• Emergency Help • Credit and Debt

Travel. If you are stranded in Atlanta, contact Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta. Young runaways may be able to get a free ride home by contacting the National Runaway Switchboard.

Shelter. Search the 2-1-1 page at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta to find local services such as emergency shelter and food, and counseling. If you are in danger of losing your home due to foreclosure, look for help through the Making Home Affordable program. Protect yourself from Foreclosure Rescue Scams. Men and women in the armed services should read about the special protections from foreclosure provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Utilities. Federal and other funds are available to help eligible households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs. See Georgia's Energy Assistance Program page for details. Utility assistance programs of the Georgia Public Service Commission and other state and local entities. City of Atlanta Care & Conserve Program may be able to help with a water bill or plumbing repairs. The Federal Universal Service Fund's Lifeline/Link-Up program provides discounts to income-eligible consumers. Get more information from the Georgia Public Service Commission or search to see if this benefit is offered through your current phone provider.

Food. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) serves as the first line of defense against hunger. Find out if you or someone you know is eligible and get tips on the most effective way to use your benefit with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, a food and nutrition education program. Find Georgia distribution points for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity and other food distribution programs.

Health Care. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps uninsured and financially struggling patients who lack prescription coverage get access to prescription assistance programs that offer medicines for free or nearly free. MedlinePlus' page on Financial Assistance offers leads on assistance programs. A listing of Georgia assistance programs from Needymeds.

Legal. Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that promotes equal access to justice and provides grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. Fulton County residents are served by the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Inc., located at 151 Spring Street N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2097 or call (404) 524-5811.

Checking Account. Credit unions are democratically owned and controlled institutions based on a “people helping people” principle. Most stayed solvent during the 2008 economic crisis. Find a state-chartered credit union in Georgia, or Find a federal credit union.

Taxes. IRS page The “what ifs” of an economic downturn.

Get accurate information about debt, credit, and personal bankruptcy at the Bad Credit Hotel.

FDIC Consumer News offers easy-to-understand information about billpaying, banking, how to recognize current scams, and more.

Find up-to-date information on bankruptcy law and forms from the Federal Judiciary.

Use Treasury Direct to get information about Treasury securities you hold, have inherited, or would like to buy. Also check out the Frauds, Phonies, and Scams section of this site.

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