Need a Hand? Birmingham Has Your Back.

Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

Regional food bank that supplies free food to a network of partner pantries, meal programs and mobile distributions across 12 central Alabama counties, including Jefferson and Shelby. It does not hand out food to individuals at its warehouse.

Use the Find Food map on the website to locate the nearest free distribution, and call the partner site first because times can change. For an emergency food need, the food bank points people to 2-1-1 or 1-888-421-1266.

Firehouse Ministries Meals Program

Daily hot meal service in downtown Birmingham, open to the wider community of people experiencing homelessness, not just shelter residents.

Lunch is served every day at 11:30 a.m. and is open to anyone experiencing homelessness. The 7:30 p.m. dinner is for men staying in the emergency shelter.

Grace Klein Community

Food rescue nonprofit that runs free drive thru grocery distributions at several sites around Birmingham, Hoover, Bessemer and Calera. No appointment is needed.

The Liberty Church Birmingham drive thru is open Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Other sites, including Royal Divinity Ministries in Wylam on Saturday mornings, are listed on the contact page.

Greater Birmingham Ministries

Interfaith service organization in North Birmingham running an emergency food assistance program for working families, seniors, and people who have lost hours, wages or housing.

Food day is the third Friday of each month, when staff distribute grocery bags plus fresh fruit and vegetables in a drive up line. Call ahead to confirm.

Independent Presbyterian Church Community Ministries

Church based food ministry in Highland Park offering a food pantry, outdoor Blessing Boxes, weekend snack bags for local students, and Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors and disabled residents.

The Blessing Boxes outside the Community Ministries office hold canned goods, hygiene products and water, and neighbors use them from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Call about food pantry access.

Urban Ministry

Faith based nonprofit in the West End neighborhood whose WE Care program provides shelf stable food and dietary staples at no charge to families, along with case management and senior services.

Office open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call first to ask about current food co-op days.

Firehouse Ministries

Downtown emergency shelter and day center for men experiencing homelessness, with case management, job and literacy support, medical respite care, and permanent supportive housing.

The day shelter, with showers, laundry, lockers, toiletries and a weekly doctor visit, is open 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, plus inclement weather days.

First Light

Emergency shelter and permanent housing programs for homeless women and their children in Birmingham, including help connecting to healthcare, counseling and job training.

If you need emergency shelter, call 205-323-4277. There is no fee for services.

Jessie's Place, Jimmie Hale Mission

Residential center for homeless women and children, housing up to 30 people, with medical, dental, mental health, legal, education, parenting and childcare support.

No cost to clients. Call 205-323-0170 to ask about becoming a client.

Jimmie Hale Mission, Shepura Men's Center

Shelter and meals for men experiencing homelessness, plus a longer term recovery, education and job readiness program. All services are provided at no cost.

No cost to clients. Overnight shelter and warming stations are available; call for current availability.

One Roof

The federally designated Continuum of Care for homelessness in Jefferson, St. Clair and Shelby counties. It runs coordinated entry, the single front door for getting assessed and connected to shelter and housing programs, and does street outreach.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The website also has a help contact form for people who need housing assistance.

The Salvation Army Center of Hope

Emergency shelter serving men, women, children, families and veterans at a single location in Birmingham, along with food, clothing and case work.

Call ahead about bed availability.

YWCA Central Alabama

Runs confidential emergency shelters for women and children fleeing domestic violence, plus the Interfaith Hospitality House for two parent families, single mothers with sons age 10 and older, and single fathers with custody. Also provides safety planning, counseling, legal help and housing services.

The crisis line, 205-322-4878, is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The main office line is 205-322-9922, answered Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shelter locations are confidential and office visits are by appointment.

211 Connects Alabama

Free information and referral line run locally by United Way of Central Alabama. Operators connect callers to food, shelter, rent and utility help, healthcare, mental health support, employment, and services for seniors, children and veterans.

