupled with many of these individuals experiencing immigration issues, outplacement options are nearly nonexistence as they are not eligible for the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — the primary funding source for adults with disabilities and the elderly. The result, longer lengths of stay, with a good percentage of these individuals residing within our community’s Homeless Continuum of Care 12 months or more.
Tony Williams, 61, born in Jamaica and an immigrant from the island, has lived at Chapman Partnership for 14 months. Formerly a drummer with Bob Marley, Williams suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury and has no recollection of his past. His immigration problems resulted in his return to Chapman Partnership after SSI benefits were rescinded and he was forced to leave the Assisted Living Facility he called home.
The new van was specifically designed to meet the transporation needs of residents like Williams.
“We are very grateful to Creative Bus Services and the Federal Transit Administration for giving us the opportunity to provide our residents, specifically our elderly and disabled residents enhanced services,” said H. Daniel Vincent, president and CEO of the Chapman Partnership.
“With support of these organizations we are able to give our residents the support they need to overcome many obstacles and continue to work their way toward self-sufficiency.”
Chapman Partnership operates two Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds located in Miami and Homestead. Collectively these two centers serve approximately 4,000 men, women and families with children annually.
Since 1995, Chapman Partnership has had more than 105,500 admissions including 25,000 children in Miami-Dade County and a 64 percent success rate of moving people who complete the program from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
