Jonathan McKinney, longtime homebuilder and founder of AIP Construction, is using his platform to raise awareness about the growing strain on foster families and under-resourced support spaces in Alabama. Drawing on years of volunteer work through Church of the Highlands, Jonathan McKinney is urging everyday citizens to take simple, direct action in their own communities.
“We’re not talking about huge things. Just needs that often go unseen,” McKinney says. “One year, a foster family I knew had more children than bedrooms. So we built a room. That changed what was possible for them. It’s not a government fix. It’s neighbors helping neighbors.”
According to Alabama’s Department of Human Resources, there are over 5,700 children in foster care statewide. Many families are willing to open their homes, but lack the space or resources. In addition, visitation rooms—where children meet with biological parents—are often underfunded and poorly maintained, creating stressful environments for already fragile interactions.
“That’s why we remodeled a DHR visitation space,” McKinney explains. “It needed warmth. A couch. Some color. We made it feel human again.”
These projects aren’t one-offs. McKinney and a team of volunteers lead a new service initiative every July. In past years, they’ve:
-
Refurbished church basements for student groups near the University of Alabama
-
Painted cabins at a rehabilitation facility
-
Built extra rooms for overburdened foster homes
All of these projects are paid for out-of-pocket and staffed with volunteers.
“You don’t need a nonprofit or a grant to do this,” McKinney says. “You just need to see a need and say, ‘Let’s fix that.’”
While his business, AIP Construction, keeps him busy year-round, McKinney emphasizes that meaningful impact doesn’t require spare time—just a mindset.
“Everyone has skills. Everyone has something they can offer. Start with what’s right in front of you.”
He’s hoping more community leaders, churches, and small business owners will look for similar needs in their areas—whether it’s rehabbing a shelter, donating time to local schools, or supporting families in crisis.
“You don’t have to do everything. But you can do something. And that matters.”
Why It Matters
-
Over 5,700 children are currently in Alabama’s foster care system
-
Only about half of counties in Alabama have enough foster homes to meet demand
-
Many DHR visitation rooms are unrenovated, despite being central to family reunification plans
-
Studies show environmental quality significantly impacts outcomes for children in crisis
Identify a need. Make a plan. Rally your people. Build something that lasts.
Whether you’re a builder, a teacher, or a parent—your time and effort can help families stay connected and supported. Jonathan McKinney invites you to look around your community and ask one question:
“What’s something we can fix right now?”
Media Contact
Contact Person: Joanthan McKinney
Email: Send Email
City: Tuscaloosa
State: Alabama
Country: United States
Website: https://www.jonathanmckinneyconstruction.com/
