City of Huntsville addresses housing issues with new initiatives

The Huntsville City Council approved two measures this week to address the city’s homeless population and its affordable housing issues.

The Council allocated more than $300,000 in state funds to aid individuals facing homelessness, and approved a project to support affordable housing.

Here’s what we know:

Project for affordable housing

The Council approved a project to build a 42-unit multi-family development partially supported by American Rescue Plan funds to provide safe, affordable housing for the homeless and other vulnerable groups.

The facility will be constructed on Venona Avenue, on land owned by Neighborhood Concepts Inc. Neighborhood Concepts will leverage the City’s commitment of $2,300,376 in HOME Investment Partnerships ARP funding to apply for $12.8 million in State ARP funding through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority.

The development, to be known as New Stone Commons Apartments, will provide affordable housing for homeless, formerly homeless and those fleeing domestic violence.

Supportive services will be available to residents, and the building’s design will include individual and group meeting rooms for case management assistance.

“We are excited to be moving forward on this development that will benefit our most vulnerable communities. In addition to the homes, the services available to residents are a crucial part of this project.”

Scott Erwin, director of Community Development

Completion of New Stone Commons Apartments is expected by December 2025.

State funds to aid homeless

City leaders also approved $384,000 in critical funding to support area nonprofits in a collective mission to aid individuals facing homelessness.

Community Development will soon distribute PY 2023 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to agencies in Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties.

The funds will go to these agencies:

• AshaKiran – $25,000 
• Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison & Limestone Co. – $89,000 
• Crisis Services of North Alabama – $20,000 
• Family Services Center – $50,000 
• First Stop – $90,000 
• Hands Across Decatur – $20,000 
• New Futures – $35,000 
• North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless – $25,000 
• The Salvation Army – $30,000 

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