How to get internet, a phone or a computer for less in AtlantaA short guide: who to call first and what to expect.
For free internet today, go to a library. Every branch has free Wi-Fi and computers, and staff can help you print, scan or fill out a form online. A library card is free. Ask your Fulton County Library System branch whether it lends Wi-Fi hotspots or laptops to take home.
For a phone, Lifeline is a federal program that takes $9.25 a month off a phone or internet bill if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or a housing voucher. Companies such as Assurance Wireless use it to give a free phone plan. Each household can have only one Lifeline benefit. Sign up through one of the companies or at lifelinesupport.org.
For home internet, ask the internet company for its low-income plan. Comcast, AT&T and Spectrum each have one, usually $15 to $30 a month, for homes that get SNAP, Medicaid or free school lunch. The federal discount called ACP ended in 2024, so these plans are what is left.
For a computer,PCs for People, 404-369-7040, sells used, repaired computers at low prices to people with low income, and has low-cost internet too.
To learn, libraries and Inspiredu teach free classes that start from turning the computer on. Inspiredu also has open lab hours with free Wi-Fi and help. Cyber-Seniors, 844-217-3057, gives older adults free help by phone. See digital skills.
For a job in tech,Per Scholas Atlanta trains people for entry-level tech jobs at no cost.
Inspiredu is an Atlanta nonprofit that helps families and adults in Georgia learn computer and internet skills. It runs workshops for families and adults, a youth STEM careers program, and open lab hours at its Atlanta training center. Families who attend a Family Learning workshop can get a free laptop.
Integrity Transformations Community Development Corporation (Integrity CDC) is a nonprofit in the Capitol View neighborhood of southwest Atlanta that has helped job seekers since 1995. It offers job readiness classes, a beginner computer skills class, and help finding jobs or job training, and it welcomes people with criminal records. It also has a computer lab people can walk in and use.
This is Georgia State University's technology help office. It runs computer labs, a makerspace, equipment checkout, and free tech and software workshops. The pages describe these for Georgia State students, faculty and staff.
Dogwood Library is a neighborhood branch of the Fulton County Library System at 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW. It has a computer lab, study rooms, meeting rooms, and a book return that works after hours. Staff help with research questions, and the branch hosts classes and events for adults, teens, and children.
The Central Library is a public library at One Margaret Mitchell Square in Atlanta. It is part of the Fulton County Library System. You can get a library card, use free computers and WiFi, and take the GED test here. The library system's social services team can also connect you with housing, benefits and other help.
The Latin American Association helps Latino families and immigrants in the Atlanta area. It offers immigration legal help, basic needs and benefits help, job and English classes, youth programs, and support for people facing violence. Most services are by appointment, so call first.
This is the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Georgia's talking book and braille library, part of the National Library Service network. It lends audiobooks, braille books and special players for free to people who are blind, have low vision, have a reading disability like dyslexia, or cannot hold a book or turn pages. Books come by mail with free return postage, and the Atlanta library also takes walk-in visitors.
The Fulton County Library System runs 34 public library branches. Its Social Services team gives short-term help and connects people to more than 30 community partners for things like benefits, housing, jobs and legal help. Branches also offer free computers, library cards, research help and learning resources.
Evolution Arts Inc is an Atlanta-area group that teaches technology, money skills and the arts to underserved communities. It runs coding, dance and fitness, and career programs, plus a paid summer tech apprenticeship for Fulton County youth ages 16 to 24. It also holds community events such as dance nights, wellness sessions and a roller skating night.
RE:IMAGINE is an Atlanta nonprofit that helps young people start careers in film and media. It offers workshops, a one-year paid apprenticeship, a summer filmmaking fellowship, and school programs. It also hires out its youth apprentices for video and media work.
LifeChangers, Inc. is a nonprofit that helps men and women who have been in the justice system and people returning home. It offers free job workshops, a free one-year mentorship program, a resource directory, and a place to complete court-ordered community service. Its workshops teach job searching, applications, resumes, and interviews.
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta has worked in metro Atlanta since 1920. Its Financial Empowerment & Economic Resilience Center is a one-stop place for emergency help with rent and bills, jobs, housing, small business help and money coaching. It also runs programs for young people and a water bill help program for DeKalb County.
The Hapeville Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System at 525 King Arnold Street. It has a computer lab, a tablet station, meeting and study rooms, and events like book club, yoga and homework help. The system's Social Services team can give referrals and help with public benefit applications.
The Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Cascade is a Fulton County library branch in Southwest Atlanta. It has a computer lab, a tablet station, meeting rooms, study rooms and books for all ages. The library system's social services team can point you to longer-term help with things like benefits, housing, jobs and ID.
The Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce de Leon is a neighborhood branch of the Fulton County Library System. It has a computer lab, study rooms, meeting rooms, books and other materials, and kids' storytimes and crafts. It is also listed as an early voting location.
The East Atlanta Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System at 400 Flat Shoals Ave. SE. It has a computer lab, study rooms, meeting rooms, and storytimes and other events. The library system's Social Services team can also help patrons find community support.
The Buckhead Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System at 269 Buckhead Ave. NE. You can borrow books and media, use free public computers, printing and copies, and book meeting and study rooms. It also has a teen center and classes. The system's Social Services team helps people find referrals and apply for benefits.
Vocal Point, formerly the Georgia Radio Reading Service, is a nonprofit that reads newspapers, magazines and books aloud. The service is free for people who are blind, have low vision, or cannot read print because of a disability. You can listen live, online, or on demand, and you can also volunteer to read.
Rosaleana's is a nonprofit in Georgia that helps people with housing, food, jobs, and learning. It also supports people with developmental disabilities and young adults leaving foster care. Adults can get help with transportation vouchers, job training, reading and GED classes, and a food pantry.
Lekotek of Georgia helps children with disabilities and their families learn and have fun through play. It offers play sessions where families borrow toys, computer clubs, a summer camp, music classes, and groups for siblings and parents. The main office is in Tucker, and there are also Cobb and Southside sites.
