Catholic Charities Atlanta: Local Help, Services, and Support in Metro Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia and are looking for practical help with housing, immigration, family support, or other life challenges, Catholic Charities Atlanta is one of the better-known nonprofit organizations serving the metro area. You do not have to be Catholic to receive help, and many Atlanta residents interact with their programs at some point in their lives.

Below is a clear, locally focused guide to what Catholic Charities Atlanta does, who they serve, where they are located, and how their services generally work for people in and around Atlanta.

What Is Catholic Charities Atlanta?

Catholic Charities Atlanta (CCA) is a nonprofit social service agency that serves people across the Atlanta metro area, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and surrounding counties.

Their mission centers on:

• Stabilizing families and individuals in crisis
• Supporting immigrants and refugees as they adjust to life in Georgia
• Promoting self-sufficiency, including education and financial coaching
• Providing counseling and emotional support to individuals, couples, and families

Services are guided by Catholic social teaching, but clients come from all faiths and backgrounds. The focus is on practical help, respect, and long-term stability.

Main Office and Contact Information in Atlanta

The organization operates throughout metro Atlanta, with its primary administrative and many program offices located in the city.

Catholic Charities Atlanta – Main Office
Typically based in the metro Atlanta area (often in or near central DeKalb/north Atlanta).
Common ways to connect include:

• Phone: Call the main Catholic Charities Atlanta office for program information and intake (search “Catholic Charities Atlanta contact” for the most current number).
• Mail/Office: Look for “Catholic Charities Atlanta” along with “main office” or “administrative office” to confirm the current street address, as nonprofits sometimes change suites or buildings.
• Hours: Most services are offered during weekday business hours, with some programs (like classes or counseling) offering limited evening appointments.

Because service locations, phone extensions, and office hours can change over time, it is wise to call ahead or check the most recent public information before visiting any office in person.

Key Services Catholic Charities Atlanta Offers in Metro Atlanta

While specific programs can expand or change, Catholic Charities Atlanta typically focuses on a few core areas of support that are especially relevant in the Atlanta area.

1. Immigration Legal Services

Atlanta is a major hub for immigrants and refugees, and immigration legal help is one of Catholic Charities Atlanta’s most sought-after services.

Common types of help include:

• Family-based immigration petitions
• Adjustment of status (green cards)
• Naturalization and citizenship applications
• DACA-related assistance, when applicable
• Work authorization applications
• Legal screenings to understand options and potential risks

Attorneys and accredited representatives work with clients to complete forms, gather documents, and prepare for interviews. Fees are often lower than private attorneys, and there may be reduced or sliding-scale fees for those with limited income.

How it usually works in Atlanta:

1. Intake or consultation request – You typically start with a phone call or online request.
2. Initial consultation – A legal professional reviews your situation and explains options.
3. Representation and follow-up – If they can take your case, they’ll guide you through next steps, deadlines, and communication with federal agencies.

If you’re in Atlanta or nearby suburbs and cannot afford a private immigration lawyer, Catholic Charities Atlanta is often one of the first places people contact.

2. Refugee Resettlement and Support

Metro Atlanta receives refugees from many countries, and Catholic Charities Atlanta is one of the organizations that helps them start over.

Programs may include:

• Airport reception and initial housing assistance
• Help with enrolling children in school in Atlanta-area districts
• Employment services (resumes, job search support, basic job readiness)
• Cultural orientation to life in the U.S.
• Referrals to healthcare providers and mental health services

Services are typically coordinated with federal and state refugee programs, and often focus on the first months and years after arrival. If you are sponsoring or supporting a refugee family in Atlanta, Catholic Charities Atlanta can be a key partner in accessing structured services.

3. Counseling and Mental Health Support

Many Atlanta residents turn to Catholic Charities Atlanta for professional counseling when cost or access is a barrier elsewhere.

Services frequently include:

• Individual counseling for adults and sometimes adolescents
• Couples and marriage counseling
• Family counseling to address conflict, parenting, or transitions
• Stress, anxiety, or grief support related to life changes or trauma

Counseling is generally:

• Delivered by licensed or supervised professionals
• Available on a sliding fee scale based on income
• Offered at designated office locations in the metro area, with some potential for telehealth if available and appropriate

This can be a practical option if you live in Atlanta, Decatur, Chamblee, Clarkston, or nearby suburbs and are looking for counseling that is more affordable than many private practices.

4. Family and Parenting Support

Catholic Charities Atlanta often provides family-centered programs that support both parents and children.

