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 rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Georgia who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your county's Community Action Agency. Many help with energy bills and emergency needs when funds allow.
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.
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you.
Every Georgia county is served by a Community Action Agency that may help when funds allow. In Fulton County, that's the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority. In Gwinnett County, it's Partnership for Community Action. Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry and Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries also help Gwinnett families in a crisis.
Sources: https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Your first steps, in order
- Read every notice you get, and keep it.
- Dial 211 and ask about rent or utility help.
- Call your Community Action Agency.
- If you got court papers, call legal aid right away.
- Write down who you talked to, and when.
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Questions about eviction? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you. Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. In metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Outside metro Atlanta, call Georgia Legal Services Program.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.georgialegalaid.org/apply
What to say to legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (county)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households who qualify with heating and cooling bills.
In Georgia, you apply through your local Community Action Agency. Funds are limited, so it helps to ask early.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Call your utility too
Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some Community Action Agencies and local groups help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your Community Action Agency.
If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
Think you were treated differently when renting? You can report it.
The Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://gceo.georgia.gov/how-file-housing-complaint
Say your hours got cut in Valdosta
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could call your Community Action Agency about your power bill. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call Georgia Legal Services Program the same day.
Questions people ask a lot
Will help pay all my rent?
It depends on the program and funds. Many help with part of it. Ask what they can do.
Can I get help if I have a job?
Yes, maybe. Many programs help working people who qualify.
What if my landlord won't fix things?
Write down the problem and tell your landlord in writing. Questions about repairs? Check the official page in the Legal and Tenant Help guide.
How do I find my Community Action Agency?
Dial 211, or see the list at the back of this guide.
What if I'm already homeless?
See guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight.
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.
HUD approved housing counselors
What it offers HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 (TTY 202.708.1455). Search online at https://answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling/
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Live chat is linked from https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Georgia
Here are some places to start.
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
Georgia Community Action Association
What it offers Lists the Community Action Agencies that serve every Georgia county. Local agencies help with energy bills, emergency needs and other programs when funds allow.
How to reach Call 404.361.4442, or find your agency at https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
Last checked October 22, 2026
LIHEAP energy help (through Community Action Agencies)
What it offers Help paying heating and cooling bills for households who qualify, run by DFCS through local Community Action Agencies. Funds are limited, so it helps to ask early.
How to reach Find your local agency at https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency or dial 211.
Source https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
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 Commission on Equal Opportunity
What it offers The state office that takes reports of housing discrimination.
How to reach Call 404.656.1736 or 800.473.6736.
Source https://gceo.georgia.gov/how-file-housing-complaint
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
Fulton County Homeless Assessment Centers
What it offers Help for people outside the City of Atlanta who are homeless or about to be. North Fulton: 7741 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta. South Fulton: 5600 Stonewall Tell Rd., College Park. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Walk in from 9 am to noon, or make an appointment for 1 pm to 4 pm.
How to reach Call North Fulton at 404.612.0720 or South Fulton at 404.612.0137.
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
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
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
Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
What it offers Help for Gwinnett families facing a crisis, including help to prevent homelessness, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 770.263.8268.
Source https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/government/departments/financial-services/grants/housing-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gwinnett County Coordinated Entry (HomeFirst Gwinnett)
What it offers The front door to homeless help in Gwinnett County. Walk in assessments at the Latin American Association Gwinnett Outreach Center, 5320 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross.
How to reach Start at https://homefirstgwinnett.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://homefirstgwinnett.org/
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 housing 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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