If you live in Atlanta or are new to the area and searching for “Atlanta United Way,” you are almost always looking for United Way of Greater Atlanta—the regional United Way organization that serves Atlanta and the surrounding counties.
This guide explains what United Way does in Atlanta, how to get help, how to get involved, and what to expect when you connect with them.
United Way of Greater Atlanta is a nonprofit that works to improve child and family well-being across metro Atlanta. Instead of focusing on just one issue, it supports and coordinates programs around:
It works with schools, local nonprofits, businesses, faith communities, and government agencies to reach people in neighborhoods across the City of Atlanta and surrounding areas.
Main regional organization:
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Headquarters (central office):
1255 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
General phone (main line): Often listed via the United Way of Greater Atlanta main contact line or switchboard. For the fastest connection to services, most residents use 2-1-1 (details below).
Many donations, volunteer efforts, and corporate campaigns you see across downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, and the broader metro area flow through this organization.
For most Atlanta residents, the most practical entry point to “United Way in Atlanta” is United Way 2‑1‑1, a free information and referral service.
United Way 2‑1‑1 connects you to local resources such as:
The system generally covers the City of Atlanta and the broader Greater Atlanta region, connecting callers to agencies located in neighborhoods across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, and other surrounding counties.
You can reach United Way 2‑1‑1 from Atlanta in several ways:
When you connect, you’ll typically be asked for:
This allows the system to match you to nearby Atlanta-area resources, not just generic national programs.
United Way of Greater Atlanta does not usually run every service directly. Instead, it funds and coordinates programs through local partners. Here are some of the key areas it focuses on in and around Atlanta.
In neighborhoods across Downtown, Midtown, Westside, and South Atlanta, residents often turn to United Way-supported resources for:
Many of these services are located in central areas like Downtown, West End, and along major MARTA corridors, making them more accessible by public transit.
United Way of Greater Atlanta places a strong emphasis on children’s well-being, supporting programs such as:
Residents might encounter these programs through local schools, community centers, libraries, and neighborhood nonprofits.
For older children and teens in Atlanta, United Way helps connect youth to:
These can be especially active in communities where youth need safe, structured opportunities after school and during the summer months.
Adults across Atlanta may reach United Way-connected programs to improve financial security:
Many of these partner services are located throughout the metro region, with some easily reachable via MARTA or local bus routes.
Below is a simplified overview of how Atlanta residents might interact with United Way-related services.
| Need in Atlanta | Where United Way Helps Most | Typical First Step |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency shelter or housing crisis | Referrals to local shelters, housing agencies, and eviction prevention | Call or text 2‑1‑1 |
| Food insecurity | Connections to food pantries and meal programs near your ZIP code | Call 2‑1‑1 or search the 2‑1‑1 directory |
| Childcare, after-school, youth help | Local childcare resources, after-school partners, and youth programs | Ask 2‑1‑1 for “childcare” or “after-school” |
| Job loss or underemployment | Workforce partners, job training, resume and interview help | Contact 2‑1‑1 and request employment resources |
| Wanting to volunteer or donate | United Way of Greater Atlanta giving and volunteer opportunities | Visit or contact United Way of Greater Atlanta |
If you’re in the City of Atlanta or surrounding communities and need help:
Start with 2‑1‑1.
Clearly describe your situation: for example, “I live in Southwest Atlanta and I’m behind on rent,” or “I’m looking for food pantries near East Point.”
Write down referrals.
The 2‑1‑1 specialist will usually provide names, addresses, and phone numbers for agencies located in or near your part of Atlanta.
Contact agencies promptly.
Some programs in Atlanta have:
Ask about waitlists and alternatives.
In busy areas of Atlanta, some services fill up quickly. You can ask, “If this one is full, is there another agency close by?”
If you are in immediate danger, call 9‑1‑1.
United Way 2‑1‑1 is not an emergency responder; emergencies in Atlanta are handled through local police, fire, or EMS via 9‑1‑1.
Atlanta residents often look for ways to give back through United Way.
United Way of Greater Atlanta and its partners may offer:
These opportunities can take place across the city, including neighborhoods in Westside, South Atlanta, East Atlanta, and the northern suburbs.
To get started, residents usually:
If you’re in Atlanta and want your donation to address local needs, United Way of Greater Atlanta is structured to direct resources to programs serving metro Atlanta communities.
Common ways Atlanta residents give:
If you want your contribution focused on a specific area, you can ask United Way’s staff about designated giving options or funds that emphasize certain neighborhoods or issues.
When people search for “Atlanta United Way,” they might wonder whether it’s different from other United Way locations.
Key points for Atlanta:
You are likely in the right place looking up “Atlanta United Way” if:
In all of these situations, your most direct path is:
By understanding how United Way works specifically in Atlanta, you can more confidently seek help, offer support, or connect your workplace or community group to efforts that directly benefit local residents.
