Get help now
In danger right now? Call 911. In emotional crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988, or Birmingham's Crisis Center at 205-323-7777, 24 hours a day.
What do you need right now?
Tap what fits. You will get a short answer with a number you can call.
A safe place to sleep
Call 211 any hour and say you need shelter tonight. Beds fill up, so call before you go.
- Dial 211Free. Finds shelter in any Alabama county.
- One RoofHomeless services in the Birmingham area.
- Firehouse ShelterMen. Birmingham.
- First LightWomen and children. Birmingham.
Safety from abuse
If you are in danger right now, call 911. Use the Quick exit button at the top if someone may see your screen.
- National hotlineText START24/7 Texting is quieter if someone may hear you.
- YWCA Central Alabama24/7 24-hour line. Shelter and advocates. Birmingham area.
I am in crisis
You do not have to get through this alone. These lines are free and answer any time.
- Call 988Text 988Chat online24/7 Suicide and crisis lifeline. Spanish: press 2, or text AYUDA.
- Crisis Center24/7 Birmingham-area crisis line.
- Trevor ProjectLGBTQ+ young people. Text START to 678678.
Food
Dial 211 to find a food pantry or meal near you, in any county.
- Dial 21124/7 Free, any hour.
- Community Food BankServes Jefferson and 11 nearby counties.
- Greater Birmingham MinistriesFood pantry. Call for hours.
Help with bills
Utility help goes through your county’s community action agency. Rent help varies, so start with 211.
- Dial 211Rent, utility and other bill help.
- Greater Birmingham MinistriesUtility and rent help. Birmingham.
Drugs or alcohol
If someone has overdosed, call 911 right away. Stopping alcohol suddenly can be dangerous, so talk to a medical professional first.
- SAMHSA helpline24/7 Free treatment referrals.
- Birmingham AAMeetings in Jefferson and Shelby counties.
Legal help
Free civil legal help for housing, family, benefits and more, if you qualify.
- Legal Services AlabamaSpanish line: 888-835-3505.
- Volunteer Lawyers BirminghamJefferson County.
Veteran help
Thank you for your service. Help is available around the clock.
- Veterans Crisis LineCall 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
- Homeless veterans line24/7 Free.