City of Birmingham approves additional funding for housing assistance

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated May 20, 2022

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham residents whose applications for housing assistance were suspended earlier this year have now found hope after the city secured additional funding for the scheme.

Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, along with Birmingham City Council, approved the allocation of $6.6 million in additional funds after funds ran out last year.

“It was heartbreaking to tell residents we were out of money, but we were determined to find a way,” Mayor Woodfin said. “These additional funds will ensure our families in Birmingham have a lifeboat, and we are grateful to report that help is on the way.”

Last year, ERA funds were distributed to 2,046 Birmingham residents, or approximately $5,006 per household, for a total of over $10.2 million in rental assistance and/or public services. When all the funds were distributed, there were still several hundred approved applicants awaiting support. Now, the additional resources will allow the city to go back and help families in need.

For those approved but not fundedlog in to the Neighborly application portal to check the status of your application: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/ERAP-BIRMINGHAMAL/Participant. You will need your case ID number. Approved applicants may also call 205-778-2091 ONLY if they have already completed an application in Neighborly. A case identification number is required.

Besides, the first applications will be accepted from June 13 to July 29. Residents should remember that several documents are required to complete the application process. Applications will only be considered ready for review if they are complete. Go to birminghamal.gov/renthelp for details.

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