Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Council approves $1.22 million for Faith Chapel micro‑shelters after added one‑year extension option
Summary
The Birmingham City Council approved construction funding for a pilot micro‑shelter site operated by Faith Chapel Cares LLC as part of the Home for All program. Council added a one‑year extension option and retained city ownership of the shelters; several members sought stronger long‑term assurances before final adoption.
The Birmingham City Council on Aug. 12 approved a $1,224,125.77 city construction allocation to support Faith Chapel Cares LLC’s development of up to 15 micro‑shelters as part of the city’s Home for All pilot program.
The funding covers site grading, infrastructure, delivery and installation of prefabricated units, footings, utility connections and related construction services. Megan Venable Thomas, director of community development, said the city previously funded operational services and that the current request covers the physical construction and site work needed to put prefabricated shelters already purchased onto the site.
The vote followed extended council discussion about program length, property access and neighborhood safety. Council members raised concerns about the pilot’s initial term—an 18‑month operations period—and the city attorney’s assurances that the shelters remain city property during the pilot. Beverly Scruggs, with the city attorney’s office, said the contract contains “clawbacks” requiring Faith Chapel to return funding if it fails to meet performance…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
