You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Firehouse Ministries has been helping men in Birmingham survive and rebuild since 1983. We offer a safe place to sleep, food to eat, and people who will work with you — not around you — on whatever comes next.
We don’t turn men away because of what’s happened to you or what you’re going through. Active addiction, a mental health crisis, a criminal record, no ID, no money — none of that closes our door.
How to Get Help
Come to 626 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203. You can walk in — you don’t need an appointment, a referral, or paperwork ready in advance.
You’ll need a Continuum ID to access our services. If you don’t already have one, we can help you get one through our Continuum of Care ID program, available Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2:30–5 p.m.
If it’s your first time coming to us for a bed: line up by 5:30 p.m. Beds are given out by a lottery — you’ll draw a card, and we have 24 beds available each night through this process. Once you’re in, staff will walk you through intake to get to know your situation and start building your plan.
Our services are for men 19 and older. If you need help finding services for women, children, or a family, our staff can help point you in the right direction.
If you have questions before you come, you can call us at (205) 252-9571.
What’s Here
A bed for the night. Our emergency shelter is low-barrier, meaning you’re welcome even if other places have turned you away.
Food. We serve three meals a day, and anyone can eat with us — this is the one service open to women too, not just men. Lunch is served at noon, and snack is served at 4:00 p.m.
A place during the day. Our day shelter is open five days a week from 2–5 p.m. (and anytime it’s below 40 degrees or above 95), with showers, lockers, toiletries, a weekly doctor’s visit, and a snack. Our outdoor pavilion is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with charging stations, wifi, seating, and fans.
Clean clothes. Our clothing closet is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00–2:30 p.m. — clothing, shoes, and toiletries, including cold-weather gear and interview clothes.
A case manager. Every man who comes to us has access to someone who helps build a real plan — housing, healthcare, ID, benefits, a job — not just for tonight, but for what comes after.
Medical respite care. If you’ve just been discharged from the hospital and have nowhere safe to recover, we’re Alabama’s only medical respite program for men in this situation. This one works differently than our other services — you can’t walk in for it. Ask your hospital’s discharge planner or social worker to refer you.
Help with addiction and mental health. Our Moving Toward Change program connects you with a licensed clinical social worker, medication support, and recovery groups — no matter where you are in the process. Ask a staff member about intake to get started.
Help after prison. Pathway to Purpose supports men rebuilding their lives after incarceration, with a case manager who knows how to navigate the specific barriers you’re facing. This program requires a referral from the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles — ask your parole or probation officer to refer you.
A path to a job. Firehouse Works offers job readiness coaching, training, and connections to employers who give people a second chance. Ask a staff member about intake to get started.
A path to a home. For men ready to move from shelter into stable housing, our supportive housing program pairs an apartment with the ongoing support to help you stay there.
Contact Us
626 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 252-9571