How energy-bill help, gardens and green programs work in AtlantaA short guide: who to call first and what to expect.
For help with a power or gas bill, a federal program called LIHEAP pays part of a heating bill in winter and a cooling bill in summer. The money goes out first come, first served, and it runs out fast. People 65 and older and people who can't leave home apply first, usually in early winter, and everyone else about a month later. In Fulton County call the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority at 470-437-4621. In DeKalb and Gwinnett call Partnership for Community Action at 404-929-2500. Have your bill, your ID, Social Security numbers and proof of income for the last 30 days.
To lower your bills for good, the same agencies add insulation and seal leaks for free in homes with low income. This is called weatherization. Expect a waiting list.
For a City of Atlanta water bill, the Care & Conserve program, 404-546-3620, helps with past-due bills and fixes leaks for homeowners with low income.
For a free tree,Trees Atlanta, 404-522-4097, plants shade trees in front yards at no cost in Atlanta and several nearby cities.
To grow food,Food Well Alliance supports community gardens with tools, compost and training, and Truly Living Well teaches urban farming. At many farmers markets, SNAP dollars buy twice as many fruits and vegetables through Georgia Fresh for Less.
To get rid of paint, electronics or chemicals,Live Thrive runs CHaRM drop-off centers in Atlanta and Decatur. Make an appointment first.
To report dumping, a sewer spill or a fallen tree, call 311 inside Atlanta.
To fix up a park or spend time outdoors,Park Pride helps neighbors improve their parks, and the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance runs the Outdoor Activity Center in southwest Atlanta, with trails and nature programs.
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority is a state agency that funds water and energy projects. It runs the state Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income households, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children, make their homes more energy efficient. You apply through your local Community Action Agency, not directly to the state office.
Metro Atlanta Urban Farm is a 5-acre working farm in College Park that grows fresh produce and teaches people how to grow their own food. You can buy produce at the on-farm market, take gardening and healthy-eating classes, or rent a community garden plot. They also give produce to homeless shelters and partner groups.
Historic Westside Gardens is a nonprofit on Atlanta's Westside that helps neighbors grow their own food through home garden beds, community gardens and classes. It runs the Westside Growers Market with fresh produce and produce bundles, and welcomes volunteers. The group has worked in the community since 2010.
Trees Atlanta is a nonprofit that plants and cares for trees in metro Atlanta. It runs tree planting, forest restoration, classes, tree tours, youth programs, and job training for young adults. People can volunteer, take a class, or ask for trees in their yard or neighborhood.
This is the Fulton County office of UGA Extension. It teaches about gardening, farming, plants, soil, water, and 4-H youth clubs, camps, and events. It has a 4-H office at the Atlanta History Center, and its main offices are in East Point, College Park, and North Atlanta.
The University of Georgia’s Fulton County Extension Office helps residents learn about healthy eating, gardening, and caring for their homes and families. It offers nutrition classes, 4-H youth activities, gardening advice, and soil, water, and plant testing. Its Fulton Fresh mobile market also provides nutrition lessons and free produce at scheduled community stops.
Live Thrive is an Atlanta nonprofit that runs CHaRM recycling centers in Atlanta and Decatur. Residents and businesses can make appointments to drop off items that regular recycling often cannot take, such as electronics, paint and household chemicals. It also offers recycling lessons, school field trips, volunteer opportunities and community events.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a large garden in Atlanta where people can walk through plant collections, art and seasonal shows. It also offers classes, kids programs, camps, school tours and volunteer jobs. Its scientists work to protect rare and endangered plants.
Black Sustainability, Inc. is an Atlanta nonprofit that runs a global network of sustainability workers and business owners of African descent. Members can join online groups, take green-career courses and training, and attend the yearly Black Sustainability Summit and other events.
Park Pride is an Atlanta nonprofit that helps neighbors improve and care for public parks. It supports Friends of the Park groups with volunteers, park design help, grants, fundraising support, and leadership training. Its programs serve Atlanta, Brookhaven, and unincorporated DeKalb County, with some services limited to Atlanta.
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is a nonprofit that protects the Chattahoochee River, its lakes, and nearby streams. It tests water, investigates pollution, removes trash, and runs outdoor learning and volunteer activities. Its metro Atlanta office has moved from Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard to Smyrna.
Georgia Commute Options gives free help to people who want to get to work without driving alone. It helps with carpool and vanpool matches, rewards for clean commutes, and emergency rides home. It also helps employers and schools set up their own programs.
Birds Georgia is the new name (since late 2023) of the Atlanta Audubon Society, a bird conservation nonprofit founded in 1926. It offers free bird walks in Atlanta parks, native-plant and wildlife sanctuary help for yards, school and youth programs, and volunteer projects like bird-collision monitoring.
Root Local is a Metro Atlanta nonprofit that helps people find local ways to protect the environment. Its free online map lists businesses and groups with reviewed environmental practices. It also connects neighbors through volunteer projects, community events, and environmental education.
EarthShare Georgia raises money for environmental nonprofits through workplace donations and business partnerships. It also connects people and employee groups with volunteer projects and learning opportunities that support clean air, land, and water.
75 acre organic urban farm in Atlanta, run by Jamila Norman, who is known as Farmer J. It grows vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers and sells them at Saturday farmers markets. The farm also holds paid seasonal gatherings and welcomes volunteers.
Frazer Center is a nonprofit on a 39-acre forest in Atlanta. It runs an inclusive school for children from six weeks to five years old, with and without disabilities. It also has a day program and job support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the forest is open to visitors.
The Grove CDC is the community development group of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church on Glenwood Avenue in Atlanta. Its Love Center Food Pantry gives free groceries to people in need. The group also runs a farm and offers senior housing, emergency help, and referrals to other services.
West Atlanta Watershed Alliance is a community nonprofit that protects local creeks and forests and helps residents speak up about pollution and other environmental problems. It runs the Outdoor Activity Center in Southwest Atlanta, offering nature camps, school programs, outdoor events, and volunteer cleanups.
The Atlanta ToolBank lends tools and equipment to nonprofits, schools, and other service groups for a small weekly fee. It also runs tool classes and youth tool programs, and it rents out event space at its building in southeast Atlanta.
