United Way of Central Alabama connects people to
help, even in the worst of times — when it’s needed most.
Some of the most urgent conditions we see in our service area are related to mental health and natural disasters. Alabama experiences an average of 90 tornadoes per year, according to national weather data sources.
United Way connects individuals to resources for support and safety in times of crisis, whether through counseling and intervention, housing assistance or access to resources and fulfillment of basic needs.
News Spotlight:
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Tornado Preparedness in Alabama: Emergency Tips & Shelter Resources
Tornado season is here—are you prepared? Learn how to stay safe with real-time weather alerts, storm shelter locations, and an emergency supply kit checklist. Plus, discover how United Way of Central Alabama can help with disaster recovery. Read more and get ready today!
Our Crisis Response & Resource Support Impact
140,044
people connected to vital resources through our partners and call centers in 2024
37,253
211 Calls in 2024
17,776
Area Agency on Aging Calls in 2024
22,866
Crisis Center Calls in 2024
Crisis Response & Resource Support Solutions
Crisis Counseling
Safety planning, emotional support and guidance on legal matters through crises such as acute mental health issues and domestic violence.
Disaster Relief
Food, clothing, shelter, mental health counseling and financial assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters.
Emergency Shelter
Immediate housing for individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, natural disasters and other crises.
Financial Assistance
Emergency financial aid for a variety of basic needs, including rent, mortgage, utilities, medical copays and childcare.
Food Assistance
Year-round access to free groceries and congregant meals through community centers, emergency shelters and programs for people of all ages.
Housing Assistance
Help for individuals and families in securing affordable, permanent housing through counseling as well as rent, mortgage and utility assistance.
Medical Resources
Forensic evidence collection for survivors of sexual assault, medical care for people with disabilities, plus screenings, dental care and more.
Mental Health Therapy
Professional mental health counseling for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, people living with substance use issues and others in need.
Transportation Assistance
Transportation to school, doctor appointments, grocery stores, community events and other locations for a variety of needs.
More News About Crisis Response & Resource Support
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211 Day: A Reminder that Help Is Just a Phone Call Away
Need help? Just dial 211. United Way’s 24/7 helpline connects people to vital resources—like food, housing, and mental health support—anytime they need it. On 211 Day, we celebrate the thousands of lives changed by a simple phone call.
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Important Information for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year, we’re sharing tips from United Way of Central Alabama partners about how to recognize and respond to domestic violence, a serious problem across our six-county footprint.
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Hurricane Helene: A Call for Support
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, caused catastrophic flooding across six southeastern states, prompting United Way of Central Alabama and partners to launch a support website for victims.
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Christian Love Pantry Serves Pell City in Tandem with Community Collaborators
Nestled between two other community service organizations in downtown Pell City, Christian Love Pantry is dedicated to providing food to people in need and answering the call during emergencies. A
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CBS 42 Features Meals on Wheels
CBS 42 reporter Amy Hybels recently highlighted how United Way Meals on Wheels goes beyond meal delivery by checking on seniors to prevent isolation and heat-related health issues.
Crisis Response & Resource Support Partners & Programs
2-1-1 of Central Alabama
connects you with information on community services and resources to meet a wide variety of needs simply by calling 2-1-1.
American Red Cross – Mid Alabama Region
assists victims of disaster and provides military emergency communications, as well as health and safety education.
Blount County Aid to Homeless Children (DHR)
provides clothing and covers extra school fees and medical and dental needs not covered by Medicaid for children in foster care.
Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center
provides food, clothing, medication and dental assistance and help for victims of disaster, domestic violence and homelessness in Chilton County.
Crisis Center
provides confidential telephone counseling, crisis and suicide intervention, services for victims of sexual assault and help for mental illness.
Daybreak – Family Resource Center of NW Alabama
provides shelter, counseling, court advocacy and a 24-hour crisis line for victims of domestic violence in Walker County.
Family Connection
provides residential shelter, counseling, school intervention and Project Safe Place/Safe Youth for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth.
Family Sunshine Center
provides services for victims of family violence, stalking, dating violence, sexual assault and sex and labor trafficking.
Pathways
provides shelter, food, clothing and a range of supportive services to homeless women and children.
Safehouse of Shelby County
provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and case management for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Salvation Army Birmingham Area Command
provides emergency food, clothing, financial aid, transitional housing, counseling and disaster aid in Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties.
Salvation Army – Walker County
provides emergency food, clothing, financial aid, lodging and disaster aid to those in need.
St. Clair County Department of Human Resources
provides emergency assistance (utilities, medicine, school supplies, rent) for families and assistance with needs for children in foster care.
Travelers Aid Society of Birmingham, Alabama
provides information and assistance to displaced travelers, as well as transportation for seniors and low-income residents to medical appointments.
YWCA of Central Alabama
offers childcare for homeless children, housing and childcare for low-income families, tutoring and comprehensive domestic violence services.