BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham is due to take another step toward dealing with people who have no place to live.
On Tuesday, August 12, the Birmingham City Council is likely to vote on spending $1.2 million to help place 15 micro-shelters at the Faith Chapel Care Center downtown.
The money for the third and final phase of the “Home For All” plan will help prepare the site for 14 shelters and an office.
Birmingham City Council to consider money for micro-shelters for unhoused people(Pallet)
During Monday’s city council Budget and Finance Committee meeting, Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas, the city’s Director of Community Development, responded to a question from councilor Valerie Abbott about whether the site would also attract drug dealers who might prey on homeless people who might be in various phases of recovery or addiction.
“When they have the wraparound service providers there, when they have the folks who are administering programs who are around 24/7, this is next door to the Faith Chapel Care Center where they’re providing other wraparound services in their day center, typically that type of activity wouldn’t be on this site and wouldn’t be allowed particularly because of the security that will be part of the site,” said Venable-Thomas.
Venable-Thomas said the micro-shelters will offer a bed, desk, air conditioning, heat and microwave, while the bathroom, showers, kitchen and eating spaces will be communal.
Faith Chapel Care Center will provide educational and laundry service, IDs, mental health support, and workforce development training.
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