Decatur Cooperative Ministry -DCM - emergency programs.
Decatur Cooperative Ministry offers assistance for a number of needs across DeKalb County. The non-profit will work to address housing issues and expenses, ranging from rent to unpaid energy bills. Another focus is on preventing hunger in DeKalb County, and this free food is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths.
Housing programs from DCM
The Family House is operated as a transitional program that offers both short term, affordable housing and other supportive services to families at risk for homelessness. It also works to lead them back to a life of financial independence within a reasonable period of time, and this is in fact the long term goal.
Using single family homes and also coordinating the services of apartments across DeKalb County, single and two parent families may apply for eligibility to the DCM program. Hard to place families, which may include veterans, the disabled or a household with a single father or those with teenage boys are welcome to apply as well.
If an applicant meets criteria for the Decatur Cooperative Ministry resource, they will also receive a broad range of social services including applications for funds to pay the security deposit or utilities, case management and counseling. In addition, to help lead them back to an independent life, clients will be able to attend financial management classes as well as work on a savings plan. They will also have access to computer training and be referred to other services like free child or health care as well legal assistance.
More permanent housing can be coordinated by DCM, and participants of this will need to put up to 30% of their adjusted income into a savings account with the non-profit. At the end of the term with the agreement in place, they receive all but 10% of their savings back. The money is then used for their necessary living expenses such as rent, security and utility deposits and any moving expenses incurred.
Decatur Cooperative Ministry financial help for bills, rent, and mortgages
The eviction prevention program at DCM is called Project Take Charge. As money on hand allows for, there may be emergency funds for back rent, mortgage payments, utilities and food. In addition, clients of Take Charge have access to case management and financial education workshops. This program is for only for low income, DeKalb County residents at risk for foreclosure, eviction or a disconnection of their utilities which may lead to homelessness.
Also, to ensure no client goes hungry, free food is made available to them through the pantry that is available on site. The program also operates two food cooperatives to assist eligible low-income, struggling households with permanent security.
Project Take Charge operates in a two-fold way. A crisis is averted first, as it deals with immediate threats of homelessness. The second part educates clients on meeting long term goals of financial independence. Participants of the program who have received financial assistance attend a few different budgeting or credit repair counseling classes. The workshops provide emotional support, address money management skills, budgeting, dealing with financial strain, and also give clients ideas on reducing debt and household expenses. At the end of the term, the client will have a plan in place for creating long-term financial goals for a secure future.
In order to be considered for Decatur Cooperative Ministry Project Take Charge, minimum requirements for the program include being a resident of DeKalb County, Georgia and potential clients must have a steady and verifiable source of income. This is required as they will need to meet monthly expenses after receiving funding from the grant based program. There are other resources out there too. Even find grants for low income families.
In addition, if a potential applicant is facing the imminent threat of eviction or foreclosure from their home, they must present a late notice or dispossessory warrant from the DeKalb County Court. If anyone seeking financial assistance has an imminent threat of utility disconnection, they must present the cut-off notice to the non-profit.
Also, there is very limited funding available for mortgage assistance, however, this may vary. As noted, a letter from the mortgage company with express plans to foreclose on the property must presented to DCM.
Decatur Cooperative Ministry will also help women with children facing homelessness, including single moms. They have access to Hagar’s House Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center. This is an emergency night shelter that offers supportive services to vulnerable clients, and it may last for up to 30 days.
While attending the shelter, a complete assessment and crisis intervention is performed for clients. In addition, they will receive a few free, hot meals a day, have access to laundry facilities, money for MARTA fares, and be able to access computer training and job counseling.
In addition to all of those resources, guests of Hagar’s House may attend support groups and have access to referrals for other social services like legal assistance, free child care and medical care. Potential clients may refer themselves to the program or receive referrals from community agencies, schools, local congregations or any other advocate who works with them.
Apply for assistance
Those are just some of the services run by Decatur Cooperative Ministry, often called DCM. For more details, or referrals, call 404.377.5365.
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