New Habitat Homes Celebrate First Families at North Roebuck YMCA

The North Roebuck YMCA has officially opened its doors to families in need, unveiling the first three Habitat for Humanity homes on its campus just in time for Christmas 2025. The Taylor, Byner, and Jordan families are the inaugural residents, marking a significant milestone in a project aimed at providing affordable housing in the Birmingham area.

Arielle Taylor, one of the new homeowners, expressed her excitement about celebrating the festive season in her new home. “It went very well,” she noted, highlighting her ability to set up a Christmas tree and move in all her belongings in time for the holiday. The Byner family, who also received keys to their home shortly before Christmas, shared their joy, with family member Byner stating, “She got everything she asked for… and a new house.”

The new neighborhood is part of a larger initiative by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham, which plans to build a total of 22 homes behind the renovated YMCA. This project represents a collaborative effort to address not only housing needs but also broader health disparities and inequities in the community.

Dan Pile, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling these challenges. He stated, “We recognize we can’t do all of it ourselves. We gathered together like-minded partners to address these inequities that no one can handle themselves.” This collaboration includes various non-profit organizations aimed at improving access to early learning, affordable housing, pediatric care, mental health services, and nutrition.

For families like the Byner family, the new home has provided a fresh start. “I was staying with my mom in Pinson,” Byner recalled, reflecting on her journey to homeownership. Her daughter expressed gratitude, saying, “Mommy, you’re the best mommy.”

The neighborhood not only signifies a new chapter for these families but also embodies a community-driven solution to pressing social issues. As the residents prepare to enter 2026, they are doing so with hope and the promise of a better future in their new homes.