Our programs and services are described below. If DCM is unable to meet your need or you are seeking more 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.
View statistics and results of our programs (pdf).
Family Transitional Housing
Family Transitional Housing provides housing and support services to move families from homelessness to self-reliance in 6 to 24 months. The program, often called “Family House,” uses single-family houses and apartments throughout DeKalb County. Both single- and two-parent families can apply, and hard-to-place families, including those headed by single fathers or with teenage boys, are welcome.
While participating in the program, families receive:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Case management
- Non-clinical counseling
- Financial management classes
- A savings plan
- Computer training opportunities
- Referrals to other services, such as free child care, legal assistance, health care
Family House residents put 30% of their adjusted income into an account with DCM. At the end of their participation in the program, all but 10% is returned to the family as savings. This money can be used for rent, security and utility deposits, and moving expenses.
Families can be referred to Family Transitional Housing by another agency, schools, congregations, or any advocate. They may also refer themselves.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for Family Transitional Housing, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- All adults must be employed, be looking for a job, or be enrolled in a work training program.
- Your family must be homeless as defined by HUD guidelines. This means you do not have the resources to get other housing — including options to live with friends or family, in a hotel, or in a private residence. You must also have an eviction notice, a letter from a shelter or other program where you have been living temporarily, or other written documentation of your situation.
- Your family must have at least one child younger than 16.
- Your family must pay a minimum of 30% of its adjusted income into an account with DCM and must attend financial management classes.
How to Apply for Family Transitional Housing
If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements above, call Decatur Cooperative Ministry at 404.377.5365, extension 4, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to find out if the program has any spaces.
If space is available, the program manager will contact you to complete a basic phone screening and pre-application. If you are a good candidate for the program based on your phone screening and pre-application, you will be asked to complete an application and will be interviewed by the program manager and an interview team. This application process can take four to six weeks.
Hagar’s House Emergency Shelter
Hagar's House is an emergency night shelter with support services for women with children. The shelter offers at least 30 nights of short-term housing and has room for up to 30 guests.
While participating in the program, families receive thorough assessment and crisis intervention, two meals per day, laundry facilities, MARTA fares, computer training opportunities, employment counseling, a support group, and referrals to other services, such as free child care, legal assistance, and health care.
Hagar's House is unique because it can accommodate very large families and families with teenage boys – two groups that typically struggle to find emergency shelter.
Families can be referred to Hagar's House by another agency, schools, congregations, or any advocate. They may also refer themselves.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for shelter and services through Hagar’s House, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Your family must be headed by a single mother and have children younger than 18.
- Your family must be homeless as defined by HUD guidelines. This means you must not have the resources to get other housing — including options to live with friends or family, in a hotel, or in a private residence. You must also have an eviction notice, a letter from a shelter or other program where you have been living temporarily, or other written documentation of your situation.
- You must be able to be out of the shelter during the day and return by 6:30 pm each evening.
- Your children must be enrolled in school during the school year.
How to Apply for Hagar’s House Emergency Shelter
If you need short-term shelter and meet the minimum eligibility requirements above, call the Hagar’s House program manager at 404.370.0914 between 12:30 pm and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to find out if spaces are available.
If space is available, the program manager will conduct a phone screening and will let you know if Hagar’s House will be able to provide the shelter and services you are seeking.
Project Take Charge
Project Take Charge is a homelessness prevention program that provides emergency assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, and food. The program serves DeKalb County residents who are in immediate danger of eviction, foreclosure, or disconnection of utility service. It also provides food through a food pantry and operates a food cooperative to offer permanent food security to selected low-income households.
Project Take Charge is unique because it strives not only to address the immediate crisis but also to provide the knowledge and skills needed to help participants achieve long-term financial stability. All participants who receive financial assistance attend a three-part financial management class, which is designed to provide emotional support as well as better money management skills. The class discusses budgeting, coping with financial stress, reducing expenses and debt, and setting realistic financial goals.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To apply for financial assistance with rent, mortgage, or utilities, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- You must be a resident of DeKalb County, Georgia.
- You must have a regular and verifiable source of income that normally meets your monthly expenses.
- You must have a verifiable, temporary drop in income that has caused a financial emergency and prevented you from making rent, mortgage, or utility payments.
- If you are in danger of eviction, you must have a dispossessory warrant from the DeKalb County Court. If you are in danger of utility cut-off, you must have a cut-off notice. Limited funds are available for mortgage assistance, and a letter from your mortgage company stating plans to foreclose is required in order to be considered for this type of assistance.
- You must be willing and able to attend the three-part financial management education class. You can choose between morning and evening sessions. Classes are held every other week.
To request temporary food assistance, you must be a DeKalb resident and be able to provide documentation of the number of family members. Food cooperative membership is available only by referral from another co-op member or by invitation from the Project Take Charge staff.
How to Apply for Project Take Charge
If you need financial assistance or food and meet the minimum eligibility requirements above, call the Project Take Charge office at 404.284.4411 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Listen to the menu and select the option(s) for the type of assistance you need. Leave a message with:
- Your name
- Your telephone number
- Your need
If funds or food are available, a staff member or volunteer will return your call. Please note that calls are not returned when appointments and money are no longer available in the current period.
If funding is available, staff or volunteers will conduct a phone screening, and if you are eligible, will set up a time for you to come to the office for an in-person appointment. At this appointment, staff members are also able to help you with food stamp screening and referrals to other resources.
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