JASPER, AL – Mayor Josh Gates presented the Jasper City Council with the City of Jasper Homelessness Response Framework during a work session held Monday, January 5, 2026. The Framework outlines an organized, data-driven approach to begin addressing homelessness in the community while balancing compassion, public safety, and long-term sustainability.
Homelessness is a complex challenge facing communities across Alabama and the nation. Jasper’s Framework acknowledges that no single action or entity can address the issue alone and emphasizes the need for collaboration among local government, community organizations, service providers, faith-based partners, and existing regional systems.
“Homelessness is not a challenge unique to Jasper, and it is not something that can be addressed with a single policy or quick fix,” said Mayor Josh Gates. “This Framework is about doing the work the right way, starting with data, collaboration, and a clear understanding of what resources already exist. As a City, we have a responsibility to care for our most vulnerable citizens while also ensuring public safety and creating an environment where neighborhoods, businesses, and industry can thrive. This is the beginning of a thoughtful, humane process that involves our entire community.”
The Homelessness Response Framework identifies several core areas of focus, including improving data collection, strengthening coordination through federally designated systems, aligning local community support, reviewing policies and ordinances related to public safety, and maintaining clear communication with residents and stakeholders. The Framework also establishes outcome expectations and timelines to help ensure progress is measurable and the work continues moving forward.
City officials emphasized that the Framework is intended to serve as a starting point, not a final plan. It provides structure for evaluating local needs, understanding available resources, and setting realistic deadlines that will guide future decisions and actions.
The City will continue engaging community partners, service organizations, and elected officials as this work progresses, recognizing that meaningful progress will require shared responsibility, coordination, and sustained effort.
For more information about the City of Jasper, visit jaspercity.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Tana Collins-Allred, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Jasper, at 904.383.2082 or tcollins@jaspercity.com.
Cover image by Al Blanton
