3 ways Birmingham can support January 12 Alabama tornado relief

The January 12th tornadoes struck at least 10 Alabama counties from Mobile in the Southern end of the state to Lawrence County in North Alabama.

“It’s amazing how people come together during these times in Alabama. Be mindful of the community that’s hurting and what they need right now, before people decide to just self deploy or send supplies, please check in with their local EMA check in and with United Way to see what these communities need right now.”

Annette Rowland, Red Cross Spokesperson 

List of Tornado Relief Organizations

Below is a preliminary list of groups who are assisting in the relief efforts.

1. United Way of Central Alabama

United Way of Selma and Dallas County are teaming up with United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) to support Selma tornado relief efforts. They jointly launched a support website today.

Visit:  www.uwca.org/selma

They also ask people to spread the word on social media by using the hashtag #UnitedForSelma

2. Red Cross

The American Red Cross of Alabama & Mississippi is helping our neighbors recover from the damages in Selma. Here’s how:

• Shelter at Selma High School: A place to stay + get a meal and emergency supplies.
  • Location: 2180 Broad St, Selma, AL 36701
• Damage assessments: Call 1-800-Red Cross or contact your local emergency management agency to schedule a damage assessment.
• Volunteer: Check out the Red Cross website for volunteer and donation opportunities.

3. Community Foundations

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is supporting the tornado efforts by asking people to donate funds and support the two local Community Foundations where the tornadoes caused damage. The two charities are:

Black Belt Community Foundation & Central Alabama Community Foundation

The Community Foundation has also posted a blog post which contains a list of charities people can support. They intend to update the list periodically. 

“Community Foundations have a unique ability to provide flexible, long-term resources in disasters like this,” said Gus Heard-Hughes, Senior Vice President of Programs. “Because they serve the local community they understand the needs of those most affected by the tornadoes and can direct resources to help meet those needs.”

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