Since the start of 2025, we’ve been learning about how local groups serving immigrant and refugee communities have been impacted directly or indirectly by changes at the federal level. Several nonprofits had their funding frozen or cut; increased ICE arrests and detention has meant a need for more pro bono or low bono legal support, and cash assistance for impacted loves ones is an increasing need. We’ve also been staying updated on ongoing needs, and have compiled this list on ways to offer your support.

Latest needs

Ethaar, a local organization supporting refugee families, is reporting that many of the families they serve have been struggling to put food on the table since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which cut off many immigrants and refugees from SNAP, or food stamps, and Medicaid. The organization was able to distribute around 600 food boxes with culturally appropriate items during Ramadan, as well as give out $100 gift cards to 365 families, a representative from Ethaar said. Still, the need is ongoing, and they’re encouraging concerned community members to donate – just select “emergency food aid” in the drop down menu under “Direct your donation.” (Posted 4/28/25)

Similarly, the Burmese Rohingya Community of Georgia (BRCG) is seeking donations in the wake of an increasing number of families losing their SNAP benefits. Abu Talib, executive director of BRCG told 285 South, “we want to give them food on their table.” In the small but growing Rohingya community in the Atlanta area, dozens of families have lost their SNAP benefits, he said. In addition to that, many community members who have temporary jobs – either at warehouses or in the meat packing industry- are having their work hours reduced or are being laid off. Learn more about the organization here, and donate here. (4/23/25)

El Refugio, a nonprofit that supports those detained at the Stewart Detention Center and their loved ones, is looking for bilingual (English and Spanish) volunteers who can answer their hotline for three hours a week. The role is “fully remote and supports people navigating detention in real time.” Sign up to volunteer here. (Posted on 4/22/25)

The Afghan American Alliance of Georgia (AAAGA), a nonprofit supporting many of the Afghans who fled to the U.S. after the Taliban takeover in 2021, is in need of funding to support legal services in the wake of increasing immigration enforcement actions, and recent cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Shaista Amani, executive director of AAAGA told 285 South that “many individuals are having their SIV cases reopened and need proper support to connect with legal services and receive step-by-step mentorship.” More info on how to support them here. (Posted 4/22/25)

The Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) is looking for volunteers who are interested in hosting supply drives for GAIN’s “Care Closet” – which is filled with culturally familiar foods, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items. The closet supports the needs of the clients that GAIN serves, who are from Afghanistan, Venezuela, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala, among other countries. Details here.

Clarkston Cares, a program of the nonprofit Remerge, works directly with Clarkston area families to help pay for their rent, utilities, and food. “This is especially important as many of the new refugee families who haven’t yet received their green cards are now ineligible for food stamps,” said Ellie Thaxton, who runs the program. She said they’re also looking for ways to partner with different community groups to support families. Contact ellie@remerge.org to get involved. (Posted 1/7/25)

We Love Buford Highway, a nonprofit that supports families in the diverse corridor, is looking for both donations and volunteers. One place people can donate both money and time is the organization’s free bodega, which gets groceries to area families in need. Donations to the organization also cover community resources and programs including: the youth orchestra, free after-school and weekend programs for children from third to eighth grade, and a training program that helps immigrant-owned businesses learn about marketing, budgeting, and staffing. (Posted 12/16/25)

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Ongoing needs

Direct monetary or material donations

For hygiene items, clothing, baby items and related kits to give newly arrived families
New American Pathways is seeking donations of hygiene items (everything from laundry detergent to shampoo to cleaning supplies) to support newly arrived families. Check out the Amazon wishlist here, and email volunteercoordinator@newamericanpathways.org if you have questions.

The Welcome Co-Op, which helps newly arrived refugees secure housing with partner organizations New American Pathways, the International Rescue Committee, Catholic Charities Atlanta and Inspiritus, is collecting small- and medium-sized men’s clothing, baby wipes, and baby soap. Donations can be dropped off or purchased via their Amazon wishlist.

For immigrant survivors of gender-based or domestic violence
Raksha, the only nonprofit dedicated to South Asian American domestic violence survivors in Georgia, is raising money for its work to support survivors after receiving news of the two termination of two Department of Justice grants in April, diminishing the organization’s funding for everything from housing assistance to community outreach about victims’ rights.

The Tahirih Justice Center, which provides critical services to immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, recently started fundraising to cover the costs of legal services for unaccompanied migrant children. Since the federal government slashed funding to HHS’s Unaccompanied Minor Program, their work has been under serious threat. Tahirih is hoping to raise enough to cover the costs of a specialist whose position is funded through Immigrant Justice Corps, while working on contingency plans in the event that her position is cut entirely.

For those detained at Georgia’s Stewart Detention Center and their families
El Refugio, a nonprofit that accompanies immigrants who are detained at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, is raising money to support families of those in detention: a $25 donation pays for gas cards for visiting families and a $20 donation goes towards a commissary or phone deposit for someone detained. More info here.

Supporting a Heal Palestine family

The Atlanta chapter of HEAL Palestine is seeking donations to support Yassin, a 12-year-old boy recently profiled in 285 South.  They’re hoping to raise $44,000 to cover rent, food, and other essentials for Yassin and his family while they’re in Georgia over the next year—info on how you can donate here.

