Alabama Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Alabama.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 5.1 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 4,601 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- Homelessness Rate: One of 13 states with less than 10 homeless individuals per 10,000 residents
- Unsheltered Rate: Approximately 59% of Alabama's homeless population is unsheltered (2024)
- Major Urban Centers: Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Huntsville
- Primary Challenges: Mental health service gaps, substance use disorders, economic hardship
Emergency Contact Numbers
Alabama Crisis Hotline
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
2-1-1 Alabama
Dial 2-1-1
Available 24/7 for resource referrals
Mental Health Support
(800) 950-6264
NAMI Helpline, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 650-6522
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Alabama based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Alabama:
Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama
City: Mobile
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, recovery programs
Restrictions: Some programs gender-specific
Phone: (251) 438-1625
Address: 1009 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604
Hours: 24/7
Firehouse Shelter
City: Birmingham
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, healthcare
Restrictions: Men only
Phone: (205) 252-9571
Address: 626 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Intake 2pm-6pm daily
Downtown Rescue Mission
City: Huntsville
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, clothing, recovery programs
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men and women/children
Phone: (256) 536-2441
Address: 1400 Evangel Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL 35816
Hours: 24/7
McKemie Place
City: Mobile
Services: Emergency shelter for unaccompanied women
Restrictions: Women only, 18 years or older
Phone: (251) 287-2225
Areas Served: Mobile, Washington, and Baldwin counties
Hours: Intake hours vary
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Alabama:
Feeding the Gulf Coast
Area Served: South Alabama
Services: Food distribution through partner agencies
Requirements: None for many programs
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Area Served: Central Alabama
Services: Food pantries, mobile markets
Requirements: None for most services
Loaves and Fishes
City: Montgomery
Services: Hot meals served daily, no questions asked
Requirements: None
Phone: (334) 263-3784
Address: 219 Commerce St., Montgomery, AL 36104
Hours: Lunch 11:30am-1pm Monday-Friday
Food Bank of North Alabama
Area Served: North Alabama
Services: Food distribution, SNAP assistance
Requirements: None for emergency food
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Alabama:
Cahaba Medical Care
Area Served: Central Alabama
Services: Primary care, behavioral health, sliding scale fees
Requirements: None; serves insured and uninsured
Mercy Medical Clinic
City: Dothan
Services: Free primary care for uninsured, low-income residents
Requirements: No insurance, income verification
Phone: (334) 702-2110
Address: 2949 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301
Hours: Varies, by appointment
The Beacon Clinic
City: Birmingham
Services: Basic medical care, mental health services
Requirements: Homeless or recently homeless
Phone: (205) 307-5420
Address: 1801 14th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Alabama Regional Medical Services
City: Birmingham
Services: Primary care, dental, behavioral health
Requirements: Sliding scale fees available
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe places to park or camp in Alabama:
Note on Safe Parking
Currently, Alabama has limited formal safe parking programs. However, some faith-based organizations offer parking lot access for individuals living in vehicles on a case-by-case basis.
Contact local churches or 211 for current information on available options.
First Light
City: Birmingham
Services: Emergency shelter with outdoor space
Restrictions: Women and children only
Phone: (205) 323-4277
Address: 2230 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: 24/7
Safe Sleeping Information
Following the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling, cities in Alabama can enforce restrictions on sleeping in public areas. Be aware of local ordinances.
Contact The Guardian (legal aid) resources for information on specific city regulations.
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities, laundry services, and hygiene resources in Alabama:
Waterfront Rescue Mission
City: Mobile
Services: Showers, hygiene kits, laundry services
Restrictions: Men only
Phone: (251) 433-1847
Address: 279 N Washington Ave., Mobile, AL 36603
Hours: Showers available 8am-11am daily
Salvation Army Center of Hope
City: Birmingham
Services: Showers, laundry, hygiene supplies
Restrictions: ID may be required
Phone: (205) 252-8151
Address: 2015 26th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35234
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm
Family Promise of Coastal Alabama
City: Mobile
Services: Showers, laundry for families
Restrictions: Families with children under 18 only
Phone: (251) 441-1991
Address: 1260 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604
Hours: By appointment
Huntsville Community of Hope
City: Huntsville
Services: Shower facilities, hygiene products
Restrictions: None
Phone: (256) 536-2441
Address: 1400 Evangel Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL 35816
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance resources in Alabama:
Legal Services Alabama
Area Served: Statewide
Services: Free civil legal assistance for low-income individuals
Requirements: Income verification
Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice
Area Served: Statewide
Services: Advocacy, policy research, systemic legal issues
Focus: Criminal justice reform, economic justice
Southern Poverty Law Center
City: Montgomery
Services: Civil rights litigation, advocacy
Focus: Systemic injustice, discrimination
Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
Area Served: Birmingham metro area
Services: Pro bono civil legal services
Requirements: Income verification, Jefferson County resident
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Information on accessing government benefits in Alabama:
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Area Served: Statewide
Services: SNAP (food assistance), TANF, childcare subsidies
Requirements: Income verification, varies by program
Social Security Administration
Area Served: Statewide
Services: SSI, SSDI application assistance
Requirements: Varies by program
Alabama Medicaid Agency
Area Served: Statewide
Services: Healthcare coverage for eligible individuals
Requirements: Income verification, documentation
Homeless Action Center
City: Birmingham
Services: Benefits application assistance, case management
Focus: Connecting homeless individuals with benefits
Phone: (205) 322-6656
Address: 1711 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based assistance programs in Alabama:
Catholic Social Services
Area Served: Mobile, Baldwin Counties
Services: Emergency assistance, counseling, food pantry
Requirements: None; all faiths welcome
Phone: (251) 434-1550
Address: 188 S. Florida St., Mobile, AL 36606
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
His Place
City: Huntsville
Services: Faith-based recovery, transitional housing
Requirements: Substance-free, participation in program
Phone: (256) 859-5055
Address: 570 Capshaw Rd., Huntsville, AL 35757
Hours: Call for information
Interfaith Hospitality Network
City: Birmingham
Services: Shelter, meals through local congregations
Requirements: Families with children only
United Methodist Inner City Mission
City: Mobile
Services: Food pantry, clothing, emergency assistance
Requirements: None; all faiths welcome
Phone: (251) 432-1122
Address: 1507 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604
Hours: Food pantry Tues/Thurs 9am-11am
Alabama Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Alabama:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Following the 2024 Supreme Court ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, Alabama cities can enforce bans on camping and sleeping in public places, even when shelter space is unavailable. Many municipalities have local ordinances restricting camping in specific public areas.
