United Way of Central Alabama believes
No one should live without a home
On any given night in 2023, however, there were at least 847 people experiencing homelessness in four of our six counties. And, 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.
News Spotlight:
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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
Homelessness Prevention & Housing Impact
9,905
clients were provided with emergency/transitional shelter (excluding disaster) in 2024
40%
reduction in veterans experiencing homelessness in Alabama over the last 10 years
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.
More News about Homelessness Prevention & Housing
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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.
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Empowered by Volunteering: Women United Members Take Satisfaction in Doing the Good Work of Habitat for Humanity
Tara Stowe and other members of Women United recently volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham, helping to build a home in Bessemer.
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Arc of Shelby County Marks Its 50th Year of Helping Individuals Live Their Fullest Lives
March marks National Developmental Disability Month and the 50th anniversary of the Arc of Shelby County. United Way of Central Alabama is celebrating by highlighting the work of ASC, the Arc of Central Alabama, and the Arc of Walker County.
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$4.2M Federal Grant Will Help Us House Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
United Way Priority Veteran has received a record $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, marking a significant boost in support for its mission to help homeless veterans in Alabama.
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION & HOUSING PARTNERS & PROGRAMS

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.