City of Mobile fills new position aimed to help the homeless

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — The City of Mobile has filled a new position aimed at helping those experiencing homelessness.

Kendell Young is joining the City of Mobile as a Homeless Outreach Coordinator.

Young, who has worked at Waterfront Rescue Mission and Housing First, Inc., brings more than a decade of experience working with Mobile’s homeless population to the new role, according to a city press release.

In his new position, Young will work alongside local organizations and community partners to do the following:

• Partner with the Department of Public Safety to launch a Homeless Outreach Team using officers from the Mobile Police Department: Engage with the city’s homeless population to build trust and offer support and community resources to the homeless population

• Collaborate with community partners (including AltaPointe, the Mobile County Health Department, and Housing First ): Address matters related to mental health and substance abuse, emergency shelter needs, transitional housing, and public health

• Work with nonprofit services (Waterfront Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, McKemie Place, Ransom Ministries, and others): Understand the state of homelessness in the city and its contributing factors to understand how to best serve those affected.

“Kendell’s experience and passion make him an ideal candidate for this critical role,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “His unique experience and established relationships will help us foster stronger ties and greater coordination with the local organizations and individuals already working to mitigate and prevent homelessness in Mobile.”

The release added, “Bringing Young on to the staff represents a significant step forward in the City of Mobile’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and more effective approach to homelessness.”

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