Georgia Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Georgia.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 10.7 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 12,000 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $549 million in federal funding spent (2018-2022)
- Major Urban Centers: Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Macon
- Primary Challenges: Lack of affordable housing, rural homelessness, limited shelter capacity
Emergency Contact Numbers
Georgia Crisis Hotline
(800) 715-4225
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
(877) 428-8844
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Mental Health Support
(800) 715-4225
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 334-2836
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Georgia based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Georgia:
Atlanta Mission
City: Atlanta
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, recovery programs, job training
Restrictions: Separate programs for men, women, and children
Phone: (404) 588-4000
Address: 921 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Hours: 24/7
The Salvation Army Red Shield Center
City: Atlanta
Services: 324-bed facility, meals, recovery programs, veterans programs
Restrictions: Intake process required
Phone: (404) 892-4824
Address: 1021 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Hours: 24/7
Gateway Center Atlanta
City: Atlanta
Services: Emergency shelter, coordinated entry, veterans programs
Restrictions: Coordinated entry assessment required
Phone: (404) 215-6600
Address: 401 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Hours: 24/7
Union Mission (Savannah)
City: Savannah
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, employment assistance
Restrictions: Men only
Phone: (912) 236-7387
Address: 120 Fahm St, Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: 24/7
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Georgia:
Atlanta Community Food Bank
City: Atlanta
Services: Food distribution, SNAP assistance, benefits application help
Requirements: Varies by program
America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
City: Savannah
Services: Food pantry network, mobile food pantries
Requirements: Income-based for some programs
Middle Georgia Community Food Bank
City: Macon
Services: Food distribution, mobile pantries, children's programs
Requirements: None for emergency food
Georgia Mountain Food Bank
City: Gainesville
Services: Food distribution, partner agencies, mobile food pantries
Requirements: Varies by program
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Georgia:
Mercy Care
City: Atlanta
Services: Healthcare for homeless, dental care, mental health, case management
Requirements: None for emergency care
Phone: (404) 681-2800
Address: 1530 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
The Family Health Centers of Georgia
City: Atlanta
Services: Primary care, dental, mental health, sliding fee scale
Requirements: Pay what you can afford
Phone: (404) 758-2511
Address: 868 York Ave, Atlanta, GA 30310
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Department of Public Health Clinics
City: Statewide
Services: Immunizations, STD testing, WIC, health screenings
Requirements: Fee based on income
Community Mental Health Centers
City: Statewide
Services: Mental health treatment, crisis intervention, substance abuse
Requirements: Most accept Medicaid/Medicare
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking programs and camping resources in Georgia:
First Step Staffing Safe Haven
City: Atlanta
Services: Safe parking, temporary housing assistance
Requirements: Application process required
Phone: (770) 786-0494
Address: Contact for location
Hours: By appointment
Step Up on Second Safe Haven
City: Atlanta
Services: Unsheltered outreach, safe camping support
Requirements: None for outreach services
Hope Atlanta Outreach
City: Atlanta
Services: Street outreach, camp site support, basic needs
Requirements: None
Good Works Ministry
City: Savannah
Services: Safe parking, vehicle maintenance assistance
Requirements: Registration required
Phone: (912) 234-8090
Address: Contact for parking locations
Hours: 6pm-6am daily
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities, hygiene programs, and personal care resources in Georgia:
Travelers Aid Mobile Shower
City: Atlanta
Services: Mobile shower unit, hygiene supplies, clothing
Requirements: None
Phone: (404) 730-7282
Schedule: Various downtown locations
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm
Intown Care Outreach Center
City: Atlanta
Services: Shower facilities, laundry, mail services
Requirements: Check-in required
Phone: (404) 733-2811
Address: 112 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
The Open Door Community
City: Atlanta
Services: Daily showers, clothing closet, meal programs
Requirements: None for basic services
Phone: (404) 577-7988
Address: 910 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-12pm
Savannah Homeless Authority Drop-In Center
City: Savannah
Services: Shower facilities, laundry, case management
Requirements: Photo ID required
Phone: (912) 447-8700
Address: 200 Fahm St, Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: Weekdays, 9am-3pm
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance, rights advocacy, and support services in Georgia:
