Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides emergency help for local residents to prevent homelessness and hunger. Supported by more than 20 Decatur and Avondale area churches of many denominations, DEAM provides emergency food, financial aid for utilities and prescriptions, clothing and volunteer support to qualifying residents in the Decatur and Avondale area.
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DEAM’s service area has strict geographical boundaries, and can only serve clients living in this area. Please check your address on this DEAM Service Area Map (use Internet Fxplorer or Firefox browser) before requesting services.
DEAM serves more than 250 local families/month, providing critical assistance to ease hunger; and prevent eviction, loss of heat, and loss of life-sustaining prescriptions. DEAM is run almost entirely by volunteers in space donated by local churches.
Requests for help from DEAM have increased substantially during the economic downturn, averaging 260 families each month, including 550 individuals, 170 children, and 70 seniors.
Types of Assistance:
- Food (Clients eligible for free food and health supplies once/month, estimated to feed qualifying household about 3 days. Total distributed averages 7,000 pounds per month.)
- Prescriptions (limited eligible list)
- Financial assistance for gas, electric and water bills in cases of imminent service termination
- Clothing (Closets located at Decatur First Baptist and Avondale Estates First Baptist)
To receive DEAM services, clients must apply in person at the DEAM office, Mon-Fri 9-11:30AM.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.
Utility bill assistance is by appointment only. Call (404)373-2300 on Mondays or Thursdays at 11 AM to request an appointment time. Food and prescription assistance is provided in person on a first-come, first-served basis.
(From Decatur MARTA Station exit, go left on Church Street. At first intersection, turn right onto E. Ponce de Leon Ave. and go .3 mile/3 short blocks. Turn right on Sycamore. Holy Trinity Church is on corner of E. Ponce de Leon and Sycamore Place. DEAM office entrance is at side of church, street level, facing Sycamore Pl.)
DEAM is supported by the following churches in the Decatur and Avondale Estates area:
| Atlanta Friends Meeting | First Christian of Decatur |
| Avondale Estates First Baptist Church | Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish |
| Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church | Lutheran Church of the Messiah |
| Belvedere United Methodist Church | North Clarendon Baptist Church |
| Columbia Presbyterian Church | North Decatur Presbyterian Church |
| Decatur First United Methodist Church | North Decatur United Methodist Church |
| Decatur Presbyterian Church | Oakhurst Baptist Church |
| Emory Presbyterian Church | Oakhurst Presbyterian Church |
| Episcopal Church of the Epiphany | Scott Boulevard Baptist Church |
| First Baptist Church of Decatur | St. Thomas More Catholic Church |
| First Church of Christ, Scientist | The Church at Decatur Heights |
DEAM services and client eligibility are described on this website. If DEAM is unable to meet your need or you are seeking additional information on services and resources, please dial 211 from any phone to be connected to the United Way 211 hotline or visit 211online.unitedwayatlanta.org.