Services may include:

• Parenting education classes
• Family stability programs, such as goal-setting and case management
• Support around child development, communication, and discipline
• Referrals to early childhood programs or local school resources

Programs sometimes coordinate with public schools, parishes, and community centers across Atlanta, making it easier for families to access services close to where they live.

5. Financial Education and Self-Sufficiency Programs

With Atlanta’s rising housing costs and transportation challenges, financial stability is a big concern for many residents. Catholic Charities Atlanta often focuses on helping people become more self-sufficient.

Common supports include:

• Budgeting and financial coaching
• Help understanding credit reports and debt management
• Goal planning for saving, housing, education, or career development
• Connections to job training or employment resources

These programs are designed to help people move from short-term crisis management into longer-term stability. Services may be especially accessible to residents in lower-income neighborhoods or those facing recent setbacks such as job loss, illness, or separation.

6. Emergency and Basic Needs Assistance

Catholic Charities Atlanta sometimes offers limited emergency assistance, often in coordination with other local organizations.

This can include:

• Referrals for emergency shelter
• Limited rent or utility assistance, when funding is available
• Food referrals or connections to Atlanta-area food pantries and community kitchens
• Assistance with basic necessities such as clothing or household items, often in collaboration with partner agencies

Funding for emergency aid can change throughout the year, so it’s important to:

• Call the main office,
• Ask what emergency programs are currently open, and
• Be ready with documents (ID, proof of residence, income, bills, or eviction notices) if you’re applying for financial help.

At-a-Glance: How Catholic Charities Atlanta Typically Helps

Who Can Use Catholic Charities Atlanta Services?

In most cases, services are open to anyone in need, regardless of:

• Religion or faith background
• Immigration status (within legal and program limits)
• Race, ethnicity, or language

Priority may sometimes be given to:

• Households with low or moderate income
• People in immediate crisis
• Refugees or immigrants eligible under specific programs

Some programs are restricted to certain counties or specific groups because of how they are funded. When you call, staff will typically:

• Ask where you live
• Ask about your income and basic situation
• Suggest the best-fitting programs, either within Catholic Charities Atlanta or through a partner agency elsewhere in the city

How to Get Started if You’re in Atlanta

If you think Catholic Charities Atlanta might help you or someone you know, here’s how to move forward.

Step 1: Identify Your Main Need

Be as clear as you can about what you’re seeking:

• “I need help with my immigration paperwork.”
• “I’m looking for counseling for my family.”
• “I’m in danger of eviction and don’t know what to do.”
• “I’m a new refugee and need help getting settled.”

Knowing your main concern helps staff direct you to the right program more quickly.

Step 2: Call the Main Office

Use the main Catholic Charities Atlanta phone number (searchable by name and city) and:

• Listen for the menu options that best match your need (immigration, counseling, financial assistance, etc.).
• If you reach voicemail, leave your name, callback number, and a brief reason for calling.

For time-sensitive crises (like imminent eviction or utility shut-off), mention the deadline clearly.

Step 3: Prepare Basic Information

When you speak with intake staff, you may be asked:

• Your full name and contact information
• Your address and county
• Your household size and income range
• A short description of your situation

For some services, you may also be asked to bring or upload supporting documents (ID, pay stubs, lease, bills, immigration notices, etc.).

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment or Class

Depending on the service, you may:

• Visit a Catholic Charities Atlanta office in person in the metro area
• Join a class or workshop at a community site or parish
• Meet with a case manager, attorney, or counselor in person or virtually

If you have transportation challenges, ask whether the program location is near MARTA bus or rail, or if there are alternative sites closer to your neighborhood.

Other Atlanta Organizations That Often Connect With Catholic Charities

People who contact Catholic Charities Atlanta are sometimes also referred to other well-established Atlanta resources, such as:

• United Way of Greater Atlanta (2-1-1) for broader referrals to shelters, food, and utility assistance
• Atlanta Legal Aid or other legal services for non-immigration civil matters
• Local food banks and pantries in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties
• County social service offices (such as DFCS locations) for SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF

Catholic Charities Atlanta staff often know the local network of services well and can point you to another agency if they are not the best fit for your specific need.

Tips for Using Catholic Charities Atlanta Effectively

• Call early if you have a deadline (court date, eviction, utility shut-off, immigration interview).
• Be honest and specific about your situation; this helps staff find the right options.
• Ask about fees upfront for legal or counseling services and whether a sliding scale is available.
• Bring documents to your first appointment to avoid delays.
• Write down names, dates, and instructions so you can keep track of next steps.

For many people in Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs, Catholic Charities Atlanta becomes a long-term partner, not just a one-time stop. Whether you need help navigating immigration, stabilizing your family, or building financial stability, it is one of the key nonprofit agencies to consider in the metro area.