Housing instability efforts continue in Jefferson County as federal eviction moratorium ends

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)– The expiration of the federal eviction moratorium is set to expire this Saturday, and local government and other organizations across Central Alabama are working to provide housing stability for tenants in Jefferson County.

“We’re looking at about 60 families or more that will be receiving rental and or utility assistance from us,” said Dr. Charlena M. Morton of Neighborhood Housing Services, an organization that promotes urban stability in Birmingham.

To manage the rental assistance programs, Jefferson County has partnered up with Birmingham Urban League and Bridge Ministries.

“We want all of our residents to have housings stability; we don’t want our residents to worry about where they are going to lay their heads the next day,” said Chris Hatcher, Interim Director of the Birmingham’s Community Development Department.

The Federal Cares Act granted $5 million to Birmingham for emergency rental assistance programs. The Jefferson County Commission received approximately $11.5 million. These funds are used to pay rent or utility bills for people who were financially impacted by this pandemic.

Since April in the City of Birmingham’s Rental Assitance program has had around 500 households completed a full application, and 170 applications received rental and utility assistance.

The Birmingham Community Development Department has been encouraging landlords to work with tenants to make the program a success and sharing information about the assistance available.

“Apply today; these funds are good now until September 30,” said Morton.

You must live in Jefferson County or in the City of Birmingham to be eligible for the funds. Your household income must be at least 80 percent of the area median. You must also be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.