City recommends community aid to help in-need individuals, families
MADISON – In her recent “Madison Weekly” newsletter, Mayor Ranae Bartlett referred readers to an online summary to help in-need people…whose plight gains an increased significance during the holiday season.
Finding support should not be complicated, Bartlett said. Trusted local resources can help Madison residents connect with food assistance, rent, utility programs and more.
Bartlett referred individuals to the “Community Aid” on the city’s website at madisonal.gov/1348/ Community-Aid.
While availability can change frequently, online sources for food are the most up-to-date. For need immediate help, call “211,” which is a free, 24-hour referral hotline. For online access, visit 211.org/food, and type your zip code for nearby food resources.
In addition, you can text “Text ALFOOD” to “TXT211” to receive a link that helps in locating food resources by zip code. Visit Facebook/#tnvalley211 for options to call, email or interact by using social media.
By dialing “211,” an individual is connected to a trained operator 24/7 that has access to a comprehensive database with a multitude of community services. By its design, the 2-1-1 system is ideally suited for serving as the initial contact point for various programs. 2-1-1 is designed for families in all walks of life but most importantly benefits the elderly, people with disabilities and low-income families. (211connectsalabama. org) In addition, 211 Connects Alabama can help with rent and utility assistance. Start to search for updated assistance listings. To check about available programs, email 211admin@csna. org.
Food Bank of North Alabama operates pantries nearby individuals in need. Visit foodbanknorthal.org/ findfood, and type your zip code to see local partners.
For example, by typing “35758” for the zip code, the site returns contact information for Madison locations for Asbury Church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – St. Vincent de Paul, Madison Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Triana SDA and Harvest SDA. This search yields several Huntsville options.
Several locations maintain ‘little pantries’ for outdoor shelving and cabinets stocked with non-perishable food that people can access throughout the day. The addresses for these pantries are Madison Mission SDA, 183 Shelton Road, Madison; Heritage Church, 29768 Huntsville- Brownsferry Road, Madison; Movement Church, 1469 Brown’s Ferry Road; Madison; Grace Presbyterian Church, 5555 Wall Triana; Heard Action, 2873 Ready Section Road, Toney; and Toney Pantry, 136 Toney Road (driveway east of the U.S. Post Office), Toney.
A well-known provider in Huntsville, Manna House supplies food and products for hygiene, clothing and babies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Visit mymannahouse.com.
Huntsville Assistance Program or HAP offers possible assistance in emergency financial outreach. To start, call 256-539-8720 to request an appointment; these calls are answered only from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Mondays. A trusted volunteer will speak to applicants, who may receive a financial appointment with trained, compassionate volunteers. HAP does not accept walk-ins. For an appointment, the applicant must bring required documents and proof of Madison County residency. For more information, visit huntsvilleap. org.
The Salvation Army oversees Project Share for senior citizens who are at least 62 years old. Project Share involves a partnership with Huntsville Utilities for help in paying electricity bills; the program is active during January through March only. For more information, call 256-536-5576.
