Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
$2.4M ‘microshelter’ program from City of Birmingham aims to help unhoused people
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An initiative designed to provide safe, dignified shelter and a multitude of services for unhoused people in Birmingham is officially in development, and phase one of the project is starting soon.
The phase one of the initiative, “Home For All,” is a $2.4 million pilot program with construction estimated to be completed by the end of 2025.
Home For All will be operated 24/7 by Faith Chapel Care Center, an existing multipurpose facility supporting unhoused people located in downtown Birmingham.
Faith Chapel Care Center, which was chosen by the city by a competitive bid process, offers ministry, limited medical services, free showers and laundry, a computer room and referrals to other resources.
“The core team has been working for months now in preparation for opening the site, and we are eager to start serving our unhoused neighbors and transforming lives. We believe this pilot, which is an alternative to traditional congregate housing, will yield the necessary results to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new approach to supporting our neighbors.”
Debra Blaylock, executive director of community outreach for Faith Chapel Cares
The pilot program will create 15 “microshelters,” which are small dwelling units designed to provide temporary housing. Each will include a bed, desk, microwave, heating and cooling system and a lockable door.
For one year, the Home For All pilot will serve men experiencing homelessness with the goal of helping them receive assistance to transition to long-term housing.
Phase two will be led by Urban Alchemy, an organization that operates in several cities across the U.S. that are “struggling with the intersection of extreme poverty, addiction, mental illness and hopelessness,” according to the nonprofit.
“Our commitment to supporting our unhoused neighbors is strong. This program will be life-changing for those who not only need shelter, but a partner who will walk alongside them with a compassionate, thoughtful plan toward permanent housing and resources.”
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin
This phase will have 2.7 times the impact of phase one with plans to construct 40 microshelters. The city said a construction agreement will be announced within the next few months.
The city launched Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team (HEART) Birmingham earlier this year with Urban Alchemy to respond to non-emergency 911 and 311 calls relating to homelessness. HEART Birmingham’s response line is 659-596-3458.
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