Urban Purpose, a Christ-centered ministry, empowers homeless and hurting individuals to reach their full potential by offering life-changing relationships & services.
Our Process
Meet.
We meet people through referrals and at the Compound, our day shelter in downtown Birmingham.
Assess.
As we get to know people, we assess their struggles, circumstances, and unique needs.
Personalize.
We develop a plan for each individual based on the unique challenges they are trying to overcome.
Our Story
Urban Purpose began in 2009 with a trip downtown.
That first day, we passed out coats, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and blankets to homeless individuals living under the I-65 bridge. We kept going back to provide firewood, meet basic physical needs, and even share meals with the folks we’d met.
In the midst of laughing over jokes and swapping stories about hard stuff, we saw that all the resources in the world are meaningless if they aren’t offered alongside true friendship. As these relationships deepened, we also became increasingly aware of the complexity of what our friends on the streets struggled to overcome.
Urban Purpose was born out of a desire to provide good options for these men and women and walk with them through the long, difficult journey of regaining control of their lives.
We’ve grown from handing out food and blankets under the bridge to providing a full range of support for marginalized men and women in Birmingham. Because of your support, we continue to support folks working to overcome trauma, addiction, and abuse.
Our Initiatives
The Compound Day Shelter
Our “home for the homeless” provides food for hungry bellies, access to wellness services, Christlike fellowship, and so much more.
BuildUP Transitional Living
Our transitional living program provides secure housing and accountability for struggling individuals to get back on their feet.
Jim McFarland has served as the Executive Director of Urban Purpose since it’s beginnings in 2009. Kathy Revis, Karen McFarland, Mike Fredrick, Steve Hancock, and Jim McFarland serve on our Board.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of our ministry partners: Shades Mountain Baptist Church, FBC Trussville, TherapySouth, Division 4 Solutions, and Durante Home Exteriors.