THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Over 172,000 meals packed for metro Atlanta families for the 2022 9/11 Day of Service
On Monday, September 12, close to 400 volunteers spent the day at the Georgia World Congress Center packing more than 172,000 meals for families across metro Atlanta, commemorating the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.
Photos by City of Atlanta Government
On Monday, September 12, close to 400 volunteers spent the day at the Georgia World Congress Center packing more than 172,000 meals for families across metro Atlanta, commemorating the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.
Now an annual day of service in Atlanta, this is the 3rd year Hands On Atlanta has partnered with MyGoodDeed (d.b.a. 9/11 Day) the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that created the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Their mission is to take back the day, transform the anniversary of 9/11 into a national day of doing good, and in the process rekindle the spirit of unity that arose in America in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Together, we’ve engaged thousands of volunteers and packed over 500,000 meals for metro Atlanta families!
Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens and members of the Mayor’s Office joined the meal pack and spoke to the volunteers, sharing his energy, the impact and power of today’s event and thanking all the volunteers and organizers for their efforts.
For this year’s event we teamed up with Meals of Hope, Brave Public Relations, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank (the recipient of the 172,000+ meals) for a meaningful and fun day of service. Guest emcee and WSB-TV evening anchor, Karyn Greer kept the energy in the room electric and brought authenticity to the work and the purpose of uniting in service.
Ashley Graylee, a volunteer from Novelis summed up the event perfectly saying, “Coming together and doing something good for others, it just feels good, and it feels like 21 years later we are still honoring those who have lost so much.”
Learn more about 9/11 Day and how you can get involved at www.911day.org and for more meal packing opportunities and events or to discover other ways to fight food insecurity across metro Atlanta visit www.handsonatlanta.org/food.
feeling inspired?
You don’t have to wait to do something good. From September, 20-27, 2022, we’re teaming up with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for Hands On Atlanta Week - Atlanta’s biggest week of service. There are hundreds of opportunities and events you can sign up for addressing food insecurity, education, environmental sustainability and more throughout the week.
A Smashing Success: Reviewing the 2022 Spring for Service
For Hands On Atlanta, spring is the season where we take time to recognize the people, the organizations and the events that make Atlanta a little more engaged and equitable and fundraise to continue our essential work. In celebration of Global and Georgia Volunteer Month, this past April, was one of our best spring’s ever! Here’s a recap of what happened.
Spring in Atlanta can be a lot of things to a lot of people. It can be a season of anticipation - the kick-off to festival season, the World Champion Atlanta Braves, and the 17’s favorite, Atlanta United and every students’ favorite - the end of the school year. Spring in Atlanta can also be pretty miserable if you’re the kind of person who’s into consistent weather and prefer to live pollen free. 😜
For Hands On Atlanta, spring is the season where we take time to recognize the people, the organizations and the events that make Atlanta a little more engaged and equitable and fundraise to continue our essential work. In celebration of Global and Georgia Volunteer Month, this past April, was one of our best spring’s ever!
In total, we mobilized close to 3,000 volunteers to serve more than 15,500 hours across metro Atlanta throughout April, 2022.
Here’s a quick recap of what happened.
As a result of the pandemic, last year we pivoted to an online, peer-to-peer fundraiser. In addition to it being safe, it was also a great alternative to the rather off-brand “gala” style events we’ve hosted in the past. We learned a lot and with the help of a huge match from our board, we smashed our fundraising goal, bringing in over $140,000 from close to 400 donors!
The dollars raised will help us continue to address food insecurity and further close the education gap by mobilizing the volunteer workforce that powers Atlanta’s nonprofit sector. In total, the campaign will generate more than $850,000 in economic impact across metro Atlanta.
Watch to learn what more volunteers mean to our nonprofit partners, Urban Recipe and Truly Living Well.
Special thanks to our Spring for Service campaign sponsors!
Throughout April, we celebrated some huge, annual days of service, and hosted a few large projects - in addition to over 1,000 volunteer opportunities on our calendar! We kicked off the month with Good Deeds Day and supported a “women’s build” event with 48in48 and settled into National Volunteer Week before closing out Global Volunteer Month with Earth Day, Global Youth Service Day and a massive skills-based opportunity at the 2022 DECA International Career Development Conference.
Other notable projects included some fun and impactful meal packs with 100+ employees from Mingledorffs and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, who packed 1,200 meals. All the meals packed will benefit students and families at our partner schools.
As if it wasn’t enough, our team also worked tirelessly to pull of a massive effort in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, to celebrate Hank Aaron Week (May 3-7). The Braves front office staff volunteered at Browns Mill Urban Food Forest, planting gardens with all kinds of vegetables, repairing the greenhouse and building little “free libraries,” all while celebrating a chance to serve the community. In addition, they installed an edible wall, where the vines of raspberries, blackberries and other fruit will grow vertically, giving Browns Mill Park neighbors more healthy food options. Learn more here.
Throughout the month, nominations poured in from nonprofits, corporations and individuals, recommending we spotlight a special volunteer who’s made a difference for Atlanta. We’ve shined a light on students, community activists, teachers and others doing good. Explore ALL of these volunteer spotlights, highlighting the incredible efforts from volunteers across metro Atlanta here!
BUILDING A BELOVED COMMUNITY WITH CAPTAIN APRILLE MOORE
KIP THOMPSONA IS RUNNING FOR INCLUSION AND INSPIRING THE NEXT GEN
Ready to do something good?
If you’re feeling inspired by the impact donations can create, the projects and events that support our community or the people doing the work, we’ve made it easier than ever to get involved. Click here to donate or explore our volunteer calendar, where we have 200+ weekly opportunities waiting for you to sign up for!
Make a Difference with DECA
DECA is a nonprofit student association that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, and they will be hosting their annual International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta in April. DECA is bringing 20,000 high school students to Atlanta for the event, and they need more than 1,000 VOLUNTEERS to participate as judges for career-related competitive events at the Georgia World Congress Center on April 24 and/or 25.
DECA, a nonprofit student association that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, is bringing 20,000 high school students to the Georgia World Congress Center on April 24-25, 2022 for their annual International Career Development Conference.
Over 1,000 (yes, 1,000!) volunteers are needed to participate as judges for career-related, competitive events. Some perks for volunteering as a judge include free parking, on-site training, breakfast and lunch.
3 reasons TO BE A VOLUNTEER JUDGE:
1. Feel inspired
Witness the business world through a different lens and gain a fresh perspective while listening to student presentations and engaging in role play opportunities. Students will bring a sense of enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism that is bound to impress.
2. Cultivate the future
The International Career Development Conference is the culmination of an entire year of the hard work, preparation and dedication by students and competitors internationally. Empower these youth and help develop the future workforce! Your insight, feedback and time is integral in propelling high school students beyond the classroom and getting them ready to take on the world.
3. Make an impact
When you do good, you feel good. Volunteering will not only boost your morale and sense of purpose but will do the same for high school students. There’s no stage, no awards, no pinnacle achievement without you, the judge. Your service is crucial to the success of emerging leaders and makes a tangible change in a student’s life.
If you're looking for a unique way to support education or if you're a professional looking to share your expertise with the next generation, this is the volunteer opportunity for you!
“Our judges are the final obstacle a DECA member must overcome before earning the coveted DECA Glass. Without judges acting in the role that they do, our members would not be able to gauge their growth as a speaker, competitor or leader. The impact a judge makes in the development of the next generation of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs is monumental. The business model of this organization relies on quality, professional individuals to act as judges to provide them with feedback, skills, and tools they can use to change the world.” ”
Please email volunteer@deca.org for more information.
The Art of Moving Forward | A look back at the 2022 MLK Days of Service
Dr. King once said, “If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
It’s relentless forward motion, and as we all know, trying to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs is never easy. During the 2022 Hands On Atlanta MLK Days of Service, some of us went from flying to crawling in the matter of a few hours.
