Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Looking for work can be tiring, especially when money is tight. You don't have to do it alone. Georgia has job help in every corner of the state.
Start with WorkSource Georgia or a Georgia Department of Labor career center for job leads and training. If you lost your job, you can file for unemployment online.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
WorkSource Georgia is the state's network of local workforce areas. Staff help with job searches, career coaching and training for people who qualify.
The Georgia Department of Labor also has career centers with job listings and hiring events.
Sources: https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource-georgia/ https://dol.georgia.gov/locations
Your first steps, in order
- Find your nearest WorkSource Georgia office or GDOL career center.
- If you lost your job, file for unemployment in the MyUI Claimant Portal.
- Make or update your resume.
- Apply for SNAP on Georgia Gateway while you look.
- Write down every job you apply for.
What if I just lost my job?
You may be able to get unemployment benefits. They give weekly payments to people who lost work through no fault of their own and who qualify.
File and request your payments in the MyUI Claimant Portal from the Georgia Department of Labor. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Sources: https://dol.georgia.gov/individuals/unemployment-benefits
What to say at a job center
"Hi. I'm looking for work in (kind of job)."
"Can someone help me with my resume?"
"Are there training programs I might qualify for?"
Can I get training for a better job?
Yes, maybe. WorkSource Georgia can tell you about training programs that may help pay for classes in jobs that are in demand.
Technical colleges and adult education programs also offer classes. Ask what you might qualify for.
Ask about support costs
Some programs help with things like bus fare, work clothes or tools. It doesn't hurt to ask.
What if I have a record?
Many employers hire people with a record. Be honest and focus on what you've learned and what you can do.
Legal aid may be able to tell you about clearing parts of your record. Questions about that? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.georgialegalaid.org/apply
A resume is a short list of your work, skills and training. Keep it to one page if you can.
Job centers can help you write one.
What to put on a resume
How do I get ready for an interview?
Practice answers to common questions with a friend. Plan how you'll get there and arrive a little early.
Bring a copy of your resume.
Say you're starting over in Athens
You could visit a WorkSource Georgia office to ask about job leads and training. You could apply for SNAP on Georgia Gateway while you look. If your power bill is due, you could call your Community Action Agency.
Job searching takes time. Set small goals, like three applications a day.
Take breaks. Celebrate each step.
Every no gets you closer
Each application is practice. Keep going, friend.
What if I need child care to work?
Child care can make it possible to take a job or a class. Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services program, called CAPS, helps families who qualify pay for child care.
Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://caps.decal.ga.gov/
Things that can help you get to work
What if I need help getting to work?
Ask your WorkSource Georgia office or a career center about help with travel to work or training. Some programs help with bus passes or work gear.
Dial 211 to find help near you.
Say you got a job offer in Augusta but have no ride
You could ask your career center about help with travel. You could check the bus routes near you. You could ask a coworker about sharing a ride.
Ask before you start
Some programs can only help before your first day. Ask early.
How do I keep a new job?
Show up on time, and call ahead if you'll be late or sick. Ask questions when you're not sure.
Keep your schedule written down. If something at home makes work hard, ask your case manager or dial 211 about help.
What you might say to a new boss
"Thanks for this chance. Who should I ask if I have questions?"
"I want to do this right. Can you show me one more time?"
Your first week
You've got this
Every day you show up is a win.
Where can I find work clothes?
Some programs give out work clothes and shoes at no cost for interviews and new jobs. Ask your career center, a local shelter, or dial 211.
Guide 5 has more places to find clothing.
Say you have an interview in Savannah next week
You could ask your career center about interview clothes. You could practice answers with a friend. You could plan your ride the day before.
Small steps add up
One application a day is real progress.
Questions people ask a lot
Is there a cost for job center help?
Job search help at WorkSource Georgia and GDOL career centers is offered at no cost.
Can I get unemployment if I quit?
It depends. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
What if I don't have a computer?
Libraries and job centers have computers you can use.
Can I get help with child care?
Ask DFCS about child care help on Georgia Gateway.
What if I have a disability?
Ask about the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
- Dial 211, or search unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211 any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Georgia, then local help in Atlanta and Fulton County and in Gwinnett County, then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.
Georgia
Here are some places to start.
WorkSource Georgia
What it offers Georgia's network of local workforce areas. Job search help, career coaching and training for people who qualify, at offices across the state.
How to reach Find your local area at https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource-georgia/ or dial 211.
Source https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource-georgia/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Georgia Department of Labor: unemployment
What it offers Weekly payments for people who lost work through no fault of their own and qualify. File a claim and request payments in the MyUI Claimant Portal.
How to reach Start at https://dol.georgia.gov/individuals/unemployment-benefits
Source https://dol.georgia.gov/individuals/unemployment-benefits
Last checked October 22, 2026
Georgia Gateway
What it offers Georgia's online site to apply for SNAP (food stamps), TANF cash help, Medicaid, WIC and child care help, and to check your case.
How to reach Apply at https://gateway.ga.gov/ Questions: call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877.423.4746.
Source https://dfcs.georgia.gov/about-us/contact-information
Last checked October 22, 2026
United Way 211 (metro Atlanta)
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, run by United Way of Greater Atlanta. Outside metro Atlanta, dialing 211 connects you to the 211 for your area.
How to reach Dial 211, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Search any time at https://unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211/
Source https://unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Atlanta and Fulton County
Here are some places to start.
Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority
What it offers The Community Action Agency for Fulton County and the City of Atlanta. Help with energy bills (LIHEAP) and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow. They see all applicants face to face.
How to reach Visit https://facaa.org/ Office: 341 Kelly St., Atlanta. Don't share personal information over the phone.
Source https://facaa.org/ and https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gateway Center
What it offers A center in downtown Atlanta that helps people who are homeless with shelter, case management and a path to housing.
How to reach Call 404.215.6600. Office: 275 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta.
Source https://gatewayctr.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Partners for HOME (City of Atlanta)
What it offers The City of Atlanta's homelessness response. Call 311 for homeless help inside the city. Partners for HOME also lists access points for youth, veterans and health care.
How to reach Call 311 inside the City of Atlanta, or dial 211.
Source https://partnersforhome.org/help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Gwinnett County
Here are some places to start.
Partnership for Community Action
What it offers The Community Action Agency for DeKalb, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties. Help with energy bills (LIHEAP) and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 3597 Covington Hwy., Decatur. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry
What it offers Help for Gwinnett families facing a crisis, including help to prevent homelessness, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 770.339.7887.
Source https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/government/departments/financial-services/grants/housing-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (job help across Georgia)
WorkSource Georgia and the Georgia Department of Labor serve every county. Start with the office closest to you, or dial 211.
WorkSource Georgia
What it offers Georgia's network of local workforce areas. Job search help, career coaching and training for people who qualify, at offices across the state.
How to reach Find your local area at https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource-georgia/ or dial 211.
Source https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource-georgia/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Georgia Department of Labor career centers
What it offers Job listings, help with job searches and resumes, and hiring events, at career centers across Georgia.
How to reach Find a center at https://dol.georgia.gov/locations
Source https://dol.georgia.gov/locations
Last checked October 22, 2026
Your local Community Action Agency
What it offers Some Community Action Agencies also help with job training and work costs. Find yours at https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
How to reach Dial 211, or check the list on the Georgia Community Action Association page.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My job plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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