First Light
First Light Shelter is an emergency shelter for unhoused women located in the former Granada Hotel at 2230 4th Avenue North. In addition to shelter services, the organization carries out programs aimed at helping individuals secure housing and generally reducing homelessness in Birmingham.
The shelter program began in 1983 as a volunteer ministry of First Presbyterian Church and was originally located in the church basement. It was incorporated as a non-profit organization on March 13, 1998 with support from Bill Matthews. Pastor Eugenia Gamble led a $2.3 million fund-raising campaign to acquire the hotel, which has suffered a fire, from the City of Birmingham and to repair and renovate it for use by the organization. The new facility opened in 2000.
First Light Shelter's dormitory area has a capacity of 36 individuals, with one additional family unit and additional floor mats for use when necessary. The 4th floor houses guests unable to pursue individual housing due to mental disorders.
First Light partners with the Jefferson County Housing Authority and employs social workers to provide "Shelter Plus Care" services to clients with disabling conditions, and "Permanent Supportive Housing" services to formerly chronically unhoused individuals who have transitioned to apartments. The shelter facility also provides daytime programs, including film screenings, Bible study, and arts and crafts.
First Light was one of numerous organizations represented on the Mayor's Commission to Prevent and End Chronic Homelessness in 2007, and is a current organizational member of One Roof Alabama.
In 2024 First Light was awarded a $1 million unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott's Yield Giving.
Executive directors
- Ruth Crosby, –2021
- Sherry Webb Bray, 2021–
References
- Wright, Erica (December 19, 2019) "First Light Shelter Director Sherry Webb’s Outreach for Homeless Families." The Birmingham Times
External links
- First Light Shelter website