How to support Birmingham area shelters during harsh winter weather

This week, Birmingham is experiencing rare below-freezing temperatures and dangerously icy roads. Here are a few ways you can donate or volunteer to help local shelters prepare for the weather.

(See also: How to prepare for cold weather in Birmingham)

City of Birmingham warming stations

When severe winter weather strikes, unhoused citizens are the most at risk. As a result, the City of Birmingham’s warming station is now open 24-hours. Located at the BJCC East Ballroom, it will be open through Thursday, January 18 at 7AM.

• Location: 1100 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35234

Want to make a donation? Before 3PM today, January 16, you can drop off donations to any Homewood Fire Station and they will be delivered to the BJCC warming station.

Here is a list of supplies needed:

• Bottled water
• Blankets
• Single-serve snacks + soft fruits (cereal, snack bars, chips, bananas, fruit cups)

Donate or volunteer with local shelters

The Birmingham area is full of shelters that provide the unhoused and low-income community with necessities such as food, water and shelter. Amidst dangerously low temperatures, it is even more imperative for shelters to be stocked up on both supplies and volunteers.

If you’re interested in making a donation or volunteering, check out this list of local shelters:

• Jimmie Hale Mission
• The Firehouse Shelter
• The Foundry
• Family Connection Youth Shelter
• Family Promise of Birmingham
• First Light Emergency Center
• Pathways Emergency Shelter
• SafeHouse of Shelby County
• Salvation Army Men’s Shelter
• Salvation Army Women’s Center
• The Way Station
• YWCA Interfaith Hospitality House Shelter

Spending some time in the Huntsville area? Here’s where you can give to those in need.

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