MADISON COUNTY – The ALHelp.org website serves as an immediate go-to hub, offering a comprehensive directory of local services and essential resources tailored specifically to the needs of Madison County, Madison and Huntsville.

ALHelp.org is a community-facing interface of the Charity Tracker database that many local nonprofits, churches and other helping groups use, Cathy Larsen said. Larsen is Charity Tracker Network Administrator.

The ELM Foundation and Hope Works Huntsville sponsor this service. (elmhsv.org/alhelp)

ALHelp.org has several key features:

* Real-time updates — Because each entity listed can access the database and update their page in real time, residents can stay informed with live updates about available resources and support services, ensuring they have access to the latest information when they need it most, Larsen said.

* Comprehensive directory – Users can easily navigate the extensive database of community sites, including shelters, food banks, medical facilities, counseling services and more.

* Crisis alerts – During emergencies, residents can find instant alerts and notifications with critical information and guidance.

* User-friendly interface — The website’s intuitive interface simplifies searches and quickly finds relevant, specific results. Information is available in both English and Spanish.

The website provides links to 23 categories:

* Senior citizens – Categories include “Aging/Homebound Assistance,” “Food,” “Household,” “Medical,” “Transportation” and “Utilities.”

* Healthcare – “Counseling”; “Medical”; “Other”; “PPE Grant,” or Personal Protective Equipment loan to buy medical equipment for healthcare professionals and residents (loans gained importance during COVID-19 pandemic); and “Substance Abuse/Mental Health.”

* Emergencies – “Disaster Recovery” and “Food.”

* Students – “Education,” “Financial Assistance,” “Mentoring” and “School Supplies.”

* Personal crises – “Clothing/Shoes,” “Employment,” “Food,” “Holiday Assistance,” “Household,” “Housing/Lodging/Rent,” “Lodge Transient Assistance,” “Other,” “Personal Items,” “Support Group” and “Transitional House.”

In the “Disaster Recovery” category, a resource example is Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 1418 Old Railroad Bed Road in Madison. The church has a Red Cross emergency storm shelter that congregation members open for the public during severe weather warnings for Madison or Limestone county. (256-232-3331, gslife.org)

In the “Education” category, Asbury Church, 980 Hughes Road in Madison, offers free classes for English as a Second Language. Students can improve fluency in English and become familiar with American culture. (256-837-0365, weareasbury.com)

An example agency for “Employment” is Still Serving Veterans. The non-profit organization assists veterans with building resumes, interviewing and employment guidance. Office address is 626 Clinton Ave. W., second floor. (256-883-7035, ssv.org)

In the “Counseling” category, AGAPE of North Alabama uses Trust-Based Relational Intervention or TBRI. Caregivers work with children who have experienced complex developmental trauma. Office address is 103 Mountain Brook Blvd. in Madison. (256-859-4481, agapecares.org)

Translation is available into 16 languages by using the “Select a Language” box at the bottom of ALHelp.org’s webpage.

ELM’s address is 7501 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite 115 in Huntsville. For more information about the ELM Foundation, call 256-217-7141 or email info@elmhsv.org.