United Way of Greater Atlanta: How It Works and How to Get Help or Get Involved

If you live in Atlanta and are looking for ways to get help, give back, or better understand local community resources, the United Way of Greater Atlanta is one of the central organizations you’ll hear about. It connects people, nonprofits, businesses, and public agencies to tackle issues like housing, food insecurity, early education, and financial stability across the metro area.

This guide walks you through what United Way of Greater Atlanta does, how it operates locally, and how you can find services, volunteer, or donate if you’re in or around Atlanta.

What Is United Way of Greater Atlanta?

United Way of Greater Atlanta is a large, regional nonprofit that focuses on improving the well-being of children, families, and neighborhoods in and around Atlanta. It is part of the broader United Way network, but it operates with its own leadership, priorities, and programs specific to Greater Atlanta.

The organization serves multiple counties in the metro area, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and others. Its role is to:

• Fund and support local nonprofits and community programs
• Coordinate resources across public and private sectors
• Connect people in crisis to help (through services like 2-1-1)
• Mobilize volunteers and corporate partners
• Advocate for long-term improvements in education, health, and financial stability

Instead of focusing on one single service, United Way of Greater Atlanta acts as a hub for many different community needs.

Where Is United Way of Greater Atlanta Located?

United Way of Greater Atlanta’s main office is centrally located in downtown Atlanta.

Main Office (Central Atlanta Location)
United Way of Greater Atlanta
60 Walton Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Phone: 404‑527‑7200 (main switchboard; hours and department contacts may vary)

This office handles administration, community partnerships, fundraising, and some program coordination. Most direct services, however, are provided through partner agencies and community locations across the metro area—not just at the Walton Street address.

If you plan to visit in person, it’s wise to call ahead to confirm hours, parking, and whether your specific need is handled on-site or through a partner agency.

Key Services United Way Helps Coordinate in Atlanta

United Way of Greater Atlanta focuses on child well-being, but that translates into support for the full family and community. Here’s how that typically shows up for residents:

1. Basic Needs: Housing, Food, and Utilities

United Way supports and funds programs that help Atlanta residents facing immediate hardships, such as:

• Emergency housing or shelter referrals
• Food assistance (food pantries, community kitchens, meal programs)
• Utility assistance (help connecting to agencies that may provide short-term bill support)
• Support for people experiencing homelessness, including connections to local shelters and outreach programs

While United Way does not usually hand out cash directly to individuals, it channels funding to local nonprofits and connects residents to the right place to get help.

2. Early Education and Youth Programs

In the Atlanta area, United Way invests heavily in early childhood and youth development, especially in neighborhoods where children face higher barriers.

Examples of supported areas include:

• Early learning support and school readiness programs
• After-school and out-of-school-time enrichment
• Literacy initiatives and mentoring programs
• Programs that support youth experiencing homelessness or instability

If you’re a parent in Atlanta, United Way’s network can help you find quality programs for your children, often on a sliding scale or at no cost for qualifying families.

3. Health and Mental Well-Being Connections

United Way of Greater Atlanta also partners with healthcare and social service organizations to expand access to:

• Health education and screenings
• Behavioral health and counseling referrals
• Community programs that support stress, trauma, or grief
• Services for families and caregivers

The organization itself is not a clinic, but it plays a coordination and funding role, making it easier for residents to locate services through its information and referral tools.

4. Financial Stability and Workforce Support

For adults and families trying to stabilize or improve their situation, United Way’s partnerships often include:

• Job readiness and training programs
• Financial coaching and budgeting support
• Connections to tax preparation assistance
• Programs that help people move toward long-term financial stability

These services are typically run by local nonprofits around metro Atlanta, with United Way helping to fund them and increase access.

2-1-1: Your Starting Point for Help in Greater Atlanta

One of the most important resources supported by United Way of Greater Atlanta is 2‑1‑1, a helpline and online database that connects people to services in their area.

How 2‑1‑1 Works in Atlanta

If you are in the Atlanta area and need help with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, or other social services, you can:

• Dial 2‑1‑1 from most phones within Greater Atlanta
• Call the 2‑1‑1 helpline directly if needed (numbers may be listed by United Way on their materials)
• Use online or text options where available (details are provided by United Way and partnering agencies)

Once connected, you can speak with a trained specialist who can:

• Ask what you’re facing (for example, “I can’t pay this month’s rent,” or “I need childcare while I work.”)
• Search a large database of local nonprofits, public programs, and community services
• Provide phone numbers, locations, and basic eligibility info for agencies that may be able to help

2‑1‑1 is especially helpful if you’re not sure which organization to call. It’s designed as a starting point for navigating Greater Atlanta’s complex network of services.

Who United Way of Greater Atlanta Serves

United Way of Greater Atlanta primarily focuses on children and families, but the programs and partner agencies it supports reach a much wider range of residents, including:

• Low- and moderate-income families
• Individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability
• Seniors needing community support or connections
• Youth and young adults, including those in foster care or transitioning out of systems
• Immigrant and refugee communities seeking local resources
• Residents facing job loss, medical hardship, or sudden financial crisis

The specific services you can access will depend on factors like where you live, your household size, and your income. This is why tools like 2‑1‑1 and direct calls to partner agencies are so important.

