Valley Rescue Mission
Columbus nonprofit with a men's transitional shelter, a women and children's shelter, 9–12 month recovery centers for men and women, and a daily hot meal for about 120 people. Shelter and recovery applicants apply online; the men's shelter takes applications by phone.
Georgia Legal Services Program
Nonprofit law firm handling civil cases for low-income Georgians in the 154 counties outside metro Atlanta, through regional offices around the state. Statewide intake runs through a toll-free line.
Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Free civil legal help for people in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties who cannot afford a lawyer, with special projects for domestic violence survivors, veterans and people with disabilities. Online application is the fastest route; each county office also takes calls.
Tapestri
Serves immigrant and refugee women, children and men who have survived domestic violence, sexual abuse or human trafficking, with advocacy, case management and referrals to housing. Tapestri does not run a shelter but is the foreign-born option on Georgia's trafficking hotline.
State Office of Vital Records
Issues certified Georgia birth certificates, the first document most people need before a state ID. Order online through ROVER for $25 plus $8 processing, by mail, or at a county vital records office; a physical government photo ID is required and standard processing can take up to ten weeks.
Georgia Gateway
The state's online portal for applying for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Refugee Cash Assistance, WIC and childcare assistance, and for the Pathways to Coverage Medicaid option for adults 19–64. Applications are available in other languages and free interpreters are offered by phone.
Georgia Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
A 24-hour line that routes anyone in Georgia dealing with abuse to one of more than 50 local domestic violence programs. Callers can ask about emergency shelter, safety planning, or how to leave; GCADV also runs a program for incarcerated survivors.
United Way 211 Greater Atlanta
Free, confidential referral line staffed around the clock that points Atlanta-area callers to rent and utility help, food pantries, shelter beds, and other services. The team also handles web chat and a texting option for people who cannot talk.
National lines that work in Georgia
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.