In a response to the pressing issue of homelessness, the Huntsville City Council has approved two significant initiatives aimed at providing safe, affordable housing and critical support services to vulnerable populations within the community.

The first initiative involves the approval of a project to construct a 42-unit multi-family development on Venona Avenue, utilizing funds partially supported by the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

This development, known as New Stone Commons Apartments, will be a collaborative effort between the City, Neighborhood Concepts Inc., and New Futures, two Huntsville-based non-profit organizations.

The City’s commitment of $2,300,376 in HOME Investment Partnerships ARP funding will be leveraged to apply for an additional $12.8 million in State ARP funding through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority.

New Stone Commons Apartments will cater to the needs of homeless individuals, formerly homeless individuals, and those fleeing domestic violence. In addition to providing affordable housing, the development will offer supportive services to its residents, including access to individual and group meeting rooms for case management assistance.

Completion of this vital project is anticipated by December 2025.

Simultaneously, the City of Huntsville is allocating $384,000 in critical funding to support local nonprofits dedicated to aiding individuals facing homelessness and those at risk of its grip. The money will come out of the PY 2023 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

At its regular meeting on April 11, the Huntsville City Council approved nine resolutions for the distribution of ESG funds to agencies in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties. These funds will support a range of initiatives, including street outreach, emergency shelter, rental assistance, and more.

Recipient agencies include AshaKiran, Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison & Limestone Co., Crisis Services of North Alabama, Family Services Center, First Stop, Hands Across Decatur, New Futures, North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless, and The Salvation Army.

For more information, please visit www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/city-council.