Atlanta Mission: Local Guide to Services, Shelters, and How to Get Help or Get Involved

If you live in Atlanta or you spend time downtown, you’ve probably heard of Atlanta Mission. It’s one of the city’s most visible organizations serving people experiencing homelessness.

This guide explains what Atlanta Mission is, the kinds of help it offers, who it primarily serves, and how to connect with its locations around the city—whether you’re seeking services or looking to volunteer or donate.

What Is Atlanta Mission?

Atlanta Mission is a faith-based, nonprofit organization in Atlanta focused on serving people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need of stabilization and support.

It operates several distinct facilities across the metro area, offering:

• Emergency shelter
• Transitional housing
• Residential recovery and transformation programs
• Meals, clothing, and basic needs
• Case management and support services

While it has a religious foundation, services are generally open to people in need regardless of faith background, and programming varies by location.

Main Atlanta Mission Locations and Who They Serve

Atlanta Mission doesn’t just run one big shelter. It’s a network of facilities, each with different focuses and eligibility. Knowing which site does what can save time and confusion.

Quick Location Overview

*The Potter’s House is outside Atlanta proper but is part of Atlanta Mission’s network and serves metro-area residents.

Always verify current program details and check for any changes in admission procedures or eligibility before going in person.

The Shepherd’s Inn (Men’s Services)

Who it serves:
Primarily adult men experiencing homelessness or housing crisis.

What it typically offers:

• Emergency overnight shelter
• Meals and basic hygiene (showers, restrooms, access to clothing)
• Case management and referrals to employment resources, long-term programs, and health or counseling services
• Access to faith-based services and support for those interested

What to know if you’re seeking help:

• Arrive early: Emergency beds can fill up quickly, especially in cold weather or during severe storms.
• Bring essential documents if possible: An ID can help with intake, but policies may allow some flexibility if you don’t have documents.
• Prepare for intake questions: Staff usually ask about your current situation, housing history, safety concerns, and any immediate needs so they can connect you to appropriate services.

If you’re a man in Atlanta facing sudden homelessness, The Shepherd’s Inn is one of the central, well-known entry points for emergency support.

My Sister’s House (Women and Children)

Who it serves:
Primarily women, including mothers with children, who are experiencing homelessness, domestic instability, or crisis.

What it typically offers:

• Emergency shelter for women, sometimes with their children
• Longer-term residential recovery or transformation programs
• Meals, clothing, and basic necessities
• Case management, life-skills classes, and support services
• A more family-oriented setting for women with kids

If you’re a woman seeking help in Atlanta:

• Ask about space for children: Capacity and arrangements for families can vary.
• Be prepared for safety questions: Staff may ask about domestic violence or safety concerns to place you appropriately.
• Expect program options: In addition to emergency shelter, there may be structured programs focused on stability, employment, or recovery.

For many women in Atlanta, My Sister’s House is a key resource when leaving unsafe housing or trying to stabilize after a financial or personal crisis.

The Potter’s House (Longer-Term Recovery for Men)

Location context:
The Potter’s House is a rural-style residential campus associated with Atlanta Mission, located outside the city (often reached after an initial connection through in-town services).

Focus:

• Longer-term residential support for men
• Often includes recovery, structure, and work or skills-based activities
• Designed for those ready for more intensive, sustained change rather than just a short emergency stay

If you’re in Atlanta and connected to emergency services like The Shepherd’s Inn, staff might discuss The Potter’s House as a next step if a longer-term program makes sense for your situation.

Who Atlanta Mission Programs Are For

Atlanta Mission focuses heavily on people experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness, but specific programs have distinct criteria.

Common groups served

• Single men without stable housing
• Women, including single mothers, facing homelessness or fleeing unsafe situations
• Individuals dealing with job loss, financial collapse, or other crises
• People looking for a structured environment to pursue recovery and stability

General expectations and guidelines

Programs may involve:

• Curfews and schedules
• Program participation requirements (classes, groups, case management meetings)
• Community living rules (shared spaces, respectful behavior, sobriety expectations in certain programs)

If you’re in Atlanta and considering a shelter or residential program, it’s normal to ask staff:

• Whether the program is emergency-only or recovery-oriented
• How long you can stay
• What is expected of participants
• What support is available for employment, housing, or legal issues

How to Access Atlanta Mission Services

1. Walk-in/On-site intake

For emergency shelter, many people in Atlanta go directly to the appropriate facility during designated intake hours.

Practical tips:

• Go early in the day if you can, especially in winter or bad weather.
• Have basic items ready: ID, any medications (in original containers), and essential personal belongings in a small, manageable bag.
• Know your transportation options: MARTA buses and trains, rides from outreach teams, or walking if you’re already near downtown or midtown.

