Homelessness is a persistent problem across the United States, including in Alabama. The World Population Review for 2023 ranks Alabama 22nd out of the 50 states in terms of its total number of people who are homeless (3,351). However, looking at numbers per 10,000, Alabama appears to be doing better than many other states. With an average of about seven of every 10,000 people experiencing homelessness on any night, it ranks 49th—second only to Mississippi, with around four of every 10,000 people experiencing homelessness.
Alabamians shouldn’t be patting themselves on the back quite yet, however. Homelessness increases with the cost of living and is particularly associated with high housing costs. Alabama’s relatively lower rates of homelessness in part reflect its lower-than-average cost of living. The MERIC’s 2022 Cost of Living Index ranked Alabama as having the country’s fourth lowest cost of living.
Homelessness is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals and communities. Therefore, identifying the root causes of homelessness in Alabama is critical to developing solutions to the problem.
Recent Statistics on Homelessness in Alabama
The most recently released Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) estimates that Alabama had 3,752 individuals who were homeless in 2022. Of these, two-thirds were individuals in families and a third were individuals without families. In addition, 5% were unaccompanied youth and slightly over 8% were veterans. Of the total, 14% were chronically homeless.
The report also reveals that a slight majority of the Alabamans who are homeless are temporarily housed in emergency shelters or transitional housing. At the same time, slightly over 40% of the Alabamans experiencing homelessness are completely unsheltered. People in this category live in places not meant for human habitation, such as on the streets, in cars, or in abandoned buildings.
Rates of homelessness differ across the state, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. The Birmingham metro area, in Jefferson, St. Clair, and Shelby counties, sees a high rate of homelessness, at 9.4 people per 10,000. Montgomery County also has a high rate relative to the rest of the state, at 9.6 people per 10,000. The Florence area in Northwest Alabama had the overall highest rate in the state, at 9.7 people per 10,000 experiencing homelessness.
Root Causes of Homelessness in Alabama
In Alabama, several factors contribute to homelessness, including:
Poverty and Lack of Affordable Housing:
Poverty is a significant cause of homelessness in Alabama. The state has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation. Some 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line—this figure is 25.78% higher than the U.S. average. The lack of affordable housing worsens the issue, as many individuals and families struggle to find and maintain stable housing due to rising housing costs and the limited availability of affordable rental units.
Lack of Access to Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services:
Mental health and substance abuse issues often intertwine with homelessness. In Alabama, limited access to mental health and substance abuse services can contribute to homelessness. As a result, people may struggle to access the necessary treatment and support they need to maintain stable housing. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in Alabama, only 35% of adults with a mental illness receive mental health services, and only 12% of adults with a substance use disorder receive substance abuse treatment.
Unemployment:
Economic factors such as unemployment can also contribute to homelessness in Alabama. Many individuals experiencing homelessness struggle with unemployment or have jobs that do not provide a good wage, making it difficult to afford housing costs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of March 2023, the unemployment rate in Alabama was 2.3% which was 1.2% lower than the national average. This is good news. Still, those Alabamans who remain unemployed find it difficult to afford stable housing.
Lack of Supportive Services:
Limited access to supportive services like case management and health care can also contribute to homelessness in Alabama. Such services can help address the original issues that often push people into homelessness, as well as assist them in regaining stability. However, the availability of these services may be limited in some areas of Alabama, making it challenging for individuals to access the support they need to overcome homelessness.
Addressing these root causes and providing comprehensive and equitable solutions, including affordable housing, access to support, and good jobs, is essential in addressing homelessness in Alabama and creating lasting solutions. Private organizations, charities, and faith-based groups have a role to play in delivering supportive services like temporary shelters, halfway housing, job counseling, and other interventions that can help people get back on their feet.
Individuals and communities can take action to support those experiencing homelessness in Alabama. This can include volunteering at local homeless shelters, supporting organizations that provide housing and supportive services, advocating for policy changes to address the causes of homelessness, and promoting awareness and understanding of homelessness in our communities. By working together, we can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and strive toward a future where everyone in Alabama has a roof over their head.