Did you know that back in the day, Hands On Atlanta published a print magazine called, The Citizen? The free publication was distributed throughout the city and shared a volunteer calendar, nonprofit news and events and stories of volunteerism! We’re bringing back the tradition here on The Citizen Blog!
We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Amber Moore! Amber is a visionary leader with a passion for helping others. She serves as a Student Support Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta.
Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!
With the recent cut to SNAP benefits and Atlanta’s rise in food insecurity, our team put together a list of resources to help connect ATLiens with those who can help. So, if you or someone you know is in need of food or a hot meal, we hope this list of trusted organizations can help or someone you know, make it through this holiday season.
What a week to remember! Hands On Atlanta Week 2025 proved, once again, that when Atlantans come together with purpose, amazing things happen.
In partnership with The Same House and their Beloved Benefit Beneficiaries, this year’s Hands On Atlanta Week (October 4 - 11, 2025) brought people from every corner of our city to serve side by side — building connections, transforming spaces, and spreading love through action.
In DeKalb County, International Community School (ICS) serves over 500 students whose families represent 60+ nationalities speaking 31 languages. In 2025, ICS adopted a Community School Model — transforming itself from a traditional school into a neighborhood anchor that weaves together academics, wraparound support, and community resources. This transformation is powered by a three-way collaboration among United Way of Greater Atlanta, Metro RESA (Regional Education Service Agency), and ICS itself.
At Atlanta Way Day, Kindred Lane and ATL DTN shared how they transformed vacant downtown spaces into native plant gardens by partnering with property owners, businesses, and residents. Their pilot sites showcased environmental benefits like reduced maintenance and stormwater control, along with social gains such as increased foot traffic, community pride, and local engagement. Through ongoing feedback and collaboration, they refined their design approach and laid the groundwork for citywide expansion.
On Atlanta Way Day, I Will Survive, Inc. & West Cascade Medical Center showcased how their AI-powered mobile health unit bridged care gaps for families lacking access to preventive checks and mental health support. Visiting churches, shelters, and food pantries, the team delivered screenings, risk assessments, and wraparound referrals. While noting challenges like cost, privacy, and community trust, they shared how their model proves that high-tech and high-touch care can thrive together in underserved communities.
In many of Atlanta’s underserved neighborhoods, residents face overlapping challenges — financial stress, unstable housing, trauma, and limited access to behavioral and mental health support. The Connecting Communities initiative, led jointly by Hillside Inc. and The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, seeks to meet people where they are — in apartment communities, after-school clubs, and local gathering places.
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