Emergency Assistance

Georgia Gateway, opens a new window, is a way to find out if you qualify for state assistance. Many services require online access; if you have trouble, please call the Online Services hotline at 1-877-423-4746. If you have a hearing impairment, call GA Relay at 1-800-255-0135. The services are free.

Disaster victims with access to the internet can apply for help online, opens a new window

Travel. If you are stranded in Atlanta or need help getting off the street, Frontline Response offers Homeward Bound assistance, opens a new window. Also try Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta (404-817-7070 located at 458 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 called HOPE Atlanta, opens a new window; limited walk-in hours). Young runaways may be able to get a free ride home by contacting the National Runaway Switchboard, opens a new window or call 1-800-RUNAWAY.

Shelter. Visit the City of Atlanta's Gateway Center, opens a new window for immediate shelter needs. It is located at 275 Pryor St. downtown near the intersection at Memorial Drive. Search the 2-1-1 page, opens a new window at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta to find local services such as emergency shelter and food, and counseling. Help in Georgia with foreclosure, opens a new window from U.S. Housing and Urban Development. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook, opens a new window for help with rental problems. 

Seniors can contact Fulton County's STARline at (404) 613-6000 to ask about assistance and services, opens a new window.

Utilities. Georgia's Energy Assistance Program, opens a new window page has details about LIHEAP, a seasonal program to help with heat.  Utility assistance programs , opens a new windowof the Georgia Public Service Commission and other state and local entities. Help with water bills through the FLOAT program, opens a new window (404-546-0311). Low-income water customers in the City of Atlanta can get help with water and sewer bills, opens a new window (404-546-3620). The Federal Universal Service Fund's Lifeline/Link-Up program provides discounts to income-eligible consumers for phone and internet service. Get more information from the Universal Service Administrative Co, opens a new window. Lifeline enrollees can also get help paying for high-speed internet from the Affordable Connectivity Program, opens a new window.

Food.  Georgia food commodity programs, opens a new window.  List of U.S. Dept. of Agriculture food assistance programs, opens a new windowFood stamps (SNAP), opens a new window in Georgia.

Health CareFree COVID-19 testing, opens a new window in Fulton County. Find help paying for prescriptions at Medicine Assistance Tool, opens a new windowEmergency help paying for medical needs, opens a new window.

Childcare. Georgia subsidizes child care costs through its Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS), opens a new window program for low-income families ( 1-833-442-2277).

Legal. Legal resources under the Fulton County Justice Resource Center, opens a new window. Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation provides legal assistance to low-income Americans. In Fulton County contact the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Inc, opens a new window. (404) 524-5811. Outside metro Atlanta request legal help through the Georgia Legal Services Program, opens a new window (1-800-498-9469).

Checking Account. Credit unions are democratically owned and controlled institutions based on a "people helping people" principle. Find a state-chartered credit union in Georgia, opens a new window, or Find a federal credit union, opens a new window. Use FDIC's BankFind, opens a new window to get information about the health of your bank.

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