Birmingham approves $1 million investment in new emergency homeless shelter

City commits long-term funding to new shelter

The city will provide $250,000 annually over four years to support construction of the planned $4.4 million facility. Council members approved the funding Tuesday as part of the city’s broader response to homelessness across Birmingham. As a result, officials say the project will move closer to breaking ground in 2026.

Perryn Carroll, executive director of the Jimmie Hale Mission, first announced plans for the shelter in October. Since then, city leaders have pointed to the project as a key step in addressing ongoing encampments and housing instability throughout the metro area.

Details of the planned emergency facility

The 98-bed emergency shelter will be built at 3401 Second Ave. North, directly across from the mission’s existing men’s rehabilitation center near Sloss Furnace. In addition, the facility will include family rooms, showers, laundry areas, a dining space and consultation rooms for mental health care, medical treatment and social services.

While the city’s contribution covers part of the cost, the Jimmie Hale Mission will continue fundraising to finance the remaining balance. Carroll said the organization is confident it can secure the additional support needed.

Expanding a long history of service

The Jimmie Hale Mission has served Birmingham’s homeless population since 1944. However, in recent decades, the organization shifted its focus toward long-term rehabilitation programs aimed at addiction recovery and stability.

Even so, the mission has remained a critical emergency resource. Since 2022, it has operated Birmingham’s warming station on cold nights, offering shelter at its Shepura campus and transportation from downtown parks.

City officials acknowledged that homelessness remains a complex challenge. Still, Council President Wardine Alexander said partnerships like this one show progress. “We don’t have all the solutions,” she said, “but we’re working.”