Health Services
AU/UGA Medical Free Mobile Clinic
A free and low-cost primary health care clinic that reaches uninsured and underinsured patients who have difficulty accessing primary and continuity in medical care. It provides screening and prevention services.
CONTACT:
Prevent Blindness Georgia
Vision Services
The Vision Outreach program provides basic eye care while identifying individuals with eye disease to refer them for further treatment.
Schedule an appointment with next available clinic at (404) 537-4988.
Athens Wellness Clinic
The Athens Wellness Clinic is a non-profit 501(c)(3) healthcare clinic providing free evaluation, treatment, and education for acute and chronic medical and dental conditions to uninsured low-and-no income residents of Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding communities.
Phone: 706-613-6976
Athens Technical College
Dental Hygiene
Students at the Athens Technical College provide dental services, including cleanings, x-rays, scalings, and root plantings.
CONTACT: 706-583-2810
*Call receptionist and leave message with interest in a dental appointment.
Period Project - Period Kits
The Period Project delivers menstrual hygiene products to those in need.
EMAIL: ugaperiod@gmail.com,
Advantage Behavioral Health - Integrated Care Program
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems provides person-centered treatment and recovery support to individuals and families experiencing behavioral health challenges, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases.
www.advantagebhs.org/get-started/contactus/
IMMEDIATE HELP: 1-800-715-4225
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER:
706-583-7307
Department of Public Health - Vaccines, HIV Testing
The Northeast Health District of the Georgia Department of Health holds pop-events and has clinics that offer HIV testing and vaccine distribution.
Health Department: 706-389-6921
Women, Infant, and Children: 706-369-5816
Specialty Care Clinic: 706-425-2935
Piedmont Athens Regional Community Care Clinic
Provides primary care, internal medicine, and management of chronic illnesses with reduced rates and charity care through Piedmont Athens Regional Low Income Assistance. *Call to make an appointment.
Appointment: 706-475-7055
Phone: 706-613-6976
Mercy Health Center
Mercy Health Center offers free medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services for uninsured patients. Patients must provide proof of income, ID and proof of residency. To become a Mercy patient, patients must meet the following criteria: be completely uninsured, at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and a resident of one of the following counties: Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oglethorpe and Oconee
Appointments only, must call on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 PM at 706-425-4044.
Voter Registration / ID / Documentation
Sparrow’s Nest - ID
The Sparrow’s Nest is a non-profit, Christ-centered ministry that seeks to change lives through the power of God and nurturing relationships. Services they offer are weekly hot meals, emergency food assistance, shower and laundry services, free clothing, a computer lab. assistance with prescription medications, obtaining a Georgia ID or birth certificate, addiction recovery services, and referrals to various other local service agencies.
Contact: 706-549-6693
Neighborhood Leaders - SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid
Neighborhood Leaders are focused on group outreach and community building along with individual case management support, helping residents develop an action plan and then following up to offer further assistance. They aim to remove barriers to economic self-sufficiency by helping residents access services and resources, including:
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education (basic adult education, ESL, GED, job training);
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employment opportunities;
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early care and learning, including quality child care;
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support for the aging;
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SNAP and WIC;
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physical and behavioral health services; and
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civic engagement, including census participation, voter registration, voting, and engaging in public processes.
Program Director: Terris Thomas (706-521-2393
Employment
Advantage Behavioral Health - Employment Program
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems provides person-centered treatment and recovery support to individuals and families experiencing behavioral health challenges, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases.
Website: https://www.advantagebhs.org/get-started/contactus/
Immediate Help: 1-800-715-4225
Behavioral Health Crisis Center: 706-583-7307
ACTION, Inc.
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There are educational programs, and each program has dedicated Career Coaches who partner with the students as both a personal mentor and academic adviser to ensure they not only stay on track, but have someone who cares to give that extra push and help to build their confidence. The Career Coaches work with participants to conduct initial in-depth interviews and counseling to help identify strengths, weaknesses and life goals.
