Jefferson County assistance programs.

Locate how to get assistance paying bills

The Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity is an organization that provides Birmingham and Jefferson County families and individuals with grants and help paying their bills. Some of the programs they offer are listed below, and they include:

JCCEO Community Services Division
This program serves Jefferson County residents by offering the following programs: an AmeriCorps*VISTA Project, an Adult Day Health Care Center,  Rent Help, Housing Counseling and Development Program, Emergency Assistance, rent a Community Substance Abuse Prevention Program, Senior Nutrition Centers, , Energy Assistance, Home Weatherization Programs,  the Youth Empowering Selves (YES) Theatrical Troupe Project, The Students Teaching and Reaching (S.T.A.R.) Project, and Family Development.

All together the JCCEO Community Services Division provides resources, programs and services for more than 20,000 people in Jefferson County and Birmingham annually, and the services are available at no cost to low-income residents.

Grants and Emergency Assistance
Services are offered by the economic opportunity organization that provide assistance with housing, shelter, food, energy bills, or other emergency needs. Resources are available to stop evictions, and also to help the homelessness.

Alabama Low Income Home Energy Assistance and Alabama Charitable Trust Programs
Together they provide cooling and heating bill assistance to people who need help. In addition, crisis assistance grants are available that require that at least one household member have a documented health problem and that they also require a controlled environment. You do need to bring some documentation when you apply, including a current utility bill and also proof of household income are required. You do need to call to arrange for an appointment that will involve reviewing your qualifications for energy bill assistance.

JCCEO Home Weatherization Program Reduces Energy Bills
You can get your home weatherized for free. It will make your home more energy efficient and lower your energy bills. Steps and improvements completed to lower your electric and gas bills through the home weatherization program can include replacement or repair of windows and doors, caulking, adding floor and ceiling insulation, weather stripping, and more. There are some conditions for to qualify including proof of annual household income, home ownership, and some other information and documentation will be required.

Other programs offered include housing counseling, food aid and pantries, debt counseling, Head Start, and more. Contact JCCEO at 300 Eighth Avenue, West Birmingham, Alabama 35204-3039, or call 205-327-7500, to learn more about any program or to apply.

Help finding a job

The Birmingham Urban League, which can be reached at (205) 326-0162, provides local residents with job training and employment skills, basic skills, housing counseling services and assistance, job placement assistance, and even youth development programs.

Salvation Army of Jefferson County

This local charity can also offer people in need multiple ways to get help. They offer emergency services and help with bills. They can provide money to help pay rent, utility bills, and even funds for medications. They can also provide free holiday gifts, clothing, and other forms of assistance. Call the Salvation Army at (205) 328-2420.

Assistance for the elderly

Positive Maturity, which is located in Jefferson County, offers senior citizens and the elderly counseling, social, volunteer and employment opportunities, and job training, In addition, they can also provide in-home senior companions for frail elderly, and can even direct people towards free prescription drug assistance programs from drug companies. (205) 251-0296. Click here to find additional senior programs.

Help for children

The organization known as AID TO HOMELESS CHILDREN—BLOUNT COUNTY ((205) 274-5200) provides free and discounted clothing, extra school fees, access to medical and dental programs and other health care needs that are not covered by Medicaid.

Another medical organization that provides free or discounted health care to Children is the Alabama Child Caring Foundation. Thousands of children are assisted per year from this clinic, whether they have health insurance or not. They provide emergency and routine care, vision services, and much more.  205 220-5929

Mortgage default/foreclosure counseling

This is another free service offered by the Birmingham Urban League. HUD approved counselors will meet with struggling borrowers to review their options, and they may contact the homeowners bank or lender as well. Dial (205) 326-0162, or click here to explore additional mortgage assistance programs.

Health care

Cahaba Valley Health Care offers medical services and health care to Spanish speaking families n Jefferson County. Call the clinic at (205) 991-8771.

Legal support and representation

If you need to speak to an attorney but can’t afford to pay for their services, the Legal Aid Society of Birmingham Alabama, Inc. provides qualified individuals with free legal advice. Get help with a variety of civil legal issues. Call the non-profit law firm at (205) 251-3516.

Emergency and crisis assistance programs

In addition to the Salvation Army, other organizations that provide emergency aid include:

• Christian Love Pantry: This facility provides clothing, free food, limited cash grants, and other essential items for families and individuals in an emergency situation. Phone number (205) 338-3390.
   
• Pathways: This charity organization, which can be contacted at (205) 322-6854, provides access to shelter, food assistance, free quality clothing, and other supportive services to homeless women and children in the Jefferson County area.