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 Utility Assistance

I needed help...

and you met my needs

Learn more about utilities assistance

All assistance, including food orders, will be by appointment only.

Food, Rx, and Utility Assistance Appointment Scheduling

Same-day appointments may be made as available. Please call 404-373-2300 for utility bill assistance, and while call volume is high, call 404-373-9283 for food  and Rx assistance ONLY.

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

• 8:30am–11:30am

Food Selection Times

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

• 9:00am–11:00am

Donations / Deliveries

DEAM is closed for assistance on Wednesdays and only open for donations and deliveries.

• Wednesdays

• 8:00am–11:00am

REMINDER: DEAM will be closed June 19, for Juneteenth Holiday and July 3-7 for July 4th Holiday

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

Read more about DEAMWatch our video

Special Alert: WE NEED YOUR HELP

May 2023

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 in the menu or the button below for details.

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

tell me more about giving

DEAM seeks volunteers to help as greeters, in the office, and in our food pantry. Find out about the many ways you can help prevent homelessness and hunger in the Decatur area.

discover how you can serve

During Your DEAM Visit

  • We no longer offer a lobby or waiting room. Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.
  • Bring your ID (for self and family members) and the required proof of an address within our service area.
  • Please bring and wear a mask and socially distance while visiting the DEAM office.

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 Eligibility 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

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

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
  • pasta sauce
  • pasta - 1lb pkgs.
  • small boxes corn muffin mix
  • pkgs of peanut butter crackers
  • cereal
  • sanitary pads
  • toilet tissue
  • powdered laundry detergent or pods

June, 2023 Most Needed Items:

  • canned fruit (peaches, fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, pineapple)
  • Grape or strawberry jelly
  • canned corn creamy style
  • 1 lb packages of yellow rice
  • tuna packets (for our unhoused clients)
  • juice boxes/pouches (for our unhoused clients)
  • Hearty soups (no water added)
  • TP
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.

"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