Etowah County
Ask about Etowah County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Etowah County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Etowah County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · State office
Etowah County Department of Human Resources
210 Hoke Street, Gadsden, AL 35903
Help here
- Food assistanceAsk about food assistance, including how to apply.
- Family assistanceAsk about family assistance and TANF services.
- Child supportGet help with child support services and cases.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dhr.alabama.gov
Community action · Nonprofit
Community Action of Etowah County
624 Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Utility assistanceEligible households can ask for help paying home energy costs.
- WeatherizationAsk about home improvements that can lower energy use.
- Transitional housingAsk about the agency's transitional housing program.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on communityaction-etowah.org
Housing help · Regional office
Greater Gadsden Housing Authority
422 Chestnut Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Public housingAsk about affordable public housing and applications.
- Housing Choice VoucherAsk about rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ggha.org
Local office · Nonprofit
United Way of Etowah County 211 First Call for Help
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall for free referrals to local help with food, housing, bills, health care, and other needs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on uwoec.org
Public health · State office
Etowah County Health Department
709 East Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35903
Help here
- Public health and clinic servicesGet vaccines, family planning, testing, and other clinic services.
- WICEligible families can get nutrition help and food benefits through WIC.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on alabamapublichealth.gov
Courts and legal help · State office
Etowah County Circuit Clerk
801 Forrest Avenue, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Court forms and recordsFind court forms and get help accessing public court records.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on etowah.alacourt.gov
Older adults · Regional office
East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission Aging and Disability Resource Center
Help here
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eastalabamaaging.org
Veterans · State office
Etowah County Veterans Affairs Office
800 Forrest Avenue, Suite 202, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Veterans benefits assistanceGet help understanding and applying for veterans benefits.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on va.alabama.gov
Emergency help · County office
Etowah County Emergency Management Agency
800 Forrest Avenue, Room 011, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Emergency preparednessGet local emergency information, preparedness resources, and alerts.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on etowahcountyema.org
Jobs and training · State office
Gadsden Career Center
216 North 5th Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Job search and trainingGet help finding a job, preparing for work, or finding training.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on adol.alabama.gov
State office
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Office, Etowah County
800 Forrest Avenue, Suite 219, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Driver licensesApply for or renew an Alabama driver license at this office.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on alea.gov
State office
Etowah County Vehicle Licensing Office
800 Forrest Avenue, Ground Floor, Room 21, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Vehicle licensingGet help with vehicle registration and licensing.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on revenue.alabama.gov
Library · City office
Gadsden Public Library
254 South College Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card to borrow books and use library resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on gadsdenlibrary.org
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Etowah County
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
4336 Turin Drive, Bessemer, AL 35020
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Legal Services Alabama, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Cities and towns in Etowah County
Alabama programs by kind of help
These are run by Alabama and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way of Etowah County 211 First Call for Help
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988