How to Get Help Through United Way of Greater Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and need help, here’s a practical way to use United Way’s network.

Step 1: Identify What You Need Most Urgently

Common needs in metro Atlanta include:

• Emergency food
• Rent or mortgage assistance
• Utility disconnection notices
• Shelter or housing support
• Childcare or after-school programs
• Job training or employment support

Being clear on your most urgent problem helps the 2‑1‑1 specialist or partner agency direct you more effectively.

Step 2: Call 2‑1‑1 or Reach Out to United Way

• Dial 2‑1‑1 to get personalized referrals
• Or call United Way of Greater Atlanta’s main number: 404‑527‑7200 and ask how to get connected to services in your area

Be prepared to share:

• Your ZIP code (to find services close to you)
• Basic details about your situation
• Any notices or deadlines you are facing (for example, a cutoff notice from a utility company)

Step 3: Contact the Agencies You’re Referred To

Once you have a list of agencies, you’ll usually need to contact them directly. Many Atlanta nonprofits:

• Have specific application hours
• May require documents (ID, proof of residence, income information, or a lease)
• Serve people by appointment or in the order they arrive

⏱️ Tip: Demand can be high in Atlanta, particularly at the beginning and end of the month. Calling early in the day often improves your chances of getting through.

Step 4: Ask About Related Support

When you talk with a case manager or intake worker, it’s helpful to ask:

• “Are there other programs I might qualify for?”
• “Is anyone else in Fulton/DeKalb/Cobb/etc. offering similar help right now?”

Many agencies in the United Way network cooperate closely and can point you to additional options.

Ways to Volunteer with United Way of Greater Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and want to give your time, United Way of Greater Atlanta offers multiple ways to volunteer.

Common Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer options often include:

• Sorting and packing food at partner organizations
• Helping with school supply drives or holiday giving programs
• Participating in literacy, mentoring, or tutoring activities
• Joining neighborhood cleanups or community projects
• Supporting special events or large-scale volunteer days

Some opportunities are one-time events; others may be ongoing commitments.

How to Find Volunteer Opportunities

You can usually:

• Visit United Way of Greater Atlanta’s volunteer portal (listed in their public materials)
• Ask your employer if they partner with United Way on corporate volunteer days
• Call the main line at 404‑527‑7200 and ask about current volunteer options

If you are new to Atlanta, these activities can be a good way to meet people and learn about different neighborhoods and community needs.

Volunteering as a Group

United Way frequently coordinates group projects for:

• Businesses and corporate teams
• Faith-based groups
• School and university groups
• Civic organizations and clubs

If you’re organizing a group in Atlanta looking for a hands-on service project, United Way can often design or suggest something that fits your size, schedule, and interests.

Donating to United Way of Greater Atlanta

For residents and businesses who want to support local community work financially, United Way of Greater Atlanta is a common choice because it spreads resources across many critical areas.

Typical Ways to Give

People in Atlanta commonly donate by:

• Online or mailed donations directly to United Way of Greater Atlanta
• Workplace giving campaigns, where contributions can be automatically deducted from paychecks
• Corporate giving and sponsorships from Atlanta-area businesses
• Directed gifts to specific initiatives prioritized by United Way

Many employers in downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and other business hubs already have United Way giving campaigns in place.

How Your Donation Is Used

Donations generally support:

• Grants to local nonprofits and community programs
• Operation of 2‑1‑1 and information services
• Initiatives focused on child well-being, education, health, housing, and income stability

If you care about a specific issue—such as homelessness in Fulton County or early learning in South DeKalb—you can often get information on how United Way focuses its resources in those areas.

How United Way of Greater Atlanta Works with Local Partners

United Way of Greater Atlanta doesn’t act alone. It collaborates with:

• Nonprofit organizations across all major Atlanta counties
• City and county governments (such as the City of Atlanta and Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and others)
• School districts in metro Atlanta
• Healthcare systems and community clinics
• Businesses and corporate foundations based in the region
• Community groups and coalitions focused on specific neighborhoods

This collaboration means Atlanta residents often interact more directly with a partner organization, even if United Way is playing a behind-the-scenes role in funding or coordination.

Quick Reference: United Way of Greater Atlanta at a Glance

When United Way of Greater Atlanta Is a Good Place to Start

If you’re in the Atlanta area and:

• Don’t know which nonprofit or agency to call
• Want a central, trusted source to connect you to help
• Are looking for volunteer opportunities that truly serve local needs
• Want to donate in a way that reaches multiple neighborhoods and issues

…then United Way of Greater Atlanta and its 2‑1‑1 system are often a strong first step.

By understanding how this organization operates in our city and surrounding counties, you can more confidently find help when you need it—or plug in to make a difference where it’s needed most in Greater Atlanta.