2. Phone contact

Before heading across town, you may want to:

• Call the main number to ask:
  • Whether beds are generally available
  • What time intake starts
  • Whether any documents are required
  • If women with children or specific populations are being accepted at that time

Phone staff or recorded information can also point you to other Atlanta-area resources if a particular site is at capacity.

3. Referrals from other local agencies

People in Atlanta often reach Atlanta Mission through:

• Hospital social workers
• Churches and religious organizations
• Outreach teams or nonprofit providers
• Police or city services when they encounter someone in need of shelter

If you’re already speaking with a social worker, case manager, or outreach team, ask specifically about Atlanta Mission programs and whether they can help with a direct referral or transportation.

What Services Are Typically Available

While details can change and some services are program-specific, Atlanta Mission tends to offer a mix of basic needs and supportive services.

Basic needs

• Shelter / Bed
• Hot meals
• Showers and restrooms
• Clothing (often limited to what’s available)
• Safe, supervised environment overnight

Supportive and transformational services

Depending on the location and program, there may also be:

• Case management and goal planning
• Job readiness or employment referrals
• Support groups and life-skills classes
• Transportation assistance for essential appointments
• Connections to mental health, medical, or substance use services through outside providers
• Faith-based services and spiritual support for those interested

If you’re in Atlanta and trying to decide where to go, it can help to compare:

• Do you need one night of safety, or are you ready to engage in a longer-term program?
• Do you have children with you? That will affect which location and program are appropriate.
• Are you looking for recovery-oriented residential care? If so, ask specifically which Atlanta Mission programs fit that need.

How Atlanta Mission Fits into the Broader Atlanta Homelessness System

Atlanta Mission is a major player in the city, but it’s part of a larger ecosystem of services.

You may also encounter:

• Other shelters and transitional housing programs in the city
• Outreach teams working in downtown, Midtown, and near major MARTA stations
• City or county services that coordinate emergency shelter placements or housing-focused programs

If Atlanta Mission is full or not the right fit, staff can often suggest other Atlanta-area options, such as:

• Different transitional programs
• Domestic violence–specific shelters for those needing specialized safety planning
• Veteran-focused housing supports
• Youth or young adult programs (if you’re in that age range)

Volunteering with Atlanta Mission

If you live in Atlanta and want to give back, Atlanta Mission frequently welcomes volunteers.

Typical volunteer roles can include:

• Serving or helping with meals
• Assisting with clothing closets or basic supply distribution
• Supporting administrative tasks or special projects
• Helping during seasonal drives (e.g., cold-weather gear, holiday support)

Before showing up:

• Check what types of volunteers they’re currently accepting.
• Ask if there are age limits, background checks, or orientation requirements.
• See whether group volunteering (schools, workplaces, faith groups) is allowed for the project you’re interested in.

Volunteering is a practical way for Atlanta residents to engage directly with homelessness issues and understand the realities people face.

Donating to Atlanta Mission

Residents and businesses in Atlanta often support Atlanta Mission through financial contributions or in-kind donations.

Common needs may include:

• New or gently used clothing (often men’s items are in high demand)
• Hygiene items (travel-sized toiletries, razors, feminine products)
• New socks and undergarments
• Coats, hats, and gloves in colder months

Before gathering items:

• Confirm what is currently accepted and how drop-off works.
• Large items like furniture or electronics may not be needed or easily stored.

For many donors in Atlanta, financial gifts are encouraged because they allow the organization to direct resources where they’re needed most, but in-kind donations can also be helpful when coordinated properly.

Tips if You’re Seeking Help in Atlanta and Considering Atlanta Mission

If you’re in or near Atlanta and thinking about going to an Atlanta Mission facility:

• Act quickly if you’re in immediate danger or sleeping outside. Shelters fill up, especially when weather is severe.
• Bring essential documents if you have them, but don’t let lack of ID stop you from seeking help. Explain your situation on arrival.
• Be open about your needs and goals. Staff can better match you to a program—whether you need just a short break from the streets or you’re ready for long-term recovery and housing stability.
• Ask about next steps beyond emergency shelter. Many people come in for a bed and then discover options for classes, jobs, and longer-term support.
• Use Atlanta’s wider network. If Atlanta Mission can’t help immediately, ask them who else in Atlanta you can call or visit for shelter or assistance.

Atlanta Mission is one of the city’s more accessible entry points into services for people experiencing homelessness. Whether you are in crisis yourself or you’re an Atlanta resident looking to help, understanding how these facilities operate and who they serve can make it easier to take the next step.