Find help from churches in Jefferson County and Birmingham.
Jefferson County Alabama churches are focused on helping individuals as well as struggling families that are living in poverty. A wide range of community services, ranging from housing to food, dental care, rent help, or counseling, are provided. There are programs available for the poor, but a church can also support people in Birmingham that are in a crisis situation.
Using hundreds of volunteers from across the region, as well as donations from businesses and charities in Jefferson County, many places such as Highland United Methodist Church do what they can for the disadvantaged. There are volunteer doctors or dentists that work at clinics, food donated to pantries, and money raised from tax deductible donations for paying light bills, gasoline costs, rent, and other needs.
Volunteer services at churches - Members of the community volunteer at Independent Presbyterian Church (3100 Highland Ave, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, telephone (205) 933-1830) and other sites to give back to the community. They give back to the poor, immigrants that are new to the area, homeless, and many others. Each volunteer does this in their own way.
There are handymen that may stop by to do many chores, repairs or housework. There are mechanics that help an unemployed person by doing some minor work on a car if they need it for work. Since churches in Jefferson County Alabama also serve meals or operate food banks, they volunteer there as well to give back.
Financial help – Birmingham churches may help pay for some or all of the following. Note, any expense paid will only be a portion of what is due. The applicant will also need to contribute. Organizations including 23rd Street Baptist Church South (address - 331 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, dial (205) 251-1752 ) may help with the following.
- Rent or security deposits to stop homelessness.
- Transportation needs. There may be a church volunteer to drive a person, some funds for gasoline or car repairs, and more.
- Light and water bills.
- Medical costs or prescriptions.
Indigent medical and dental clinics – When an individual does not have medical care available to them, there are monthly clinics held throughout the county. Trinity United Methodist Church (1400 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, Alabama 35209, call (205) 879-1737) may offer referrals to them. Or they themselves will have one from time to time.
Often a homeless person has no where to go to get their teeth cleaned, or they need a place for a basic check up. Immigrants as well as Latinos often do not have the medical care they require. These are examples of when a Birmingham church may help step in to cover this need. They set up medical clinics (in partnership with volunteer doctors or dentists) for those that would otherwise go without care. Or the patient can learn about free dental care clinics for their own use, or that focuses on children.
Hot meals, food, and basic needs – The Jefferson County churches help feed the hungry. There is free food for families, Christmas and Thanksgiving meals, snacks for children, and help for migrant workers in the city. Shepherd's Center is at 733 Valley Street, Birmingham AL 35226 (phone 205-822-0910) and there is also New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church (7400 London Avenue South, East Lake AL 35206, 205-703-3952) among others that feed the hungry and poor.
When the applicant's income is low enough, or if their need is dire, they can be given a free box of groceries that may feed their family for a few days. Or a volunteer at a parish can direct them to other feeding sites in Jefferson County, or inform them about benefits for paying everything from rent to food stamps.
Birmingham job fairs may be based at a parish. These will be open to the public. A few are often held each year, and employers, service companies, and even some manufacturers may partner with a church to help the under or unemployed. There are even some employers that post positions that are for work at home employment opportunities. Volunteers held organize these events.
Since there are so many churches to try, and they support individuals regardless of their religion, it is recommended to call (888) 421-1266 for referrals.
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