Newcomer pathway

Start with the next step, not the whole maze.

Use this timeline to focus on urgent needs first, then school, connection, work, and long-term support.

Week 1

Stabilize urgent needs

Food Housing Healthcare Transportation

Begin with essentials: identify nearby food assistance, safe temporary housing options, low-cost clinics, and reliable transportation routes.

Month 1

Build local support

School enrollment ESL classes Community support Internet access Side jobs

Connect children with school, find adult learning options, meet trusted community organizations, and secure internet access for forms and applications.

Month 3

Plan for momentum

Job search Resume Financial literacy Long-term support

Move toward stable income and planning with resume help, interview preparation, banking basics, budgeting classes, and ongoing family support.

Turn priorities into action

How to take the next step

You do not need to do everything at once. Choose one task, make one call or visit, and write down what you learn.

Enroll a child in school

If you live within Atlanta Public Schools (APS), start with the district's enrollment guide. If you live elsewhere, contact your local public school district for its process.

  1. Use your current address to find your zoned school. If you are unsure which district serves you, ask a nearby public school.
  2. Ask the school what it needs for enrollment. APS lists proof of age and address, immunization and screening records, and prior school records among its documents. Bring what you have, and ask what alternatives or next steps are available for anything missing.
  3. Complete the district's registration form. For APS online registration, save the application number and contact the school to finish the process.
  4. Tell the school what language your child uses at home and ask about English-language support, interpretation, transportation, meals, and a counselor or family liaison.

If your family is staying in temporary housing or lacks some records, ask for the district's homeless education liaison. A child's or parent's immigration status cannot be used to bar enrollment in public elementary or secondary school.

APS enrollment steps APS housing-related school support U.S. Department of Education enrollment rights

Get help with immediate needs

  1. Pick the need that cannot wait—food, a safe place to stay, healthcare, or transportation.
  2. Open the matching resource category and choose one organization to contact. Ask about hours, who it serves, appointments, documents, cost, and language assistance before traveling.
  3. If the first option cannot help, ask for a referral or call 211 for another local starting point. For immediate danger, call 911.
Browse local resources

Find classes and community support

  1. Ask a library, adult education program, or community organization about English classes and enrollment dates.
  2. Ask whether classes are free, available online, near public transit, or offer childcare.
  3. For online forms, ask your local library about computer access, Wi-Fi, and help using the internet.
Explore education resources

Start a work plan

  1. Write down past jobs, skills, languages, training, and any schedule or transportation limits.
  2. Use that list to make a simple resume, then ask a workforce center or trusted organization about training and job-search help.
  3. Check any job's requirements and real costs before applying; keep track of applications and follow-up dates.
Use the work pathway