ANNISTON, AL — Emergency shelter services at Martha’s Hope: The Martha Vandervoort Center to End Homelessness will continue through July 31, 2026, after United Way of East Central Alabama announced plans to transition away from operating the shelter due to financial and operational challenges.
According to statements released by both United Way and the City of Anniston, the decision follows a review of the costs and resources required to maintain the current emergency shelter model. United Way cited the ongoing demands of funding, staffing, facility management, security, case management and volunteer coordination, along with declining operational support and increasing service needs.
City officials said they understand and support the decision, recognizing the challenges involved in sustaining emergency shelter operations. The city also expressed appreciation for United Way’s leadership and service throughout the project’s development and operation.
Martha’s Hope originated from a multi-organizational Homelessness Task Force established by the City of Anniston to address homelessness and related service needs across the region. The facility was created through partnerships involving local governments, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, faith-based groups, public safety agencies, donors and volunteers.
United Way President and CEO Shannon Jenkins described the decision as one of the most difficult the organization has faced.
“This decision was among the most difficult we have ever faced, and we did not reach it lightly,” Jenkins said. “Martha’s Hope was built on a belief that our community could respond to homelessness with compassion, and that belief has been honored every single day by the people who gave their time, their resources, and their hearts to this work.”
During its first full year of operation, Martha’s Hope served 560 individuals and families. According to United Way, the shelter provided 20,115 cumulative nights of shelter, served 40,230 meals, conducted 735 case management meetings and delivered 156 points of support through the THRiVE mental health initiative.
Shelter services will remain available through July 31 while United Way staff and community partners work directly with guests to develop individualized transition plans. Officials said each guest will be assessed to identify housing opportunities, support services, placements and other available resources based on individual circumstances and needs.
“We will not pretend this transition is simple, and we won’t lose sight of the people at the center of it,” said Martha’s Hope Program Director Kyle Bryan. “We understand that some of those we serve may remain unhoused, and that for others a placement may not be available. We grieve that, because these are not numbers to us. They are people we have come to know. We are committed to walking with each of them as far as we are able.”
City officials emphasized that homelessness remains a regional issue affecting public health, public safety, neighborhoods, businesses and emergency responders throughout Northeast Alabama. The city stated that long-term solutions will require continued collaboration among local governments, nonprofits, healthcare providers, service organizations and community stakeholders.
The City of Anniston also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring emergency shelter options remain available during dangerous weather events, including freezing temperatures and other conditions that pose risks to public health and safety.
While overnight shelter operations at Martha’s Hope are scheduled to end, United Way said its broader mission will continue through investments in youth services, healthy communities, mental health initiatives, workforce development, housing stability programs and community resiliency efforts across East Central Alabama.
Additional information regarding future plans and transition efforts is expected to be released as they are finalized.
