Western Alabama regional Salvation Army programs.
Western Alabama is an expansive area with counties such as Fayette and Pickens among others, but the Salvation Army does cover it. There may be times in which the applicant needs to drive to a center, or find transportation to apply for a program. However the Christian, faith based charity is one of the leading social service groups in the region.
They assist individuals in need, no matter their income, age, religion, or gender. Some of the focus is on offering shelter for homeless women, men, or children. There is transitional housing for veterans, Continuum of Care Programs to help clients get back on track, and maybe even emergency funds to help pay for rent, past due energy bills, and related expenses.
The goal of the Western Alabama Salvation Army is to end poverty, homelessness, hunger, and address other needs of the poor. So with any financial aid will come the requirement for the client to develop a plan to re-establish themselves in the community. The person seeking money for their bills will need to address financial needs, budgeting, employment, and other barriers. Only in that case may they offer some funds for medical needs or utilities, to name but a few.
Shelter and transitional housing provide services to the homeless. Or western Alabama families that are seeking time/place to rebuild themselves. The shelter is free (when there is room and people qualify), but the Salvation Army transitional housing will often require the client to pay a minimal amount of rent/fees. In both cases there may be a background check done with the police to ensure the client has no outstanding warrants. Together they may offer the following.
Goals are set. After this the Salvation Army will give out referrals for vocational opportunities, job placement, and education. There are also workshops as well as classes held. These cover budgeting, debt reduction, as well as parenting skills and clients can get assistance in locating decent, affordable housing. Often weekly case management sessions are held. All of this is done to help the client transition from homelessness to long term permanent housing.
Many seasonal as well as holiday programs are held. Volunteers and members of the community from counties such as Fayette and Lamar collect food, Christmas gifts, backpacks, and other supplies for clients. The western Alabama Salvation Army helps run many of these services.
They will assist children from families living in poverty. There are assistance programs for senior citizens as well as individuals that live in nursing homes. The goal is to ensure the less fortunate have everything from free Christmas meals to gifts, Thanksgiving turkeys, school supplies, and all those critical items.
Thrift stores are located across western Alabama. They sell gently used items to the public. Each also accepts donations from the public. The items for sale (or to donate) will need to be “re-sellable”and usable. Rarely there are new items. What may be sold includes everything from free beds/mattresses to dining room chairs, TVs, chairs, books, and more.
As noted, one focus is on ensuring clients from Greene, Bibb, and nearby areas stabilize themselves. Therefore the western Alabama Salvation Army is involved in Promoting Family as well as individual Self Sufficiency using a holistic approach. In addition to short term rent help, funds for utility bills, etc., there is everything from Negotiation Skills to Effective Communication, Parenting Education, Budgeting Management, and much more arranged. Find even how to negotiate debt with creditors, which is another workshop held.
As noted, this is a regional service for Hale, Lamar, Bibb, and other western Alabama counties. Funds are social services are limited, but they will try to assist qualified clients when resources allow. Call (205) 758-2804 for more information.
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