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Book Appointment: 706-546-8293
East Athens Development Corporation
East Athens Development Corporation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that works to promote and support the neighborhood revitalization in East Athens through economic development activities, which will lead to financial security for the citizens of the community. They offer:
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Virginia Walker Drive Thru Food Distribution
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Job Coaching and Placement
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Youth Educational Enrichment
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East Athens Inner City Tennis Program
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Request for Services (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkv1JnvR7aFZGFz3fVz2dAgWjntiqCeVRIjVY88C80jlHaBA/viewform?usp=send_form)
Education/Children
Chess and Community
Chess and Community is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering young people in Athens, Georgia and beyond. In addition to chess, they also offer robotics, STEM, and debate programs that help young people develop a wide range of skills and interests. Their programs are designed to expose young people to new opportunities and prepare them to be leaders in their communities.
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Office: 465 Huntington Rd, Suite 150, Athens, GA 30606
Books for Keeps - Free Books
Books for Keeps seeks to help establish communities where it is understood that books can be used as a bridge or gateway to understanding the universe and the boundless possibilities contained within it for every person, regardless of their life circumstances through free book access and literacy mentor programs.
706-410-1912
Athens Library - Library Cards
Library cards are free to all residents of Georgia. Persons who attend school, own property or are employed in Georgia are eligible for a free PINES card. Patrons of both PINES and non-participating Georgia public libraries may receive a PINES card. PINES cards are valid for 2 years.
Athens-Clarke County Library: 706-613-3650
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Drug Free Athens - Overdose Prevention, Sober Living
The mission of Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Athens (SAPCA) is to reduce the use of alcohol and marijuana by the Athens-area youth by promoting awareness and education of substance abuse and its consequences through community engagement.
People Living in Recovery - Addiction Recovery
People Living In Recovery provides recovery support to individuals and families in the community who are in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. They promote self-determination and wellness as defined by those receiving services.
Monday - Friday (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
706.850.8855
Access Point
Access Point’s Syringe Exchange Program is framed around harm reduction principles. They provide syringe access/exchange services as well as naloxone/Narcan kits, fentanyl test strips, condoms, and more.
Office: (762) 234-6068
Phone Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 7pm
Mobile Syringe Exchange Program:
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Tuesday: 5-7 pm | North Ave - Check day-of for location.
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Wednesday: 5-7 pm | Check day-of for location.
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(free HIV, Hep C testing, & wound care on Wednesdays)
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Thursday: No Syringe Exchange
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Friday: 3-5 pm in Check day-of for location. | 4-6 pm in Winder @ Genesis Center
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Saturday: 3-5 pm | Alliance parking lot - 119 Sycamore Dr, Athens Ga 30606
LGBTQ+ Resources
Athens Pride Queer Collective
Athens Pride + Queer Collective is dedicated to the advancement of equity, affirmation, diversity, and wellness of queer populations in the greater Athens area by working with historically marginalized communities through outreach, social connection, education, and events.
Email Danielle@AthensPride.com for resources
Personal Hygiene/Nutrition/Food
SNAP-Ed/Food Talk
ACC SNAP-Ed provides free classes, newsletters and online courses to educate eligible Georgians so they can make healthier choices. Food Talk is a series of six interactive classes that feature tools and ideas for making healthier food, nutrition, and physical activity choices on a budget. Each 60 minute class features a cooking demonstration and tasting of 2 simple delicious recipes. Participants receive a take home extender related to each lesson, and receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Learn more and enroll!
Athens Area Emergency Food Bank
The AAEFB's purpose is to meet the food needs for one week for families or individuals who live in Athens-Clarke County who are faced with emergencies upon referral by an approved agency. A family is entitled to another week's supply within six months, again with an approved referral.
Call 706-353-8182 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday
They will walk through the process for referral and direct you to the appropriate place.
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia works to address hunger and end food insecurity by serving communities across our region, providing consistent access to nourishing food and relevant education.
Athens Location: (706) 354-8191
Intimate Partner Violence
Project SAFE
Project SAFE offers services such as:
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A confidentially-located shelter for survivors escaping domestic violence
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On-going support and resources that they need to develop their own plans and achieve their goals
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A bilingual advocate to support Spanish speaking survivors living in the emergency shelter
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A Thrift Store where Project Safe clients are able to shop for free for the things they need
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Breaking Silence: an initiative to help teens recognize and avoid unhealthy relationships by raising awareness of the dynamics of healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships
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Project Safe 24/7 Hotline: (706) 543-3331
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Breaking Silence Teen Textline: (706) 765-8019
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Project Safe Thrift Store: (706) 425-8863
DIVAS Who Win Freedom Center - Women in Recovery
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The Freedom Center offers an open-armed welcome to any woman who wishes to come. (wellness-focused support services, peer-led coaching and support, and welcoming space for refreshment and rest)
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The Freedom Boutique is an upscale consignment shop selling gently used donations. The boutique helps fund DIVAS, offers women dignified employment, and raises awareness in the community.
