Homelessness Prevention & Housing
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.
Our Impact
veterans, families and individuals received shelter and other stability services in 2025
reduction in veterans experiencing homelessness in Alabama since the inception of Priority Veteran in 2013
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.
Meet the Network Helping People Achieve Housing Stability
United Way of Central Alabama and our funded partner agencies connect individuals and families with resources to prevent homelessness, secure safe and stable housing, and build a more secure future. Explore the programs and organizations supporting housing stability across Central Alabama.
Aletheia House
Provides drug abuse prevention programs, treatment and affordable housing.
AIDS Alabama
provides statewide HIV/AIDS advocacy, prevention, housing and services for persons living with HIV.
Birmingham Urban League
Provides training, basic skills, job placement assistance, housing counseling services and youth development programs.
Fellowship House
Provides men’s and women’s residential recovery programs for substance use and for clients with dual disorders (psychiatric and addictional).
Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity
Works with low-income families and community partners to build quality, affordable houses.
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 financially 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
provides emergency food, clothing, financial aid, transitional housing, counseling and disaster aid in Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties.
YWCA of Central Alabama
offers childcare for homeless children, housing and childcare for low-income families, tutoring and comprehensive domestic violence services.
See Our Latest News about Homelessness Prevention & Housing
Facing Housing Instability? United Way Can Help
Having a safe, stable place to call home is essential. When an unexpected expense, health change or other challenge puts that stability at risk, figuring out where to turn can be difficult.
How Priority Veteran Supports the Journey From Housing Insecurity to Homeownership
At 67 years old, Veteran Bobby Burr is now a first-time homeowner, a milestone that reflects how far he has come since stable housing, sobriety and hope were all eluding him.
Building Skills for Independence at Central Alabama Wellness
For one Central Alabama Wellness client, greater independence now means having an apartment of his own and working toward his next goal: finding job opportunities through Central Alabama Wellness’ Individual Placement and Support Program.