Birmingham approves new resource center to address homelessness
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
Birmingham city leaders have approved the establishment of Birmingham Oasis, a new resource center aimed at addressing homelessness in the city.
The city council approved a three-year ground lease agreement for the property, located on 3rd Avenue North in the Smithfield neighborhood, during a meeting Tuesday morning.
The center is expected to open in late September and will offer several services, operating 12 to 14 hours a day, primarily Monday through Friday.
City leaders said the initiative will allow them to address homelessness with evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for residents.
Mayor Randall Woodfin said, “The strategy is to meet people where they are. The Oasis helps build on the work already being done.”
The city council also approved a $600,000 agreement with Urban Alchemy to operate the site through the city’s opioid abatement program over the next year.
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