How Alabama’s biggest city is fighting homelessness: ‘Community problem requiring a community response’

One year following the Derrick Street camp reset, Huntsville officials report a positive shift, with homelessness numbers in the area trending downward. While Community Development Manager Scott Erwin describes the current population as static, estimates place the number of sheltered and unsheltered individuals at approximately 575, with 273 currently unsheltered.

A Community-Driven Approach

During a Tuesday roundtable, Erwin emphasized that the city is committed to providing pathways off the streets. “Our focus is that we want to make sure there is shelter space available, that people have access to get off the streets,” Erwin stated. “We don’t believe that living on the streets is a way of life.”

To achieve this, the city has launched an intentional outreach model, bolstered by new staffing and expanded partnerships. The newly formed Homeless Services Team is moving beyond the scope of the Derrick Street site, which has gained significant visibility since its restoration following a 2024 fire. Instead, the city is prioritizing individualized case management and deeper pathways toward treatment and housing.

New Leadership and Regional Collaboration

The appointment of Charles Morris as the city’s first Homeless Resource Specialist has been a catalyst for this strategy. Morris is tasked with coordinating service delivery across multiple agencies and acting as a support system for outreach efforts. This expanded vision includes a regional strategy involving Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Marshall, and Jackson counties.

The results are already becoming clear: the team has successfully helped house 22 individuals. Currently, 35 people are actively working toward permanent housing placement, while Derrick Street maintains the capacity to serve 58 residents who are committed to the housing transition process.

Strengthening Ties

Collaborators such as FirstStop, Wellstone, and the Partnership for a Drug Free Community report that the city’s unified approach has streamlined communication. This allows for rapid intervention when individuals are ready to pursue ID recovery, housing support, or crisis care.

The Huntsville Police Department’s Community Outreach Unit remains a key partner in this effort. Officer Jonathan Savage noted that the evolution of these services has fostered a culture of trust. “Homelessness is a community problem requiring a community response,” Savage said. “At Derrick Street, trust built over time means residents are now more willing to call for help when they need it.”

Beyond initial housing, the support system continues; organizations like FirstStop provide follow-up care for up to two years to ensure long-term stability. For more information on these efforts, visit the Homeless Resources webpage from the city of Huntsville.