How to help people who are houseless this winter

Be a Blessing Birmingham
Volunteers serving a meal at Linn Park during Be a Blessing Day. Photo via Be a Blessing Birmingham’s Facebook page

With colder weather approaching, it’s important to be a friend to the community especially towards those who are houseless. We’ve gathered some places and things you can do that will help a person in need.

Be a Blessing

helping the houseless
Be a fiend. Photo via Be a Blessing

Be a Blessing Birmingham’s mission is to help our houseless neighbors. Be on the lookout for any events they may be hosting by following their Facebook.

You’re welcome to volunteer. Be a Blessing will be giving out care packages and hosting occasional meals, so our houseless neighbors can stay warm and full.

Downtown Jimmie Hale Mission

help the houseless
Be a friend this winter. Photo via Jimmie Hale Mission

Jimmie Hale brings hope to houseless people through recovery, spirituality and mental services. They have active recovery services and learning centers that help people get back on track.

You can help Jimmie Hale get to their goal of giving 9,000 meals this winter. Give the gift of inspiration!

One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat is a coat drive that gives people coats and blankets so they can keep warm this winter. Donate a new or gently worn coat at Eddie Bauer The Outlet Shops of Grand River and you can get $10 off your purchase in the store.

  • Location: 6200 Grand River Blvd E, Suite 118-G Leeds AL 35094

Birmingham Mutual Aid

What’s mutual aid? Basically, it’s the practice of caring for your community. Stay up to date on how to donate, volunteer and help your neighbors by following Birmingham Mutual Aid on social.

One of the things to help houseless people is by donating $5 to Birmingham Mutual Aid’s non-perishable food pantry. Every dollar creates an impact!

Food Banks

community food bank of central alabama
CFBCA may be coming to your community this month. Photo via Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

There are loads of food banks across Alabama that serve the community. Here are a few food banks you can bring non-perishable (canned veggies + tuna, pasta, peanut butter, etc.):

Where to go if it’s freezing out

Mayor Woodfin Birmingham
Mayor Randall Woodfin greeting a visitor to the Warming Station at the BJCC on Christmas Day, 2017. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

If you find yourself in need of transitional housing, you can visit these shelters around Birmingham. It’s free and they’ll provide you with the services you need.

  • Athenia House: 201 Finley Avenue West, Birmingham, AL 35201
  • Birmingham PATH Center: 409 21st Street N Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Fellowship House: 1625 12th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205

BONUS: How you can get a food box from the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.

Have a food bank or shelter you want to include? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow.

Summer Guffey
Summer Guffey

Art enthusiast and expert on all things tea.

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