Birmingham to open two-day application window for critical repair program; city announces back-to-school and vendor events
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Summary
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin announced the city will open Critical Repair applications for two days in September to provide urgent home repairs for 100 residents (up to $30,000 each). The mayor also promoted a back-to-school Tools for School event, vendor procurement expo and Rise Up Birmingham graduation dates and registration details.
Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin announced July 29 that the City of Birmingham will open applications for its Critical Repair program for two days in September, offering urgent home repairs to 100 eligible residents with up to $30,000 per household available.
The announcement, delivered during the regular City Council meeting, included program details and a schedule of related community events and business outreach. Woodfin said informational sessions will be held before applications open and urged residents to register to learn program requirements.
The Critical Repair program is intended to fund urgent repairs such as roofing, plumbing and electrical work for qualifying households, with the mayor stressing the initiative’s importance to seniors and other residents who need immediate assistance. “This morning… the City of Birmingham's Department of Community Development will soon open applications for its critical repair, where 100 eligible residents will receive up to 30,000, each in urgent home repairs such as roofing, plumbing, or electrical needs,” Woodfin said.
Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the scheduled information sessions to understand program rules; those sessions are for information only and attendees should not bring documents. The mayor’s office listed the first session as a virtual meeting on Thursday, July 31 at 3 p.m.; two in-person sessions are set for Thursday, Aug. 7, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Birmingham CrossPlex, and Thursday, Aug. 14, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Fountain Heights Recreation Center. For registration and information the mayor’s office directed residents to criticalrepairbham.com and (205) 581-3117.
Woodfin also highlighted a city-sponsored Tools for School event, presented by Window World, to be held Sunday, Aug. 3 at Lynn Park from 2–5 p.m., with free school-supply giveaways for students and a limited teacher giveaway that requires a Birmingham City Schools employee ID. He encouraged teachers to bring their school ID badges to receive supplies.
For small businesses, the Department of Finance will host the Business with BHM vendor opportunity expo Thursday, Aug. 7, from 4–7 p.m. at the Bridal Auditorium. Woodfin said the free event is intended to help local businesses navigate city procurement, meet purchasing staff, obtain vendor certification and assistance with business licenses; preregistration is required via purchasing@birminghamal.gov or (205) 254-2265.
Woodfin also promoted Rise Up Birmingham’s graduation on July 30 at Miles College, noting the program will distribute a combined $70,000 to launch more than 40 businesses developed through a community empowerment and violence-reduction initiative. He said the initiative includes partnerships with Miles College and the Institute for Research and Social Justice and Action and invited council members to attend the 10 a.m. showcase.
The mayor said event details and application links will be posted on the city’s website and other communication channels.
The mayor delivered these remarks as part of his regular communications to the council; no formal vote was required. The city’s Department of Community Development and Department of Finance were identified as the implementing offices for the repair program and vendor expo, respectively.