Georgia Legal Services Program
City: Statewide
Services: Free legal aid, housing rights, benefits assistance
Requirements: Income qualification required
Atlanta Legal Aid Society
City: Atlanta
Services: Housing issues, government benefits, family law
Requirements: Must meet income guidelines
Georgia Disability Law
City: Atlanta
Services: Disability rights, SSI/SSDI assistance, advocacy
Requirements: Must have a disability
Homeless Persons' Legal Rights
City: Atlanta
Services: Know your rights workshops, legal clinic
Requirements: None
Phone: (404) 688-4200
Address: 991 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Hours: Wednesdays, 10am-2pm
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance programs and benefits application support in Georgia:
Georgia DFCS Offices
City: Statewide
Services: SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, childcare assistance
Requirements: Varies by program
Georgia Department of Labor
City: Statewide
Services: Unemployment benefits, job placement, career services
Requirements: Must be seeking employment
Veterans Affairs Regional Office
City: Atlanta
Services: VA benefits, disability compensation, pension assistance
Requirements: Must be a veteran
Phone: (800) 827-1000
Address: 1700 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm
SSA Field Offices
City: Statewide
Services: Social Security, SSI, disability benefits
Requirements: Varies by program
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based organizations and spiritual support services in Georgia:
First Presbyterian Church Atlanta
City: Atlanta
Services: Hot meals, clothing, showers, spiritual counseling
Requirements: None for basic services
Phone: (404) 872-7454
Address: 1328 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Hours: Sunday lunch, weekly programs
Ebenezer Baptist Church
City: Atlanta
Services: Food pantry, clothing closet, assistance programs
Requirements: None
Phone: (404) 688-7263
Address: 407 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Hours: Wednesdays, 12pm-2pm
Catholic Charities Atlanta
City: Atlanta
Services: Emergency assistance, housing help, case management
Requirements: None for emergency aid
Salvation Army (Savannah)
City: Savannah
Services: Food, clothing, utility assistance, holiday programs
Requirements: Varies by program
Phone: (912) 234-1486
Address: 2010 Hayes St, Savannah, GA 31405
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Georgia Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Georgia:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Georgia Senate Bill 62, signed into law in 2023, requires local governments to enforce public camping bans and audit spending on homelessness. Many municipalities have specific ordinances restricting camping in public areas, though enforcement varies by jurisdiction.
Relevant Law: SB 62 (2023) - Public Camping Ban Enforcement
Vehicle Dwelling
Vehicle dwelling regulations vary by city and county in Georgia. Most require permits or restrict overnight parking in residential zones. Some communities have initiated safe parking programs as an alternative to enforcement.
Note: Atlanta Municipal Code regulates vehicle dwelling in specific zones
Food Sharing & Distribution
Most Georgia cities allow food sharing on private property with permission. Public parks may require permits for large-scale distributions. Good Samaritan laws generally protect food donors from liability.
Statute: Georgia Food Recovery and Donation Act (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-39)
Property Rights & Seizure
Georgia law requires proper notice before clearing encampments and temporary storage of personal property. Immediate disposal of property without proper procedures may violate due process rights.
Best Practice: 48-72 hour notice and 30-day storage requirement
Housing Rights
Georgia has limited tenant protection laws compared to other states. However, landlord-tenant law requires proper eviction procedures, and discrimination based on disability or other protected characteristics is prohibited.
State Statute: Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-1)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Georgia, the following organizations can help:
Georgia Legal Services Program
Provides free legal services statewide for low-income residents.
Phone: (800) 822-5298
Website: glsp.org
Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Focuses on housing, benefits, and family law for low-income residents.
Phone: (404) 524-5811
Website: atlantalegalaid.org
Georgia Homeless Rights Coalition
Advocates for policy change and provides legal clinic services.
Phone: (404) 688-4200
Email: info@gahomelessrights.org
Georgia Disability Law
Specializes in disability rights and benefits assistance.
Phone: (404) 885-1234
Website: gadisabilitylaw.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Georgia. Select a county to view specific information:
Fulton County
County Seat: Atlanta
Population: 1.1 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 2,867 people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta alone
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Atlanta Municipal Code 106-12 prohibits urban camping on public property, including bridges and overpasses.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Regulated with designated parking areas and restrictions in residential zones.
