Find alternatives to calling the Birmingham Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- Pathways
- Day Center located in Downtown Birmingham provides for the basic needs of any homeless woman or child who visits the center. This includes meals, showers, laundry facilities, clothing, hygiene products, and other items needed by those living on the streets. In addition to providing basic needs, Pathways offers computer lab, case management, life skills, and educational classes to Day Center guests. Due to COVID, the Day Center is currently open to the street homeless population (women and children who sleep outside or in another uninhabitable place) only. The Day Center requires masks and check temperatures before allowing guests into the building.
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Mon. – Fri.
- 409 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Birmingham, AL 35203
- (205) 322-6854
- https://www.pathwayshome.org/
LGBTQ+
Coming soon.
Mental Health
- Crisis Line – Crisis Center of Birmingham
- Crisis line connecting callers with trained counselors to discuss and address any personal issues they are experiencing, from thoughts of suicide to food insecurity to loneliness. Referrals for services like support groups and counseling, and assistance with basic needs, such as food and shelter, are available. Counselors are trained to work with callers to identify any additional services that may be required. In the case that in-person intervention is needed they will contact emergency services – caller will be informed that this is occurring.
- (205) 323-7777 (24/7)
- https://crisiscenterbham.org/crisis-intervention-prevention/crisis-line/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Safehouse
- Provides domestic and sexual violence response, prevention and intervention programs for the communities of Shelby, Coosa, Clay, and Chilton Counties in Central Alabama. Counseling, legal assistance, and case manamgement to survivors, all services are free and confidentiality is prioritized. Crisis hotline open 24 hours staffed by trained advocates.
- (205) 669-7233 (24/7)
- https://safehouse.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
Coming soon.
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
- Legal Services Alabama
- Serves low-income people by providing civil legal aid and by promoting collaboration to find solutions to problems of poverty. They offer representation, legal counsel and advice, community education, mediation, and legal self-help.
- 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. – Fri.
- (866) 456-4995
- https://legalservicesalabama.org/
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Birmingham Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.