### **ALABAMA HOMELESSNESS RESOURCES** **I. Understanding Homelessness in Alabama** - **Definition:** Homelessness encompasses a range of situations, from unsheltered individuals living on the streets to those in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or staying with others temporarily due due to lack of stable housing. - **Causes:** Common factors contributing to homelessness include: - Lack of affordable housing - Poverty and unemployment - Mental health issues - Substance use disorders - Domestic violence - Lack of family or social support - Disasters - Veterans facing unique challenges after service. - **Continuum of Care (CoC):** In Alabama, as with other states, homeless assistance is largely coordinated through HUD's (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Continuum of Care programs. These are regional or local planning bodies that coordinate housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. Alabama has several CoCs covering different geographical areas. **II. How to Find Immediate Help & Resources** - **Dial 2-1-1:** This is the most crucial first step for anyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Alabama. 2-1-1 Connects Alabama is a comprehensive information and referral service that can link you to local homeless shelters, housing assistance programs, food banks, and other vital services in your specific area. - **Phone:** Dial **2-1-1** - **Website:** [https://211connectsalabama.org/](https://211connectsalabama.org/) - **Text or call:** 888-421-1266 (if 211 doesn't work for your phone) - **Contact Your Local Continuum of Care (CoC):** Each CoC has a "Coordinated Entry" system designed to assess needs and connect individuals to appropriate housing and services. Reaching out to the CoC in your area is essential. - **HUD Exchange List of Alabama CoCs and Contacts:** The HUD Exchange provides a list of CoCs and their primary contact information for homeless assistance. - AL-500: Birmingham/Jefferson, Saint Clair, Shelby Counties (Housing First, Inc.) - AL-501: Mobile City and County/Baldwin County (Housing First, Inc. / HOPE for All Gulf Coast) - AL-502: Florence/Northwest Alabama (North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless) - AL-503: Huntsville/North Alabama (North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless) - AL-504: Montgomery City and County (Montgomery Area Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. / The Hub) - AL-506: Tuscaloosa City and County (City of Tuscaloosa) - AL-507: Alabama Balance of State (Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. - ARCH) - **Find Contact Information:** You can find specific contact information for these CoCs and their lead agencies on the HUD Exchange website: [https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/homeless-help/](https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/homeless-help/) **III. Key Homeless Service Providers and Organizations (by region)** Many organizations provide direct services. Here are some prominent ones across Alabama: **A. Birmingham Area (AL-500 CoC)** - **One Roof:** The central agency for coordinated entry and a key homeless services organization in the Birmingham area. They act as the lead agency for the Birmingham/Jefferson, St. Clair, and Shelby Counties CoC. - **Phone:** (205) 254-8833 - **Website:** [https://oneroofbhm.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://oneroofbhm.org/) - **Firehouse Ministries Homeless Shelter:** Provides comprehensive services for men experiencing chronic homelessness, including meals, shelter, employment readiness, and medical respite. - **Phone:** (205) 252-9571 - **Website:** [https://firehouseshelter.com/](https://firehouseshelter.com/) - **First Light:** Offers emergency shelter and permanent housing programs for women and their children. - **Phone:** (205) 323-4277 - **Website:** [https://firstlightsol.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://firstlightsol.org/) - **Jessie's Place:** A shelter specifically for women and children. - **Phone:** (205) 323-0170 - **Website:** (Often linked through broader Birmingham area homeless directories) - **Pathways:** Empowers homeless women and children through a day center and "Stepping Stones" shelter program. - **Website:** [https://pathwayshome.org/](https://pathwayshome.org/) - **Family Promise of Birmingham:** Serves families (including those with male children over 10 or single fathers) who are experiencing homelessness. - **Phone:** (205) 918-0246 - **Website:** [https://familypromisebham.org/](https://familypromisebham.org/) - **YWCA Central Alabama (Domestic Violence Shelter):** While not exclusively homeless services, provides safe shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, which is a major cause of homelessness for women. - **24-Hour Crisis Line:** (205) 322-4878 (HURT) - **Website:** [https://ywcabham.org/end-domestic-violence/](https://ywcabham.org/end-domestic-violence/) **B. Mobile / Baldwin County Area (AL-501 CoC)** - **HOPE for All Gulf Coast (formerly Housing First, Inc.):** The lead agency for the Mobile City and County/Baldwin County CoC. Offers various housing programs, including rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing, along with case management. - **Phone:** (251) 450-3345 - **Website:** [https://hfal.org/](https://hfal.org/) - **McKemie Place:** Emergency shelter for unaccompanied women aged 18 or older in Mobile, Washington, and Baldwin counties. - **Phone:** (251) 287-2225 - **Website:** [https://mckemieplace.org/](https://mckemieplace.org/) - **Waterfront Rescue Mission:** Provides beds for men, including overnight guests and program clients. - **Address:** 279 N Washington Ave., Mobile, AL 36603 - **Phone:** (251) 433-1847 - **Website:** [https://waterfrontrescuemission.