The City of Birmingham to host 2026 State of Homelessness Summit
October 7, 2026
The City of Birmingham will commemorate National Homelessness Awareness Month by hosting its 2026 State of Homelessness Summit on Friday, Nov. 6. Together, community leaders, service providers, faith leaders, nonprofits, businesses, residents, and people with lived experience of homelessness will address one of Birmingham’s most pressing challenges. Held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium, this year’s summit carries the theme “Beyond Awareness to Action,” reflecting the City’s focus on turning conversation and collaboration into meaningful action for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
- Community General Session | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Open to the Public
The morning session will feature remarks from Mayor Woodfin, updates on policies, ordinances, financial investments and encampment data, as well as community impact stories and partnership highlights. The session will conclude with a call to action for continued collaboration. - Artist Market + Food Truck Lunch | 12–1:30 p.m. | Open to the Public
The midday experience will showcase local artists with lived experience of homelessness and housing instability, alongside Birmingham-area food trucks. The event is designed to center dignity, creativity, talent, and storytelling while creating space for community connection. - Professional Learning Experience | 1–4 p.m. | Registration required
Service providers will participate in breakout sessions, networking, and resource sharing designed to strengthen Birmingham’s continuum of care.
“Redefining community means recognizing that everyone has something to contribute,” said Alanah Melton, director of Unhoused Strategies for the City of Birmingham. “This summit creates an opportunity to listen, learn from lived experience, and build stronger partnerships that move people from housing instability toward housing stability.”
For more information about the State of Homelessness Summit or the city’s Unhoused Strategies, go to www.birminghamal.gov/homelessness.
