Youth and Young Adults

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 you're young and things are hard right now, whether you left home, aged out of foster care, or just need a hand, you're not alone. There are people in Georgia who want to help.

Dial 211, or call one of the youth programs in this guide. If you're in crisis, call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 800.715.4225, or call or text 988.

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.

Where can I stay if I can't go home?

Dial 211 and say how old you are. There are shelters and programs just for young people.

In Atlanta, Covenant House Georgia offers shelter and support for young people ages 18 to 24. In Gwinnett County, Home of Hope offers shelter and support for children and young people.

Sources: https://covenanthousega.org/crisis-shelter

Who can I talk to?

The Georgia Crisis and Access Line is open 24/7 for calls, text and chat. You can also call or text 988, any time.

It's okay to reach out, even if you're not sure it's a crisis.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/988-georgia

Can I keep going to school?

Yes. Students who are homeless can usually stay in their school, even if they move.

Every school district has someone who helps students who are homeless. Ask your school counselor who that is.

BUNKLY TIP

Ask at school

Your school counselor can help with meals, supplies and more. You don't have to explain everything.

Can I get help finding a job?

WorkSource Georgia offers job help for young people in many areas. Ask about youth programs at your nearest office.

What if I aged out of foster care?

DFCS has support for young people who were in foster care, including help with school, housing and life skills. Ask DFCS about the Independent Living Program.

Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.

What about health care?

Young people may qualify for Medicaid. Apply on Georgia Gateway.

Mercy Care in Atlanta offers health care, including for young people who are homeless.

Questions people ask a lot

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.

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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.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

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.

Other local groups may also help.

Georgia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Atlanta and Fulton County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Gwinnett County

Here are some places to start.

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.

Other local groups may also help.

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!

Key numbers to keep

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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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Last updated October 22, 2026