Dr. King once said, “If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
It’s relentless forward motion, and as we all know, trying to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs is never easy. During the 2022 Hands On Atlanta MLK Days of Service presented by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, some of us went from flying to crawling in the matter of a few hours. With a mix of Covid concerns and a winter storm, projects and events that took months to plan were flipped on their head. But Atlanta, you kept moving forward. It took some old fashioned hard work, determination, quick thinking, patience, a little bit of luck and a pure passion to help build Dr. King’s “Beloved Community” that made this year’s King Holiday so meaningful. It’s surely the kind of thing we’ll be talking about for year’s to come.
Together, 1,500 volunteers and participants attended over 200 volunteer projects and events, supporting 60 nonprofits and schools. In addition, thousands of engaged citizens visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the King Center and the Atlanta History Center to learn about Dr. King’s life and legacy and to share their own personal experiences with each other. Morehouse College will continue their King Holiday programming throughout the month.
Check out some of our highlighted projects and events below and don’t forget to share your MLK Days of Service experience with us on our social channels, tagging #mlkatl22.
8th annual mlk Sunday Supper
On Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, close to 200 corporate and community leaders from across metro Atlanta united, virtually, for our 8th annual MLK Sunday Supper presented by The Coca-Cola Company. This year’s event provided guests an intimate, vulnerable, and thought-provoking experience, with guided conversations about What We Teach Our Kids About Race.
The evening featured special guests Brandon Fleming, founder and CEO of the Harvard Diversity Project and Dr. Beverly Tatum, president emerita at Spelman College, as well as 30 Atlanta changemakers as breakout facilitators. Hosted by 11Alive’s Cheryl Preheim, the evening also including moving performances (above) from spoken word poet Ashlee Haze and sensory artist Siana Altiise.
Heart is full, mind is focused after engaging in the @HandsOnAtlanta #MLKATL22 #SundaySupper - Joined with many Atlantans to talk about our experiences as children in learning about race. My big take away - being a courageous parent for Bleu as it relates to race. pic.twitter.com/iTivnzUrmi
— Adrienne Annice 🍑🫐 (@LadyA08) January 17, 2022
Joining community leaders as a facilitator for @HandsOnAtlanta #MLKSundaySupper for a conversation about engaging our kids on the topic of race. As a new father, it’s important that we lean into these uncomfortable conversations — our silence itself, is a (1/2) pic.twitter.com/ArborRYmxW
— Phil Olaleye (@PhilForGeorgia) January 16, 2022
SERVICE WITH SCALES AT Disco’S POP-UP
Disco, our virtual Saturday enrichment program, had some special guests for our in-person pop-up event on Saturday, Jan. 15! Students from our partners schools got hands on with some critters like snakes, spiders, and even a baby hedgehog! Volunteers from NCR and our AmeriCorps team helped ensure the students (and the animals) had a great atmosphere for learning and discovery.
FEEDING NEIGHBORS WITH EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH
Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As a sponsor of the 2022 MLK Days of Service hosted by @handsonatlanta, we joined colleagues across the Blank Family of Businesses to pack meal kits.
— Arthur Blank Foundation (@BlankFoundation) January 17, 2022
We hope you’ll join us in Dr. King’s call to service. pic.twitter.com/9ES0dqFrrb
There was no better place to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. than at his home at Ebenezer Baptist Church. In partnership with the Ben Crump Single Parents in Need Feeding Initiative and the hard work of volunteers from the surrounding community and from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, 1,000 meal bags were packed! Volunteers also wrote letters of encouragement that went in each bag of food. The meal bags were then distributed on Dr. King’s birthday, Saturday, Jan. 15.
URBAN FOREST RESTORATION WITH WAWA
So proud of my mentee, Solomon Seaborn, for this well-deserved honor! His ❤️ for service was evident even as our @KIPPWAYSAcademy 6th grader 18 years ago! As a @HandsOnAtlanta board member, I love that we are celebrating men and women who lift up their communities!@BTCHiewet https://t.co/KOSLVd0lRk
— President/CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (@BGCMA_CEO) January 17, 2022
Volunteers (including Senator Jon Ossoff pictured above with members of our AmeriCorps team) braved the elements and worked hard to provide actions to maintain stewardship, history, and beautification, as a “Beloved Community” with the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA). Volunteers cleared trail paths, marked trails, spread mulch, removed limbs and invasive plants, and more at their Outdoor Activity Center in the historic Oakland City neighborhood.
In addition to this huge, hard working day of service. Hands On Atlanta Civic Leader and dedicated WAWA volunteer, Solomon Seaborn received the January, 17 2022 Points of Light, Daily Point of Light Award.
Learn more about Solomon’s story!
lEARNING IN COLOR MURAL AT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Thank you @HandsOnAtlanta for planning so many great volunteer projects this weekend. We made today a day ON, not a day OFF at the International Community School, sorting books in the library. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/L3Z5fKqMgx
— Rep. Betsy Holland, HD54 (@BetsyforGeorgia) January 17, 2022
It was all smiles and lots of fun at the International Community School, (an educational haven for refugee students from all over the world) where volunteers from the community and WarnerMedia teamed up to paint and beautify the school with a mural from Learning in Color! The mural represents the core values that the school stands for and the core values that Dr. King dedicated his life for; equity, inclusion, diversity and acceptance of all cultures and ethnicities. The project added aesthetic value and cultural significance to International Community School and as you can see in the video above, the kids love it!
Office Meal Pack
Spent #mlkday volunteering with Hands on Atlanta to help school kids affected by food insecurity. No one should go hungry in a first world/developed nation. pic.twitter.com/2uWAYklc9Z
— Tyler Lee (@tylercampaigner) January 17, 2022
Over at the Hands On Atlanta office, 50 highly motivated and energetic volunteers from Coca-Cola, MAPP, Towerpoint and our AmeriCorps team spent MLK Day packing 800 meal bags for students at Love T. Nolan Elementary School! In addition to packing meals, volunteers also wrote notes of encouragement for the kids, and placed finished kits in boxes to deliver to the school later this week.
Beautification at InCommunity
The volunteers that served at InCommunity had a big job on their hands, to improve a day program center that provides educational, creative, and social opportunities for up to 55 adults with disabilities. Community volunteers revitalized the center with tasks like raking leaves, clearing branches, painting, decorating and organizing classroom spaces.
VIRTUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
EDUCATION EQUITY With DR. CHANIKA PERRY
Throughout our MLK Days of Service, participants from NCR, KaVo Kerr and American Tower spent their lunch hour virtually with Hands On Atlanta's resident education expert, Director of Education Programs, Dr. Chanika Perry, to learn more about education inequities in our country. After a brief issue education presentation and thought starters, attendees participated in a facilitated, curated discussion and thought sharing on how to build a more equitable future for the next generation.
FOOD SECURITY WITH ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
Participants from CRH Americas, Change Healthcare, HOK, Norfolk Southern, OneDigital, and NCR virtually came together for a presentation from Hands On Atlanta and the Atlanta Community Food Bank to learn more about Atlanta's fight against food insecurity. The attendees joined an interactive simulation that put themselves in the shoes of others to experience the realities of food insecurity and economic life choices that need to be made daily. Guests left empowered with resources to advocate and participate in the fight against hunger.
SHARE YOUR MLK DAY EXPERIENCE
Now that you’ve read some of the highlighted moments and projects of our MLK Days of Service, we’d love to know how you celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. King. Share your activity or reflection points with us across our social channels by following @handsonatlanta and using the hashtag #mlkatl22.
If you’re feeling inspired to get involved, there are still several MLK Day related activities throughout the rest of the month. Hop over to mlkatl.org for more info and to find an opportunity to engage.
9 PROJECTS TO RING IN THE HOLIDAYS
Are you in the giving spirit and looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back this holiday season? With a focus on fighting food insecurity, we’ve got your back with 9 hand selected projects (and a lot more) that are serving the community for the holidays.
Are you in the giving spirit and looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back this holiday season? With a focus on fighting food insecurity, we’ve got your back with 9 hand selected projects (and a lot more) that are serving the community for the holidays.
