Avondale Estates First Baptist Church
47 Covington Road • Avondale Estates • 404-294-5284
Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) began its ministry in February 1977. Its purpose has always been to provide emergency food and monetary assistance to prevent homelessness. To that end members from 23 community churches coordinate food donations throughout the year to the DEAM pantry. They also provide money, and in the year 2000 contributed $56,891 while private donors added $5,980 and government entities another $19,570. DPC budgets $4000 a year for DEAM and collects food during one summer and one winter month.
A given family with an emergency need is allowed up to six food donations per year or help with utilities or rent once and occasionally twice a year. DEAM also dispenses Marta tokens for transportation. An executive committee decides whether or not to grant financial assistance when a request is made.
Trinity Episcopal Parish recently built new office space and a pantry for DEAM. Avondale Estates First Baptist Church also provides pantry space. All but one of DEAM’s personnel is a volunteer, 42 persons for the office and 65 for the pantries. Mary Reimer, the coordinating administrator receives a small stipend. Volunteers staff the Trinity pantry from 9:00 a.m. till 12 noon , Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They staff the AE First Baptist Church pantry on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
DEAM has provided services for 25 years and been a key ministry under girding our community’s marginal citizens. Opportunity exists for our members to volunteer time to the pantry and to help in the office. It is most important to continue generously donating food when our turn comes in February and July, but our congregation has been very generous to the pantry during these months.
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