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://waterfrontrescuemission.org/) - **Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama:** Offers various services including emergency shelter (Dauphin Way Lodge for men, Family Haven for families). - **Dauphin Way Lodge (Men):** (251) 438-4729 - **Family Haven (Families):** (251) 471-0029 - **Website:** [https://salvationarmyal.org/mobile/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://salvationarmyal.org/mobile/) **C. Huntsville / North Alabama Area (AL-503 CoC)** - **North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (NACH):** Lead agency for the Huntsville/North Alabama CoC. Provides a coordinated entry system, case management, and resource referrals. - **Phone:** (256) 261-3029 - **Website:** [https://nachcares.org/](https://nachcares.org/) - **Downtown Rescue Mission:** Offers emergency shelter for men, women, and mothers with children, along with recovery programs. - **Phone:** (256) 536-2441 - **Website:** [https://www.downtownrescuemission.org/](https://www.downtownrescuemission.org/) - **Salvation Army Huntsville:** Provides shelter for men, women, and families. - **Phone:** (256) 536-5576 - **Website:** [https://salvationarmyhsv.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://salvationarmyhsv.org/) **D. Montgomery Area (AL-504 CoC)** - **The Hub: Montgomery's Consolidated Homeless Services Center:** A centralized "one-stop shop" for homeless services, offering essential services, case management, and connections to partners. - **Phone:** (334) 356-3022 - **Website:** [https://www.montgomeryal.gov/government/city-government/mayor-s-office/mayor-s-task-force-on-addressing-homelessness/consolidated-homeless-services-center](https://www.montgomeryal.gov/government/city-government/mayor-s-office/mayor-s-task-force-on-addressing-homelessness/consolidated-homeless-services-center) - **Friendship Mission Inc.:** Provides shelter and services for men, women, and families. - **Phone:** (334) 263-4770 (for main office; specific shelter numbers vary) - **Website:** [https://friendshipmission.org/](https://friendshipmission.org/) - **Montgomery Area Coalition for the Homeless (MACH):** Works to address homelessness through coordination and advocacy. - **Phone:** (334) 261-6182 - **Website:** [https://www.midalhomeless.org/](https://www.midalhomeless.org/) **E. Tuscaloosa Area (AL-506 CoC)** - **Temporary Emergency Services (TES):** Provides emergency assistance, including some short-term housing support and referrals. - **Phone:** (205) 758-5188 - **Website:** [https://tesonline.org/](https://tesonline.org/) - **Tuscaloosa Homeless Coalition:** A local collaborative working on solutions to homelessness. - **Website:** (Look for information through the City of Tuscaloosa or partner agencies like TES) **F. Alabama Balance of State (AL-507 CoC)** - **Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless (ARCH):** Serves the areas of Alabama not covered by the larger urban CoCs, focusing on rural homelessness. - **Phone:** (334) 273-0668 - **Website:** [https://archconnection.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://archconnection.org/) **IV. Specific Populations** - **Veterans Experiencing Homelessness:** - **National Homeless Veteran Call Center:** **1-877-424-3838** - **VA Medical Centers in Alabama:** Veterans can contact the VA medical center near them (e.g., Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa) and ask about the **HUD-VASH** (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program or other homeless veteran services. - **Alabama Veteran Safe Haven (Montgomery):** Offers transitional and permanent supportive housing, case management, and comprehensive services for veterans struggling with mental illness and substance use. - **Website:** [https://www.alvetsafehaven.com/](https://www.alvetsafehaven.com/) - **Volunteers of America Southeast (VOA Southeast):** Provides housing stability resources, employment support, and other services for homeless veterans in Alabama and Georgia, including transitional housing (Eagle's Landing in Mobile) and permanent housing (Valor Grove in Tuscaloosa). - **Phone (Alabama Director):** (251) 300-3968 - **Website:** [https://voase.org/services/veterans-services/](https://voase.org/services/veterans-services/) - **P.E.E.R.S. Caring Homes for Veterans (Montgomery):** Provides housing and supportive services for homeless veterans, focusing on a safe environment, mental health, and reintegration. - **Phone:** (334) 201-8706 - **Website:** [https://peersamerica.org/](https://peersamerica.org/) - **HOPE for All Gulf Coast (SSVF program):** Offers Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) in the Mobile/Baldwin area. - **Phone:** (251) 450-3345 (ask for SSVF) - **Website:** [https://hfal.org/supportive-services-for-veterans-and-families-ssvf/](https://hfal.org/supportive-services-for-veterans-and-families-ssvf/) - **Youth Homelessness:** - **Family Connection, Inc. (Birmingham):** Provides a safe environment for runaway, homeless, and youth in crisis situations (ages 12-17). - **Phone:** (205) 252-4673 (HOPE) - **Website:** (Look for information via Birmingham area social service directories) - **The Way Station (AIDS Alabama, Birmingham):** Emergency and transitional housing for young adults (19-29), some programs are for those living with HIV. - **Phone:** (205) 324-9822 - **Website:** [https://www.aidsalabama.org/housingandhomelessness](https://www.aidsalabama.org/housingandhomelessness) - **New Life Center for Change (Phenix City):** Youth shelter offering training and resources. - **Website:** (Look for information via local directories) - **Families with Children:** Many shelters and programs prioritize families, such as Family Promise chapters across the state. - **Victims of Domestic Violence:** Penelope House (Mobile), YWCA Central Alabama (Birmingham), and other domestic violence shelters provide crucial safe housing for those fleeing