ZIP code-level need: A deep dive on Atlanta's most impacted neighborhoods

4,000+ Atlanta federal workers lost their jobs—mostly older, Black, and in fragile economic conditions. We mapped where the need is greatest and identified some local orgs positioned to help.

Federal layoffs (green/yellow) vs long-term unemployment (purple). Most layoffs are happening in or next to neighborhoods with relatively high unemployment compared to the richer, whiter northern suburbs.

Philanthropic resources supporting communities hit by federal layoffs face a tough question: where should resources go to reach those most in need?

We applied our analysis to answer this question at the ZIP code-level in Atlanta, including recommendations for groups whose location and focus make them strong candidates to meet the need.

Impact Spotlight: Atlanta, Georgia

Over 4,000 federal workers were recently laid off across metro Atlanta, triggering a ripple effect that will reverberate for years.

• $486 million in lost wages

• $26 million in lost state and local income tax revenue

• 136% increase in unemployment claims

• 15% growth in total unemployment

This isn’t just a blip. It’s a flash flood of economic insecurity.

So who, exactly, is affected?

The top five impacted zip codes are 30331, 30318, 30311, 30354, 30327. These aren’t the areas typically associated with widespread unemployment—which is part of what makes this event unusual.

The affected workers:

• Had an average salary of $104,000, nearly 40% higher than the Atlanta average

Most federal layoffs (blue) are occurring outside of the highest-income areas of Atlanta. Counter-intuitively, these jobs are also high paying, but in areas where their neighbors are earning significantly less.

• Were more likely to live in areas already receiving public assistance

Though federal employees are not net receivers of public assistance, they live in or next to areas where poverty and public assistance rates are high.

• Were mostly Black, often over the age of 50

These areas are also where most people don’t attend college. Federal employees or their households are less likely to obtain advanced degrees, and are therefore more likely to face challenges getting hired for new positions with similar pay.

• Had completed high school, but may lack advanced credentials to navigate a career pivot without additional education or re-training opportunities.

This confluence—of relatively high income and relatively low economic resilience—creates a dangerous situation. These aren’t workers who can just “bounce back.” They’re often supporting extended families, carrying mortgages, or aging out of the job market.

Time is of the essence: the longer someone is unemployed, the harder it becomes to find a job with comparable salary and benefits.

Where can donors make a difference today?

Effective philanthropy is not just about being generous—it’s about being precise.

Too often, funding flows toward programs with the best grant writers or most polished stories—not necessarily toward the communities where the return on investment is highest.

Here are two Atlanta-based organizations already doing the work in or adjacent to the zip codes with the highest needs—and ready for support:

1. WorkSource Atlanta - https://www.worksourceatlanta.org

📍 818 Pollard Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30315

Provides WIOA-funded job training, career counseling, and job placement services in collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

2. City of Refuge - https://www.cityofrefugeatl.org

📍 1300 Joseph E Boone Blvd Atlanta Ga 30314

Offers free job training, mentorship, and holistic support for career seekers facing complex barriers.

How can you help?

If you’re in philanthropy, policy, or economic assistance please reach out and we’ll look at any geography of interest and discuss how to help these communities in need.