In 2001, as part of the state's compliance with its settlement of the Wyatt v. Sawyer legal case, AHFA agreed to commit a major portion of the HOME and Housing Credit allocations for two years to build housing for more than 600 clients of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. This resulted in the creation of more than 500 units for individuals with mental disabilities who required supportive housing. Later, an assessment of the status of these units indicated that relations had not been maintained between local mental health service providers and property managers.
Beginning in 2016, AHFA expanded multifamily programs to renew relationships between ADMH and AHFA developers. The programs provided additional funding and incentives, on a limited basis, for the creation of affordable rental housing for Alabama’s extremely low-income, homeless, and special needs populations. Also, AHFA implemented MOUs between local service providers and properties with set-aside units. These agreements connect service providers to property managers ensuring that tenant waiting lists and services are properly maintained. AHFA encourages ongoing partnerships between the development community, Continuums of Care (CoCs), and other service providers to provide housing opportunities for these populations at the local and regional level.
To date, CoCs and other service providers have established partnerships with developers via MOUs and will continue to make referrals and provide supportive services through local collaborations for people housed in affordable, permanent housing. Developers have committed to set aside almost 350 units located in over 100 properties across Alabama for disabled and homeless people. The successful utilization of these units requires a continued joint effort among developers, CoCs, member agencies, and other providers. The locations and contact information for these units and the affiliated service providers are available in an interactive map on the AHFA website.
Learn how you can help foster a partnership with developers to help permanently house those with the greatest needs:
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Visit AHFA’s website to learn about our programs
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Download and review our allocation plans
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Sign up to receive updates and notices from AHFA regarding programs
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View the Interactive Maps and other Development Resources available on our website
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Develop and foster ongoing relationships with CoCs, member agencies, and other service providers currently engaged or willing to engage in agreements with developers
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Contact us at ahfa.mf.general@ahfa.com with any questions
