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Alabama’s FREE Housing Locator Service

Overview• Free, real-time, statewide housing locator service

• Available online 24-7

• Supported by a toll-free, bilingual call center M-F, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT

• Detailed property listings include pictures, map links, accessibility features and much more

• Listings are continually updated by the call center and a system of email reminders

• Service is 508 compliant – screen reader users can navigate site independently

Since 2003, Socialserve.com has provided swift response for disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, tornados in Georgia, wildfires in California and Colorado, historic 2011 floods in Pennsylvania, and most recently, Superstorm Sandy and the devastating floods in Colorado.

•During and after a crisis, Socialserve.com is mobilized to re-house victims as rapidly as possible and help affected regions utilize emergency funding and resources• •Socialserve.com keeps housing information up to date, meaning the service is ready to serve before disaster strikes •Trained, experienced call center staff do compassionate intake and referral for victims and deliver personalized search results for shelter options and relief services

Disaster Response

Disaster Response (cont’d)• Special Disaster Outreach Team conducts concentrated outreach to

bolster listings in designated areas 

• Administers housing support to emergency management agencies and regional coordinators

• Activates listings of manufactured housing communities and trailer pads to help stand up temporary housing units

• Posts messages, shelter lists and other critical alerts on websites

• Prepares media releases and PSAs to alert communities to this centralized housing resource and conducts outreach to key public affairs personnel in affected areas

Disaster Response (cont’d)

• Temporary and short-term lease options available

• Disaster Tab could be added to homepage for easy visibility

Housing units serving Special Needs Populations

Reports

• Before, during, after

• Daily during an event: vital to share current information

• Available units by county, available trailer pads by county, newly listed units, etc.

Current Inventory

Approximately 23,000 units statewide

Website Traffic Jan 2013 – Present

• FREE to search online at www.ALHousingSearch.org or through a toll-free call center at 1-877-428-8844

• Searches are ANONYMOUS; no information required to locate listings

• Listings are up to date; don’t waste time on rented properties

• Search by Section 8 or VASH Voucher, rent and bedroom/bath amount; search near work, school and public transportation

• Easy-to-use search tools to find listings to meet specific needs

• Listings are detailed with interactive map links

For Consumers

• List properties for FREE in detail with up to 10 pictures, eligibility requirements, amenities and more

• Log in online to update, add or remove listings in real time, or call toll-free call center for live assistance

• Remove properties immediately when rented to receive fewer unwanted calls

• Inventory tools & search analytics also available to track property visits

• “Online classifieds posting generator” helps landlords increase reach of listings

For Landlords

1. Choose a city or

county

Searching

Search online or call toll-

free call center

2. Choose a search Basic,

Advanced or Accessible

Searching

3. Listing

sSift through listings, sort,

save to shopping

cart...

Searching

• View all properties on a map

• Conduct a “proximity” search from the map

• Results include landlord contact information

• Search anonymously: personal tenant information is never required

Searching

Median Family Income-Rent CalculatorHelping tenants search for housing based on a rent they can afford

Quick link to see available housing at or under 30% of the searcher’s income

More Tools

• Connecting tenants with housing

• Helping landlords add and update listings

• No limits on call times so callers receive as much assistance as they need

• Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Central

• 1.877.428.8844 and TTD/TTY: 7-1-1

Toll-Free Call Center

 for more information and

free trainings for staff

Sheila Roberts Crystal Kirby

sroberts@socialserve.comcrystal@socialserve.com

877-428-8844 x185 877-428-8844 x111

Contact Us