Community Food Box Build Out
HOPE Atlanta is looking for volunteers on Wednesday, Dec. 8 to help pack food into boxes for an upcoming distribution. You can join their efforts to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger. Every year HOPE Atlanta supplies more than 40,000 food boxes to neighbors in need, and they rely on volunteers to make this possible.
Amazing Virtual Info Session for Free99Fridge
Ok, so you’ve heard of Free99Fridge, and now you’re interested in learning more about how you can help them fight food insecurity in Atlanta? Here’s your chance! On Thursday, Dec. 9 anyone in the community wanting to learn more about supporting their Solidarity Fridges (located at Best End Brewing, Refuge Coffee, Hodgepodge Coffeehouse and North Decatur Presbyterian Church) is welcome to attend an Amazing Virtual Info Session. Expect a fun, super informal and COVID-safe way to learn more about getting involved, donating food, navigating Slack and all things Free99Fridge.
Gift Sorting
Antioch Urban Ministries is looking for volunteers Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings through Dec. 16 to sort (not wrap) toys for kids who are in need. You’ll be sorting toys by age and gender and bagging them in preparation for distribution.
Clark Howard's Christmas Kids
For 26 years, Clark Howard has been providing Christmas gifts to foster children in the state of Georgia. St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, along with WSB TV/Talk Radio, the Georgia Department of Human Services, and Walmart, work with Clark to ensure that every child has gifts to open on Christmas morning. They need energetic volunteers to help organize the gifts everyday through Friday, Dec. 17. Volunteers will help load and unload trucks, sort and combine gifts for children, help label gifts by county, and ensure each child receives the correct gifts.
Christmas in Coweta
Christmas in Coweta is a program organized by Bridging the Gap, to provide toys, clothing, and other needed items to children in need. Bridging the Gap is a nonprofit organization based in Coweta County, Georgia that provides food, clothing, and ministry to people who are struggling in their community. They are in need of volunteers for various roles and shifts the week of Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 17 to help with their event.
6th Annual Christmas Dinner and Toy Giveaway
For this Holiday season, Area in Need Missionary House is looking for volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 18 to assist them in serving men, women and children that live in 4 of their partner hotels and extended stays in the surrounding areas. Volunteers will setup with the tents, tables and items, serve a spagetti dinner, distribute toiletries, gifts, toys and more!
StreetWise Christmas Event and Mobile Food Pantry
On Saturday, Dec. 18, StreetWise Georgia will serve 300 registered families with a Take Home To Cook Christmas Meal and a new gift to unwrap for every child attending this special event. Volunteers will help sort food, prepare food boxes, load boxes into client vehicles, hand out Christmas gifts and so more!
Helping Hands Holiday Dinner
On Saturday, December 18, 250 disadvantaged children will be able to celebrate the holidays as part of the 33rd Annual Helping Hands Holiday Dinner. Volunteers are needed at the Union City, GA location to help give out pre-bagged toys, free giveaways and to hand out drinks and/or snacks.
Christmas Community Food Box Giveaway
Area in Need is hosting a Christmas Community Food Box Giveaway on Tuesday, Dec. 21 where they will provide anyone in the community free food items. Volunteers will assist in preparing boxes, sorting different food items, handing out information sheets and loading food boxes into clients’ vehicles.
But wait, there’s more…
We’ve got even more ways you can volunteer during the holidays - a lot more, actually. There are close to 500 opportunities to give back on our calendar from now through the end of the year. Don’t wait until 2022 to do something good, get started today!
How volunteering can feed those in need & soothe the soul
Traditionally, this time of year brings up many feelings of altruism. As we gather around our tables enjoying meals prepared by and shared with loved ones on dark, chilly evenings, the knowledge that others might not have a holiday meal or food in their cupboards is striking in contrast. Volunteering at a food bank, soup kitchen, or stocking a local free pantry are all wonderful ways to share the love with those who might not otherwise have access to healthy, fresh food.
Traditionally, this time of year brings up many feelings of altruism. As we gather around our tables enjoying meals prepared by and shared with loved ones on dark, chilly evenings, the knowledge that others might not have a holiday meal or food in their cupboards is striking in contrast. Volunteering at a food bank, soup kitchen, or stocking a local free pantry are all wonderful ways to share the love with those who might not otherwise have access to healthy, fresh food.
I spoke with Tim Adkins, Director of Marketing and Communications for Hands On Atlanta about Atlanta’s hunger problem and what is being done to address it. “We can’t keep up with the need from our partners, specifically our food pantry partners,” said Adkins.
Between August of 2020 and July of 2021, Hands On Atlanta has supplied more than 9,500 volunteers to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank as they distribute a whopping 8.6 million meals to 22 food pantries located throughout the city and far into the suburbs. Additionally, Hands On Atlanta’s Meals 4 Kids program and COVID-19 specific relief efforts have supplied 8,000 meals to families in that same timeframe.
“Last year we engaged about 15,000 people in service to serve approximately 130,000 hours in the community,” Adkins explained, and while Hands On Atlanta is an organization dedicated to a myriad of nonprofits in a variety of sectors, Adkins says that the pandemic has really highlighted an increased need specifically centered around food insecurity. Of those 15,000 volunteers engaged by Hands On Atlanta nearly 10,000 were focused on providing healthy meals to those in need.
Calling the issue “just staggering,” Adkins and the Hands On Atlanta team are committed to activating people, both as individuals and within the context of corporate teams, in an effort to facilitate the distribution of donations from organizations to the communities that need them.
“We really wanted to lean in,” said Adkins, who says he has seen exponential growth in the amount of food that has come into the Food Bank and then back out into the community.
While one of the biggest impacts can be seen from companies bringing in teams of employees to volunteer their time, COVID has restricted those opportunities and today most volunteering efforts employ less than 50 people at a time. Nonprofits such as Urban Recipe and the Community Assistance Center regularly post their opportunities with Hands On Atlanta, but are typically seeking between four to six volunteers for a given activation.
Some local companies that have regularly given back through volunteering with Hands On Atlanta include Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, the Coca-Cola Company, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, United Postal Service, NCR, and the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
“Even if you couldn’t physically help, there are things you can do to be supportive like writing a letter in support of someone who may have fallen on hard times. It really does mean a lot, just having some encouragement means a lot. To really understand why, and why it matters, is to create empathy,” said Adkins. And it’s not only good for the community, giving back has benefits for the volunteer as well.
“Studies have shown that volunteering meets all of the things that the pandemic has caused: isolation, stress, feeling no sense of purpose,” Adkins continued. “It has been proven that volunteering gives you confidence, a sense of community, and a sense of purpose. There is intrinsic value as well, it’s great for the community but also for the individual.”
As we talked, Adkins shared a few local organizations that he feels are making great strides in the battle against hunger. Free99Fridge.com, Second Helpings Atlanta – Assemble and Pack Food Donations, and Open Hand Atlanta are all dedicated to providing not only non-perishable and shelf-stable foods, but also fresh fruit, produce, and whole meals to those in need throughout the city.
So this year, if you find that you’ve got enough love to share, whether it be in the form of food or monetary donations or through actual physical assistance to soup kitchen, food pantries, and all of the auxiliary organizations that support the efforts to get food into the hands of those who need it, there are some truly remarkable ways you can aid in the fight against food insecurity.
Get started right now by searching this list of food insecurity related projects on Hands On Atlanta’s calendar. Here are some other projects to explore throughout Thanksgiving:
Volunteer with Atlanta Community Food Bank as an individual or a group
Virtual Meals on Wheels which includes projects people can do from home
Thanksgiving Dinner and Coat Giveaway with Area in Need Missionary House on November 13 and 20
The Pantry at Chapelhill Atlanta on November 20
Thanksgiving Event and Mobile Food Pantry Distribution with Streetwise on November 20
Grady Fresh Food Cart with Grady Health System in Brookhaven on November 24
Stock the Pantry with Grace Community Food Pantry on November 24
Thanksgiving Give Back with SSA, delivering nourishing meals to low-income and homebound seniors in Fulton County on November 20 (Registration required by November 15)
Giving Tuesday with Hosea Helps, this annual Thanksgiving drive-through event at the Georgia World Congress Center Blue Parking Lot seeks volunteers age 12+ to fill 10 shifts on November 19
Volunteer with the Atlanta Mission, serve meals to men residing at The Shepherd’s Inn or the women and children at My Sister’s House, many dates available
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Vaccine Volunteers needed to boost school re-opening
In order to vaccinate thousands of APS educators, APS will need hundreds of volunteers—both medical professionals who will be able to administer the vaccine as well as non-medical volunteers to help staff the events.