Specific, org-based volunteer opportunities

Volunteer at the Latin American Association

The Latin American Association (LAA) on Friday, August 29 to volunteer at their Community Resource Fair and Food Distribution Drive on August 29. Sign up for a shift here or here.

Spend your Sundays providing families impacted by detention a place of rest and refuge
El Refugio, a nonprofit that accompanies immigrants who are detained at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, is seeking volunteers in Columbus, Americus, and surrounding areas to help with Sunday shifts from 1-5 p.m. at the Lumpkin center to welcome families impacted by detention and offer them rides and hospitality so they can enjoy a few hours of rest, a warm cup of coffee, and a place to stay while visiting their loved ones. If interested, please contact El Refugio directly through Instagram direct message to receive training and more information.

Help sort donations and stock Atlanta’s no-cost thrift store for newly arrived refugees
The Welcome Co-Op, which helps newly arrived refugees secure housing in Metro Atlanta, runs Shop of Hope, a special thrift store where refugee clients from partner agencies can “shop” for items at no cost. As volunteers, you can help sort, stock and organize newly donated items, help keep the store clean, and support customers. Email info@welcomeco-op.org or visit the Get Involved page to sign up.

Observe and document court hearings for immigrants in detention (virtual)
Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) seeks volunteers for its Court Watch Program. Volunteers will observe hearings for the rural Stewart Immigration Court, where immigrants plead to be released from detention. Hearings are held each weekday morning from 8-9 a.m., and volunteers can sign up for shifts at their convenience to observe hearings via the virtual Webex platform. As volunteers, you will document critical information, helping to map trends in judge’s decisions, and ensure justice and accountability for immigrants seeking release from detention. No experience or qualifications required. Sign up here.

Teach English to Vietnamese community members
Boat People SOS (BPSOS), an organization that supports Vietnamese community members in the Atlanta area, is looking for volunteers to help with teaching English as well as citizenship classes, and is also looking for retired doctors, nurses, or nurse practitioners to help out at BPSOS’s community clinic. Those interested should email trinh.pham@bpsos.org. Speaking Vietnamese is not required.

Accompany asylum seekers at the Atlanta Airport
Team Libertad, a nonprofit that organizes volunteers to go to the Atlanta airport and support asylum seekers who were recently released from detention, is looking for volunteers. Learn more about the organization here, and fill out the volunteer intake form here.

Help with immigration paperwork and other legal and non-legal needs
The Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) is looking for volunteers to help with immigration paperwork as well as a variety of both legal and non-legal needs for immigrants navigating unimaginable hardships. Volunteer with GAIN and help immigrant survivors reclaim their freedom and rebuild their lives by emailing volunteer@georgiaasylum.org. More info here.

Participate in letter-writing campaigns
Malaya Georgia, a Filipino advocacy organization, along with the Justice for Alma Bowman campaign, a grassroots support group for a 58-year old Georgia resident with ties to U.S. citizenship who’s currently in detention, is encouraging concerned community members to write her letters of support. More info here.

Pro-bono opportunities for lawyers
Kids in Need of Defense, which provides legal counsel to unaccompanied children in the metro and beyond, is on the lookout for immigration attorneys to volunteer to take cases pro bono.

Phone calls

Locally based refugee resettlement agencies like New American Pathways, the International Rescue Committee, and Inspiritus have had their federal funding frozen, and are urging folks to call their elected officials (find your representative here), as well as Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. and When you call, the organizations suggest simply saying: “I want the administration to stop this pause on federal grants. Nonprofits rely on these funds to support our communities, and we must ensure they continue to provide essential services.” More info here.

Emails and online petitions

Help save afterschool programs for refugee youth
Proposed cuts to the Department of Education would eliminate 17 grant programs, including the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant dedicated to afterschool and summer learning programs, which is essential for programs like New American Pathways’ Bright Futures After School Program and summer camp. These programs offer tutoring, homework help, recreation, social-emotional learning, and English language support that are tailored specifically for refugee and immigrant students in Georgia. Take action by contacting your representatives here.

National TPS Alliance

The National TPS Alliance, a national nonprofit with a Georgia-based chapter formed by beneficiaries of the Temporary Protected Status including Venezuelans and Haitians, is undergoing a week of action calling on Congress to enact legislation providing a pathway to lawful permanent residency for TPS holders. The Alliance is collecting signatures to send letters to congress members here. The campaign comes after the Supreme Court allowed the Trump Administration to end legal protections for more than 300,000 Venezuelans.

Distribute and share information

Many local groups are encouraging community members to share information — whether by downloading and printing already-created fliers — or by creating your own zines (mini magazines) using information from trusted organizations. Sharing resources is essential in a world dependent on keeping you too busy to be in the know, especially for those in communities with limited English proficiency.

Sur Legal Collaborative shared these tips on what to do if you spot ICE in Atlanta.

Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR) is asking folks to share Know Your Rights information, with downloadable flyers here. They also have a hotline for anyone with questions: (770)-457-5232.

Local and national groups are also sharing resources, like this list from GALEO of low cost immigration counseling organizations in Georgia, as well as private practice immigration lawyers; and this national hotline for folks in detention and this database of free or low-cost legal support options.

Did we miss something? We must have. Please send an email to fiza@285south.com or sophia@285south.com if you have suggestions to add to the list, if you have a specific question, or resources you want us to find for you.