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 things are hard right now, I'm really glad you picked this up. You are not alone, and there are people all over Georgia whose whole job is helping you get back on your feet.
Here is the easy first step in Georgia: dial 211. To apply for food, cash help or health coverage, use Georgia Gateway. We'll walk through the rest together, one page at a 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.
Start with the thing that matters most today. If you need a place to sleep tonight, that comes first.
If you have a roof but you're short on food, rent or a utility bill, start there.
United Way 211 connects people to local help, from shelter and food to rent and utility help. In metro Atlanta, specialists answer Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and you can search online any time. Outside metro Atlanta, dialing 211 connects you to the 211 for your area.
Sources: https://unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211/
Your first steps, in order
- If you're in danger, call 911. If you're in crisis, call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 800.715.4225, or call or text 988.
- If you need a bed tonight, read guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight. In the City of Atlanta, you can call 311 for homeless help.
- Dial 211 and say what you need, in your own words.
- Apply for food, cash help and health coverage on Georgia Gateway.
- Write down every name, number and date. Keep it in one place.
What is 211, and how does it work?
211 is a phone line and website that knows about local programs near you. You tell them your ZIP code and what you need.
They tell you which places may be able to help, and how to reach them.
You can ask 211 about shelter, food pantries, rent or utility help, health care, transportation and more. If you don't speak English, ask for an interpreter.
Sources: https://unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211/
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in (town or county), ZIP code (ZIP)."
"I need help with (shelter, food, rent, a shutoff)."
"It's just me," or "I have (number) kids with me."
"Can you give me two or three places to call today?"
Here is an easy one
Ask 211 for more than one number. If the first place is full, you already know who to call next.
Which guide do I need?
There are 14 guides in this set. Each one goes deeper on one topic.
- Emergency Shelter Tonight, if you need a bed tonight.
- Housing Help, for rent, eviction, deposits and shutoffs.
- Food, for SNAP, WIC, pantries and meals.
- Clothing and Hygiene, for showers, laundry and clothes.
- Jobs and Job Training, for WorkSource Georgia and unemployment.
- Health and Mental Health, for Medicaid, crisis help and care.
- Domestic Violence Safety and Housing, if you're not safe at home.
- Veterans, for VA and Georgia veteran help.
- Youth and Young Adults, if you're under 25.
- Getting ID and Documents Back, for birth certificates and state ID.
- Phones and Internet, for Lifeline and Wi-Fi.
- Legal and Tenant Help, for legal aid and renting questions.
- How to Make Blessing Bags, if you want to help someone else.
How do I apply for food, cash help and Medicaid?
In Georgia, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) runs food help, cash help and Medicaid applications. You can apply for all of them on Georgia Gateway, the state's online site, or at your county DFCS office.
- SNAP (food stamps) puts money for groceries on an EBT card.
- TANF gives temporary cash help and support to families with children who qualify.
- Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids cover health care for people who qualify.
- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating and cooling bills. Apply with your local Community Action Agency.
For questions, call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877.423.4746.
Sources: https://dfcs.georgia.gov/about-us/contact-information
Say you just lost your job in Decatur
You could apply for SNAP on Georgia Gateway today, so groceries are covered while you look for work. Then you could file for unemployment with the Georgia Department of Labor and visit a WorkSource Georgia office for job leads. If a shutoff notice comes, call your Community Action Agency right away. Small steps, one at a time.
How do I get my ID and papers back?
Lost your ID? It happens to so many people.
Start with your birth certificate and Social Security number, then go to a Department of Driver Services (DDS) center for a Georgia ID card. Questions about cost and what to bring? Check the official page below. Guide 11 walks you through it.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenses-ids-and-permits/new-license-id-or-permit/how-do-i-id-card
Keep a simple folder or phone album
How do I stay connected?
A phone makes everything easier. The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of phone or internet service for people who get benefits like SNAP or Medicaid.
Libraries have computers and Wi-Fi you can use. Guide 12 has more.
Write it down
Phones get lost and batteries die. Keep your most important numbers on paper too.
Where can I get help right away?
If you're in danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 800.715.4225, or call or text 988, any time, day or night.
GCAL can also send a mobile crisis team.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/988-georgia
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an address to get help?
No. Many programs serve people with no address. You can often use a shelter or a trusted friend's address for mail.
Can I apply for more than one program?
Yes. Georgia Gateway lets you apply for food, cash and medical help at once.
What if I don't have a phone?
Libraries, shelters and day centers often let you use a phone or computer.
What if I don't speak English well?
Ask for an interpreter. Many programs offer one, including 211.
What if I was turned down?
Ask why, in writing if you can. Your letter explains how to ask for a review. You can also try another program.
I'm really glad you're here
You picked up this guide, and that's a real step. Be kind to yourself today.
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.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love. Spanish text and chat are available.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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/
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
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
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
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 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
Georgia Medicaid
What it offers Health coverage for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care and prescriptions. PeachCare for Kids covers children in families who qualify. Apply on Georgia Gateway.
How to reach Call 877.423.4746 or 404.657.5468, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Apply at https://gateway.ga.gov/
Source https://medicaid.georgia.gov/contact
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
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
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
Other local groups may also help.
Atlanta and Fulton County
Here are some places to start.
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
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
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
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
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
Other local groups may also help.
Gwinnett County
Here are some places to start.
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
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
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
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
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.
What to bring when you apply
My plan for this week
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.
Affordable living. Simplified
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