abusive situations. (See "AL Domestic Violence (Women)" entry). **V. Prevention and Long-Term Solutions** - **Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG):** Administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), ESG funds non-profit organizations and local governments to provide emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention (rental and utility assistance, legal aid), and essential services. - **Website:** [https://adeca.alabama.gov/esg/](https://adeca.alabama.gov/esg/) - **Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8):** Local PHAs administer public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs (Section 8), which provide affordable rental assistance to low-income individuals and families. While often having long waitlists, these are crucial for long-term housing stability. - **Find Your Local PHA:** Contact HUD (1-800-955-2232) or search online for "Public Housing Authority [Your City/County] Alabama." - **Legal Services Alabama:** Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, which can include help with eviction prevention or housing discrimination. - **Statewide Intake Hotline:** 1-866-456-4995 - **Website:** [https://legalservicesalabama.org/](https://legalservicesalabama.org/) - **Community Action Agencies:** These local non-profits often administer various anti-poverty programs, including energy assistance (LIHEAP), and sometimes offer emergency rental or utility assistance that can help prevent homelessness. - **Find Your Local Agency:** Search "Community Action Agency [Your County] Alabama." If you're looking for resources to assist with homelessness in Alabama, here’s a list of services and organizations that provide shelter, financial assistance, and other forms of support: --- ### **1. Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless (ARCH)** - **Purpose**: Statewide organization coordinating efforts to address homelessness. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **334-819-0126** - **Website**: [archconnection.org](http://www.archconnection.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelters and transitional housing. - Resources for permanent housing placement. - Assistance with benefits and job training. --- ### **2. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Alabama** - **Purpose**: Federal program supporting affordable housing and homelessness prevention. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **877-424-3838** (Homeless Hotline) - **Website**: [hud.gov](https://www.hud.gov) - **Services**: - Continuum of Care (CoC) programs to combat homelessness in Alabama. - Referrals to shelters and housing assistance programs. --- ### **3. Salvation Army of Alabama** - **Purpose**: Provides shelters and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: Check local chapters through [salvationarmyusa.org](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org). - **Locations**: Operates shelters and housing services in cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery. - **Services**: - Emergency shelter and meal programs. - Transitional housing and case management. --- ### **4. United Way of Central Alabama** - **Purpose**: Connects individuals to housing and homelessness resources. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **2-1-1** or **205-251-5131** - **Website**: [uwca.org](https://www.uwca.org) - **Services**: - Referrals to shelters and housing programs. - Financial assistance for rent and utilities. --- ### **5. First Stop (Huntsville)** - **Purpose**: Focuses on ending homelessness in the Huntsville area through outreach and support. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **256-533-3391** - **Website**: [firststop.org](https://firststop.org) - **Services**: - Case management and advocacy. - Access to housing, healthcare, and employment services. --- ### **6. One Roof (Birmingham)** - **Purpose**: Coordinates homelessness services in Central Alabama. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-254-8833** - **Website**: [oneroofonline.org](https://www.oneroofonline.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelter referrals. - Advocacy and education about homelessness. --- ### **7. Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV)** - **Purpose**: Provides shelter and support for individuals facing homelessness due to domestic violence. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-800-650-6522** (24/7 Hotline) - **Website**: [acadv.org](http://www.acadv.org) - **Services**: - Emergency shelter for survivors. - Legal and counseling services. --- ### **8. Local Homeless Shelters** - **Contact**: Use **2-1-1 Connect Alabama** to locate shelters near you. - **Website**: [211connectsalabama.org](https://www.211connectsalabama.org) - **Examples**: - **Firehouse Ministries (Birmingham)**: **205-252-9571** - **Home Sweet Home (Mobile)**: **251-441-1991** --- ### **9. Legal Assistance** - **Alabama Legal Help**: - **Website**: [alabamalegalhelp.org](https://www.alabamalegalhelp.org) - Provides legal aid for eviction prevention and tenant rights. --- ### **10. Veterans Homelessness Resources** - **VA Homeless Programs in Alabama**: - **Phone**: **1-877-424-3838** (Veterans Crisis Line) - **Website**: [va.gov/homeless](https://www.va.gov/homeless) - **Services**: - Supportive housing for homeless veterans. - Access to healthcare and employment programs. --- ### **Steps to Access Help** 1. **Call 2-1-1**: Get connected with local resources tailored to your area. 2. **Contact a Shelter or Outreach Program**: Use ARCH or local organizations to find immediate housing. 3. **Apply for HUD Assistance**: Explore long-term housing solutions through federal programs. 4. **Seek Legal Help**: If facing eviction, Alabama Legal Help can assist with your rights and protections. Let me know if you’d like more detailed assistance with any of these resources!