With yesterday’s news announcing pre-K-12 educators and school staff to be eligible to receive the vaccine starting March 8, 2021, there is now a sense of urgency around staffing these vaccination events with volunteers. Vaccinating as many staff members as possible will be critical for continuing to open schools safely.
In order to vaccinate thousands of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) educators and staff, APS will need hundreds of volunteers—both medical professionals who will be able to administer the vaccine as well as non-medical volunteers to help staff the events.
“The COVID 19 pandemic has highlighted what educators have known for decades: schools are critical centers of our community and the heartbeat of our ecosystem. Therefore, we are eager to get all of our students and staff back in schools safely and vaccinating all of our educators is the pathway to achieve that goal. As such, we are grateful to any and all medical and non-medical volunteers who will help us with our vaccination events!” ”
GET STARTED!
If you are a medical professional and are willing to help vaccinate APS educators, please consider signing up to volunteer! If you’re not sure if you have the authority to vaccinate, click here to review the Georgia Department of Public Health’s list of healthcare professionals who are authorized to administer vaccinations.
If you are not a medical professional, your help is still needed to serve at the events.
All volunteers must pre-register with the Georgia Department of Public health to volunteer. Don’t wait! With March 8, approaching fast, get started now:
Register at https://servga.gov/ with the organization: Fulton County, Medical Reserve Corps. See below for step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Once registered through the state, sign up for a volunteer role for the Atlanta Public School events here.
Specific event/shift dates and times will be emailed to you including volunteer details and more information once confirmed. Anticipated events will likely take place on the weekends. Lunch will be provided for volunteers.
Sign up through the Georgia Department of Public Health
Here’s a quick step-by-step overview to getting signed up. It’s easy and will only take a few minutes to complete your registration.
Visit https://servga.gov and click “Register Now”
At the top section under Volunteer Opportunities click the box for option 2. This will populate a new dropdown for you to choose your organization.
Select your county and click the organization dropdown. Choose “Fulton County Medical Reserve Corps”
Fill out the rest of the information on the page: name, email, etc. to create your profile and click Next at the bottom of the page.
Nice job, you’re almost done!
One the next page click “My Profile” in the top left.
Go through the 8 sections to add the required information to complete your profile. Required information will be marked with an * and a green check mark will appear when each step is finished.
Once this is complete go to your inbox and read the message from Fulton County Medical Reserve Corps.
Follow the instructions about any additional forms you need to complete
Congrats, you’re now eligible and ready to volunteer!
**Don’t forget to sign up for a shift with APS once you’ve registered with DPH.
Direct Service Resource Guide
Our team has put together the following resource guide to help connect those in need, with those who can help. So, if you or someone you know is in need of housing or rental assistance, transportation, legal aid or other direct support, we hope this list of trusted organizations can help you, or someone you know, make it through those challenges.
Hands On Atlanta’s mission is to mobilize the Atlanta community to tackle our city’s most pressing needs. While most of our work is supporting nonprofits that are directly addressing these needs, we get a ton of requests from community members who need a helping hand or two.
Our team has put together the following resource guide to help connect those in need, with those who can help. So, if you or someone you know is in need of housing or rental assistance, transportation, legal aid or other direct support, we hope this list of trusted organizations can help you, or someone you know, make it through those challenges.
Click the links below to hop to the assistance in need:
Housing + Rental Assistance
Click the name of each organization for more information.
1967 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 400 Tucker, GA 30084
(404) 327-5820
Who they serve: Up to six families with one or more children, who are at imminent risk of homelessness
What they provide: Families accepted into our program are serious about leveraging the support we offer and gaining the skills needed to ensure their long-term sustainability upon completion of our program. We provide housing and financial assistance to these families, removing the barrier of homelessness by helping them move toward self-sufficiency. We offer courses in parenting, financial management, career coaching, and personal development among others, as well as help with continuing education. Upon graduation from our program, families have at least $1,000 in savings and steady employment.
An application is required
Midtown Assistance Center Rental Assistance
30 Porter Pl NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
404-681-5777
Who they serve: Eligibility based on
Must be employed or recently unemployed (within six months)
Have a signed, legal lease in the client’s name
Have at least 6 months of unassisted payment history at present residence
Have verifiable take home income of at least twice your monthly rent amount before your emergency situation
Cannot reside in government subsidized housing such as Atlanta Housing Authority, Housing Choice, Section 8, or student housing
Cannot be a TANF recipient
Must provide any additional documentation necessary to substantiate need for assistance
What they provide: MAC provides assistance to low-income, working households that are in a temporary financial crisis. Our assistance works to prevent eviction and disconnection of electricity, gas, and water.
A screening is required by calling the assistance line
HOPE Atlanta Housing Assistance
34 Peachtree Street #700, Atlanta, GA 30303
404-817-7070
What they provide:
Permanent Housing Support: Many clients, including those with disabilities or substance abuse issues, need ongoing support after being placed in permanent housing. We provide that support system, assisting with everything from medical appointment transportation to grocery shopping and learning to budget
Special Needs Housing Support: HIV/AIDS cases have continued to spike in Atlanta, particularly among homeless communities. Our dedicated Special Needs Housing team ensures that this population’s needs are met
Screening is required. To find out if you are eligible please call 404-817-7070
Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority Affordable Housing
1690 Chantilly Drive Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30324, USA
(404) 320-0166
Who they serve: Low income, Fulton county residents
What they provide: FACAA is a housing counseling agency and seeks projects that enhance the quality of living for low-income citizens, help citizens become homeowners and aid them in saving their homes.
Contact at 404.320.0166
2847 Piedmont Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30305
404-239-0058
Who they serve: Eligibility is dependent on
A current lease or mortgage in client’s name. Client must have resided and paid rent or mortgage at that address for a minimum of three full months.
Must be employed within the past 12 months or be unable to work due to age or disability.
Must have a documented emergency within the past 12 months, including but not limited to:
Illness or death in the family
Loss of job
Reduction in work hours or pay
Unexpected expenses (major car repairs, house repairs)
What they provide: BCM’s financial assistance ministry is dedicated to forestalling eviction and utility shut-offs by providing one-time financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing a crisis such as illness, death in the family, divorce, or job setback. BCM will pay a portion of rent, mortgage, or utility bills in order to help our clients maintain stable housing. Financial assistance is available to families once in a 12-month period, and no more than twice in five years.
Application is required
Action Ministries Housing Assistance
1700 Century Circle NE Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30345
(404) 881-1991
Who they serve: People between the ages of 18 - 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or adults with disabilities
What they provide:
Archway Housing: Partnering with clients at risk of becoming homeless or are currently experiencing homelessness, archway housing programs like Trinity Assessment Center (TAC) identify safe, secure, and affordable options, providing clients with long-term, wrap-around support to provide and preserve the sustainable housing necessary to regain self-sufficiency.
Action Empowers: At any given time, there are more than 10,000 children in Georgia’s foster care system and a mere 25% of children who age out of the system transition into stable housing. That equates to hundreds of young adults without a safe and secure place to call home. In addition to securely housing families, Action Empowers helps house individuals and youth, providing intensive case management and individualized coaching designed to address unique barriers to self-sufficiency, implementing vital resources like counseling, educational enhancement, employment and career services, life skills classes, and more.
