Hands On Atlanta: Your Guide to Volunteering and Community Service in the City

If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved, give back, or connect with community projects in Atlanta, Georgia, Hands On Atlanta is one of the first names you’ll hear. It’s a long-standing volunteer hub that helps residents, students, companies, and visitors plug into local service opportunities across the city.

This guide walks you through what Hands On Atlanta is, how it works, and how you can use it to make a real impact in Atlanta.

What Is Hands On Atlanta?

Hands On Atlanta is a nonprofit volunteer and community engagement organization based in Atlanta. Its main role is to:

• Connect volunteers with local nonprofits, schools, and community projects
• Organize service events ranging from one-time projects to ongoing roles
• Support Atlanta organizations that need reliable volunteer help
• Engage companies, schools, and families in structured community service

If you live in metro Atlanta—whether in Midtown, Buckhead, East Atlanta, the Westside, or the suburbs—you’ll likely find volunteer opportunities coordinated or promoted through Hands On Atlanta.

Typical focus areas include:

• Education and youth support
• Hunger and food security
• Homelessness and housing support
• Parks, trails, and neighborhood cleanups
• Arts, culture, and community events
• Senior support and health-related volunteering

Where Is Hands On Atlanta and How Do You Reach Them?

Hands On Atlanta is headquartered in the city and focuses on Atlanta and surrounding metro counties (like Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett).

For the most accurate address, hours, and contact details, it’s best to:

• Visit their official website (search “Hands On Atlanta”)
• Use the “Contact” or “About” section to find main office info
• Call or email using the general contact listed for volunteer services or program support

Because nonprofit offices may move or adjust hours, especially after renovations or changes in leadership, checking their current details before visiting in person is recommended.

How Hands On Atlanta Works for Volunteers

1. Finding Opportunities

Most people interact with Hands On Atlanta through its online volunteer platform, where you can:

• Browse upcoming projects by date, location, or cause
• See whether a project is family-friendly, indoor/outdoor, or skill-based
• Filter by weekend vs. weekday, daytime vs. evening, or nearby neighborhoods

Common types of projects in Atlanta include:

• Reading with students or tutoring in APS and nearby schools
• Sorting and packing food at local food banks or pantries
• Serving meals at shelters or community kitchens
• Cleaning up parks, streams, and BeltLine-adjacent areas
• Supporting events at museums, festivals, and cultural organizations

2. Signing Up

To volunteer with Hands On Atlanta–listed projects, you typically:

1. Create a volunteer account on their platform (basic profile + interests)
2. Browse and select a project that fits your schedule
3. Confirm your spot through the system (and complete any required forms)
4. Receive instructions by email, including location, contact person, and what to wear/bring

Some projects allow you to “just show up”, but many require advance sign-up so the host organization can plan.

3. Age Requirements and Family Volunteering

In Atlanta, many families use Hands On Atlanta to volunteer together.

Typical patterns you’ll see:

• Adults (18+) can sign up for nearly all opportunities.
• Teens (often 13–17) may join certain projects with a signed waiver or parent/guardian present.
• Younger kids can join clearly marked family-friendly events, such as park cleanups or holiday projects.

Always check each listing for minimum age, supervision requirements, and any special instructions.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities You’ll Find in Atlanta

Education & Youth Support

Education is one of Hands On Atlanta’s biggest focus areas. You may see:

• Tutoring and mentoring in Atlanta Public Schools and nearby districts
• Reading buddies programs for elementary students
• After-school program support in community centers or nonprofit spaces
• College and career readiness mentoring for high school students

These opportunities are often in neighborhoods close to central Atlanta, but there are also roles in outlying areas like South Fulton or North DeKalb.

Hunger, Homelessness, and Basic Needs

If you’re passionate about basic needs, typical projects include:

• Sorting donated food and packing boxes or bags
• Serving meals at shelters or community kitchens
• Organizing clothing, hygiene, or household supply drives
• Supporting organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity

These opportunities are spread across the city, including Downtown, the Westside, and South Atlanta.

Environment, Parks, and Neighborhood Cleanups

In a city with major green assets like the Atlanta BeltLine, Chastain Park, Piedmont Park, and neighborhood trails, environmental volunteering is a big draw. You might:

• Join park and trail cleanups
• Help with tree planting or community garden workdays
• Support beautification projects near schools or community centers

Many of these are weekend projects that work well for individuals, friend groups, and families.

Arts, Culture, and Events

Hands On Atlanta often posts roles for:

• Festival support (check-in, information tables, crowd support)
• Museum programs and special events
• Community arts projects and neighborhood events

These can be especially appealing if you want to combine service with experiencing Atlanta’s cultural scene.

Using Hands On Atlanta for Groups, Businesses, and Schools

Hands On Atlanta is a common partner for corporate volunteer days, school service projects, and faith-based or civic groups.

Corporate and Workplace Volunteering

Atlanta-area companies often use Hands On Atlanta to:

• Organize team service days
• Set up custom projects aligned with company values (for example, STEM education, hunger relief, or environmental impact)
• Track employee volunteer hours

If you handle corporate social responsibility or HR in Atlanta, Hands On Atlanta can help match your team to projects across the metro area and coordinate logistics with local nonprofits.

Schools, Youth Groups, and Service Requirements

Many Atlanta high schools, colleges, and youth programs require or encourage community service hours. Hands On Atlanta’s platform can be useful for:

• Students needing verified hours
• Teachers or club advisors organizing group service days
• Greek organizations and campus groups planning service events

Look for opportunities that clearly list time commitments and documentation options so students can get credit.

Hands On Atlanta Day and Major Service Events

One of the organization’s most visible efforts is its large-scale service days, especially Hands On Atlanta Day.

These city-wide events often include:

• Hundreds of projects across Atlanta in one day
• Opportunities in schools, parks, nonprofits, and community spaces
• Spots for individuals, families, and corporate groups

If you’re new to volunteering in Atlanta, signing up for a major service day can be an easy way to see what it’s like and discover causes you care about.

What It’s Like to Volunteer Through Hands On Atlanta

Most Atlanta volunteers describe Hands On Atlanta projects as:

• Structured but flexible – You get clear instructions, but most commitments are short-term.
• Good for beginners – You don’t usually need prior experience.
• Social – You meet other Atlantans from all over the city.
• Location-aware – Many listings specify nearby MARTA access or parking options.

You’ll typically receive:

• A project description (what you’ll actually be doing)
• Location details (address, parking notes, transit hints if available)
• Dress code and preparation tips (closed-toe shoes, outdoor clothing, ID if required)
• A site contact person for check-in and questions

Hands On Atlanta for Nonprofits and Community Organizations

If you run a nonprofit, school, or community group in metro Atlanta and need volunteers, Hands On Atlanta can serve as a recruitment and coordination partner.

Common ways organizations work with Hands On Atlanta:

• Posting recurrent or one-time opportunities on the platform
• Requesting volunteers for special events or large projects
• Collaborating on longer-term programs (like tutoring, after-school help, or ongoing support roles)

You’ll generally need to:

• Provide details about your organization and mission
• Describe volunteer roles, locations, and schedules
• Designate a volunteer coordinator or contact person

This can significantly expand your reach beyond your immediate neighborhood and help you connect with volunteers from across the metro area.

Quick-Glance Summary: How Atlantans Use Hands On Atlanta

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Hands On Atlanta

A few practical pointers if you’re in or around Atlanta:

• Create your account early so you can quickly sign up when you see a project you like.
• Filter by neighborhood (for example, Downtown, Decatur, West End, Sandy Springs) if you prefer to stay close to home or work.
• Check transportation options—some projects are MARTA-accessible, others are easier by car.
• Start with one-time events if you’re new, then explore ongoing roles once you know what you enjoy.
• Bring a friend or family member—many Atlantans treat service projects as a shared activity.
• Confirm details before you go, especially weather-dependent outdoor events.

Is Hands On Atlanta Right for You?

If you’re in Atlanta and want a central, easy-to-use way to find volunteer opportunities, Hands On Atlanta is a widely used entry point. Whether you’re looking to support schools in Southwest Atlanta, help with food security on the Westside, join a BeltLine cleanup, or participate in a city-wide service day, this organization provides structure, options, and local connections.

To get started, create a volunteer profile, explore opportunities in your part of the metro area, and sign up for a project that fits your schedule and interests.