Emergency Food Assistance

I was hungry...

and you gave me something to eat

Learn more about food assistance

Emergency Medication Assistance

I was sick...

and you looked after me

Learn more about medication assistance

Emergency Clothing Assistance

I needed clothes...

and you clothed me

Learn more about clothing assistance

Emergency Utility Assistance

I needed help...

and you met my needs

Learn more about utilities assistance

Covid-19 Update: Food assistance is by appointment only. Call between 8:30 and 11:30 am on Mondays or Thursdays for an appointment . The food distribution will be pre-packaged bags outside of DEAM's office on Thursday and Friday only. For the month of August and while supplies last, food assistance is available once a week if needed.
Utility help is limited to GA Power bills only and appointment  calls are accepted between 8:30 and 11:30 on Tuesdays.
Rx assistance is also by phone and calls are accepted on Mondays and Thursdays between 8:30 and 11:30 am.
Eligibility  requirements remain the same.
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DEAM (Decatur-Area Emergency Assistance Ministry)

DEAM serves more than 250 local families a month, providing critical assistance to ease hunger, prevent utility service disconnection, provide clothes, and purchase life-sustaining prescriptions for qualified residents.

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August 2020 SPECIAL ALERT: WE NEED YOUR HELP

At this point in the pandemic our major focus is preventing the disconnection of utility service for our clients. We need funds to be able to assist as many of our neighbors in need as possible. Financial contributions are the most helpful way you can assist our ministry.  Please click on the "Contribute" tab above for details.
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When not operating in our modified Covid-19 response mode, DEAM seeks volunteers to help in the office, food pantry, and clothing closets. Find out about the many ways you can help prevent homelessness and hunger in the Decatur area.

discover how you can serve

DEAM counts on generous donors to help fund the work of the ministry. Find out how your money is used and pooled together with other gifts to make a difference in the Decatur area.

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Where do I start?

If you or someone you know needs help, please visit our Services page to find information on who qualifies for assistance, what assistance can be offered, and other important information you need to know.

learn more about qualifying for assistance
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How DEAM & You Serve the Community

Food Distribution

DEAM provides emergency food and basic toiletries to qualifying residents.

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Prescription Purchases

DEAM provides financial assistance to qualifying residents for prescriptions.

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Clothes Closets

DEAM provides new and gently used clothing for qualifying children and adults, including summer and winter wear.

LEARN MORE

Utilities Continuity

DEAM helps prevent cut-off of water, gas, and electricity services by providing financial assistance to qualifying residents.

LEARN MORE

Urgent & Ongoing Food Pantry Needs

DEAM relies on contributions of non-perishable food and basic health supplies. DEAM buys many canned goods from Atlanta Food Bank at pennies on the dollar, but the items pictured below are always in short supply.

Our ongoing needs
  • 1 lb. pasta & pasta sauce
  • small boxes of Jell-o
  • canned meats
  • small boxes corn muffin mix
  • pop top canned veggies
  • sweet cereal
  • deodorant soap
  • toothpaste
  • sanitary pads
  • toilet tissue
  • deodorant
  • powdered laundry detergent

August 2020 Most Needed Items:

  • canned beef stew
  • canned chicken
  • canned pinto beans
  • canned kidney beans
  • canned mixed vegetables
  • 1 lb. packages of white rice
  • sm. boxes jiffy corn muffin mix
  • tea bags
  • cookies or other dessert items
  • powdered laundry detergent or pods
  • shampoo
  • toothpaste
  • deodorant
  • bar soap
  • hygiene kits (can include sample size toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc)

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A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF YOUR DONATION REACHES PEOPLE

At DEAM, we strive to help qualified clients move from a place of need to one of independence.

Eighty-five percent of every dollar donated to DEAM goes to serving clients. The remaining 15% covers operating expenses. You can be assured that any monies donated to our ministry are used efficiently and effectively to benefit those in need.

Volunteers are the Backbone of All We Do.

We want to hear from you about your desire to serve others.

learn more about being a volunteerread our stories

"This will be a few words from a DEAM volunteer about the impact and positive influence they have experienced since volunteering with DEAM. Should only be a sentence or two that will hopefully inspire others to help. Example 1

Testimonial Quote Author Name or Volunteer Position

This will be a few words from a DEAM volunteer about the impact and positive influence they have experienced since volunteering with DEAM. Should only be a sentence or two that will hopefully inspire others to help. Example 2

Testimonial Quote Author Name or Volunteer Position

This will be a few words from a DEAM volunteer about the impact and positive influence they have experienced since volunteering with DEAM. Should only be a sentence or two that will hopefully inspire others to help. Example 3

Testimonial Quote Author Name or Volunteer Position