Below is information from United Way of West Alabama updated on Sunday, May 1. United Way of West Alabama will be open Monday, May 2 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VOLUNTEERS: Tuscaloosa County Spontaneous Volunteer Management Team will host the Volunteer Reception Center at St. Mathias Episcopal Church at 2310 Skyland Boulevard East in Tuscaloosa from Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. ALL individuals wishing to volunteer should report here to sign up and find out about volunteer needs available, and some volunteers will be placed immediately. Depending on your skill set, your information may be taken, and you could be contacted once a volunteer need becomes available.
DONATIONS (MONETARY): Tax deductible donations can be made to United Way of West Alabama from now through August 31 with 100% of donated money going directly to West Alabama tornado relief efforts by visiting www.uwwa.org/donatenow.html. You can also give to American Red Cross and must specify West Alabama Chapter or The Salvation Army in Tuscaloosa.
DONATIONS (NON-MONETARY): Items needed: Ready to eat and non-perishable food items, tarps for covering roofs, clothing (especially underwear, socks, and new or VERY gently worn tennis shoes); newborn and baby items including diapers, formula, diaper cream, and baby powder and wipes; clothes hangers, school supplies, sunscreen, wipes, soap, towels, washcloths, hand sanitizer, flash lights, deodorant, and detergent. Donations are being accepted at the following: United Way of West Alabama (2720 6th Street/Tuscaloosa); Temporary Emergency Services (1705 15th Street); Boy Scouts Black Warrior Council (2700 Jack Warner Pkwy.); Leland Shopping Center (2601 University Blvd.); T-Town PAWS, Metro and the Humane Society need pet supplies which can be dropped off at United Way of West Alabama.
DISABLED TORNADO VICTIMS: If you or someone you know is disabled and affected by the tornado, please contact Beth Blaylock at 205.292.3167.
FEMA DISASTER REGISTRATION: Contact 1.800.621.3362 to register with FEMA if you suffered storm damage.
HOUSING/SHELTERS: Contact 2-1-1, United Way’s Information & Referral Service, for information on low cost housing options in West Alabama. ClassiTIDES.com is publishing daily lists of low cost housing, and they will provide updated books at retail establishments and to United Way of West Alabama each Thursday. People who have lost homes can call 1-800-621-3362 to report the loss.
Shelters available: Belk Activity Center has availability; Temporary Emergency Services has a shower available; G.G. Harden Center in Brookwood has restrooms to freshen up, no showers.
FOOD/WATER/OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE: SuperTarget Store behind University Mall is giving away cases of water and bags of ice on Monday, May 2. Food/Water stations for victims (not volunteers) are located at Leland Shopping Center, Locklear Dodge off Greensboro, Fire College at Bruno’s Supermarket, Skyland Elementary. American Red Cross is at Belk Activity Center and can provide assistance with food and shelter but victims not required to stay there to receive food; Forest Lake Baptist Relief Center providing meals for volunteers; Portable kitchen set up at Rosedale; Impact Nation Church in Alberta (formerly New Testament) is providing clothing, water, flashlights and other items.
MEALS AVAILABLE May 1 through MAY 3 – *Leland Shopping Center in Alberta City is hosting Pizza Hut April 30 through May 3 who will be making personal pizzas for those affected by the tornado. *Other food is also available at Leland Shopping Center.
*Tuscaloosa’s One Place in Alberta City is offering hot meals and other supplies.
*Annette Shelby Park and Snow Hinton Park are serving hot meals daily.
If you or a group you know is providing meals in a particular area, contact 2-1-1.
TIDE LOADS OF HOPE: Tide Loads of Hope will offer clothes washing services at Bruno’s Supermarket beginning Tuesday, May 3.
MISSING PERSONS/SURVIVOR REGISTRATION: Survivors need to check in with Tuscaloosa Police Department at 205-759-7111. Searching for Missing Persons – check hospitals first (DCH Tuscaloosa 205-759-7111 or DCH Northport 205-333-4500; 205-349-2121 (non-emergency number for Tuscaloosa Police). Also, searchsafeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php. DEBRIS REMOVAL: Local contractors who are willing to provide free debris removal should contact 205-248-5800. Also, Samaritian’s Purse is doing free debris removal and putting tarps on people’s homes. This is being coordinated at First Baptist Church and services are all free. The contact number is205-345-7554.
LEGAL SERVICES: The University of Alabama School of Law will be providing free legal services to victims of the tornado beginning early next week. Services will include help filling out FEMA paperwork as well as answering legal questions.
MEDICAL SERVICES:
Some local doctors have set up mobile clinics in Alberta City, Rosedale, and Holt to do clinic work like take blood pressure, blood sugar levels, etc. but not for EMS. Tornado survivors with mental health needs can call the Belk Activity Center at 205-562-3200. Those needing a medical needs shelter can call 205-331-1770 for guidelines and screening.
SPANISH SPEAKING ASSISTANCE:
Spanish speaking residents needing help should call 770-216-4989.
HELP FROM OUTSIDE WEST ALABAMA: While offers of help are greatly appreciated from all who have reached out to the West Alabama community, local law enforcement is asking for individuals from outside West Alabama to not come to the area for approximately 72 hours due to road conditions. For more information, please contact the City of Tuscaloosa’s volunteer line at 205-248-5045. Please contact 2-1-1 if you have non-monetary donations for West Alabama for instructions on getting these donations to the area. Also, monetary donations are greatly appreciated at www.uwwa.org/donatenow.html.
For more information about the ways to give and get help, call 2-1-1, United Way’s Information & Referral line, or visit www.uwwa.org.
