United Way of Central Alabama believes
No one should live without a home
For about one out of every 10 households, it takes at least half of their income to pay for housing, which may be putting them at risk.
United Way offers one-on-one assistance to locate permanent housing and resources, helping people gain the knowledge and skills needed to remain financially stable.
You can help. Donate.From Combat to Community: Antonio’s Story
At just 19, Antonio survived one of the most intense battles of the Iraq War—the Battle of Najaf, also known as the Battle for the City of the Dead. After returning home with deep psychological wounds, he faced a new fight: finding stability and purpose.
Through the support of United Way’s Priority Veteran program, Antonio found housing, healing and a renewed mission—helping others navigate the path he once walked. Watch his powerful story of service, survival and giving back.
Learn More About United Way Priority Veteran Meet Our Partners in Homelessness PreventionOur Impact
9,905
clients were provided with emergency/transitional shelter (excluding disaster) in 2024
40%
reduction in veterans experiencing homelessness in Alabama since the inception of Priority Veteran in 2013
595
veterans were served in 2024
Homelessness Prevention & Housing Solutions
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing opportunities through rental units, financial aid, as well as construction and purchase of low-interest single-family homes.
Case Management
Assessing needs, planning care, coordinating services, connecting individuals to resources and offering encouragement and support.
Emergency Shelter
Immediate overnight shelter for children, adults and families experiencing homelessness or otherwise in crisis.
Homelessness Prevention
Affordable permanent housing, transitional housing, case management, foreclosure prevention counseling, substance-use treatment and job training
Housing Counseling
Multilingual, HUD-certified housing counseling services providing tools for people making decisions about housing and its challenges.
Permanent Housing
Affordable permanent housing, financial counseling for housing decisions and job- training opportunities to increase income.
Rental Assistance
Emergency financial assistance with rent, as well as representation in disputes with landlords and financial counseling.
Supportive Services
Comprehensive services, including emergency financial aid, mental health and financial counseling, groceries, congregant meals and more.
Transitional Housing
Supportive housing for individuals and families as they move toward self-sustainability and permanent housing.
Our Partners & Programs
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Meet Our Partners in Homelessness Prevention & Housing
AIDS Alabama
provides statewide HIV/AIDS advocacy, prevention, housing and services for persons living with HIV.
Aletheia House
provides drug abuse prevention programs, treatment and affordable housing.
Birmingham Urban League
provides training, basic skills, job placement assistance, housing counseling services and youth-development programs.
Family Connection
provides service for at-risk youth, including shelter, outreach counseling, runaway and homeless services and school intervention programs.
Fellowship House
provides men’s and women’s residential recovery programs for substance use and for clients with dual disorders (psychiatric and additional).
Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity
works with low-income families and community partners to build quality, affordable houses and prepares qualifying families for homeownership.
Pathways
provides shelter, food, clothing, and supportive services to homeless women and children.
Priority Veteran
works with veterans, who are homeless or at immediate risk, to secure affordable, sustainable housing and become finacially stable.
Safehouse of Shelby County
provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and case management for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Salvation Army Birmingham Area Command
offers emergency services for men, women and children, including transitional housing, counseling, food and clothing assistance.
Shelby Emergency Assistance
provides assistance in emergency situations and education for clients on how to become more self-sufficient.
YWCA of Central Alabama
offers childcare for homeless children, affordable housing and childcare for low-income families, tutoring and domestic violence services.
See Our Latest News about Homelessness Prevention & Housing
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Don’t Look Back: The Way Station Helps Young People Put Homelessness Behind Them
Pregnant, homeless, and out of options, Jane turned to The Way Station. With support from AIDS Alabama and United Way, she found housing, a job, and stability for herself and her daughter. The Way Station offers young adults facing homelessness a real path forward—through shelter, support, and a plan for lasting change.
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Fostering Feelings of Security and Confidence in Children Who Need Homes
In the matter of foster care, nothing is perhaps more important than a child feeling wanted, understood and secure. So, the process of matching children and prospective parents must be
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Pathways: A Place for Women and Children Facing Homelessness to Begin Again
Pathways, Birmingham’s longest-running agency for women and children experiencing homelessness, offers more than just shelter.
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Priority Veteran Program Expands to Florida Panhandle, Opens Pensacola Office
While Veterans Day is officially observed on November 11th, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) honors – and serves — veterans year-round through its Priority Veteran program. Supported by a
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Chilton County Nonprofit Helps Answer the Question, “What Comes After Foster Care?”
Raleigh’s Place was founded by Tim and Sharon King in 2004 as a foster home based in Chilton County. Since then, several foster-centric programs have been added to the operation,
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UWCA’s Collaboration with Fairfield Schools Gets Federal Support
United Way of Central Alabama’s Bold Goals Coalition recently secured a $2.5 million federal grant to expand its Community Schools strategy in partnership with Fairfield City Schools.