In 2021, The Kelsey hosted a national convening around strategies to advance disability-forward housing. Among the attendees was a parent of an adult child with significant disabilities from Birmingham. Inspired by the work of The Kelsey, she returned to Alabama to explore what possibilities for community-based housing for her son and others with disabilities existed in the state. After failing to find solutions, she convened local advocates with and without disabilities and reached out to The Kelsey, asking for our support in bringing our model to the state. With a first roundtable in November 2022 and community convening in April 2023, The Kelsey has led a community engagement process to define the local housing need in Birmingham, outline current strategies and necessary future interventions, and assemble local partners to be part of implementation of new solutions.
We have engaged over 35 organizations and 110 individuals across listening sessions, one-on-one meetings, and community convenings.
Vision
Together with local leaders, The Kelsey is bringing disability-forward, inclusive, affordable housing to Birmingham and supporting regional systems and policy change that support these kinds of communities to come to life beyond The Kelsey. Our work includes:
- Building Inclusive Housing | Creating a first-of-a-kind inclusive community in Birmingham to bring affordable homes and vibrant community to people with and without disabilities
- Convening State Leaders | Hosting a statewide housing and disability working group with 23 organizations to share strategies and joint efforts to advance inclusive housing
- Advancing Systems Change | Supporting policies and programs that make inclusive housing more available in Alabama including 811 funding, design guidelines, and community education
Facts
The community is in early schematic designs and will include:
- 50 – 75 total homes
- Community spaces for resident engagement and social events, delivering resident services, and inclusive programming
- On-site staffing including The Kelsey’s Inclusion Concierge program
- Outdoor amenities with seating areas, a sensory garden, and play space
- Fitness space and bike parking
In the lively Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, residents will have access to housing near transit, community amenities, outdoor space, recreation, and social services.
- Transit: Bus Stop: At site entrance.
- Entertainment: Avondale Restaurants: .1 mi.
- Health & Services: UAB Hospital: 2.4 mi. with direct bus
- Grocery: Red Bird Produce: .2 mi.
- Grocery: Piggly Wiggly: 1.2 mi. with direct bus
- Entertainment: Avondale Park: .2 mi.
- Health & Services: Workshops Empowerment: .5 mi.
Project Timeline
- February 2024: Site control established
- June 2024: First design review by Community Advisory Group
- Spring 2025: Secure financing, including $1M capital campaign
- Fall 2025: Construction start
- Winter 2026: Resident services hiring and launch
- Spring 2027: Community opens
To learn more about our community and how to join as a partner, advocate, service provider, or funder, contact us.
