Mobile, Alabama – As Hurricane Isaias approaches the Central Gulf Coast, United Way of Southwest Alabama has activated its disaster response plan to support communities across Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties.

With its Hurricane Isaias relief fund accepting donations, Volunteer Connect registering individuals and groups ready to help, and 2-1-1 connecting residents with community resources, United Way has established the framework to coordinate relief and recovery efforts as needs emerge following the storm.

United Way is working with government agencies, nonprofit partners, and community organizations throughout its service area to connect residents with reliable information and resources. Residents are encouraged to prioritize their safety, complete storm preparations, and follow guidance from local emergency management officials.

 

Connecting Residents with Assistance Through 2-1-1

United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral service connects individuals and families with community resources, including food, shelter, housing assistance, utility assistance, and other essential services. As needs emerge following Hurricane Isaias, 2-1-1 will help residents identify available resources and connect with organizations providing assistance.

Residents can dial 2-1-1 or call 888.421.1266. Information about available services is also accessible at https://www.211connectsalabama.org/.

United Way has also made its 2026 Disaster Resource Guide available online to help residents locate assistance and prepare for emergencies.

 

Volunteer Connect Registers Community Members Ready to Help

United Way is inviting individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and community groups to register now through Volunteer Connect to support Hurricane Isaias relief and recovery efforts.

Volunteer Connect serves as a central resource for connecting people who want to help with nonprofit organizations and community partners that need volunteers. By gathering registrations before the storm, United Way can coordinate community support and connect volunteers with opportunities as needs become known and conditions allow for safe recovery activities.

Individuals and groups interested in helping can register now at https://volunteer.uwswa.org/need/detail/?need_id=813834.

United Way encourages volunteers to prioritize their safety and wait for organized opportunities before entering affected areas.

 

Community Crisis Fund Accepting Hurricane Isaias Donations

United Way has activated its Community Crisis Fund to accept donations designated exclusively for Hurricane Isaias relief and recovery efforts.

Every donation made through the Hurricane Isaias fund will support relief and recovery efforts benefiting individuals, families, and communities affected by the storm across Southwest Alabama.

The fund will help United Way and its community partners address needs resulting from the hurricane as the extent of its impact becomes clearer. Donations are being accepted now so resources will be available to support recovery efforts.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations can contribute at https://uwswa.org/need-help/disaster-assistance/community-crisis-fund/.

 

Community Partners and Disaster Resources

United Way’s network of partner agencies and community organizations plays an important role in helping Southwest Alabama respond to emergencies. Organizations such as the American Red Cross South Alabama Chapter, Feeding the Gulf Coast, The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama, Goodwill Gulf Coast, Lifelines Counseling Services, and other United Way partners provide essential services to individuals and families throughout the region.

United Way is coordinating with government agencies and community partners to identify available resources and determine where additional support may be needed following Hurricane Isaias.

Residents can access the following resources:

United Way 2-1-1

• Dial 2-1-1 or 888.421.1266 for information about available community services, including food, housing, and other assistance.
• Website: https://www.211connectsalabama.org/

Mobile County Emergency Management Agency

• 460.8000
• Official emergency management information, preparedness guidance, and local storm updates.
• Website: https://mobilecountyema.gov/

American Red Cross South Alabama Chapter

• 544.6100
• Disaster preparedness information, emergency shelter resources, and assistance information.
• Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/al-ms.html

Alabama Department of Mental Health | Crisis Services

• Hurricanes and other disasters can bring stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges before, during, and after the storm. The Alabama Department of Mental Health provides information about crisis centers across the state that offer support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Residents can find crisis center locations and information about available services at https://mh.alabama.gov/crisis-centers/.

Alabama Power

• 888.2726
• Report power outages and access restoration information.
• Website: https://www.alabamapower.com/residential/outages-and-storm-center.html

 

Stay Connected with Emergency Information Apps

United Way encourages residents to download trusted emergency information apps before Hurricane Isaias arrives. These free resources provide access to weather information, emergency alerts, preparedness guidance, and other useful services.

 

Mobile County EMA App

Provides local emergency notifications, shelter information, weather alerts, and disaster preparedness resources.

• iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mobile-county-ema-app/id1512480552
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.mobilecountyema

 

Alabama Weather Network

Provides weather forecasts, radar information, and updates about changing weather conditions.

• iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alabama-weather-network/id6748039126
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.awn.wx

 

Alabama Power App

Allows customers to report outages, monitor restoration information, and access their Alabama Power accounts.

• iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alabama-power/id1629473449
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.southernco.apc.occnativemobileapp

 

American Red Cross Emergency App

Provides severe weather alerts, emergency preparedness guidance, and information to help individuals and families respond to disasters.

• iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/emergency-severe-weather-app/id954783878
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hzd

 

Protecting Your Home and Belongings

While personal safety must always come first, documenting personal property before a storm can help families navigate the insurance claims process if their homes or belongings sustain damage.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free Home Inventory app that allows homeowners and renters to record possessions, photographs, descriptions, and estimated values.

• iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/naic-home-inventory/id1562207329
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.naic
• Additional information: https://content.naic.org/consumer/home-inventory

 

United in Preparation, Response, and Recovery

“Preparing for a hurricane takes all of us, and so does recovery,” said Justine Bixler, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. “We have activated the resources and connections that will allow us to respond as our communities need us. People can register to volunteer or make a donation today, and anyone who needs help finding community resources can call 2-1-1. Working together with our partners, we will be ready to support our neighbors as recovery begins.”

United Way will continue coordinating with community partners and sharing information as needs and available resources become clearer.

For Hurricane Isaias information, the 2026 Disaster Resource Guide, volunteer opportunities, and ways to contribute to relief and recovery, visit https://uwswa.org/need-help/disaster-assistance/community-crisis-fund/.

United Is The Way™.