MONTGOMERY – A press conference was held Wednesday to announce the launch of ALHousingSearch.org, a free housing locator website that gives renters, landlords, housing professionals and social service providers access to real-time rental housing information. The website offers landlords, including those with critically-needed affordable and special-needs housing, a place to advertise properties at no cost, while helping renters find units that fit their specific needs. Listings can include pictures, maps, and information about nearby amenities such as parks, schools and hospitals. Features for renters include quick links to housing resources as well as rent-affordability and moving-cost calculators.
Speakers at the event included Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Jim Byard, Jr.,
Jim Byard, Jr.
Representative Patricia Todd and an esteemed group of partners from across the housing continuum. Attendees were comprised of state and local officials, representatives from housing agencies and nonprofits, property managers, real estate professionals and more. The project was developed by Disability Rights and Resources of Alabama and Socialserve.com. It was funded by the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities, a division of ADMH.
“ALHousingSearch.org will be especially helpful to prospective renters whose work and family demands leave them limited time to invest in a search for housing. This fast and easy way to locate housing information and related resources not only benefits renters, but will also be a valuable asset for property owners and a vital tool for strengthening the economic health of our communities,” said Byard. Rep. Todd added, “Alabama has long needed a centralized database of available affordable housing. ALHousingSearch.org provides the tools needed to find available housing throughout the state.”
In addition, ALHousingSearch.org will also be an invaluable tool during times of disaster, putting current housing information at the fingertips of disaster victims. Todd said, “ALHousingSearch.org sets a stellar example for disaster preparedness with a proactive approach to identifying and listing emergency rental housing. When a crisis causes housing loss in Alabama, this resource will be in place and ready to help quickly house displaced individuals.”
To search or list housing on ALHousingSearch.org, visit www.ALHousingSearch.org anytime or call the toll-free, bilingual call center at 1-877-428-8844, M-F, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. CST.
