The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved two contracts totaling $2.69 million in which two groups will provide shelter and support services to residents experiencing homelessness.

“I’ve been able to see firsthand the results of this partnership and how it’s serving our most at-risk residents,” Councilor LaTonya Tate said. “It’s an intricate problem, and it requires complex solutions, beyond just providing housing. It takes a lot of heart to do this work. I’m very encouraged by what I’ve seen and I’m proud to support this effort.”

The contracts include a $1.1 million agreement with Faith Chapel Care Center to provide case management, mailing addresses, counseling sessions, showers, laundry services and computer access to as many as 15 residents at a time. The money will also pay for the construction of 15 micro-shelters at the Care Center’s downtown location.

Urban Alchemy also received $1.5 million for the organization to construct and operate up to 60 micro-shelters at two sites that are to be determined. This organization specializes in providing career pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals across the country.

“I want to publicly say thank you to these organizations. I’ve had several issues that I’ve reached out to Urban Alchemy for, and they’ve come through for our residents who needed assistance with a level of professionalism and excellence that left a strong impression on me,” Councilor J.T. Moore said. “I know that Urban Alchemy is still looking for a location for this new facility and I really want to advocate for them to work in District 4. The truth of the matter is these are our neighbors, this is where they are now, and this is where we can make the most impact, in my opinion.”

Exact numbers of people experiencing homelessness are hard to come by, especially at the city level. However, according to One Roof, an agency that serves as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s homeless Continuum of Care for Jefferson, St. Clair and Shelby counties, there were 911 total homeless in the three counties during the 2024 point-in-time count. That’s up from the previous year, in which there were 847.

In September, the city approved spending $1.7 million for the Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team. The HEART program uses Urban Alchemy staff to assist the city by responding to nonemergency 911 and 311 calls relating to homelessness. The program started in January, and according to the city, Urban Alchemy has hired 17 new employees, provided services to more than 400 residents and placed 10 people with service providers.

“This will be life-changing for many of our unhoused residents,” Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said in a release. “These partners have a proven record of supporting unhoused residents and helping them get on a path toward sustainable homeownership. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and a safe place to call their own. We are committed to playing a part in helping to make that happen for those who need it.”

In other business, the council:

• Approved a grant application with the Alabama Department of Transportation to secure Federal Carbon Reduction Program funds. This $1 million grant would pay to upgrade signals on state and local roads throughout Birmingham. According to city officials, Birmingham faces logistical issues with optimizing traffic signals, which can lead to motorists being stopped at lights every block. Fixing these issues would reduce the carbon emissions from idling cars in the city. The program would require a local match of $450,000 by the city over 12 months. This is the second time the city has applied for this particular grant.
• Approved a resolution honoring Jimmie Coleman, a longtime community volunteer and neighborhood officer for North Birmingham. Coleman, who officials often call the “mayor of North Birmingham,” said he would be stepping away from his work with the community to spend time with his family. The council’s resolution named Feb. 4 Jimmie Coleman Day for the city. “Does that mean everyone gets the day off,” Coleman asked the council after thanking them for the honor.