FOLEY, Ala. — Baldwin County residents looking for help with housing, food, health care, jobs and more will be able to find many of those services in one place next month. The Sea Glass Initiative will hold its annual Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Foley United Methodist Church, 915 N. Pine St., in Foley.
The event is free and open to the public. It brings local organizations and service providers together under one roof so individuals and families can learn about programs available across Baldwin County, talk with providers face to face and leave with information they can use. A free hot meal will also be served.
Event details
- What: Sea Glass Initiative Community Resource Fair
- When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Foley United Methodist Church, 915 N. Pine St., Foley
- Cost: Free, including a free hot meal
- Who can attend: Everyone. Attendees do not need to be experiencing homelessness.
What resources will be available
The fair is set up to give visitors information on a wide range of needs. According to organizers, resources will cover:
- Housing assistance
- Food assistance
- Health care
- Mental health services
- Transportation
- Employment
- Financial assistance
- Family services
Organizers say other types of help will be represented as well. The idea is to save people from calling or visiting office after office. Instead, they can meet many providers in a single visit and learn what they may qualify for.
Not just for people experiencing homelessness
The Sea Glass Initiative works mainly with people who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. Organizers stress that the fair is for anyone who wants to learn more about the help available in the county.
They encourage people to attend if they are going through a hard time, helping a family member, looking for resources for an aging parent or loved one, or simply want a better understanding of what services exist in Baldwin County. Caregivers, church volunteers, teachers, neighbors and others who often help connect people to services may also find the fair useful.
Call for community partners
The Sea Glass Initiative is still recruiting organizations to take part. It is inviting local nonprofits, businesses, health agencies, educational programs, social service agencies, service providers and community advocates to register as community partners.
Participation is 100% free for partner organizations. Organizers say the fair gives participants a chance to connect directly with community members and other local leaders, and to show Baldwin County residents what resources they offer.
Spaces are filling, according to organizers, who are encouraging interested organizations to sign up soon to secure a spot. Organizations can reach the Sea Glass Initiative at 251-332-3442 or [email protected].
About the Sea Glass Initiative
The Sea Glass Initiative is a Foley-based nonprofit whose stated mission is “to unite the community through compassion to end and prevent homelessness in Baldwin County.” It was founded in September 2023 by three nonprofit directors who saw gaps in the services available to people experiencing homelessness in the area.
The group’s name comes from the idea of transformation. Sea glass begins as broken pieces of glass that are worn smooth by the waves over time, becoming something valued and beautiful. The organization applies that image to the people it serves as they work to rebuild stability in their lives.
The nonprofit offers housing support, personalized case management and connections to community resources for individuals and families. Its programs also support seniors, families and children who are experiencing homelessness. The organization reports serving more than 800 housing-insecure individuals and more than 300 children. It is based at 506 N. Pine St. in Foley, just down the street from this year’s fair location.
Michelle Hillman serves as the organization’s executive director. Transportation has been one focus of its work. Through its fall 2025 grant cycle, the City of Gulf Shores awarded the Sea Glass Initiative a $2,000 grant to support its Access in Motion Transportation Initiative. The program provides safe rides for people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship so they can get to job interviews, medical appointments and shelters.
“The single most critical obstacle faced by the individuals and families we serve is the lack of reliable, safe transportation,” Hillman said at the time.
Why a resource fair matters
Baldwin County covers a large area, and its services are spread among many towns, from Bay Minette in the north to Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in the south. For someone without a car, reliable internet or flexible work hours, finding and reaching the right agency can be a real challenge.
A resource fair helps close that gap by bringing providers to one location for a few hours. Visitors can ask questions, pick up information, learn about eligibility and meet the people behind the programs. Providers, in turn, can meet one another and learn what other groups offer, which can make referrals easier throughout the year.
The county is also growing quickly. Foley alone has added about 10,000 residents since the 2020 census, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Continued growth can bring new residents who are unfamiliar with local services, and the fair offers them a chance to learn what is available in their new community.
Tips for attending
- Arrive any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend.
- Consider bringing a list of questions or needs so you can make the most of your conversations with providers.
- Bring a bag to carry brochures and other materials.
- If you are attending on behalf of a relative or friend, bring notes about their situation so providers can point you toward the right programs.
- Plan to stay for the free hot meal.
For more information about the Community Resource Fair or about registering as a partner, contact the Sea Glass Initiative at 251-332-3442 or [email protected].