Mayor Bell announces Hurricane Harvey drive; visiting Japanese scholar praises Birmingham's neighborhood programs

Mayor William Bell told the council the city will collect relief items for residents affected by Hurricane Harvey, asking citizens to donate bottled water, canned goods, cleaning supplies and canned pet food at collection sites from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning tomorrow through Sunday.

“Starting tomorrow, the city of Birmingham will be collecting items for relief in the Houston and Southeast Texas area,” the mayor said, outlining a city-run drive and plans to coordinate transportation with other municipalities. He emphasized the need for nonperishable items and noted partners and transport arrangements are in place.

Earlier the mayor introduced Dr. Soichiro Mayama of Fukuyama City University, who said his research comparing neighborhood association programs in Japan and the United States highlighted Birmingham as “one of the strongest” cities nationally for sustainable neighborhood participation and praised the city’s programs and involvement in the National Urban Street Association (NUSA) conference.

Council members thanked the visitor, noted Birmingham’s NUSA awards record, and asked practical questions about donation logistics. The mayor’s office clarified the primary needs are bottled water and nonperishable food; clothing would be handled separately by groups such as the Red Cross.

The administration said collection points and logistics will be posted publicly and that the city would accept donations through Sunday, then coordinate with regional partners for transport to affected areas in Texas.