Are you searching for income-restricted, Section 8, or public housing in the Birmingham, AL area for you or your family? We’ve provided a list of properties and communities that may be able to meet your needs.
Low-Income Apartments:
- Bessemer communities: Oak Ridge, Terrace Manor I, and Terrace Manor II.
- Fultondale communities: Hickory Grove, Fultondale Village, Red Hollow, and Brookside Village.
- Warrior communities: Warrior Courts, Chelsea Gardens, North East Jefferson Villa/Bradford, Dixi Manor, and Faucett Homes in Trafford.
Eligibility for these units is based on HUD income categories of extremely low income (ELI), very low income (VLI), and low income (LI), with each category based on a percentage of the area’s median family income (MFI). Alabama 2024 income limits are 30 percent MFI for LI, 50 percent MFI for VLI, and 80 percent MFI for LI.
Public Housing Options:
For public housing options managed by the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, see below.
- Cooper Green
- Tom Brown
- Collegeville
- Roosevelt City
- Elyton Village
- North BHAM
- Marks Village
- Harris Homes
- Freedom Manor
- Smithfield Court
- Kimbrough Homes
- Southtown Court
- Todd Homes
- Tuxedo Terrace
- Benjamin Greene
You can visit the HABD website to submit a public housing application through their waitlist system.
Section 8 Housing:
Birmingham usually has an extended waitlist for Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher. Applicants can visit the HABD website or Jefferson County Housing Authority website to see if the Section 8 waiting list is open and for more details on how to apply.
Affordable Housing Programs in Alabama
The effect a lack of affordable housing can have on communities cannot be understated. Statistics show that housing insecurity affects individuals in many ways, including increasing the risks of chronic disease, limited access to healthcare, and food insecurity. Affordable housing programs serve as a lifeline for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
If you’re in need of affordable housing in Alabama, help is available to you through state-backed programs, partnerships with non-profits, and location initiatives throughout the state. As Alabama continues to address the growing need for accessible and cost-effective living solutions, Navigate will also be working to provide information and options for low-income families and individuals who need help putting a roof over their heads.
Understanding Affordable Housing in Alabama
Affordable housing helps individuals gain or maintain financial stability by ensuring no more than 30 percent of their income goes towards renting or owning a house or apartment. In Alabama, where wages are lower than the national average, the demand for affordable housing is especially high, and there is not enough supply to meet demand.
With only 74 affordable and available homes per 100 renter households at 50 percent of AMI (area median income), Alabama has a shortage of affordable housing, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). Additionally, almost 70 percent of very low-income renters are cost-burdened, meaning they spend over 30 percent of their income on housing and utilities.
Statewide Programs and Resources
As mentioned, there are state-wide programs and resources available to help low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities acquire affordable housing. Many of these are income-based, as they are geared toward individuals with lower-than-average incomes.
Take, for instance, the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA), which “provides homeowner and rental opportunities for Alabamians.” This public corporation is run by the State of Alabama and was created in 1980 to provide affordable interest rates and down-payment assistance, as well as administer multifamily programs (HOME and LIHTC) that create affordable rental housing.
Step Up is one such program, as it offers down payment assistance and a competitive 30-year fixed interest rate. The down payment assistance amounts to four percent of the sales price, up to a total of $10,000 in assistance.
The Affordable Income Subsidy Grant is another program helping Alabamians achieve their dream of homeownership. This program helps with closing costs by providing a grant of one percent of the loan amount to borrowers at or below 50 percent AMI and a grant of .5 percent of the loan amount to borrowers at or below 80 percent AMI.
The AHFA also helps create affordable rental units across Alabama as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program administrator, providing developers with financing to construct new, affordable rental housing. By combining HOME funds with housing credits, the AHFA ensures the program benefits as many Alabamians as possible.
Affordable Housing in Huntsville, AL
Once named the nation’s top city to live in 2023, Huntsville is a city on the rise; however, there are still those who are struggling to make ends meet in 2024’s top city for tech talent growth. Over the years, Huntsville has put much effort into developing neighborhoods and apartments where its low-income population can work toward self-sufficiency and a better life.
