HABD awarded $500,000 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant to revitalize Kingston + Woodlawn communities

Great news for Birmingham—today, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) has been awarded a $500,000 Choice Neighborhood Planning (CNP) Grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Over the next 30 months, the funding will be used to develop a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy for the Birmingham neighborhoods of Woodlawn and Kingston.

HABD awarded a $500,000 CNP Grant

Operated by HUD, the Choice Neighborhoods program uses public and private dollars to support neighborhoods across the country. The program encourages local leaders and residents to create a plan to revitalize distressed HUD housing and the surrounding neighborhood.

“This grant will provide opportunities for change in our neighborhoods.

The CNP grant will enable our agency to take the necessary steps to transform the site and begin building quality affordable housing for our residents.”

Dontrelle Young Foster, President and CEO, Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

This latest CNP grant will help fund planning efforts on the redevelopment of the Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes public housing community, a 456-unit public housing project constructed in the 1950s.

The planning efforts will also focus on the revitalization of the nearby Kingston and Woodlawn neighborhoods.

“Woodlawn United is excited to continue our partnership with HABD and the City of Birmingham.

Together, we are creating lasting impact through affordable housing, wrap-around services, education options, and economic opportunities that will benefit Kingston for years to come.”

Mashonda Taylor, CEO, Woodlawn United

HABD is one of 13 communities awarded this highly competitive grant, and the only public housing agency awarded in the state of Alabama.

Fun fact: Last year, HABD was awarded a transformational $50M for the Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant for Smithfield Court and the Smithfield, College Hills and Graymont communities of Birmingham.

How do you want to see the Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes community + Kingston and Woodlawn neighborhoods revitalized? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!