The City of Mobile is looking to expand its response to homelessness after city leaders approved applying for a $200,000 grant.
On Tuesday, the Mobile City Council authorized Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis to apply for a U.S. Department of Justice grant that would strengthen the city’s homeless outreach efforts. The grant would require no local matching funds if awarded.
“What we know is that we need a more robust response to our, you know, unhoused population,” Cheriogotis said.
The city’s homeless outreach team currently consists of two dedicated staff members who work alongside police officers, nonprofit organizations and community partners to connect people with shelter, food, health care and other services.
“I think we also have to look at the people who don’t necessarily want those services and what that means for us as a city and them as individuals,” Cheriogotis said.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, District 2 Councilwoman Samantha Ingram praised the outreach team’s work but questioned whether two people are enough to meet the community’s needs. “What are we going to do this year to make a difference? Again, when you think about a team of two, led by Dr. Young, is that really enough to do the work that needs to be done here in Mobile?” Ingram asked.
Cheriogotis said while the team is small, its reach extends beyond its two staff members. “They work in conjunction with our nonprofit partners out there, our community partners, our police department, so many others. So, they’re working with a much larger team than two. But still, you know, I think we can beef up what we’re doing,” he said.
The discussion also turned to panhandling, with Cheriogotis saying the city is exploring additional ways to address safety concerns. “We do not want to limit people’s rights to free speech, but when it’s causing unsafe situations — people walking in and out of traffic, coming up closely into someone’s window or vehicle — these are problems,” he said. The mayor has also encouraged residents who want to help people experiencing homelessness to donate through local organizations rather than giving cash directly to panhandlers.
Tuesday’s vote only authorizes the mayor to apply for the grant. If the city is selected, it would receive $200,000.