General Information
Dr. Frederick L. Hamilton, CEcD/EDFP
Mr. Bertram O. Young
The Jefferson County Department of Community Services is responsible for the administration of federal and state grant programs, as well as county General Funds programs to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the county. Since 2004, the Department has administered over $230 million for this endeavor.
A summary of the federal and state grant programs, as well as the General Fund programs administered by the Department, is presented below.
The Jefferson County HUD Entitlement programs are available to the members of the Jefferson County HUD Consortium members, which is all of Jefferson County except Birmingham, Hoover, Bessemer, Sumiton, and Helena.
· Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The CDBG funds can be used for Housing and Non-Housing activities. This program is designed to enhance the quality of life in low- and moderate-income areas, address imminent health threats, and eliminate slums and blight.
· Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
The ESG funds are designed to assist people to regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.
· HOME
The HOME program is designed to create affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.
2. Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief
The CDBG DR program was designed to revitalize communities impacted by the 2011 tornado. The program met its objective of improving communities impacted by the storm. However, there are funds left over from the program and the Departmentis in the process of amending its CDBG-DR HUD Plan to use the remaining funds. Once the amendment is approved by HUD, the Department will post on its site how the remaining funds can be used by the public.
3. Community Development Block Grant Corona Virus (CV) Program
The CDBG CV funds were designed to prevent, prepare, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program has ended.
4. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) 1& 2
The ERAP programs provided assistance to eligible applicants for emergency rental and utility assistance. This program has ended.
5. EDA/CDBG Revolving Loan Program
The EDA/CDBG Revolving Loan program provides business loans to start-up and expanding businesses with competitive interest rates and terms.
6. DOJ/SAMSHA Grant Program
The Department assists with the administration of DOJ/SAMSHA grant programs, which are designed to support drug courts in Jefferson County and persons experiencing substance abuse problems.
The Department also assists with the administration of DOJ grants awarded to the Sheriff’s office
7. Senior Services
The Department’s Senior Services program provides an array of services to the senior citizens of Jefferson County. The program administers the ClasTran contract for senior citizens transportation.
In addition, the program provides a wide variety of services to include educational awareness, geriatric case management, memory screenings, incontinence supplies and fan distribution for those in need.
8. General Fund Storm Shelters
The Department oversees the Jefferson County General Strom Shelter program for eligible communities throughout the county.
Mission
The mission statement for Community Services is to enhance the quality of life of communities and create economic opportunities for all the citizens of Jefferson County.
Vision
The vision for the Department is to administer state and federal programs, as well as General Funds in compliance with applicable regulations and to provide an array of services that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Jefferson County.
Core Values
The core values of the Department are integrity, ethical behavior, respect, drive, and innovation.
Appointing Authority
Mr. Daren Lanier, Deputy County Manager
Commissioner Sheila Tyson, Community Services Liaison
Address
Jefferson County Department of Community Services
Suite A-430
716 Richard Arrington Jr., Blvd North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-5761
Fax: (205) 325-5095