Dial 2-1-1, call toll free 1-888-421-1266, or text 898-211. Hearing impaired callers can dial 7-1-1 and ask to be connected to 2-1-1. The central Alabama office covers Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, Cullman and Walker counties.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The national three digit line for anyone in emotional distress, thinking about suicide, or worried about someone else. Trained counselors listen, help with safety, and connect callers to resources.

Call or text 988 at any hour. It is free and confidential. LGBTQ+ callers under 25 can press 3 when calling or text PRIDE to reach counselors trained for those calls.

Craig Crisis Care Center

Alabama's Region II crisis care center, run by JBS Mental Health Authority. It is a short term place for rapid stabilization for people actively in a mental health or substance use crisis, and connects them to ongoing inpatient or outpatient care.

For people age 19 and older. A sliding fee schedule is used and no one is denied services because they cannot pay. Call before going, since hours are not published on the website.

Crisis Center, Inc. Crisis and Suicide Line

Free, confidential telephone crisis counseling for anyone in central Alabama, whether the caller is suicidal or simply needs someone to talk to. Counselors also help with basic needs, relationships, substance use and depression.

Answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Serves Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties. The agency also runs a Youth Talk Line at 205-328-5465 and a Senior Talk Line at 205-328-8255.

JBS Mental Health Authority

The community mental health center for Jefferson, Blount and St. Clair counties, offering outpatient and day treatment, case management, children's services, residential services, peer support and deaf services.

A sliding fee schedule is used and no one is denied services because they cannot pay. The Brief Psychiatric Care Clinic at 1230 3rd Avenue South takes self referrals at 205-545-8420, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rape Response, Crisis Center, Inc.

Support line and advocacy program for survivors of sexual violence, including forensic nurse exams, evidence collection, preventive medication and STI testing, advocacy through police reports and court, counseling and support groups.

Answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving Jefferson, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties. Services are free. Exams are generally available within 72 hours of an assault, with exceptions up to 120 hours.

Alabama Regional Medical Services, Northern Health Center

Federally qualified health center serving the greater Birmingham area since 1983, with adult medical care, gynecology, nutrition counseling, dental services and a pharmacy.

A sliding fee discount program is open to patients with or without insurance; you need an application plus proof of income from the last 30 days. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, closed noon to 1 p.m.

Cahaba Medical Care, West End

Federally qualified health center offering primary care, pediatrics, women's health, prenatal care, mental health and dental services in the West End neighborhood.

Sliding fee scale for uninsured patients. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, closed 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.

Christ Health Center

Federally qualified health center in Woodlawn offering medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services to uninsured and underinsured patients of all ages.

Sliding fee scale based on income; bring proof of income. Open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dental line is 205-380-9446. Additional clinics in Chalkville and at Live Oaks.

Cooper Green Mercy Health Services

Jefferson County's public health system, affiliated with UAB, offering primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, radiology, oncology and a pharmacy to county residents regardless of ability to pay.

Serves Jefferson County residents regardless of ability to pay. Appointments: 205-930-3350. Primary care and specialty clinics are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; urgent care 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; enrollment 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jefferson County Department of Health, Central Health Center

County public health clinic providing family planning, pediatric care, sexual health and STI services, PrEP, hepatitis C and tuberculosis care, immunizations and WIC.

Open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most services ask for proof of identity, residency and income, or Medicaid or ALL Kids coverage. The Eastern Health Center in Roebuck and the Western Health Center in Midfield use the same clinic phone number.

M-POWER Ministries Health Center

Free clinic providing primary medical and dental care to uninsured adults in Birmingham, alongside adult education programs.

For uninsured adults ages 19 to 64. Check in on Tuesday and Thursday between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., first come first served. Bring a photo ID and proof of household income.

Alabama Goodwill Industries

Operates thrift stores around the Birmingham area that sell low cost clothing, shoes, and household goods to the general public. Store revenue funds the organization's job training and employment services.

Birmingham store hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank

Distributes free diapers and wipes to families in Birmingham and the surrounding counties, both from its downtown location and through more than 40 partner pantries, clinics, schools, and churches.

Diapers are handed out at the downtown Changing Station on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. while supplies last. Call ahead to check sizes.