Relevant Case: City of Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024)
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations on sleeping in vehicles vary by municipality. Some cities prohibit using cars as dwellings, while others have specific parking restrictions. There are currently limited safe parking programs in Alabama.
Note: Contact local law enforcement or legal aid for specific city regulations.
Panhandling & Solicitation
In 2023, Alabama enacted a law prohibiting panhandling and loitering on state highways and roadways. This statewide ban makes it illegal to request donations on state-maintained roads. Cities may have additional local ordinances regarding panhandling in specific areas.
State Law: HB 24 (2023) - prohibits loitering and panhandling on state highways
Property Rights & Seizure
Laws regarding seizure of personal belongings from encampments vary by municipality. Individuals have constitutional protections against unreasonable seizure of property, but practices differ across jurisdictions.
Note: If your property is seized, contact a legal aid organization promptly.
Housing Rights
Alabama has limited tenant protections compared to some states. Eviction processes are relatively expedited. There is no state rent control, and landlords can evict with limited notice in many circumstances.
Resource: Contact Legal Services Alabama for tenant rights information.
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Alabama, the following organizations can help:
Legal Services Alabama
Provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income residents statewide.
Phone: (866) 456-4995
Website: legalservicesalabama.org
ACLU of Alabama
Works on civil liberties issues including rights of unhoused individuals.
Phone: (334) 265-2754
Website: aclualabama.org
Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program
Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in Jefferson County.
Phone: (205) 250-5198
Website: vlpbirmingham.org
South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
Serves low-income clients in Mobile, Baldwin, and surrounding counties.
Phone: (251) 438-1102
Website: savlp.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Alabama. Select a county to view specific information:
Jefferson County
County Seat: Birmingham
Population: 658,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 900 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Birmingham has ordinances restricting camping in public spaces and parks.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Overnight parking restricted in many areas; no formal safe parking program.
- Panhandling: Regulated in certain areas of Birmingham, particularly downtown.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, though permits may be required for large-scale distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Jefferson County:
Mobile County
County Seat: Mobile
Population: 413,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 550 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: City of Mobile prohibits unauthorized camping in public spaces.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restricted in many areas, particularly residential zones.
- Panhandling: City ordinances prohibit aggressive panhandling and regulate passive panhandling in the Downtown Visitors Domain.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Mobile County:
Montgomery County
County Seat: Montgomery
Population: 226,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 370 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Ordinances restrict camping in public spaces.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated through parking restrictions in many areas.
- Panhandling: Some regulations in place; city has faced legal challenges over anti-begging laws.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Montgomery County:
Madison County
County Seat: Huntsville
Population: 388,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 425 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Huntsville has ordinances restricting unauthorized camping.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated through parking ordinances.
- Panhandling: Solicitation in roadways is prohibited by state law; local restrictions vary.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Madison County:
Tuscaloosa County
County Seat: Tuscaloosa
Population: 221,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 60 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Ordinances restrict camping in public spaces and parks.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated through parking ordinances.
- Panhandling: Solicitation in roadways is prohibited by state law.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed with proper permits.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Tuscaloosa County:
Success Stories from Alabama
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Alabama:
Robert's Journey
After losing his job and apartment in Birmingham, Robert lived in his car for six months. Through One Roof's coordinated entry system, he connected with case management services that helped him secure housing vouchers and employment training. Today, he works as a maintenance technician and has stable housing.
"The hardest part was asking for help, but once I did, I found people who genuinely cared about helping me get back on my feet. It wasn't just about a roof—it was about rebuilding my confidence."
Resources that helped: Emergency Shelter, Case Management, Employment Training, Housing Vouchers
Sarah's Journey
Sarah fled domestic violence with her two children in Mobile, initially staying with relatives but eventually becoming homeless when those arrangements became unsafe. Through Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, she found emergency shelter and support services that helped her secure employment, childcare, and eventually a permanent apartment.
"When you're a mother, the hardest thing is watching your children suffer through homelessness. Finding Family Promise wasn't just about housing—they helped us heal as a family and build a new life together."
Resources that helped: Emergency Family Shelter, Case Management, Childcare Assistance, Transitional Housing
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Alabama have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Alabama to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG)
Type: Emergency Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless
Benefits: Shelter support, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance, including rental and utility assistance
How to Apply: Through local Continuum of Care organizations or by calling 211
Alabama Housing Trust Fund
Type: Housing Development
Eligibility: Varies by project; targets low-income individuals and families
Benefits: Development of affordable housing, home repair assistance, housing rehabilitation
How to Apply: Through Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs or local housing agencies
Alabama Homeless Veterans Program
Type: Veteran-Specific Assistance
Eligibility: Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Housing assistance, case management, connection to VA benefits and other support services
How to Apply: Through Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs or local VA offices
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Alabama based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners