State of Homelessness Summit: Beyond Awareness to Action

Join Birmingham leaders, service providers, advocates, faith partners, and residents for a day of learning, conversation, and collaboration. State of Homelessness Summit: Beyond Awareness to Action Presented by the City of Birmingham Office of the Mayor and Office of Unhoused Strategies Join community leaders, service providers, faith-based organizations, advocates, residents, and partners from across Birmingham for Redefining Community: State of Homelessness 2026 – Community Learning Summit & Public Forum. This one-day gathering is designed to move our community from conversation to greater understanding, collaboration, and action around homelessness in Birmingham. Throughout the day, attendees will hear from local leaders and experts, learn more about the realities impacting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, explore proven approaches to service and support, and identify opportunities to strengthen the way our community responds together. What to Expect The summit will include a combination of general sessions, expert conversations, educational breakout sessions, community storytelling, and opportunities to connect with organizations working throughout Birmingham. The day will feature: • State of Homelessness Conversation – A discussion examining homelessness in Birmingham, current challenges, progress being made, and where our community goes next. • Community Leadership Perspectives – Hear from City of Birmingham leadership and community partners working directly within homelessness response efforts. • Featured Keynote – A thought-provoking message centered on community, dignity, connection, and creating sustainable pathways forward. • Special Film Presentation – A short film highlighting the human stories and experiences behind the issue. • Artist Market & Community Lunch – Connect with local artists, community organizations, and fellow attendees during the midday break. • Educational Breakout Sessions – Choose from sessions designed for service providers, community partners, faith leaders, and residents. Breakout Session Topics Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in sessions covering topics such as: Diversion & Rapid Exit Explore strategies that help individuals and families resolve a housing crisis quickly and safely while preventing longer periods of homelessness. Continuum of Care 101 Gain a better understanding of Birmingham's homelessness response system, how services are coordinated, and how community partners fit within the Continuum of Care. Emotional Intelligence in Community-Based Work Explore how emotional intelligence, communication, and relationship-building can strengthen interactions with people experiencing homelessness and improve community-based service delivery. A Faith-Based Approach to Addressing Homelessness A conversation for faith leaders and congregations interested in understanding how the faith community can support homelessness response efforts in thoughtful, sustainable, and collaborative ways. Continuing education credit will be available for select sessions. Additional information will be provided to registered attendees. Who Should Attend? This summit is open to the Birmingham community and is especially relevant for: • Social service and nonprofit professionals • Housing and homelessness service providers • Healthcare and behavioral health professionals • Educators and students • Faith and community leaders • Government and civic leaders • Neighborhood and community organizations • Advocates and volunteers • Business and philanthropic partners • Residents interested in learning more about homelessness in Birmingham You do not have to work in homelessness services to attend. If you care about Birmingham and want to better understand how our community can support our unhoused neighbors, you are invited to be part of the conversation. Come ready to listen, learn, connect, and take what you learn back into the community.