Community Furniture Bank

Collects donated furniture, appliances, linens, and kitchen goods and passes them on at no charge to Birmingham area households setting up a home, including families recovering from a house fire, domestic violence, or homelessness. Staff can deliver items.

A referral is required. Requests are submitted through the website and staff call back during business hours to schedule.

Firehouse Ministries Clothes Closet

Provides free clothing, shoes, coats, socks, and toiletries to men experiencing homelessness in downtown Birmingham, including interview clothes for those looking for work.

Items are distributed Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

King's Home Thrift

Thrift stores in Homewood and Pinson selling low cost clothing, furniture, and household items. Proceeds support King's Home shelters for youth, women, and mothers with children leaving abuse, homelessness, or neglect.

A second Birmingham area store is at 4496 Center Point Road, Pinson, AL 35126, phone (205) 683-0500. Store hours are not published online, so call before going.

The Salvation Army Birmingham Area Command

Provides emergency shelter at its Center of Hope along with food, clothing, and help with utility bills, rent, prescriptions, and transportation for people in crisis. Serves men, women, children, families, and veterans.

Social services hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The emergency assistance line is (205) 328-4536.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham

Matches children and teens with screened adult volunteer mentors and supports each match over time. Parents and guardians can enroll a child through the agency.

Childcare Resources

Nonprofit child care resource and referral agency that helps families find child care, provides parent education, and connects low income working families with child care financial assistance. The referral service is free.

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In person visits are by appointment only, so call first.

Jefferson County Senior Services

County government division offering round trip transportation to senior centers, information and referral, geriatric case management, memory screenings, health workshops, and an incontinence supply program.

Most programs serve county residents age 60 and older. The incontinence supply program serves people 55 and older with income below the federal poverty guidelines.

Meals on Wheels of Jefferson County

Delivers meals to homebound older adults across Jefferson County, with a wellness check from the volunteer who brings each meal.

Open to Jefferson County residents age 60 and older. To apply, call 1-800-243-5463 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Caregivers can also make a referral.

United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County

The designated area agency on aging for Jefferson County. Its Aging and Disability Resource Center gives free information and help with Medicare counseling, prescription assistance, caregiver support, legal assistance, homemaker and personal care, and nutrition programs.

Serves older adults, people of any age with disabilities, and caregivers. Walk in or by appointment Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

United Way of Central Alabama 2-1-1

Free and confidential information and referral helpline that connects callers to food, housing, utility assistance, health care, and other local services. Covers Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, Cullman, and Walker counties.

Dial 211 or call (888) 421-1266. Callers who are hearing impaired can dial 711 and ask to be connected to 211.

Catholic Family Services

Counseling and child welfare agency of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham offering individual, child, adolescent, couples, and family counseling along with psychiatric evaluation. It serves people of all denominations.

The agency states that no one is refused services because of an inability to pay its fees.

Christian Service Mission

Faith based nonprofit that gathers donated goods and volunteer labor and channels them through Birmingham churches and neighborhood nonprofits to families in need.

Assistance is generally arranged through a partner church or nonprofit. Call to ask which partner serves your neighborhood.

Jimmie Hale Mission

Christian rescue mission providing emergency shelter, meals, addiction recovery programs, adult education, medical and dental care, and housing help. The Shepura Men's Center serves homeless men and Jessie's Place serves women and children.

Jessie's Place, for women and children, is at 2305 5th Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203, phone (205) 323-0170. Intake hours are not published, so call first.

The Foundry Ministries

Christian recovery ministry in Bessemer offering long term addiction recovery programs, job training, and transitional housing for men and women. It also runs the Ward Dining Hall and a set of thrift stores.

The Ward Dining Hall is at 608 18th Street North, Bessemer. Office hours begin at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays.

The Lovelady Center

Faith based recovery and transitional program in East Lake serving women and their children, with housing, addiction recovery, education, and job readiness support.

A second location is at 2402 Old Springville Road, Birmingham. Call the main line to ask about intake.