One of Birmingham’s oldest nonprofits is taking a major step to address the city’s ongoing homelessness crisis.
The Jimmie Hale Mission has announced plans to build a $4.4 million emergency shelter at 3401 Second Ave. North, just across from its existing men’s rehabilitation center east of downtown.
Plans for a year-round facility
The proposed 98-bed shelter would serve individuals and families in crisis, offering not only temporary lodging but also access to mental health counseling, medical services, and social work support.
The facility’s design includes family rooms, showers, laundry space, a dining area, and consultation rooms aimed at helping guests transition into long-term stability programs.
Executive Director Perryn Carroll said the mission hopes to break ground in 2026, pending funding. The city of Birmingham has committed $1 million over four years, with additional fundraising planned to cover the remaining costs.
“It’ll be a new facility and be open year-round, to provide not just a hot and a cot to those in need, but services and resources to help them change their situation,” Carroll said.
Growing regional challenges
The project comes as Birmingham and surrounding cities grapple with homelessness and public encampments.
Neighboring Homewood recently approved an ordinance banning camping on public property without a permit—mirroring similar measures in Mountain Brook—and advocates worry such policies could shift the burden onto Birmingham.
“You can expect, when you make it illegal for homeless to be in one area, that they will migrate to adjacent areas,” Carroll said. She emphasized that criminalizing homelessness fails to address the problem’s root causes.
Continuing a long legacy of service
Founded in 1944, the Jimmie Hale Mission has long been a cornerstone of Birmingham’s social support network. In recent years, it has expanded beyond emergency shelter to focus on rehabilitation programs addressing addiction and poverty.
The organization also operates warming stations during cold nights, providing transport and care for people from parks and public spaces across the city.
With more than 350 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given day, Birmingham officials and nonprofit partners—including Jimmie Hale Mission—are expanding efforts such as micro-shelters and outreach teams to meet the growing need.
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