5 ways to support Birmingham’s homeless population now
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With the recent freezing conditions and snowfall, you may be wondering how you can help Birmingham’s homeless population now. There are many amazing non-profits in our city providing essential services to vulnerable folks in our community. Here are five organizations to support to make a direct impact.
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*Note: Boutwell Auditorium will be open all day, Tuesday, Feb. 16, serving as a warming station for anyone seeking shelter from the snowy conditions, according to the City of Birmingham.
Donations can be made until 4PM. They are asking for oranges, bananas, muffins, honeybuns, trail mix, Nutri-Grain bars and other individually wrapped snacks.
The address is 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203.
1. Be a Blessing Birmingham
Be A Blessing Birmingham was created to “bring awareness to and garner community support to help make things better for the large homeless population.”
In addition to their monthly “Blessing Days” where they distribute hygiene kits and other essential items to the homeless community in downtown Birmingham, they also host Volunteer Work Days where you can help sort and pack donations for Blessing Day.
Their next Volunteer Work Day is this Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 12-2PM at Green Springs Mini Storage (626 Robert Jemison Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209). You can also drop off donations at this time.
If you’re not able to volunteer, check their site for items to donate. They have more than 10 other drop-off locations around Birmingham, as well as an Amazon Wish List you can purchase from directly.
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2. Firehouse Ministries
Firehouse Ministries’ mission is “to provide to homeless men, ages 18 and older, in the Birmingham Area a nurturing and caring environment offering supportive services that break the cycle of homelessness and empower individuals to achieve their highest potential.”
Their services include an Emergency Shelter Operation, a Day Shelter, Meals Service, Clothes Closet and more. Visit their site to find out how and what to donate, plus more ways to get involved.
3. First Light
First Light’s mission is to provide homeless women and their children “a safe and nurturing community, to encourage them to maintain dignity, to find hope, to seek opportunity, and to grow spiritually, thereby achieving their full potential.”
They offer an Emergency Shelter as well as an Overflow Emergency Shelter where they provide beds, lockers, bathrooms, laundry facilities and the essentials for women in need on any given night. They also have a Rapid Rehousing program and more long-term housing solutions for those in need.
There are countless ways to support them including advocacy, volunteering and the most impactful: donating directly or donating items from their wish list.
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4. The Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham
The Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham serves men, women, children, families and veterans in one building. They offer emergency services that include food, shelter, clothing and counseling.
If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help or shelter, call them (205.328.2420) or visit The Salvation Army Social Services Building (2015 26th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35234).
There are a few ways to donate including donating financially, donating food and donating goods and clothing.
5. Bridge Ministries
Bridge Ministries’ mission is to “prevent homelessness by providing direct emergency assistance to at-risk individuals and families in the greater Birmingham area.”
Their services include homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, veteran assistance, rent assistance, food access and more.
Donate directly via their PayPal to make an impact. Other ways to support them include volunteering your time. Read more on the ways to volunteer here.
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Support for our homeless community shouldn’t just come during the colder months. Consider setting up a recurring donation to one of these non-profits, and make sure you’re following them on social to stay updated on their efforts in the Birmingham community.
Are you a local Birmingham business or nonprofit in need of support right now? Fill out the forms below. We’ll be pulling information for future guides like this one.
