Continuum of Care (formerly known as Shelter+ Care)

The Continuum of Care is a program designed to provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons who have a serious mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and/or drugs, or with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or related diseases), or any combination of those disabilities, who are living in places not intended for human habitation (e.g. streets) or in an emergency shelter. The program allows for a variety of housing choices, and a range of supportive services funded by other sources, in response to the needs of the hard-to-reach homeless population with disabilities.

The Continuum of Care Program is committed to serving the homeless population in the Jefferson County and Birmingham areas. This is achieved by networking with area agencies willing to join in partnership with us to bring an end to homelessness in our community. The means to this end are through providing permanent housing combined with supportive services. The goal is to help participants reach greater self-sufficiency, self-determination, and their greatest potential.

Applicants are accepted into the program by referral only. Eligible participants must be both homeless and have either chronic substance abuse problem, severe mental illness, or be HIV+ or have a related illness or any combination of these disabilities. Referrals must be made by an approved agency that has entered into a cooperative agreement with Jefferson County Housing Authority to provide supportive services in kind to match rental assistance.

Click here to view/download the Continuum of Care Program brochure.