Cullman County Alabama Facts
Specific data on homelessness in Cullman County, Alabama, is limited. However, local initiatives are actively addressing this issue:
- Unsheltered International's "The Village":
- In 2020, Unsheltered International began developing a 17-acre plot in Jones Chapel to establish "The Village," a tiny home community aimed at providing transitional housing for the unhoused population in Cullman County.
- Cullman County Public Library's Response:
- In January 2024, the Cullman County Public Library Board discussed updating safety policies in response to interactions with unhoused individuals, reflecting the community's evolving demographics.
- Community Needs Assessment:
- The United Way of Cullman County's 2022-23 Community Needs Assessment highlighted that 12.5% of the county's population lives in poverty, which can be a contributing factor to homelessness.
While these efforts demonstrate a commitment to addressing homelessness locally, comprehensive statistical data specific to Cullman County remains scarce.
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Alabama Homeless Facts
As of January 2024, Alabama reported approximately 4,601 individuals experiencing homelessness, equating to a rate of 9.0 per 10,000 residents. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with the homeless population growing by over 39% between 2023 and 2024. Despite this rise, Alabama remains among the states with relatively low homelessness rates, being one of only 13 states with fewer than 10 homeless individuals per 10,000 residents.
The increase in homelessness has been attributed to factors such as high housing costs, natural disasters, and increased migration to urban areas. Additionally, the expiration of eviction moratoriums and other pandemic-related protections have contributed to the rise in homelessness nationwide.
It's also noteworthy that in 2024, 59% of Alabama's homeless population was unsheltered, indicating that more than half of the individuals experiencing homelessness were without access to emergency shelters or transitional housing.
These figures underscore the ongoing challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in Alabama and highlight the need for continued efforts to address affordable housing and support services within the state.
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