By Sydney Melson
The Birmingham Times
A number of Birmingham organizations are fighting to prevent and end homelessness in the metro area and provide services for a vulnerable population especially in the midst of a pandemic.
Here are three:
JIMMIE HALE MISSION
JHM has implemented big changes to its recovery program in the past year, said Executive Director Michael Coleman.
“When I came in a year ago, our program was basically a book that taught people how to recover from addiction. It was kind of a self-paced thing, and we didn’t even have anyone on site that was certified in addiction recovery,” he said.
By Sydney Melson and Erica Wright
The Birmingham Times
COVID-19 vaccination sites are opening around Jefferson County, and growing numbers of citizens are receiving shots but some wonder whether the homeless population is being overlooked.
“It is incredibly important that the homeless population is not forgotten,” said Anne Wright Rygiel, executive director of the Firehouse Ministries, a homeless shelter that has provided services to the Birmingham community since 1983. “This is still congregate living and housing. … We’re all grouped together, and we do the best we can.”
Having a COVID-19 vaccination plan is extremely important for area emergency shelters, said Gordon Sullivan, Director of Operations for One Roof, the umbrella organization for agencies fighting to prevent and end homelessness in the Birmingham metro area. “Even with social distancing and mask wearing, there is still a risk of viral spread among our most vulnerable citizens experiencing homelessness