Through an agreement with the City of Orange, Chapman will offer temporary housing in university-owned apartments that offer private rooms with kitchens. The university has prepped 20 units in Panther Village apartments for the cause. The university welcomes the opportunity to offer this important temporary housing that helps protect first responders’ families, said Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa.

“First responders are putting themselves at risk every day to keep our community safe,” Struppa said. “As a member of the Orange community, it’s our honor to do what we can to support them and provide them with housing while they are away from their loved ones.”

The agreement directly benefits health and safety in the community, said Sgt. Phil McMullin of the Orange Police Department.

“The Orange Police Department appreciates the support and partnership with Chapman University during these unprecedented times. This agreement will help protect our first responders who are dedicated to providing public safety in our community,” McMullin said.

Other efforts the Chapman community is making to help in the coronavirus battle include: The university’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI) developed a series of education webinars for teacher candidates who are desperately needed to fill an existing teacher shortage worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

With the goal of helping find solutions to the pandemic, Chapman awarded nearly $95,000 in coronavirus rapid response research grants to faculty in fields ranging from bioscience to public health policy.

Students of physics professor Stephanie Bailey wrote thoughtful letters of encouragement to residents of Plaza Senior Community Living in Orange, all of whom are confined to their apartment units during the pandemic.