If you live in Atlanta, Georgia or spend time in the city, you may have heard about Covenant House Atlanta. It’s one of the best-known local organizations focused on helping youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
This guide explains what Covenant House Atlanta is, who it serves, what services it typically offers, how to get help, and how Atlanta residents can support their work.
Covenant House Georgia (often called Covenant House Atlanta) is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, safety, and support services for young people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or escaping unsafe situations.
Its core focus is on youth and young adults, generally in the 16–24 age range, including:
The Atlanta location operates as a 24/7 crisis response and housing program, designed to get young people off the streets and connected with long-term support.
Covenant House Georgia’s main campus is in Atlanta’s Westside, within reach of downtown and major transit routes.
Covenant House Georgia – Main Campus
(Note: Always confirm current address and hours before visiting, as locations or access procedures can change.)
Because this is a youth shelter, security is usually tight. Visitors, donors, and volunteers are often asked to schedule appointments rather than just dropping in.
Covenant House focuses on youth and young adults, not the general adult homeless population. In Atlanta, that usually means:
If you or someone you know is over this age range, you may need other Atlanta shelters or housing services, such as Atlanta Mission, Gateway Center, or county-coordinated emergency shelter programs.
Programs can evolve, but Covenant House Atlanta generally offers a continuum of care, from immediate crisis shelter to longer-term housing and support.
For youth with nowhere safe to stay, Covenant House offers:
This is often the first point of contact for a young person who has just become homeless or is fleeing an unsafe situation.
Beyond short-term crisis shelter, Covenant House Atlanta typically provides:
Some youth may move from emergency shelter into these longer-term programs once they have a more stable plan.
To help youth become independent in Atlanta’s job market, Covenant House frequently offers:
The goal is to help young people secure sustainable employment so they can maintain housing on their own.
Each young person is usually matched with a case manager or counselor to build a personalized plan, which may include:
These services help youth navigate Atlanta’s often complex systems and resources.
While Covenant House itself is not a hospital or clinic, it generally supports access to:
Atlanta youth who enter Covenant House often have significant physical and emotional stress; staff are typically trained to respond in a supportive, nonjudgmental way.
Covenant House Atlanta places particular emphasis on protecting youth from sexual exploitation and trafficking, which are real risks in major cities like Atlanta.
Support may include:
If you or someone you know is a young person in crisis in Atlanta, there are several ways to seek help from Covenant House.
Most youth-focused shelters operate a crisis or intake line. Covenant House Georgia typically encourages calling:
If you don’t have the direct number handy, you can:
In some cases, Covenant House may accept walk-ins, especially in an emergency. However:
Whenever possible, calling first can save time and ensure a smoother process.
For minors, intake can be more complex due to guardian and legal requirements. Depending on the situation:
In emergencies, youth under 18 should prioritize safety first and connect with a trusted adult, school staff, or call 911 if in immediate danger.
| Area of Support | What Youth Can Generally Expect |
|---|---|
| Shelter & Safety | Emergency and transitional housing, secure campus, 24/7 staff |
| Basic Needs | Food, clothing, showers, basic hygiene supplies |
| Case Management | Personalized plans, documentation help, system navigation |
| Education & Work | GED support, school options, job readiness, employment help |
| Health & Wellness | Referrals for medical and mental health care, trauma-informed support |
| Trafficking Support | Protected housing, safety planning, specialized services |
Program details can change, so it’s always best to speak directly with staff for the most current information.
Covenant House Atlanta serves a specific age and need group. It may not be the right fit if:
In these cases, staff can often refer you to other Atlanta resources, such as:
Many people in Atlanta look for ways to support youth experiencing homelessness. Common ways to help include:
Covenant House Atlanta often involves volunteers in:
Most volunteer positions require:
Youth shelters typically need:
Because storage space is limited, it’s best to contact the organization first to see what is most needed.
Monetary donations help sustain:
Again, contact Covenant House Georgia directly or check their official materials for current giving options.
While Covenant House is a major resource, it’s part of a broader network in metro Atlanta. If Covenant House is full, not accessible, or not the right fit, other potential contacts include:
These organizations often coordinate closely, so starting with any one of them can lead you to others, including Covenant House if appropriate.
If you live in Atlanta and know a young person struggling with homelessness, housing instability, or unsafe conditions, Covenant House Atlanta is one of the primary youth-focused options in the city. Calling ahead, understanding the age focus, and knowing alternative local resources can help you or someone you care about find a safer, more stable path forward.
