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. If someone is hurting you or scaring you, it is not your fault. You deserve to be safe. There are people in Georgia who can help, any time, day or night.
If you're in danger right now, call 911. To talk with someone, call the Georgia statewide hotline at 1.800.334.2836, any time.
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.
If you're in danger right now, call 911. When you can, call the Georgia Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.334.2836.
It's open 24 hours and connects you to the nearest certified domestic violence shelter in Georgia. Interpreters are available. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, listed below.
Sources: https://gcadv.org/projects-and-initiatives/statewide-domestic-violence-hotline/
Your first steps, when you're ready
- If you're in danger, call 911.
- Call the Georgia hotline at 1.800.334.2836.
- Make a safety plan with an advocate.
- Ask about shelter and legal help.
- Keep your papers in a safe place.
How do I find a shelter or local program?
Call the statewide hotline, and they'll connect you with the nearest certified shelter. There are programs across Georgia, including in metro Atlanta and Gwinnett County.
You can also dial 211.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm not safe at home and I need help."
"I'm in (town or county)."
"I have (number) kids with me," or "It's just me."
"Can you help me find a safe place?"
How do I make a safety plan?
A safety plan is a plan for how to stay safe, at home, at work, or when you leave. An advocate can help you make one that fits your life.
A small safety bag, if it's safe to keep one
Stay safe online
If you think someone checks your phone or computer, use a library or a friend's device to look for help.
Can I get help with housing?
Some domestic violence programs help survivors with housing, including shelter and help moving. Ask the hotline or your local program.
Georgia's Safe At Home program gives survivors a substitute address, to help keep their real address private. Call 470.312.2766 to learn more.
Sources: https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/safe-home-how-apply
Many shelters welcome kids. Some accept pets, or know who can care for them for a while.
Ask when you call.
Say you need to leave quickly in Savannah
You could call the statewide hotline at 1.800.334.2836 and ask for a shelter near you. If you can, you could grab your safety bag. An advocate could help you plan the next steps.
If you're worried about someone, let them know you care and you believe them. Don't push them to leave before they're ready.
Share the hotline number, 1.800.334.2836, and offer to sit with them while they call.
Believe them
Listening without judging is one of the best things you can do.
Questions people ask a lot
Is the hotline confidential?
Hotlines work to keep what you share private. Ask them how it works when you call.
Can I bring my kids?
Many shelters welcome children. Ask when you call.
What if I'm not ready to leave?
That's okay. An advocate can still help you make a plan.
Can I get legal help?
Yes, maybe. Legal aid may help with protective orders. Questions about that? Check the official page below.
Is there a cost?
Hotline help is offered at no cost.
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.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter. The Hotline does not give cash or hotel vouchers, but it can connect you to local groups that may.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/ For Native American and Alaska Native survivors, the StrongHearts Native Helpline is 844.762.8483.
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
love is respect (National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline)
What it offers Support for young people dealing with abuse in a relationship, or anyone with questions about healthy relationships.
How to reach Call 866.331.9474. Online: https://www.loveisrespect.org/
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Georgia
Here are some places to start.
Georgia Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers A 24 hour hotline that connects you to the nearest certified domestic violence shelter in Georgia. Interpreters are available.
How to reach Call 1.800.334.2836 (1.800.33.HAVEN), any time.
Source https://gcadv.org/projects-and-initiatives/statewide-domestic-violence-hotline/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Safe At Home (Georgia Secretary of State)
What it offers A program that gives survivors of domestic violence, stalking and other crimes a substitute address, to help keep their real address private.
How to reach Call 470.312.2766, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Apply at https://safeathome.sos.ga.gov/
Source https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/safe-home-how-apply
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
GeorgiaLegalAid.org and Georgia Legal Services Program
What it offers Plain language legal information and a way to apply for civil legal aid anywhere in Georgia. Georgia Legal Services Program serves people outside metro Atlanta.
How to reach Call Georgia Legal Services Program at 888.408.1004, or start at https://www.georgialegalaid.org/apply
Source https://www.georgialegalaid.org/apply
Last checked October 22, 2026
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health or substance use crisis. Open 24/7 for calls, text and chat, for anyone in Georgia. GCAL can also send a mobile crisis team.
How to reach Call 800.715.4225, or call or text 988.
Source https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/988-georgia
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Atlanta and Fulton County
Here are some places to start.
Atlanta Legal Aid Society
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in metro Atlanta, including housing problems. Offices are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm.
How to reach Fulton: call 404.524.5811. Gwinnett: call 678.376.4545. Apply at https://atlantalegalaid.org/
Source https://atlantalegalaid.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mercy Care
What it offers Health care for people in metro Atlanta, including people who are homeless, with medical, dental and behavioral health care.
How to reach Call 678.843.8600 for appointments.
Source https://mercyatlanta.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.
ViewPoint Health
What it offers Behavioral health care and support in Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties, including help for people who are homeless.
How to reach Call 678.212.6308.
Source https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/government/departments/financial-services/grants/housing-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
The Salvation Army of Gwinnett
What it offers Emergency shelter and other help in Gwinnett County.
How to reach Call 770.724.1677.
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 (call your Community Action Agency)
Every Georgia county is served by a Community Action Agency that can help with energy bills and emergency needs when funds allow. If you don't live in Fulton or Gwinnett County, start here. Dial 211 for the phone number and hours, or check the Georgia Community Action Association page.
ACTION, Inc. (Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 2440 West Broad St., Suite 9, Athens. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
action pact, Inc. (Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Bulloch, Candler, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Effingham, Evans, Jeff Davis, Long, Pierce, Tattnall, Toombs, Ware and Wayne counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 510 Tebeau St., Waycross. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Central Savannah River Area EOA (Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren and Wilkes counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 1261 Greene St., Augusta. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Clayton County Community Services Authority (Clayton, Fayette and Henry counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 1000 Main St., Forest Park. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority (Bryan, Camden, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 1 Community Action Dr., Brunswick. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Coastal Plain Area EOA (Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 1810 W. Hill Ave., A6, Valdosta. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community Action for Improvement (Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Meriwether and Troup counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 1380 Lafayette Pkwy., LaGrange. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Enrichment Services Program (Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart and Talbot counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 2601 Cross Country Dr., #C, Columbus. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
EOA for Savannah-Chatham County Area (Chatham County)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 618 West Anderson St., Savannah. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Heart of Georgia Community Action Council (Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler and Wilcox counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 324 Pine St., Eastman. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Macon-Bibb County EOC (Bibb County)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 456 Bay St., Macon. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Middle Georgia Community Action Agency (Butts, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Spalding, Twiggs and Upson counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 121 Prince St., Warner Robins. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Ninth District Opportunity (Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 308 Spring St., Gainesville. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
North Georgia Community Action (Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, Walker and Whitfield counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 1344 Talking Rock Rd., Jasper. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Overview, Inc. (Baldwin, Hancock, Jasper, Johnson, Putnam, Washington and Wilkinson counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 325 N. Cobb St., Milledgeville. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Partnership for Community Action (DeKalb, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills 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
Southwest Georgia Community Action Council (Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas and Worth counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 912 First Ave. SE, Moultrie. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Tallatoona Community Action Partnership (Bartow, Cobb, Douglas, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding and Polk counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 314 E. Main St., Cartersville. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
UNITY Community Action Council (Crisp, Dooly, Macon, Marion, Schley, Sumter, Taylor and Webster counties)
What it offers Help with energy bills and emergency needs for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Office: 4036 State Route 90 East, Montezuma. Dial 211 for the phone and hours.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My safety 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
Reaching out takes courage, my friend. You don't have to do this alone. There are people ready to help, any time, day or night.
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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