The Alabama Center for Rural Organizing and Systemic Solutions (ACROSS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in Alabama. ACROSS focuses on building climate resilience, economic empowerment, workforce development, and land and food security for historically marginalized communities.

Key Areas of Work:

Disaster Resilience & Emergency Response

ACROSS works to ensure rural communities are prepared for and can recover from disasters, particularly in areas often overlooked by federal relief efforts.

The organization played a critical role in Camp Hill’s response to a hailstorm that lacked a FEMA declaration, mobilizing resources to support affected residents.

Land Security & Title Clearing

ACROSS helps African American landowners secure clear title to their property, a crucial step for wealth preservation and access to federal aid.

This work is especially important in Camp Hill, where heirs' property issues have prevented residents from receiving assistance.

Workforce Development & Economic Empowerment

ACROSS is developing a comprehensive training center to address economic disparities in rural communities. The center will provide remedial adult education, Black entrepreneurship incubation, apprenticeship education, and workforce training.

The organization is working to weatherize older homes, making them more energy-efficient and resilient to extreme weather.

They are also addressing food scarcity by developing local solutions for food access and security.

Overall Vision

ACROSS is committed to systemic solutions that uplift rural communities, focusing on long-term resilience, economic independence, and equity. Their work bridges direct community aid with policy advocacy, ensuring rural Alabama communities can thrive despite historic and ongoing challenges.