Homeless Care Council of Northwest Alabama

06/09/2026

The Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama has received Notice of Funding available from HUD for Fiscal Year 2026. Please see our website for more details, and email [email protected] for further questions.

For the last several years, the prevalence of homelessness in Northwest Alabama has been on the rise. The 2024 Point in Time Survey indicated there are approximately 210 people who meet the criteria of homeless, meaning they live on the streets, in tents, cars, wooded areas, emergency shelters,......

05/12/2026

We are pleased to announce that the results of our Point in Time 2026 have been completed. The PIT is a federally required, community-wide effort conducted annually to provide a snapshot of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a single night. This data helps inform funding decisions and guide local planning efforts.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all volunteers, partner agencies, and community members who contributed their time to make this possible!

Please see and read the attached document, for a Consolidated Plan and Results of Point in Time 2026. Be reminded that this count covers 6 counties.
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04/30/2026

It's the last day of National Volunteer month, and we don't want to let it slip by without saying how much we love those that sit on our Board of Directors! 😃
We are grateful for the incredible Board of Directors who give their time, wisdom, and passion to guide and support our mission at the Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama! During National Volunteer month, we want to celebrate you, and say thank you! ☺️☺️🥰

Please take a moment to visit our website, click the "About" tab, and meet each of the team. We are honored that each of you have chosen The Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama as an organization to give of yourselves to.

For the last several years, the prevalence of homelessness in Northwest Alabama has been on the  rise. The 2024 Point in Time Survey indicated there are approximately 210 people who meet the criteria of  homeless, meaning they live on the streets, in tents, cars, wooded areas, emergency shelters,....

02/25/2026

A reminder of two of our programs, thanks to City of Florence Planning & Community Development!

Please read below on how your organization can refer someone to our Better Eyes for a Brighter Tomorrow Program, OR our Homeward Bound Program!

02/17/2026

Last week we took an important step forward for our community😊

The Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama was proud to host the first “working meeting” of the newly formed Homeless Resource Alliance. This group brings together dedicated homeless service providers from across our community with one shared goal: stronger collaboration for better outcomes.

As the Lead Agency for our local Continuum of Care, the HCCNWAL is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive, community-wide response to homelessness. Forming the Homeless Resource Alliance is a natural extension of that work- creating a structured space for providers to communicate, align efforts, and strengthen our system of care….together.

It is built on intentional partnerships and meaningful networking, so we can serve effectively. When providers communicate and coordinate well, individuals and families are less likely to fall through the cracks.

At our first “working meeting”, we rolled up our sleeves and and began developing clear guidelines and a collaborative workflow for homeless providers.

We are grateful for every agency and leader who showed up ready to partner and strengthen our community! This is what collaboration looks like- and we’re just getting started 😀

Pictured:
Nicole Watson with 211 Information and Referral of Northwest Alabama
Abby Carpenter with Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Ginifer Fowler with Lauderdale County Social Services
Kait Richardson with Shoals Shelter
Jimmy Hayes with Shoals Dream Center
Alisa Dickson with Alisa Dickson for Florence City Council
Robyn Davis with One Place of the Shoals
Rose Rhodes with Community Action Northwest Alabama
Lanier Nail with Help Center Florence Alabama
Ashley Smith with Homeless Care Council of Northwest Alabama
Lt Timothy Cook and Lt Michelle Cook with The Salvation Army of the Shoals
Deputy Chief Ira Davis with Florence Alabama Police Department

Not pictured but part of the HRA:
April Moore with Florence City Schools
Chapel King with Chapel King Florence City Council District 6 Representative
Jackie Baker with Community Action
Todd Wilson with Central Baptist Church
Tonya Aguilar with Salvation Army

02/13/2026

On Thursday, January 29, the Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama conducted the Point-in-Time Count, a one day, unduplicated count of both sheltered and unsheltered individuals in our 6 county area. This is a HUD required count that is conducted annually by the HCCNWAL.

In these 6 counties, we counted 82 individuals in shelter and 65 living unsheltered on our streets, or places not meant for living.

These aren’t just numbers…they are names, with stories.

This is a PRELIMINARY COUNT, as every interview form is being carefully reviewed. More detailed information - including ages, gender, and other demographics- will be released once the data is fully verified.

Thank you again to all the volunteers, agencies, and law enforcement that helped us with this year’s Point in Time Count.

01/30/2026

On Thursday, January 29, the Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama conducted the Point-in-Time Count, a one day, unduplicated count of both sheltered and unsheltered individuals in our 6 county area. This HUD required count is not only a count of our homeless population, it’s a means of gaining new perspectives, creating awareness, building relationships, and formulating meaningful solutions that can impact our community.

During our one day count alone, our groups of volunteers talked to individuals living in places that range from abandoned houses to tents to transitional housing to the street to emergency shelters. We distributed snack bags to individuals, heard their story, and linked them to potential future resources.

Thank you to all the volunteers and agencies that helped and participated in this count! Also, a big thank you to our area law enforcement for your continued partnership and for helping us yesterday. Thank you to Florence Alabama Police Department
Colbert County Sheriff's Department
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Russellville Police Department
We appreciate all of you!

A final count and more information will be available in the near future.

Helping people, one person at a time 🙌🏼

01/29/2026

The Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama is thrilled to announce we’ve received funding to continue two of our programs, to benefit our unhoused friends in the Shoals Area. Both of these programs are made possible through CDBG funds, from the City of Florence 🙌🏻
City of Florence Planning & Community Development
City of Florence, Alabama - Government

Our “Homeward Bound” program, a transportation program designed to help people experiencing homelessness reunite with family and friends 🚌😄

And, our “Better Eyes for a Brighter Tomorrow” program, which is an eye program brought to you through the partnership of the Homeless Care Council and Renaissance Eye Care, that provides eye care for homeless individuals 👀☺️
Renaissance Eye Care

Information on these programs are on the posted flyers. Please read the process and criteria closely, before making any referrals or contacting us 😃

We are thankful for our community
partners!🙌🏻❤️

01/28/2026

We would like to say a big Thank You to the Nenon Club of Florence! These girls packed 200 care kits, that will be distributed to our unhoused friends during tomorrow’s
Point in Time Count! 🙌🏻

Also, a big thank you to the community….all items on our wish list were purchased, and are now in these bags ready to go❤️

Once again, thank you community for showing up! We will be conducting our Annual HUD Required Point in Time Count tomorrow, and appreciate your support❤️

01/23/2026

Due to the potential winter weather, the annual Point in Time Count has been rescheduled and will be on Thursday, Jan 29.