Overview
The opioid crisis in Alabama has reached emergency levels, with Jefferson County among the hardest-hit areas. Firehouse Ministries is responding with Pathways to Recovery, a results-driven initiative focused on reducing opioid-related harm and supporting recovery for individuals experiencing homelessness in Birmingham.
Why It Matters
In 2022, Alabama recorded 835 fentanyl-related overdose deaths—a 590% increase since 2018. Jefferson County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for opioid-related emergency visits. These numbers reflect an urgent need for targeted interventions that address immediate risks and connect individuals to treatment.
Our Approach
Firehouse Ministries integrates treatment access, and recovery support into a structured continuum of care for Birmingham’s homeless population. Our shelter and day programs serve nearly 200 individuals daily, offering access to basic needs, case management, and peer support. We also operate Alabama’s only medical respite program for homeless men, providing a safe space for recovery after illness, injury, or overdose.
Program Components
Pathways to Recovery combines overdose prevention, treatment access, and education to guide individuals toward stability.
We provide:
- Naloxone for emergency overdose response
- Weekly overdose prevention workshops
- On-site behavioral health screenings and referrals to medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Peer support and recovery navigation help individuals transition from detox to housing and employment. Daily education sessions reinforce personal responsibility and long-term recovery goals.
Evidence-Based Model
Our program follows national best practices, including CDC life-saving interventions and SAMHSA recovery models. We track outcomes through naloxone distribution, treatment referrals, peer engagement, and housing placement.
Who We Serve
We focus on Jefferson County residents experiencing homelessness who face barriers to care due to substance use, mental health challenges, or low income. Our shelter provides a low-barrier environment where individuals can access treatment while receiving room and board as a step toward permanent housing.
Our Partners
We collaborate with Aletheia House, One Roof, local hospitals, and public health agencies to ensure coordinated care. Our case managers work with partners to cover treatment costs, manage medications, and develop individual recovery plans.
Our Goal
To reduce opioid-related deaths, increase treatment access, and support long-term recovery for Birmingham’s homeless population—helping individuals regain stability and reintegrate into the community.