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


Omicron Update:
DEAM will return to handing out pre-packaged groceries OUTSIDE the office effective January 4, 2022.  All assistance, including food orders, will be by appointment only. The groceries will be handed out from 9 until 11:30 am every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
We will begin taking calls  at 8:30 until 11:30 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Appointments for food, utility assistance and Rx help will be taken each day. Food appointments can be made on the same day, if slots are available. Utility Assistance Request Forms will still be available by request and in a box outside the DEAM office door.
It is important to note that we will no longer offer a lobby or waiting room area, so please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. We also request that each client come prepared with an ID (for self and all family members) and the required proof of an address that is within our service area.
Wednesdays will be our re-stock, donations, and delivery day, and DEAM will be closed to clients. Donations are welcome between  8 and 11:00 am.
We are asking that everyone wear a mask and socially distance while visiting DEAM.
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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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January 2022
Special Alert:
WE NEED YOUR HELP

At this point in the year, 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.

tell me more about giving

Utility Assistance Update:
Effective July 12, 2021: You now have two options to request utility assistance: 1) call on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday morning starting at 8:30 am, OR 2) complete the utility assistance request form and drop it off. The form can be picked up outside of our office door. The form can also be obtained by submitting your home address and contact information to our email address: info@deamdecatur.org. Completed forms should be placed in the locked box hanging on the outside of the DEAM office door. We will process the forms in the order they are received . Completion of the form does not guarantee assistance, but you will be notified once we have processed your request.

Where do I start?

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


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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.

Learn more

Prescription Purchases

DEAM provides financial assistance to qualifying residents for prescriptions.

learn more

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 or pods

January 2022 Most Needed Items:

  • pasta sauce
  • canned baked beans
  • canned lima beans
  • canned greens (collard, mixed, turnip)
  • canned fruit cocktail
  • canned applesauce
  • small boxes of corn muffin mix
  • kid friendly boxed cereal
  • canned chili
  • canned beef stew
  • evaporated milk
  • grape or strawberry jelly
  • feminine hygiene products
  • Adult diapers in size  M or XL for women
  • Pullups in  3T-4T
  • handwarmers
  • Pain relievers (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol)
  • Toilet paper
  • tooth paste
  • assorted sample/hotel size toiletries

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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