Help in Georgia
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 25 places in Georgia, most of them in Atlanta, Savannah and Augusta, plus 14 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (17) and after prison or jail (13).
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.
GA RYSE Independent Living Program (Chafee)
DFCS's program for teens and young adults who spent at least six months in Georgia foster care after age 14. An Independent Living Specialist enrolls the youth, builds a transitional living plan, and opens doors to Chafee funds, Education and Training Vouchers, and post-foster-care support up to age 21.
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.
Georgia Cares
Statewide referral point for children and teens believed to be victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Caregivers, caseworkers and youth themselves can call to be connected with treatment and advocacy; emergencies go to 911 or the local DFCS office.
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.
Indigent ID Card
Reduced-cost Georgia ID for people who cannot pay the normal fee. Get a voucher from an approved nonprofit Indigent Resource Provider, fill out the License/ID/Permit form online, then bring your documents to any DDS customer service center. A shelter or halfway-house letter dated within six months counts as proof of residency.
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.
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.
National lines that work in Georgia
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.
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.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.