
608 James I Harrison Jr Pkwy East
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405
205-759-1268
CSSInfo@csstuscaloosa.org
Monday – Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Changes to Assistance
All applications for food and financial assistance are now completed through phone interviews. Phones are only open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30-11:30 and 1:30-3:30. Decisions on financial assistance are made on Thursday, we will call those approved by 5 pm. Please note that actual assistance is completed on Monday of the following week.
At this time we are making food appointments for the next day. Call 205-759-1926 and press “1” for Food Assistance during call hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30-11:30 and 1:30-3:30.

Sr. María Elena Méndez, MGSPS
Director
Our Vision
Our vision is to promote the dignity of every person, to enrich families, and to enhance lives!
Our Mission
The mission of Catholic Social Services is to meet the needs of those living in poverty or suffering from despair and to advocate for those suffering from oppression in our 10-county service area of West Alabama. We joyfully choose to collaborate with all of God’s people regardless of race, creed, religion, or economic background in order to build a more just and compassionate society. We do this by providing financial assistance, food, clothing, referrals, and more.
Catholic Social Services of West Alabama serves over 6,000 clients per year in Marion, Winston, Walker, Lamar, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Hale, Marengo, Perry, and Fayette counties coming from a highly impoverished service area in the 6th poorest state in the country.
Since 1989, Catholic Social Services of West Alabama has advocated for the most vulnerable in our community, guided by the basic belief in the inherent dignity of every human being. We vigorously advocate for poverty reduction programs, establish collaborative partnerships to end poverty in West Central Alabama, and support our local agencies in their provision of essential services to those in need.
Our History
Coming soon…
Available Services
- Financial Assistance
- Food Pantry
- Medical
- Prescriptions
- Household Items
- Traveler’s Aid
- Photo ID
- Diapers, Baby Food, Formula
Financial Assistance Provided in 2019
Utility Assistance | $104,870 |
Rent | $25,678 |
Food | $4,245 |
Transportation | $5,538 |
Medical | $2,915 |
Dental Assist | $2,254 |
Other Assistance | $7,788 |
In 2019, We Served:
Households | 2,716 |
Seniors | 778 |
Adults | 3,188 |
Children | 2,506 |

OUR TEAM
Catholic Social Services of West Alabama benefits greatly from the leadership provided by our distinguished Advisory Board and the passion for community service exhibited by our caring staff.

SERVICES AND DOCUMENTS
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, Catholic Social Services is able to provide several types of direct relief assistance that includes financial, food, clothing, and emergency assistance, all described below in detail.
If you need rental assistance, please fill out the Rental Assistance Form. Click here for the form: RENTAL Assistance Form
The Non-Profit Council of West Alabama Video
“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matt. 19:13-14
CSS Silent Auction Video




Volunteer!
Ways You Can Help!
Our volunteers are one of our most valuable resources in serving nearly 6,000 households per year.
Consider giving your time and talents to Catholic Social Services of West Alabama.
- Volunteer: Come to help out at the center weekly to answer the phone, input into database, attend to clients, and much more.
- Donate: Be a monthly donor, mail a check, use the Paypal button at the top of this page, or set up direct deposit.
- Silent Auction:Be an individual donor and/or corporate sponsor or serve on the committee.
- Donate Food: For our pantry.
- Angel Tree: Adopt a child, make this a joyous Christmas.
- Thanksgiving Bags: Take a bag and fill it with the indicated items.
- Sort Clothing: In the warehouse.
- Call Us: We will find a place for you!
Volunteer Form
What We Do!
“…God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7
Landry and Emilie Leach (daughters of Ryan and Heather Leach) sold painted rocks in their neighborhood to raise money ($72.48) for Catholic Social Services of West Alabama to be able to help more people!
Associate Organizations
Board of Directors