| Jefferson County, the most populous of Alabama's 67 counties, has many assets. Its economy is thriving, and its unemployment rate is consistently below State and national levels. Its health care system is among the most sophisticated in the South. Despite these positive indicators of well-being, however, a significant number of county residents, especially those living in the city of Birmingham, have incomes that fall well below the federal poverty level.
Lawson State Community College (LSCC) in Birmingham is using Historically Black Colleges and Universities funds to create an Affordable Home Building program that is designed to help address a dual local need for both better paying jobs and decent, affordable housing. Through the program, LSCC and its partners are training 20 unemployed young adults in the home construction trade. As part of their training, program participants will build two new homes and repair six others in LSCC's neighborhood.
LSCC's target area includes approximately 20,000 households in the southwestern section of Birmingham. The target population accounts for only 3 percent of Jefferson County's population, but comprises more than one third of its public assistance caseload. Approximately 40 percent of residents lack a high school diploma or GED, and the area's unemployment rate, which is 17.9 percent, is six times greater than the county or state rate. Lack of education and training is cited by local employers as a factor that prevents them from expanding their businesses.
Housing is also a serious problem for local residents. A significant number of Birmingham's low-income households pay more than 30 percent of their gross income in rent. In addition, only 15 percent of potential first-time buyers can now afford the average home, compared with 50 percent of potential first-time buyers 10 years ago.
Project partners include the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority; the Housing Authority of Birmingham; Neighborhood Services, Inc., a local housing provider; Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity; and a variety of construction companies. The college's Center for Community Outreach and Workforce Development is coordinating the effort, assisted by LSCC's Continuing Education Program.
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