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling is prohibited; peaceful requests generally protected.
- Food Distribution: Allowed on private property; permits required for large-scale public distributions.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Fulton County:
Gwinnett County
County Seat: Lawrenceville
Population: 957,062
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 800 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: County ordinances prohibit camping on public property without permits.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restricted in most areas; some designated zones available.
- Panhandling: Generally prohibited in commercial zones and near ATMs.
- Food Distribution: Community organizations often handle distributions on private property.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Gwinnett County:
DeKalb County
County Seat: Decatur
Population: 764,382
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 650 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibited on public property; enforcement varies by municipality.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Limited to industrial zones in some areas; special permits available.
- Panhandling: Time and location restrictions in place; courtesy campaigns encouraged.
- Food Distribution: Generally permitted with appropriate permits for public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to DeKalb County:
- DeKalb County DFCS: Primary benefits office - Contact
- DeKalb Community Service Board: Mental health and substance abuse services - Contact (404) 892-0909
- Ser Familia Safe Haven: Domestic violence and housing assistance - Contact (404) 294-4555
Cobb County
County Seat: Marietta
Population: 766,149
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 450 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: County-wide ban on public camping; local municipalities may have additional restrictions.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Prohibited in most areas; safe parking initiatives in development.
- Panhandling: Regulated in commercial districts; prohibited at intersections.
- Food Distribution: Permitted through registered non-profits and faith organizations.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Cobb County:
- Cobb-Marietta Housing Authority: Public housing and vouchers - Contact
- Wellstar Community Care: Homeless outreach and healthcare - Contact (770) 514-2002
- Cobb Community Transportation: CCT Mobility program for disabled individuals - Contact (770) 427-4444
Chatham County
County Seat: Savannah
Population: 295,291
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 600 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Savannah ordinances prohibit camping in parks and public spaces.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Limited to certain zoned areas; overnight restrictions in historic district.
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling prohibited; time restrictions in tourist areas.
- Food Distribution: Allowed in designated areas; coordination with city encouraged.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Chatham County:
- Chatham-Savannah Authority for Homeless: Coordinated entry and services - Contact (912) 447-8700
- Savannah Impact Services: Day shelter and resource center - Contact (912) 234-1690
- America's Second Harvest Food Bank: Primary food distribution network - Contact
Success Stories from Georgia
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Georgia:
David's Journey
After struggling with homelessness in Atlanta for over a year, David connected with the Gateway Center's coordinated entry system. Through their Veterans Program, he accessed housing, healthcare, and job training that helped him successfully transition back into stable housing.
"The Gateway Center team really listened to what I needed and helped me navigate all the services. Having a veteran-specific program made all the difference. Now I have my own apartment and work with other veterans facing homelessness."
Resources that helped: Gateway Center, Veterans Affairs, Job Training, Coordinated Entry
Patricia's Journey
Patricia and her three children became homeless after an eviction in Savannah. Through the Chatham County Homeless Authority, she accessed emergency shelter, food assistance, and eventually permanent supportive housing. She now works as a peer navigator helping other families in crisis.
"The coordinated entry process was key. Having one place to go for assessment made everything easier. The case managers helped connect me to resources I didn't even know existed. Now I'm paying it forward."
Resources that helped: Emergency Shelter, Food Assistance, Childcare Support, Permanent Supportive Housing
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Georgia have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Georgia to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Georgia Housing Voucher Moratorium Exemption
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Priority access to housing choice vouchers (Section 8) through coordinated entry
How to Apply: Through local Continuums of Care or coordinated entry access points
Urban Redevelopment Authority Programs
Type: Housing Development
Eligibility: Low-income individuals and families, including those experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Affordable housing development, homeownership assistance, and rental support
How to Apply: Through local housing authorities in participating counties
Georgia Homeless Youth Prevention Program
Type: Youth Services
Eligibility: Unaccompanied homeless youth ages 14-24
Benefits: Drop-in centers, transitional housing, education support, and life skills training
How to Apply: Through participating youth service organizations statewide
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Georgia based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners