Find alternatives to calling the Atlanta Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- ATL311
- The City of Atlanta provides residents and customers with Atlanta 311 (ATL311). 311 is Atlanta’s primary phone number for government information and non-emergency services. Connects callers with local services.
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., or search online 24/7
- 311
- https://www.atl311.com/
- HOPE Atlanta
- Providing housing, outreach, prevention, and emergency services to individuals and families living in 28 counties in Metro Atlanta.
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
- (404) 817-7070 (General Intake)
- (404) 574-1681 (Veteran Intake)
- https://hopeatlanta.org/
- Housing Justice League
- Hotline providing information and referrals to community resources for housing-related issues, including threats of eviction, resources for people who are experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), and resources for people who are HIV+ or immunocompromised. They support sex workers, survivors, HIV+ and immunocompromised folks. Hotline volunteers are also able to connect you with continued support of HJL volunteer organizers if you want to publicly fight for your home.
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., 7 days a week
- (404) 946-9953
- https://www.housingjusticeleague.org/
- Gateway Center*
- Gateway Center provides access to critical services and housing for the most vulnerable people in our community such as coordinated entry, basic needs services (i.e. showers, clothing closet, etc.), short-term residential housing (shelter), linkage to healthcare (medical, behavioral, and dental), and employment resources. Gateway’s Clear Path program is the process through which people experiencing homelessness in the City of Atlanta can access housing assessments; emergency shelter placement; and linkage to long-term housing placement options available through the Housing Queue.
- Clear Path: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- (404) 215-6600
- https://www.gatewayctr.org/
- *Please be aware that Gateway partners with the Dept. of Child and Family Services for certain programs
- Trans Housing Atlanta Program
- Provides direct assistance/resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services are majority centered towards those who are transgender and gender non-conforming. Emergency shelter, rent and bill assistance.
- (404) 458-7948 (for crisis, may need to leave a message)
- http://transhousingatlanta.org/
- United Way Atlanta 211
- A referral service for shelters and other services around Atlanta. Searchable database on their website.
- 211
- http://211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/
LGBTQ+
- Solutions Not Punishment (SNaP Co.)
- A Black, Trans-led, broad based collaborative to restore an Atlanta where every person has the opportunity to grow and thrive without facing unfair barriers, especially from the criminal legal system. Their Taking Care of Our Own program provides direct financial support for trans folks navigating personal emergencies.
- (678) 722-5532
- Trans Housing Atlanta Program
- Provides direct assistance/resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services are majority centered towards those who are transgender and gender non-conforming. Emergency shelter, rent and bill assistance.
- (404) 458-7948 (for crisis, may need to leave a message)
- transhousingatlanta@gmail.com
- http://transhousingatlanta.org/
- Transcending Barriers Atlanta
- Non-profit founded by transgender women of color, providing supportive services such as transportation to and from appointments, scheduling follow-ups, joint attendance in our support groups, and resource referrals to the transgender and gender non-conforming community.
- (770) 970- 0810
- https://www.transcendingbarriersatl.org/
Mental Health
- Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)*
- 24/7 mobile response provides immediate on-site crisis management through assessment, de-escalation, consultation and referral with post crisis follow up to assure linkage with recommended services.
- 1 (800) 715-4225
- https://www.georgiacollaborative.com/providers/georgia-crisis-and-access-line-gcal/
- *Please note, this resource is partnered with the GA Dept. of Behavioral Health
- Grady Behavioral Health
- Individuals experiencing urgent behavioral health issues may seek help at Grady’s Emergency Department, which has around-the-clock behavioral health staff. Walk-ins welcome – after hours calls should go through GCAL.
- 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE.
- 24-hour nurse helpline: (404) 616-0600.
- https://www.gradyhealth.org/care-treatment/behavioral-health-center/
- NAMI North Side Atlanta – Helpline
- 1 (800) 273-8255
- Raksha
- Promotes a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential support services, education, and advocacy.
- (1 866) 725-7423
- https://www.raksha.org/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
- AVLF provides legal services to victims of domestic abuse. They can help you get a Temporary Protective Order to provide legal protection against your abuser. We can also help you with safety planning, access to shelter, and referrals to counseling services, legal representation, and other resources.
- (404) 612-4316, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Day League
- provides direct services, prevention education, and advocacy for youth and adult survivors of sexual assault, their families, and the community as a whole. 24-hour crisis hotline, forensic examinations, medical, police, and court advocacy, and therapy. Services are free.
- (404) 377-1428 (24/7)
- http://www.dayleague.org/
- Georgia’s Domestic Violence Hotline
- 24-Hour hotline providing safety information and referrals
- 1-800-33-HAVEN
- Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center
- Offers free support services for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed, or sexually abused. 24/7 crisis hotline, referrals to community resources, forensic services, victim advocacy, and therapy services.
- (770) 477-2177 (24/7)
- https://www.scsac.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- Covenant House
- Provides emergency shelter and more for young people age 18-24 facing homelessness and human trafficking. Emergency shelter offers youth safety, food, clothing, showers, and a warm, safe bed, and is available for 30 – 90 days. Transitional long-term shelter also available.
- (404) 713-0954
- https://covenanthousega.org/
- Georgia Cares
- Serves any youth who is at risk of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. 24-hour hotline operators will assist the caller in coordinating emergency services at all hours of the day and night for youth who may be a victim of exploitation or trafficking.
- 1 (844) 8GA-DMST (842-3678)
- https://www.gacares.org/
- Young Adult Guidance Center, Inc.
- Through their Supportive Services Outreach Center, provides assistance to homeless or at-risk young people in need of transitional services and guidance. The SSOC provides a wide-range of supportive services for disadvantaged young people including mentorship, intensive case management, counseling, educational assistance, employment support & training, transportation assistance, free health checks and grooming resources, assistance with basic necessities, skill building activities, and workshops.
- (404) 257-6412
- https://yagc.net/
- Youth Crisis Text Line
- 24/7 mental health text line for teens and youth
- Text GA to 741-741
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
- Atlanta Victim Assistance
- a nonprofit organization established in 1984 to advocate and provide services to victims of crimes. Services include: providing support; violence prevention initiatives; promoting justice for victims of crime and abuse and their families throughout the metropolitan Atlanta community.
- (404) 588-4740
- Crime Victims Advocacy Council*
- Provides assistance to victims of crime. Telephone crisis intervention, assistance seeking benefits, referrals and information, and support groups for victims.
- (770) 333-9254
- http://cvaconline.org/
- *Please note this resource is Christian-affilitated
Substances
- Georgia Cares Warmline
- Warm line staffed by individuals in long term recovery, providing compassion and support for people struggling with addiction or abuse
- 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily
- 1 (844) 326-5400
- https://gasubstanceabuse.org/cares-warm-line/
- Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)*
- 24/7 mobile response offering free detox services to the uninsured.
- 1 (800) 715-4225
- https://www.georgiacollaborative.com/providers/georgia-crisis-and-access-line-gcal/
- *Please note, this resource is partnered with the GA Dept. of Behavioral Health; we have been assured police are not regularly involved
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Atlanta Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.