Homelessness on the rise in Alabama

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — In Morgan County, the homeless rate continues to rise and is now one of the highest in Alabama. This is according to a new study just released in June.  

Justin Burgess is homeless. He goes to Hands Across Decatur (HAD) homeless outreach for assistance.

“I’ve been without a house for about years and been homeless for years and staying on the street for about 10 years,” said Burgess.

Justin is one of the hundreds who count on HAD.  

Sue Terrell, the founder of HAD, says that in her 15 years of operation, helping the homeless, she has never seen the population increase as much as it has since the beginning of the year. 

“I know when we started out, I might get two or three phone calls a year to help with rent, but I got five this morning before seven o’clock,” Terrell explained. “Five phone calls for help with rent in just hours.”

HAD offers meals and bathing for individuals and families on a first-come, first-served basis, but does not offer rent options. Terrell says that the cost-of-living increase, including rent and food, has gone up, and the rate increase has caused an uptick in the number of people needing services. 

“They are going to be out on the street tomorrow, be on the street at the end of the month, and we can’t do anything,” said Terrell.  

Each year, the annual homeless assessment reports on the number of people who live on the street. The report found that in 2024, homelessness in the state of Alabama increased and is over the national average.  

Terrell says that the number underestimates because in Morgan County, not all homelessness is reported. 

“This year till June we’ve gone up 25 percent, and it’s going up higher because of those that will call with help for the rent,” said Terrell. “They don’t get help with the rent, and then they’re another month behind, and pretty soon they will be living in their cars or they’re in a hotel or on the street.” 

With the growing unhoused population, HAD needs volunteers. For information, visit their Facebook page.