Action Thrives: More than 40 percent of America’s homeless population are people with disabilities. These individuals often rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which provide an income 44 percent below the federal poverty level. This makes it difficult for these individuals to retain permanent housing or gain access to the services they need. Action Thrives ensures that men and women who are currently homeless and have a disability are given access to stable housing, case management and the resources necessary to live as independently as possible. We recognize that some of our neighbors who are disabled need financial and relational support indefinitely. Our services empower people who have complex challenges to manage their lives with greater stability, autonomy and dignity.
Screening call is required at (404) 881-1991
Food Pantries
Click the name of each organization for more information.
4755 North Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338
(678) 687-5357
Pantry Hours: Wednesday 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Requirements: No documentation necessary.
Youth Reach Out Program’s Food Pantry
900 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 753-5253
Who they serve: DeKalb, Fulton.
What they provide: The YROP Food Pantry makes groceries available to the families of low income communities in metro-Atlanta that can make ends meet, but not enough to provide for the daily groceries. Networking with Action Ministries, we transport grocery items into our pantry, and distribute the items to families for support.
Requirements: Picture ID/driver license, proof of residence or lease. We only accept appointments for our pantry, and they are usually scheduled on Monday and Wednesday. For more information, please visit our website. We do accept any food or monetary donations, as it will help us continue to run the pantry. For more information, please call.
1790 LaVista Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 325-0677
What they provide: a food pantry, hot lunches, and also a clothing closet.
Who they serve: Zip codes 30030; 30032; 30033; 30319; 30324; 30329; 30340; 30341; 30345. (Will distribute food to veterans and homeless peoples from any zip code)
Requirements: Bring proof of your address: driver's license or other official ID with address or bill with zip code.
Pantry Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 1:00pm - 4:00pm. No appointment necessary. We also provide lunch Tuesday through Thursday from 1 to 2:30.
1040 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Lower Level Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 756-1699
Who they serve: Zip codes 30310, 30311, 30331.
Requirements: Application form, picture ID/driver license, proof of residence or lease for all household members, birth certificate, social security card for each child.
Pantry Hours: Thursday 9:30am - 1:00pm For more information, please call.
Shallowford Presbyterian Church
2375 Shallowford Road NE Atlanta, GA 30345
(404) 321-1844
Who they serve: Residents of DeKalb County area only. Eligible to receive assistance 4 times per year.
What they provide: Shallowford’s Food Pantry provides temporary or emergency food assistance, including groceries, for over 400 families per year and distributes more than 15,000 pounds of food per year. Due to COVID-19, we are serving on a walk-in basis; you do not need to call ahead or make an appointment. No client fee or donation is required. Identification cards for all family members are needed at the time of arrival. Shallowford is on MARTA routes 33 and 126.
Pantry Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 1:00pm to 3:00pm. For more information, please call.
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
1328 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309
404-228-7724 (Dial 1 for food pantry)
Who they serve: Butts, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, Rockdale.
Requirements: valid ID, SS card and proof of residency that shows amount paid for rent. Picture ID/driver license, proof of residence or lease (current utility bill), social security card for all members of the household, does not need proof of legal
What they provide: The pantry is stocked with food secured from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, local vendors, and church & community members. In a single year, approximately 131,000 pounds (nearly 62 tons) of food are distributed from the Venable Food Pantry.
23 Jesse Hill Drive Jr. SE Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-659-8745
Who they serve: Butts, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, Rockdale.
Requirements: Picture ID/driver license, social security card. Referral required: written referral required from DFCS or social service agency.
Pantry Hours: Tuesday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ben Hill United Methodist Church
2099 Fairburn Road SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30331
(404) 344-0618
Who they serve: Fulton.
Requirements: Picture ID/driver license, social security card for each child.
Pantry Hours: Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm.
Buckhead Christian Ministry - C Spencer Godfrey Food Pantry
2847 Piedmont Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 239-0058
Who they serve: zip codes 30305, 30309, 30311, 30318, 30319, 30324, 30326, 30327, 30329, 30331, 30340, 30341, 30342, 30345, 30360.
Requirements: Application form. Picture ID/driver license. Proof of residence or lease. Proof of income. Social security card. Does not need proof of legal status.
Pantry Hours: Monday, Tuesdays and Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm Thursday 10:00am - 7:30:pm
1966 Lakewood Terr SE Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 622-7931
Who they serve: Fulton
Eligibility: Seniors 65 years of age and above or parents with children under 18 years of age.
What they provide: AIM provides food and clothing for those in need in the community. Food is distributed on Thursdays from 11-2. The clothing bus is sorted on Fridays and distributed on Saturday from 11-1.
Requirements: Picture ID/driver license
Homeless shelters
Click the name of each organization for more information.
921 Howell Mill Road Atlanta, GA, 30318
(404) 367-2465
Who they serve: Single women and women with children
Be over the age of 18 unless accompanied by a mother or legal guardian.
Male children must be 11 years of age or younger; female children must be 17 or younger.
Agree to abide by all guidelines and fully participate in all program activities.
Be fully detoxified with at least 72 hours since last use of drugs or 24 hours since last use of alcohol.
Be mentally and physically able to exercise proper personal hygiene and self-care, perform task assignments, and participate in all program functions within a non-medical, non-psychiatric facility.
Two-bag maximum of personal belongings for each adult, 1 additional bag per child
What they provide: Overnight shelter, Meals, Counseling, Life Skills Classes, Social Service Referrals, Medical Care, Childcare, Vocational Training
Atlanta Mission: The Shepherd's Inn
165 Ivan Allen Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30308
(404) 367-2493
Who they serve: Men who are eligible
Be over the age of 18 and a single male.
Agree to abide by all guidelines, fully participate in all program activities, and refrain from any inappropriate activity.
Be fully detoxified with at least 72 hours since last use of drugs or 48 hours since last use of alcohol.
Be mentally and physically able to exercise proper personal hygiene and self-care, perform task assignments, and participate in all program functions within a non-medical, non-psychiatric facility.
Two-bag maximum of personal belongings for all facilities.
What they provide: Beds, Meals, Laundry, Social services, Life skills classes, One-on-one counseling, Clinical groups, Process groups, Vocational training, Small groups, Spiritual services
469 Marietta Street Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 486-2700
Who they serve: Eligibility varies by program. Please visit the website for specific information
What they provide: Cold Weather Program, Emergency Assessment Housing Program, Supportive Emergency Housing Program, DeKalb County Program, Family Emergency Housing Program, Supportive Emergency Family Program, DeKalb Family Emergency Housing Program, City of Atlanta Family Emergency Housing Program, Harbor Light Drug Treatment Program, Savings Program, Veterans on the Move Programs – Service Intensive, Clinical Treatment, Bridge Housing Re-Entry Partnership Housing Program – Dekalb County Jails, DCA State Board of Corrections
1300 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 874-2241
Who they serve: Single mothers, children, single mothers, and women recovering from traumatic sexual exploitation
What they provide:
Eden Village – Eden Village seeks to provide low-barrier assessment bridge housing including case-management and a variety of supportive services for up to 20 single mothers with children, 60 children and 35 single women who are experiencing homelessness.
House of Cherith – Safe housing and supportive services where women can recover from the trauma of sexual exploitation. Since conception, House of Cherith has facilitated the transformation of over 700 lives.
1559 Johnson Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 589-0163
Who they serve: Young people ages 18 - 24
What they provide:
Crisis Shelter: Emergency shelter ranging from 30-90 days is provided to young people ages 18-24. Medical and mental health care is provided with the focus on primary care, ob/gyn care, prenatal care, STD, HIV, asthma and diabetes screening, health education, and drug awareness and education. Youth who are suffering with severe and persistent mental illness receive or are referred to psychiatric counseling, medication management and help finding supported permanent housing. Youth in the Crisis Shelter participate in educational and vocational programs, learn basic life skills, and seek employment with the goal of creating an independent, sustainable future for themselves.
Rights of Passage: As is the case for many of our youth, a stay in the crisis shelter is not long enough to become self-sufficient. The Rights of Passage program is our independent living program designed to give them more time to reach the goal of self-sufficiency. It is a 24-bed onsite and 4-bed offsite program that youth are eligible for after they have stabilized in the Crisis Shelter and obtained employment. Case managers assist youth as they transition into independent living.
