FAQ
What is Crisis Services of North Alabama?
Crisis Services of North Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in crisis. We provide a safe place, compassionate support, and practical resources for people facing domestic violence, sexual assault, and emotional distress. We also operate United Way’s 211 service for North Alabama, connecting the community to vital resources like housing, food, healthcare, and financial assistance.
What services do you provide?
Our core services include:
HELPline Crisis Counseling – 24/7 at 256-716-1000, offering immediate support to anyone in distress.
HOPE Place Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter – a safe, confidential place for individuals and families fleeing abuse.
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE/SANE) – available in Cullman and Winston Counties, provided by trained forensic nurses.
Counseling and Advocacy – trauma-informed support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Legal and Court Advocacy – guidance and accompaniment as survivors navigate the legal system.
United Way 211 Service – a round-the-clock call center linking people to housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and other essential resources.
All services are confidential and offered at no cost.
Who can call the HELPline?
Anyone. Whether you’re experiencing abuse, supporting a friend, or simply need someone to listen, our trained counselors are available day and night. No judgment, no cost—just compassionate support when you need it most.
Who can use your emergency domestic violence shelter?
HOPE Place is open to anyone escaping domestic violence. We welcome adults and their children, providing safety, counseling, and resources to help them take the next step.
What about survivors of sexual assault?
We provide:
Immediate crisis counseling and support through the HELPline.
Medical forensic exams (to collect evidence if desired).
Advocacy and accompaniment during medical, legal, or law enforcement processes.
Follow-up counseling and support groups.
Survivors are never charged for these services.
What is 211?
United Way’s 211 service is a free, confidential information and referral hotline available across most of the U.S. and Canada. Crisis Services manages the 211 call center for North Alabama. By dialing 211, anyone can access referrals for:
Food pantries and meal programs
Rent, mortgage, and utility assistance
Healthcare and mental health services
Childcare, transportation, and elder care
Housing and shelter resources
211 is available 24/7 in over 180 languages.
How much do your services cost?
Every program we provide—including the shelter, HELPline counseling, forensic exams, advocacy, and referrals—is offered at no cost. We believe safety and support should never depend on someone’s ability to pay.
Where do you provide services?
We serve survivors and families in Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Cullman, and Winston Counties. For calls that come from outside this area, we provide immediate support and then connect individuals to the closest available resources in their community.
What if someone doesn’t want to go to the shelter?
That’s okay. Our services are always survivor-driven. Many people come to us for counseling, advocacy, or legal guidance without entering the shelter. Others simply call the HELPline when they need someone to listen. Every survivor chooses the support that feels right for them.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is at the core of our work. We protect the privacy and safety of every individual who comes to us for help, with very limited exceptions required by law (such as mandatory reporting of child abuse).
Do you help with protection orders or legal cases?
Yes. Our court advocates guide survivors through the process of filing protection orders, accompany them to hearings, and help them understand their rights. We do not provide attorneys, but we connect survivors with legal resources and offer ongoing support.
What should I do if I suspect someone I know is being abused?
The best thing you can do is listen without judgment. Believe them, offer support, and avoid pressuring them into decisions. Share our HELPline number (256-716-1000) and let them know help is available when they’re ready.
How is Crisis Services funded?
Our work is funded through a mix of government grants, private donations, corporate sponsorships, and community events. Donors, sponsors, and volunteers play a critical role in making sure we can continue offering services at no cost.
How can I help?
You can support Crisis Services in many ways:
Donate – One-time or recurring gifts help us sustain programs and respond immediately when crisis strikes.
Sponsor – Partner with us through sponsorships for events like the Turkey Trot 5K or This Changed Everything storytelling night.
Volunteer – Join our team of trained HELPline counselors or support our work through event volunteering.
Advocate – Share our HELPline number, talk about domestic violence and sexual assault openly, and encourage others to support survivors.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Crisis Services of North Alabama is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
How do I get in touch?
HELPline (24/7): 256-716-1000
211 (Resource referrals): Dial 211
Website: csna.org
Mailing Address: Crisis Services of North Alabama, PO Box 368, Huntsville, AL 35804