DeKalb County Georgia church assistance programs.
Churches that are local to DeKalb County Georgia provide financial aid and basic needs to families living in or near poverty. There is help for a wide range of individuals, including immigrants, the unemployed, working poor, and residents that are facing a financial crisis. Whether it is money for paying rent, free vouchers for household goods, or job placement/training, support is given.
Most of the programs run by a local church are non-monetary in nature. This means it is more likely for a family to be given help in the form of access to affordable day care or free food or clothes. This is true of Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Decatur as well as other locations. However, based on donation levels to a charity organization, there may be some money to help pay bills or emergency living expenses.
Monetary and material support
There are a number of food pantries available at a parish. They range from Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church (2560 Tilson Rd., Decatur, Georgia 30032, dial (404) 241-5862) to Haitian Ministry Theophile (phone (404) 284-1211). The site help the hungry, poor, and newcomers in the region, including immigrants and refugees. Both emergency boxes of free food as well as hot meals will be served.
There are thousands of DeKalb County residents that turn to these food pantries at their parish. These individuals often are out of all other options. So maybe their SNAP food stamp benefit has been used up for the month, or their growing children need a little more to keep them healthy. This is where the dozens of volunteers from these parishes help to feed the less fortunate. Whether it is Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross at 2005 S. Columbia Pl., Decatur, GA 30032 (phone (404) 284-7706) or another religious group, every effort is made to feed the hungry.
Emergency financial aid is available. The leading religious organization is Saint Vincent de Paul. There are dozens of local churches that are part of this charity group. On occasion, a few funds may be available for gasoline, helping to pay back rent, electric bills, car repairs, or a critical medication. Find more on St. Vincent in DeKalb County.
When applying, be prepared for a visit from one or more members of the church. This is required as the organization wants to fully understand the client's needs. They also need proof of income, to understand the struggles of the family, copies of bills and lease, and more. If qualified, and if funding is available, Saint Vincent will try to offer a few dollars for expenses such as rent, medical, and more. Or a referral is given to shelters and other services if that is more relevant.
DeKalb County Grace Church International (call (404) 289-2229) provides free material goods. This is an income based program that is available to help a household get settled. A free thrift store is on site for families living in poverty. Or others in a crisis, such as single moms, veterans, or domestic violence survivors, can often get help. Everything from clothing to birthday or Christmas toys, toiletries, used laptops, and small appliances may be given out. They also pick up donations from people that want to contribute. Or find other sources of places to turn to for household items for free.
Social services from DeKalb County churches
Many unemployed, immigrants, Spanish speakers, and the working poor need to enroll into income enhancing programs. Salem Bible Church at 2750 Panola Rd., Lithonia, GA 30058, phone (404) 564-1469 is one of the places that offers these types of social services. The assistance may even include some funds for employment relayed costs, such as for a new computer or work clothing. Having a decent paying job can lead to housing stability among other things.
Spanish speakers can enroll into ESL classes. There is also general job readiness programs for those that are most in need. The programs are focused on residents of all ages, and there is even adult literacy classes that focus on older people in DeKalb County Georgia.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Children's Program at 5140 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (phone (404) 296-1783) is an extended day care service. Many parents, especially single moms or dads, need a place for their kid while they are at work or in school trying to better themselves. This is where this program can be very valuable. The church coordinates preschool and elementary school to help the child grow. Or if more beneficial, extended day care can be arranged.
If a low income family is not qualified, there are addition free child care resources to try. These are mostly paid by the federal government, but they help when seeking employment or entering into job training. A church can link the parent to these services.
Helping the vulnerable, especially senior citizens is also a focus of places including Central Congregational United Church of Christ - Plymouth Harbor (address is 2676 Clairmont Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30329, phone (404) 633-4506 ext. 225). They run an adult day care program..
While at the center the elderly person can be given hot meals and other support. They can also learn about financial aid programs for their medical or transportation needs, or participate in recreational activities including Bingo, local field trips, and the like. It will strengthen older adults and help them be independent.
No matter the individual's religion, whether it is Catholic, Baptist, Jewish, Protestant, or something else, a DelKab County church may be able to help. Call a parish above for information or referrals.
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