Home For All

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Home For All is a pilot project to provide micro-shelters as temporary housing for persons experiencing homelessness. The project was announced by Mayor Randall Woodfin on Facebook. To fund the program, the mayor budgeted $1 million from federal Community Development Block Grants, which was estimated to cover the installation and operation of 100 sleeping cabins and associated facilities.

The cabins would address the immediate need for people experiencing homelessness for a secure place to sleep and a to store their belongings. As part of the project, the city solicited proposals for service providers, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions to act as partners with a goal of dividing the shelters into "safe, private communities" with access to "wrap-around services." The arrangement would position organizers to help transition those in need into more permanent housing.

In addition to procurement and erection of the sleeping cabins and other facilities, the city's expenditure would include site preparation, utilities, area lighting and fencing. Other possible public investments would include bicycle racks, pet runs, and murals or public art. Partners would be expected to provide staffing for programs, counseling, coordination with other providers, as well as cleaning, accepting and distributing mail, enforcement of resident rules, managing prescription medicines, resolution of disputes, and security, including maintaining a register of all visitors. Preference was given to partners that could also provide restrooms and showers, meeting rooms, storage areas, meals and/or kitchen facilities, or transportation.

On January 10, 2023 the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved a proposal to allow the Mayor to work with Pallet on a deal to purchase sleeping cabins and associated equipment and services to operate the program for a 1-year period from May 2023 to May 2024.

If the pilot project succeeds, the city would consider doubling the capacity to 200 sleeping cabins.

Shelters

The shelters themselves were procured through Pallet, an Everett, Washington-based public benefit corporation which furnishes and installs sleeping cabins for about $7,000 per unit. Their typical unit is 64 square feet and is constructed with an aluminum frame and insulated cladding panels, with a locking door and four small operable windows. They are furnished with a folding bed, storage bin, bedside shelving, and a small desk. Each unit is powered and includes interior and exterior LED lighting, device-charging outlets, and a small air conditioner and heater. Also furnished are a smoke and carbon monoxide detector and a small fire extinguisher. Through the city's contract with Pallet, each "community" could also be provided with a restroom/shower unit for every 10 beds, and with a 400 square-foot "community shelter" for meals, services, and program activities.

Sites

The city's RFP process for partner organizations launched in January 2023, with the expectation that they would be announced in February. In practice, the process took up most of the year. In December 2023 the city announced three partners for the pilot project: 

AIDS Alabama, located in Ensley, proposes being the site for 15-25 micro-shelters. They are a recognized leader in affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, managing more than 100 units across the state. Faith Chapel Care Center, located downtown, proposes to be the site for 10-15 micro-shelters. They provide ministry, limited medical services, free showers and laundry services as well as a computer room and referral services for the homeless. San Francisco-based Urban Alchemy proposes up to two sites for a combined 30-60 micro-shelters. They are a social enterprise nonprofit that provides career pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.

See also

References

  • Vetter, Selah (January 9, 2023) "Birmingham proposing a new program to help the homeless community sleep safe." Bham Now
  • Byington, Pat (January 11, 2023) "Birmingham approves tiny shelters for city’s unhoused residents along with plans to provide services." Bham Now
  • Johnson, Roy S. (January 12, 2023) "For one man, Birmingham’s tiny house initiative for unhoused evokes tears, memories." AL.com
  • Leech, Marie (December 1, 2023) "Viewpoint: Birmingham right to take its time with plan for homeless." Birmingham Business Journal

External links

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