Housing Opportunities
Huntsville’s expanded affordable housing inventory includes the following:
- Brookside
- Butler Terrace
- Johnson Tower
- Lincoln Park
- Northwoods
- Searcy Homes
- Stone Manor
- The Todd
Huntsville is also helping its citizens and families work toward self-sufficiency, homeownership, financial literacy, and career planning through local programs like the ROSS Program, Family Self-Sufficiency, and Youthbuild.
Community Initiatives:
Huntsville’s efforts to expand its affordable housing include partnering with non-profits like Habitat for Humanity for the Single Family Home Program and nonprofits and for-profits for the Multi-Family HOME program.
Section 8 Housing in Decatur, AL
The Decatur Housing Choice Voucher Program is actively helping residents of Decatur find safe, stable, sanitary housing that doesn’t require more than 30–40 percent of their paycheck for rent and utilities. This enables them to increase the amount of income they have to put toward healthcare, healthier foods, a rainy day fund, and other necessities. When people have secure housing, it enhances their quality of life and, in turn, the quality of the community.
Qualifying residents can apply for Section 8 housing in this area through the Decatur Housing Authority website. Hover over the Public Housing tab, then click Applications.
Alabama Housing Projects and Developments
Navigate Affordable Housing Partners maintains its commitment to helping Alabama residents find affordable housing by leading smart, energy-efficient housing initiatives like Live on 1st and Goldwire Heights in Birmingham’s North Titusville and quality, livable housing options like Four Winds East in Avondale and St. Charles Villas near Downtown Birmingham.
Other Statewide Developments
Alabama is seeing a rise in local government support for low-income housing with the development of the projects listed below:
- Oak Meadows, Oneonta
- Charleston Square, Troy
- Cathedral Place, Mobile
- Willow Oak Trace, Montgomery
- John England Manor, Tuscaloosa
- Highland Manor, Birmingham
- Trinity Lake, Phenix City
These projects, funded through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), are part of a broader state effort to address Alabama’s shortage of affordable housing.
Navigate and local governments are working hard to improve neighborhood stability, reduce unhoused rates, and foster economic growth through income-restricted housing. Reducing housing shortages by increasing access to safe, affordable homes has a net positive effect on the communities where these homes are located.
Applying for Low-Income Housing in Alabama
To qualify for income-restricted housing provided by HUD, applicants must meet their income limits, which are tiered at 80 percent, 50 percent, and 30 percent of the area median income (AMI). Eligibility is also subject to household size, a background check, criminal record, and more.
To increase your chances of finding affordable housing, be sure you have all the necessary documents when submitting your application, apply to multiple programs, and check for application deadlines and requirements, as many programs have waitlists due to high demand.
Additional Resources and Assistance
The application process can be stressful and complicated, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are nonprofits and other groups at your service that provide housing counseling and support. Besides us, you can contact Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham, Alabama Council on Human Relations, Birmingham Urban League, Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Inc., and CCCS of Mobile.
Additionally, there are emergency rental and utility assistance programs if you need help immediately. Contact your local Community Action Agency to receive aid for energy, rent, mortgage, and food. Birmingham residents can apply for assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) on the Jefferson County Alabama website. Other assistance providers include the Salvation Army, United Way, and Catholic Social Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between public housing and Section 8?
Public housing properties are owned and managed by the government (aka the Public Housing Authority), while Section 8 allows residents to rent from private landlords with a government subsidy.
How do I know if I qualify for affordable housing?
Affordable housing qualifications are based on household income, family size, and housing needs; however, each program has specific guidelines outlined by HUD and the local agencies.
How long do waiting lists usually last?
Waiting list times vary greatly as they’re based on demand and location. Contact your local Public Housing Authority to ask about current waiting lists and when they will be open again if they are closed.
Conclusion
Many parties in Alabama are working to reduce the shortage of affordable housing options for its residents. Options for those needing rental assistance and help acquiring stable housing include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing, the Alabama Housing Finance Authority, and more.
Contacting your local housing authority is the best way to quickly find information on waiting lists, application instructions, and eligibility requirements. And, of course, you can always contact us here at Navigate Affordable Housing Partners for additional guidance on finding the right affordable housing solution for you and your family.