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. In 2023 alone, there were more than 850 deaths by suicide in our six-county region. And Alabama experiences about 63 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.
Crisis Response & Resource Support News Spotlight:
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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.
Our Crisis Response & Resource Support Impact
164,574
people connected to vital resources through our partners and call centers in 2023
28,503
2-1-1 Calls in 2023
18,510
Area Agency on Aging Calls in 2023
28,255
Crisis Center Calls in 2023
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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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.
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Stopping the Cycle of Child Abuse Starts with Coming Forward
It’s not always easy to hold the attention of kids in a classroom. But child advocacy workers from Blount County Children’s Center (BCCC) are committed to getting their message across.
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UWCA Grants Will Help Community Projects Flourish in Chilton, St. Clair and Walker Counties
Laura Wilson, a fifth-grade science teacher in Pell City, has nurtured her children alongside the Pell City Gateway Community Garden, supported by United Way of Central Alabama’s Community Project Grants.
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United Way Event Helps Seniors Fight Fraud and Stay a Step Ahead of Scammers
FBI Agent Matt Tootle spoke to more than 150 local seniors at the 2024 Fraud Summit in Hoover, hosted by UWCA’s Area Agency on Aging during Older Americans Month.
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.