the br project
A resource hub for people in crisis, and for everyday people who want to learn how to help.
Find help in your countyLearn how to helpYour safety comes first
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the br project is a free resource hub for people in crisis. If you or someone you love needs shelter, food, safety, treatment or someone to talk to, you can find help in the greater Birmingham area and across the state of Alabama, with local services and help lines for all 67 counties. It is also for everyday people who want to support a neighbor: our guides explain what people are going through and what actually helps.
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 hotline24/7. You can also text START to 88788.
- YWCA Central Alabama24-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 or text 988Suicide and crisis lifeline.
- Crisis CenterBirmingham-area crisis line, 24/7.
- Trevor ProjectLGBTQ+ young people. Text START to 678678.
Food
Dial 211 to find a food pantry or meal near you, in any county.
- Dial 211Free, 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 helplineFree treatment referrals, 24/7.
- 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 lineFree, 24/7.
Community comes first
Find help where you live, or learn how to be the person someone can turn to.
Find help in your county
Find help by topic
Homeless shelters
Emergency beds and day centers.
Women and children
Safety, shelter and family support.
Suicide prevention
Crisis lines, available 24/7.
Power, rent and food
Help with basic needs.
Drug addiction
Treatment and recovery support.
Alcohol recovery
Meetings, detox and treatment.
Veterans
Housing, crisis and benefits help.
Ayuda en español
Recursos en español.
Detailed topic listings cover the greater Birmingham area. County pages cover all of Alabama.
See all resourcesLearn how to help
How to help someone in need
Core principles for any situation.
Understanding homelessness
What it means and how it feels.
Understanding suicide and crisis
Warning signs and what to say.