Res No 159-22-15912RESOLUTION NO. 159-22-15912
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Commissioners of the City of South Miami,
Awarding a Certificate of Excellence to Jennifer Hernandez, Librarian of Miami-Dade
County's South Miami Branch, for her role in Rehousing the Ferguson Family.
WHEREAS, on Friday November 4th, the Ferguson family (a single father, with a 6-year-old and
2-year-old children) entered the South Miami Police Department after being evicted from their home;
and
WHEREAS, the City's Community Police Officer coordinated with the library which is a new
rapid response program being implemented throughout the County however, because it was late
Friday, there were no beds available at shelters and the Homeless Hotline was closed for the
weekend; and
WHEREAS, librarian Jennifer Hernandez and our police department were able to get the
family into temporary housing until a shelter bed opened up the following day; and
WHEREAS, During the time, Jennifer Hernandez coordinated with local residents to launch a
GoFundMe and quickly raised over $15,000 (Now over $23,000) to keep the family in their temporary
housing; and
WHEREAS, since that time, Angel investors have now covered one year of living expenses for
the family and other organizations are coordinating to help arrange for medical, childcare, and even
helping the father gain more opportunities professionally; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY
OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true and they are
incorporated into this resolution by reference as if set forth in full herein.
Section 2. The Mayor and City Commission hereby award a Certificate of Excellence to
Jennifer Hernandez, Librarian of Miami-Dade County's South Miami Branch, for her role in Rehousing
the Ferguson Family.
Section 3. Corrections. Conforming language or technical scrivener-type corrections may be
made by the City Attorney for any conforming amendments to be incorporated into the final
resolution for signature.
Section 4. Severability. If any section clause, sentence, or phrase of this resolution is for any
reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the holding will not affect
the validity of the remaining portions of this resolution.
Section 5. Effective Date. This resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of December. 2022.
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Res . No . 159 -22 -15912
ATTEST:
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READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM ,
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COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Fernandez:
Vice Mayor Bonich:
Commissioner Liebman:
Commissioner Calle:
Commissioner Corey:
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5-0
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Agenda Item No:3.
City Commission Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: December 6, 2022
Submitted by: Samantha Fraga-Lopez
Submitting Department: City Manager
Item Type: Resolution
Agenda Section:
Subject:
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Commissioners of the City of South Miami Awarding a Certificate of
Excellence to Jennifer Hernandez, Librarian of Miami-Dade County’s South Miami Branch, for Rehousing the
Ferguson Family. 3/5 (Commissioner Corey)
Suggested Action:
Attachments:
Reso-Certificate_of_Excellence_Librarian.doc
Letter to County- Librarian.docx
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December 6, 2022
By E-mail and USPS
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Customercare@mdpls.org
101 West Flagler Street
Miami, Florida 33130
To Whom it May Concern:
This letter is sent on behalf of the City of South Miami’s City Commission. We would like to
acknowledge Ms. Jennifer Hernandez, the very special Librarian at Miami-Dade County’s South
Miami branch,for her dedication to her position, our City,and particularly for her role in rehousing
the Ferguson Family.
The Ferguson family consists of a single-father with a 6-year old and 2-year old. Unfortunately,
they were evicted from their home but fortunately, they had Ms. Hernandez by their side. She,
along with the South Miami Police Department, was able to get the family into a temporary
housing. She also launched a GoFund me page that quickly raised over $23,000 to keep the family
in their temporary housing.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you for the training you provide and forthe excellence
exhibited by Ms. Hernandez.
Sincerely,
Mayor Javier Fernandez
Vice Mayor Lisa Bonich
Commissioner Steve Calle
Commissioner Brian Corey
Commissioner Josh Liebman
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