Birmingham, AL, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Jimmie Hale Mission is set to construct a $4.4 million emergency shelter in Birmingham, aiming to provide 98 beds and essential services to combat homelessness. This strategic initiative is in response to ongoing challenges related to homelessness in the area, with plans to break ground in 2026. The shelter will offer vital support including mental health counseling and medical treatment, addressing the multifaceted needs of homeless individuals and families.
Birmingham’s Jimmie Hale Mission Plans $4.4 Million Emergency Shelter to Address Homelessness
The Jimmie Hale Mission is initiating plans to construct a new emergency shelter in Birmingham at a cost of $4.4 million. This initiative is part of the mission’s response to the persistent issues concerning homelessness within the city and its surrounding metro area.
The proposed shelter will accommodate a total of 98 beds and is strategically located at 3401 Second Ave. North, directly across from the existing men’s rehabilitation center. The mission anticipates breaking ground on this critical facility in 2026.
As part of the funding strategy for this significant project, the Jimmie Hale Mission is seeking a commitment of $1 million from the city of Birmingham over the next four years. In addition, the organization will pursue other fundraising opportunities to cover the remaining costs associated with the shelter’s development.
Comprehensive Services
Once completed, the new shelter will provide essential year-round services and resources aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of the homeless population. These services will include mental health counseling and medical treatment. The design of the facility also incorporates practical features such as two family rooms, showers, laundry facilities, a dining room, and several consultation rooms.
Context of the Initiative
This development occurs alongside a recent ordinance passed by the city of Homewood aimed at addressing homeless encampments within public spaces, which could influence the situation in Birmingham as well. The executive director of the Jimmie Hale Mission emphasized that simply criminalizing homelessness does not provide a viable solution to this ongoing issue.
The Jimmie Hale Mission serves as a crucial resource not only for Birmingham but also for neighboring cities such as Mountain Brook, Hoover, and Vestavia Hills, which frequently refer homeless individuals for assistance. In response to the immediate needs during the winter of 2022, the mission began providing emergency cold weather shelter at the request of the City of Birmingham, currently operating a warming station at their Shepura campus and offering transportation from various downtown locations during cold nights.
Established in 1944, the mission has shifted its focus in recent decades to addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, including challenges related to addiction. Birmingham is simultaneously implementing various strategies to tackle homelessness, including the establishment of tiny-home emergency shelters.
By the end of this year, it is expected that 15 tiny pallet homes will be set up in downtown Birmingham to provide shelter for individuals, with readiness anticipated by January. On average, Birmingham faces a daily count of over 350 homeless individuals struggling on its streets.
In a related effort, the Birmingham City Council recently approved a $1.2 million agreement for the construction of the “Home For All” program at the Faith Chapel Care Center. This initiative includes 15 micro-shelters designed to provide temporary, private living spaces for unhoused individuals while promoting long-term housing solutions. Each micro-shelter will feature essential amenities such as a bed, desk, and a lockable door, alongside shared restrooms and kitchens. This pilot program is set to operate for one year, mainly aimed at assisting men transitioning into permanent housing.
Summary of the Jimmie Hale Mission’s New Emergency Shelter
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 3401 Second Ave. North |
| Total Cost | $4.4 million |
| Capacity | 98 beds |
| Funding Commitment | $1 million from Birmingham |
| Year-Round Services | Mental health counseling, medical treatment |
| Facility Features | Family rooms, showers, laundry, dining room, consultation rooms |
FAQ
What is the total cost of the new emergency shelter planned by the Jimmie Hale Mission?
The total cost of the new emergency shelter is $4.4 million.
What is the capacity of the new emergency shelter?
The new emergency shelter will have a total capacity of 98 beds.
When does the Jimmie Hale Mission hope to break ground on the new facility?
The Jimmie Hale Mission hopes to break ground on the new facility in 2026.
What types of services will the new shelter provide?
The future shelter will provide year-round services and resources, including mental health counseling and medical treatment.
Where will the new shelter be located?
The new shelter will be located at 3401 Second Ave. North, across from the current men’s rehabilitation center.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Jimmie Hale Mission Plans $4.4 Million Homeless Shelter
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Birmingham Times: City of Birmingham 15 Micro Shelters for Homeless
- Google Search: Homelessness crisis in Birmingham
- Alabama News Center: City of Birmingham Approves $2.7M for Homeless Shelters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Issue
- WBRC: Birmingham City Council Consider Money for Micro Shelters
- Google News: Birmingham homeless shelters
- Yellowhammer News: Birmingham City Council Approves Home for All Plan
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
