Baldwin County Faces Hidden Homelessness Crisis 

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala.

By Rick McCann
February 6, 2025

Baldwin County has a homelessness problem that many are not aware of.
That was the message delivered to more than 100 city and county officials, law enforcement, and others on Wednesday by the Baldwin Community Council on Homelessness.

Right now, there is an estimated 700 people in the county who are homeless, but the actual figures could be as high as 1000. The Council called it the “invisible problem” impacting the working class.

In the past few years, there’s been an increase in panhandling and in people living in tent encampments. Many seek assistance from Prodisee Pantry and area church food banks.

Michelle Hillman from the Sea Glass Initiative highlighted the surprising demographics of those affected. Many have been professionals with degrees but because of unforeseen situations they now find themselves homeless and living on the streets.
 “These are professionals in our community, and they’re just being priced out of housing, or they’ve had something tragic in their lives that affected their income, which affected their housing.”

Hillman also noted a staggering increase in homelessness, stating that there has been a 1,000% in the number of homeless individuals in Baldwin County this year compared to last year.

The Sea Glass Initiative is an organization that provides a pathway home for Baldwin County residents who are currently experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to unite the community through compassion to end and prevent homelessness by offering high-quality programs and support.

Baldwin County does offer some resources for those who are homeless including shelters and other housing, food banks and pantries, and job training programs.

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