Birmingham Grapples with Surge in Youth Homelessness Amid Pandemic Aftermath and Community Response

Birmingham Faces Growing Youth Homelessness Crisis: Local Organizations Step In to Help

Birmingham is experiencing an alarming rise in youth homelessness, fueled by the emotional and economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young people, like Natasha Pierce, have found themselves navigating a harsh reality that often lacks the support they so desperately need.

At only 19 years old, Pierce found herself sleeping under Birmingham’s rainbow bridge. It was a night in January 2023, after two years of living in abandoned buildings, that she truly comprehended her plight of homelessness. She reflected on how quickly circumstances can change, saying, “I’m them now,” as she glanced at older men sharing the space with her.

The Impact of the Pandemic

Tragic losses during the pandemic affected many youths in Birmingham. Pierce lost both of her parents within a year, part of a staggering statistic that shows nearly 235,000 children in the U.S. lost primary caregivers to COVID-19. In Alabama, nearly 8,000 children became orphans or lost a caregiver, worsening an already vulnerable situation. Michelle Farley, executive director of One Roof, emphasizes the unseen struggles of these youths, warning, “For every youth we find, there’s at least another one that we did not find.”

Rising Numbers

Nationally, youth homelessness has increased by 15% from 2022 to 2023. Experts attribute this to various factors including families breaking down, youth running away, and individuals aging out of foster care without adequate support. Among the most alarming challenges is the heightened vulnerability of homeless youth to trafficking and survival sex. Pierce recounted her terrifying experiences, stating, “I just kept saying no” as men sought to exploit her situation.

Programs to the Rescue

In parallel to these struggles, Alice Westery has been a beacon of hope for many young people. Having worked with the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources for nearly 15 years, she became aware of the increasing number of youths falling through the cracks. “They needed caring community support,” she remarked, recognizing that many kids who aged out of foster care lacked essential life skills.

Determined to make a difference, Westery founded Youth Towers, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless youths aged 19-24 find stable housing. Since its establishment, the organization has successfully transitioned 65 young people into their own homes over the past three years, a time when support has been more crucial than ever.

The Stories Behind the Numbers

Among those helped by Youth Towers is Janay Williams, who arrived in Birmingham from Florida with the dream of providing a better life for her family but found herself homeless and desperate. After connecting with Youth Towers, she moved into her own two-bedroom apartment and expressed relief, “It’s a big relief not having to worry about things like that anymore.”

Another program participant, T’Aries Marshall, found stability with her child after facing the tragic death of her partner. Youth Towers helped her find a safe home during an incredibly vulnerable period.

Building Independence

Youth Towers implements a “housing first” model, focusing on immediate housing solutions while providing support services to help these young individuals thrive. The organization covers rent initially and gradually reduces assistance, teaching them how to manage their finances long-term.

For Pierce, the journey has been transformative. After escaping homelessness, she now lives in a two-bedroom house with her younger sister, enjoying a sense of stability that felt far from reach just a year ago.

Looking to the Future

Despite the support offered by programs like Youth Towers, the need continues to grow. As Birmingham faces an increasing number of homeless youth—estimated at over 200 individuals in the area, with only 151 beds available—community efforts remain critical. Farley points out that finding sustainable resources is a pressing concern, emphasizing that “we don’t have enough resources to keep up with the youth who are becoming homeless.”

Community Involvement

Birmingham’s recent investments in addressing homelessness include a $1.3 million contribution to construct the area’s first youth homeless shelter, showing a commitment to tackling this complex issue. While necessary, many advocates argue that shelters alone can’t create long-term success for those in need.

As Natasha Pierce reflects on her experiences, she sums it all up with gratitude for opportunities that empower young people, stating, “Youth Towers gave me hope.” As Birmingham continues to rise to this challenge, the community’s understanding and engagement will be vital in ensuring a brighter future for its youth.