173 Boulevard Northeast Atlanta Georgia 30312 and 711 S. Columbia Drive Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 522-6056
Who they serve: Eligibility dependent on
Families must have at least one infant child, six months old or younger.
Parents must submit a background check.
Families must complete the “Get Help” and “Background” forms on the website
What they provide: Located in the City of Atlanta, the shelter provides homeless families with up to six months of emergency housing in a safe and caring environment. The 76-bed facility has 18 individual family bedrooms. The program provides families with between 2-7 members with a private room, daily nutritious meals, laundry services and a weekly provision of infant and personal care items. In addition, shelter residents receive free childcare, job training and case management, delivered through our other core programs.
Home Repairs + Disability Modifications
Click the name of each organization for more information.
AmRamp System: Home modifications
2300 Bethelview Rd Suite 110-442
Cumming, GA 30040 Contact: Joanne Bradley (404)617-6483
Paid service
What they provide: Modular ramps, stair lifts, platform lifts, home modifications, portable showers and tub transfer systems, portable ramps, overhead patient lifts, pool lifts, grab bars, automatic door openers, handrails, and threshold ramps
EnABLE Home Solutions: Home Modifications
3876 Menlo Drive Atlanta, GA 30340
Contact: Andrew Sever (770)841-9089
Paid service
What they provide: Consultations with an occupational therapist to understand long term mobility needs so that you can stay in your home. They also provide home modification solutions specifically for those with special needs, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC): Home Modifications
4900 Lewis Rd Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Contact: Chris Brand (770)491-9014
Who they serve: Those who want to transition out of nursing homes and back to independent living
What they provide: FODAC’s home modifications program contracts with government funding sources to allow home access and transition out of nursing homes through the Money Follows the Person program at the Atlanta Regional Commission. If you are in a nursing home in the Atlanta area and feel you can live independently, please contact: (404) 210-8642 for transition services.
If you or a family member are facing a new or existing disability and are experiencing trouble moving around your house, call FODAC to inquire about contractor referrals, portable ramps and other Home Medical Equipment needs. FODAC can provide some ramp building labor if funds for materials can be provided by the homeowner; This is subject to location and available contractors.
Handi-Ramp: Home Modifications
510 North Avenue Libertyville, GA 60048
Contact: Alex Disch (847)680-7700
Paid Service
What they provide: Our specialists at Handi-Ramp will help you find the perfect wheelchair ramp or handicap accessible product to suit your needs. We carry a large selection of complete wheelchair ramp systems, as well as portable ramps, lifts, handrails, threshold ramps, and even a variety of van ramps. Please browse through the accessibility categories on the website or contact us with any questions and we will be happy to help guide you to find the right product for you. Plus ask about rental and leasing options, installation services, or creating and designing custom pieces.
Community Health Clinics
Click the name of each organization for more information.
Healing Community Center - Atlanta
2600 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30311
(404) 564-7749
What do they provide: HEAL provides health education and medical services to at risk and under served populations. It is committed to assess the needs of communities and to build leaders from within those communities through training and supportive programs. Services: Adult Medicine Behavioral Health
Good Samaritan Health Center - Atlanta
1015 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy. NW Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 523-6571
Who they serve: Good Samaritan Health Center is a non-profit, 501(c)3 healthcare clinic serving uninsured, low-income individuals and families in Atlanta and the surrounding area.
AID Atlanta's Health Services Clinic
1605 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-2955
(404) 870-7700
Who they serve: They specialize in providing comprehensive primary medical care services to patients with HIV. They have highly trained medical staff who have been working in the field of HIV/AIDS for many years and are very competent to provide their patients with the highest quality in HIV medical care.
What they provide: Several medical and supportive staff members work together on our patient’s behalf to ensure each person receives the most comprehensive care. Services include:
Primary Medical Care for HIV-Positive Patients
Medication and Insurance Co-Pay Assistance
On-Site Pharmacy
Nutrition Assistance
Patient Navigation
Laboratory Services
Medical Case Management
STI Treatment
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) physical exams
Mercy Care at Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children - Atlanta
655 Ethel St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 876-2894
Sliding Scale
Who they serve: Patients living in a shelter, airport, train station, bus station, car or outdoors do not have to pay for any services.
What they provide: Services offered at this location include: Primary Care Allergy Abdominal (stomach) pain Asthma maintenance Blood in stool Blood pressure checks Colds Constipation Cuts & wounds
Mercy Care at Gateway Center - Atlanta
275 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
(678) 843-8600
What they provide: Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental Screenings
Hours: Monday - Friday (medical services) 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (after 5 p.m. is dependent on availability of volunteer physicians) Monday, Wednesday and Friday (dental services) 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Neighborhood Union Health Center - Fulton County Public Health Department
186 Sunset Ave NW # 186, Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 612-4665
Sliding Scale
What they provide: Behavioral Health Services 404-612-9330 Primary Care (provided by West End Medical Center) 404-613-5456 Nursing services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm Public Health services are provided at Public Health Centers located in Fulton County.
Center for Health & Rehabilitation - Fulton County Public Health Department
265 Boulevard, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 3rd Floor
(404) 665-8600
Sliding Scale
What they provide: No appointments are necessary. This facility offers core mental health and substance abuse disorder services that include the following: Behavioral Health Assessments, Nursing, Psychiatric Assessments, Individual Counseling
Adamsville Health Center - Fulton County Public Health Department
3700 M.L.K. Jr Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
(404) 612-9339
Sliding Scale
Who they serve: This facility serves youth from ages 4 to 25 years old.
What they provide: Services at the facility include primary care, public health and behavioral health services, housing assistance, employment assistance, dental services, a resource center, and a drop in day care center.
Grady Health System Grady Memorial Hospital – Atlanta
80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 616-7644
Sliding Scale
What they offer: This organization offers FREE STD TESTING. This may not be a clinic that offers other medical services. Chlamydia Test, Conventional HIV Blood Test, Free HIV Testing, Gonorrhea Test, HPV Vaccine, Hepatitis B Test, Hepatitis C Test, STD Test, Syphilis Test
2140 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Building B | Suite 202 Atlanta, GA, 30310
(404) 691-8880
Sliding Scale
What they provide: NAESM, Inc. offers free and confidential screenings for HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomoniasis. Syphilis testing will be a $5 fee. No appointment necessary. Also offers mental health and substance abuse counseling.
Center For Black Women’s Wellness - Atlanta
477 Windsor St. SW, Suite 309, Atlanta, GA, 30312
(404) 688-9202
Sliding Scale for Wellness Clinic
What they provide: The Wellness Clinic provides women's health (GYN) care, including the following services: • Well woman visits, including Pap Test, Pelvic exam, and clinical breast exam • Pregnancy testing, preconception counseling, and family planning • Physical examinations and health screenings
No cost for Safety Net Clinic
Who they serve: Uninsured men and women over the age of 18
What they provide: Primary Health Care • Non-Emergency Care • Chronic Disease Management including but not limited to: • Hypertension (high blood pressure) management • Confidential HIV testing • High Cholesterol management • Diabetes management • Mental Health Referrals and Services
Children’s Primary Care Center - Atlanta
35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 785-8160
Who they serve: The Children's Primary Care Center of Chamblee, on Buford Highway in Atlanta, treats the primary care needs of patients from birth to age 21.
Marcus Autism Center - Atlanta
1920 Briarcliff Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4010
(404) 785-9400
What they provide: They provide clinical services to children with autism and related disorders, from comprehensive evaluations and diagnostic services to behavioral therapy, family counseling and long-term, follow-up care. With their comprehensive services, families can receive diagnosis, treatment and support
Ben Massell Dental Clinic - Atlanta
700 Fourteenth St. NW Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 881-1858
The Ben Massell Dental Clinic is the only dental clinic in Georgia to be fully staffed by volunteer dentists and that offers comprehensive care in every specialty: exams, x-rays, diagnostics fillings extractions oral. Aside from dental issues, clients often arrive at the clinic with life and health issues brought on by poverty, joblessness, homelessness, diabetes, HIV-AIDS, drug abuse and more.
Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation - Atlanta
5582 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30341
(404) 325-3630
Sliding Scale
Who they serve: Lighthouse serves uninsured and low-income Georgians. Specific eligibility varies by program
What they provide: Vision Services: Vision Clinics, Vision Screenings, Eyeglasses, Diabetic Retinopathies, Corneal Tissue Transplants, Detached Retina Correction, Cataract Correction, Prosthetic Eyes Hearing Services: Hearing Screenings, Digital Hearing Aid
Whitefoord Health Center - Atlanta
1353 George W Brumley Way SE, Atlanta GA, 30317
(404) 588-0101
Sliding Scale
What they provide: Services at this clinic include: Pediatrics Ongoing Conditions (Obesity, Asthma, etc) Specialist Referrals Behavioral Health/Counseling Illness and Injuries Well-child Care
Family Health Centers of Georgia - West End Center - Atlanta
868 York Avenue, SW Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 752-1400
Sliding Scale
What they provide: Their family of healthcare professionals is committed to providing you with access to affordable healthcare excellence. In addition to providing adult medicine, behavioral health, dental, OB/GYN, vision and pediatric services, they provide an array of programs to support your total healthcare
Transportation Assistance
Click the name of each organization for more information.
Midtown Assistance Center - MARTA Assistance
30 Porter Pl NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
404-681-5777
Who they serve: Eligibility is dependent on
Must have verifiable, permanent employment
Must substantiate need for assistance
Must live within our zip codes served or have homeless verification
Must provide employment start date, schedule, or pay date
Must provide employer information with a business phone for verification
What they provide: MAC provides MARTA passes for people who are searching for employment or newly employed until they receive their first paycheck. We provide MARTA passes to both homeless and housed clients.
229 Peachtree St NE, STE 100 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-463-3100
Sliding Scale
What they provide: Transportation vouchers, Volunteer senior citizen transport, Shuttles that follow a regular route to needed community places, Group trips to social and cultural activities, Public Transit—Including Paratransit & MARTA mobility
Home Delivered Meals
Click the name of each organization for more information.
1705 Commerce Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30318
(404)-351-3889
Who they serve: In order to qualify for Meal Services, applicants must be:
60 years and older
Fulton County Residents
Low-income
What they provide: Our flagship program, Meal Services, provides nourishing meals to low-income and homebound seniors in Atlanta who are unable to afford or access adequate nutrition. Currently, the meal services program delivers meals every Saturday to frail, homebound and low-income seniors residing in Fulton County.
181 Armour Drive, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30324
(404) 872-8089
Who they serve: Senior Clients, Medicaid Clients & The Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP), HIV/AIDS Clients, and Private Pay Clients & Caregivers
What they provide: Medically-tailored meals for Medicaid clients, Care transitions from hospital to home/community, Freshly prepared meals for our senior clients, and Health-promoting, kid-friendly meals for at-risk youth
Legal Aid + Advocacy
Click the name of each organization for more information.
151 Spring St. NW Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 524-5811
Who they serve: To qualify for our services, you must meet certain low-income guidelines. Eligibility exceptions may apply to seniors and certain other qualified applicants.
What they provide: Atlanta Legal Aid Society provides free civil legal help to individuals who cannot afford a private attorney.
Note: The Legal Aid Society is dedicated to representing poor individuals in civil matters. They have a large network of specialized lawyers and cover a wide variety of practice areas. If you are divided as to which Legal Aid group to ask for assistance, you really cannot go wrong with speaking to the Atlanta Legal Aid Society.
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
235 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 521-0790
What they provide: The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation provides civil legal representation to low-income Georgians on civil matters primarily through the use of volunteer lawyers. Services are available for: Domestic Violence / Intimate Partner Abuse, Landlord / Tenant Problems, Evictions, Probate Issues, COVID-19 Relief, Unpaid Wages
DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 561 Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 373-0865
Who they serve: The DeKalb Lawyers Foundation provides, through volunteer lawyers, legal services to low-income residents of DeKalb County.
What they provide: They handle civil matters such as domestic relations, landlord-tenant, general litigation, wills and trusts, real property, social security, bankruptcy, debtor-creditor, nonprofit corporation, foreclosure, fraud, guardian ad litem, juvenile law and employment.
30 South Park Square Marietta, GA 30090
(770) 528-2565
Services: Legal Aid of Cobb County is a branch of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. They provide free civil (non-criminal) legal services to very low-income people living in Cobb County.
887 West Marietta St. NW, Suite J-101 Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 873-3911
Who they serve: GLA serves the entire Georgia arts community. An artist can be a painter, sculptor, author, playwright, musician, film-maker, and much more!
What they provide: The Georgia Lawyers for the Arts serves the legal needs of the artists and art organizations of Georgia. They give free legal advice to nonprofit arts organizations with budgets under $500,000 and conduct workshops on topical issues relating to the arts and the law including contracts and copyrights, taxes and record keeping and nonprofit incorporation.
976 Edgewood Ave., NE Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 523-8236
What they provide: The Justice Center’s goal is to reduce the cost of lengthy legal battles, so they offer free mediation services. They mediate domestic problems involving family members, neighborhood disputes, landlord tenant disputes, claims over money and personal property, allegations involving misdemeanors, juvenile disputes, business related disputes, educational disputes, work place disputes, personal injury claims, disputes involving churches and congregations, public policy disputes and land use and zoning issues.
250 Georgia Ave., S.E., Suite 211 Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 688-5512
What they provide: The Southside Legal Center is a pro bono legal services program that provides legal services for family law, housing, real estate law, guardianships and business law matters to low-income individuals. They ask clients for a flat $50 rate, which is donated to charity.
Georgia Legal Services Program
104 Marietta Street, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30303
404-206-5175 or 1-800-498-9469
Who they serve: Our attorneys and advocates are here to help you through your legal proceedings. We serve Georgians in 154 counties outside of Metro-Atlanta whose earnings do not exceed 200% above the federal poverty line or who are aged 60 years or older.
What they provide: Practice areas vary across the state. Here are a few of our most experienced practice areas: consumer law, education law, farm worker’s rights, family law, eviction prevention project, public benefits
Fulton County Family Law Information Center
185 Central Avenue, S.W., Suite T-704 Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 612-2789
What they provide: The Fulton County Family Law Information Center was designed by the Superior Court to provide individuals with accurate information and the necessary forms for self-representation in family law matters. As a government sponsored website and help desk, the information contained is highly reliable.
DeKalb County Family Law Information Center
120 West Trinity Place, Room 412 Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 687-3990
What they provide: The DeKalb County Family Law Information Center was created to serve as a resource center to assist individuals who want to represent themselves on family law matters. As a government sponsored website and help desk, the information contained is highly reliable.
180 Camden Hill Rd., Suite A Lawrenceville, GA 30045
(678) 376-4545
What they provide: Clinic specializing in family law, such as child custody, marriage and divorce, child abuse, domestic violence and guardianship. The link above provides useful forms for various family law matters.
765 McDaniel St., S.W., Suite 3104 Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 658-9606
Who they serve: This could be an excellent resource for incarcerated individuals with children.
What they provide: Forever Family focuses on supporting children with an incarcerated parent as their parents, caregivers and extended families work to remain a family.
50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 350 | Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 373-4433
Who they serve: The Innocence Project is a useful resource for individuals who have already been convicted.
What they provide: Georgia Innocence Project (GIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals who have been convicted of crimes they did not commit. The Project works to secure post-conviction DNA testing for people incarcerated in Georgia where DNA analysis could prove guilt or innocence and adequate DNA testing was not available at trial.
438 Edgewood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 827-0027
Services: The Georgia Justice Project provides the Atlanta Community with something very unique: legal services combined with social services and employment support for indigent individuals accused of a crime.