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Freedom House will be a safe house for women to live while they transition, find wellness from addiction, or retire from the sex trade.
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Visit the Freedom Center: 645 Hawthorne Avenue, Athens, GA 30606
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Call: 706-850-5945
Intimate Partner Violence
Project SAFE
Project SAFE offers services such as:
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A confidentially-located shelter for survivors escaping domestic violence
-
On-going support and resources that they need to develop their own plans and achieve their goals
-
A bilingual advocate to support Spanish speaking survivors living in the emergency shelter
-
A Thrift Store where Project Safe clients are able to shop for free for the things they need
-
Breaking Silence: an initiative to help teens recognize and avoid unhealthy relationships by raising awareness of the dynamics of healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships
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Project Safe 24/7 Hotline: (706) 543-3331
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Breaking Silence Teen Textline: (706) 765-8019
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Project Safe Thrift Store: (706) 425-8863
DIVAS Who Win Freedom Center - Women in Recovery
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The Freedom Center offers an open-armed welcome to any woman who wishes to come. (wellness-focused support services, peer-led coaching and support, and welcoming space for refreshment and rest)
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The Freedom Boutique is an upscale consignment shop selling gently used donations. The boutique helps fund DIVAS, offers women dignified employment, and raises awareness in the community.
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Freedom House will be a safe house for women to live while they transition, find wellness from addiction, or retire from the sex trade.
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Visit the Freedom Center: 645 Hawthorne Avenue, Athens, GA 30606
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Call: 706-850-5945
Veterans
Athens Veteran Field Office
Serves: Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe
9249 U.S. Highway 29
Athens, GA 30601
United States
Athens Area VA Clinic
The Athens VA Clinic’s outpatient clinic provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, nutrition counseling, blood pressure management programs, women’s health services, and more.
Main phone: 706-733-0188 x45511
Mental health care: 706-733-0188 x26237
Housing
Athens Area Homeless Shelter
The Athens Area Homeless Shelter provides shelter and housing programs for families with dependent children.
Telephone: (706) 354-0423
Email: info@helpathenshomeless.org
Mailing Address: 620 Barber Street, Athens, GA 30601
Bigger Vision of Athens
Bigger Vision’s Abundant Life program is designed to help those in homelessness seeking to obtain GED education, certified job skills training, and those in homelessness who are currently employed.
Bigger Vision’s Emergency Shelter Program seeks to provide a safe and comfortable place for those in homelessness in Athens, GA. There is a fair and equal opportunity to stay each night via a call-in system that is held at 4:00 pm each day. Guests receive a homemade meal, showers or laundry on an alternating schedule, a comfortable bed to sleep on, as well as breakfast in the morning.
Emergency Shelter Program:
Call (706) 340 - 6062 ext. 2 at 4:00 pm daily to reserve a bed for that evening
Salvation Army of Athens
The Center of Hope (Emergency Shelter):
The Salvation Army of Athens Center of Hope has a total of 74 beds (32 regular beds + 4 veterans beds for men; 26 women's beds + 2 family units (6 beds each). Weekly Fee: $5. Monthly Fee: $20, after the first month.
Call (706-543-5350) for more information
Athens Housing Authority
The Athens Housing Authority provides secure, affordable, quality housing and resources which encourage and sustain independence for wage earners, elderly, and families.
706.425.5300
Family Promise of Athens
The Prevention and Diversion Programs are devoted to preventing families from experiencing homelessness in the first place through rental arrears assistance, utility payments, and other services to keep families in their homes or quickly move families into housing with assisting with upfront moving assistance.
There is a static site shelter for three families at a time using volunteer support for monitoring. Families can live in the shelter program for 3 months.
There are two transitional housing units for families with a year long lease at a subsidized rate. Families receive case management support and stabilization services to help families work towards their next housing options.
Families in each of the programs are offered additional referrals and assistance, including help with household supplies, diapers, hygiene products, and more.
Call the Ark between 9:00 - 12:30 (Mon-Fri) to discuss your eligibility for rental assistance at 706-548-8155