As their case is being resolved, we assign each client and their family to a member of our social work staff, who offer a range of counseling, job training, and referral services. Our goal is to ensure that our clients’ life circumstances change so living crime-free lives is not only possible but actively supported. Should our clients have to serve time in prison, we do not abandon them. Rather, we communicate regularly and visit several times a year. We also help arrange for families to visit so support networks are maintained.
American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU)
1900 The Exchange, Suite 425 Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 303-9966
What they provide: The ACLU specializes in defending civil liberties such as privacy rights, immigrant’s rights, LGBT rights, prisoner’s rights, reproductive freedom, free speech issues and countering racial profiling.
Southern Center for Human Rights
83 Poplar St., NW Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 688-1202
Services: The Southern Center for Human Rights specializes in representing people of color, poor people, people with mental illnesses and other disadvantaged people facing the death penalty at trials, on appeal, and in post-conviction and clemency proceedings. The Center also challenges inhumane conditions of confinement and encourages the use of alternatives to incarceration to reduce prison overcrowding via media, advocacy, and civil rights litigation.
3939 Lavista Rd., Suite E Tucker, GA 30084
(404) 299-2185
What they provide: TAPESTRI, Inc. is a coalition of ethnically diverse advocates working on issues of violence against women, primarily in immigrant and refugee communities. They use culturally sensitive methods to counter domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation.
Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence
P.O. Box 171 Decatur, GA 30031
(404) 370-7670
Who they serve: The Women's Resource Center provides services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.
What they provide: They also host a 24 hour crisis hotline, provide confidential emergency shelter, peer support groups and legal advocacy.
Center for Pan-Asian Community Services
3760 Park Ave. Atlanta, GA 30340
(770) 936-0969
Services: The Center for Pan-Asian Community Services promotes self-sufficiency and equity for immigrants, refugees and the under-privileged through
P.O. Box 12337 Atlanta, GA 30355
(404) 842-0725
Services: Raksha's mission is to promote a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential support services, education, and advocacy. They provide technical assistance in completing appropriate immigration papers that will allow them to work in the United States, as well as refers clients to legal resources that can assist in getting them proper immigration status.
State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Project
104 Marietta St., N.W., Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 527-8763
What they provide: The Georgia State Bar has an excellent referral system to help you find exactly the pro bono lawyer to assist you with your specific legal issue.
Georgia First Amendment Foundation
150 E. Ponce de Leon, Suite 230 Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 525-3646
What they provide: The Georgia First Amendment Foundation conducts free workshops on state open government laws and reports open government violations occurring throughout Georgia.
Georgia State University College of Law Tax Clinic
140 Decatur St. S.E., Room 161 Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-9230
Who they serve: This law student clinic provides representation to low-income taxpayers who otherwise would be unable to afford a lawyer in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service.
What they provide: Assistance with: 30-day letters, 90-day letters, petitions to the US tax court, and matters in collections
Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection
#2 MLK, Jr. Dr., Suite 356 Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 651-8600 or (800) 869-1123
What they provide: Government office that protects consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices. They have telephone counselors ready to help consumers during normal business hours.
1447 Peachtree St., Suite 1004 Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 897-1880
Services: Lambda Legal is committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, the transgendered and people with HIV or AIDS through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.
Disability Law and Policy Center of Georgia, Inc.
1439 E McLendon Dr. Decatur, GA 30033
(770) 270-9964
Services: The Disability Law and Policy Center of Georgia is a non-profit organization that enforces the legal rights of people with disabilities through education, individual case assistance, mediation, and complex litigation.
150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 430 Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 885-1234
Who they serve: The Georgia Advocacy Office serves individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities who have been discriminated against.
What they provide: They investigate abuse, neglect and rights violations, and also visit state psychiatric hospitals, prisons, jails, foster care settings, group homes and private psychiatric hospitals.
Mental Health
Click the name of each organization for more information.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.TALK (8255)
Who they serve: Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Resources are available for youth, disaster survivors, Native Americans, veterans, loss survivors, LGBTQ+, attempt survivors, deaf/hard of hearing/hearing loss, oradores españoles, and others.
What they provide: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
1.800.715.4225
Who they serve: Anyone in Georgia experiencing a crisis related to developmental disability, mental health, drugs, or alcohol.
What they provide: Telephonic crisis intervention, clinical triage, and referral for Georgians in need 24/7/365.
2563 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Atlanta, GA 30311
404.699.7774
Who they serve: People struggling with opiate addiction.
What they provide: Methadone and Suboxone treatment programs led by experienced medical staff and licensed counselors.
Empowerment Resource Center Inc
230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303
404.526.1145
Who they serve: Adults seeking treatment for mental health, chemical dependency, and dual diagnosis disorders.
What they provide: Non-residential substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Ascensa Health at St. Jude’s Recovery Family Care Center
139 Renaissance Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Main Tel: 404.874.2224 x102; Intake Tel: 404.249.6272
Who they serve: Mothers in treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders and their dependent children.
What they provide: Ascensa Health at St. Jude’s Recovery Center provides a residential treatment center with a unique arrangement that keeps the family unit together. Mothers with their dependent children receive specialized services including intensive addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder treatment, family reunification services, parenting education, basic living skills, and employment services which reinforce self-sufficiency. On-site therapeutic childcare for children living with their mothers in residential treatment is provided.
Ascensa Health at St Judes Recovery Day Outpatient Program
139 Renaissance Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Main Tel: 404.874.2224; Intake Tel: 404.249.6272
Who they serve: Anyone seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
What they provide: A structured day treatment program for men and women utilizing evidence-based practices. Day treatment includes psycho-educational groups, individual and group therapy, skill building groups, employment readiness, 12-step meetings, spirituality, relapse prevention.
Ascensa Health at St Judes Recovery Detox
151 Renaissance Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Main Tel: 404.874.2224; Intake Tel: 404.249.6272
Who they serve: Men and women who require 24-hour supervision, for medical stabilization of withdrawal symptoms.
What they provide: 24 hour supervision for medical stabilization of withdrawal symptoms, including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid withdrawal.
Ascensa Health at St Judes Recovery Women’s Residence
500 Piedmont Street, Atlanta, GA 30308
Main Tel: 404.874.2224; Intake Tel: 404.249.6272
Who they serve: Anyone seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
What they provide: Intensive addiction treatment services and housing for women. Clients live in a therapeutic community and participate in a structured day treatment program. Upon completion of the day treatment program, clients are required to obtain and maintain full time employment, and to attend evening treatment activities and 12-step meetings. Evening services are designed to provide education about recovery topics, basic living and coping skills, and relapse prevention.
Ascensa Health at St Judes Recovery Men’s Residential Program
95 Renaissance Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Main Tel: 404.874.2224; Intake Tel: 404.249.6272
Who they serve: Anyone seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
What they provide: Intensive addiction treatment services and housing for men. Clients live in a therapeutic community and participate in a structured day treatment program. Upon completion of the day treatment program, clients are required to obtain and maintain full time employment, and to attend evening treatment activities and 12-step meetings. Evening services are designed to provide education about recovery topics, basic living and coping skills, and relapse prevention.
American Alternative Court Services (AACS) Atlanta
236 Forsyth Street SW, Suite 202-A , Atlanta, GA 30303
404.594.1770
Who they serve: Individuals suffering from substance use disorders.
What they provide: Evaluations and Assessments, DUI School and counseling, Outpatient Rehab. Servicios en Español: DUI Evaluación, ASAM en Español, Reducción de Riesgo, Clases de Control De Ira, Programa de Intervención de Violencia Familiar, Evaluación de Alcohol y Drogas.
Grady Behavioral Health Center Grady Health Systems
10 Park Place SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Tel: 404-616-4444; Intake Tel: 404-616-1688
Who they serve: Anyone living with behavioral illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychosis, and co-occurring substance abuse.
What they provide: Assertive community treatment (ACT), Case management, Inpatient psychiatric services, Integrated behavioral health, Outpatient behavioral health, Psychiatric consultation services, Psychiatric emergency services, Psychosocial rehabilitation.