Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) mission is to help families facing homelessness settle into safe, stable homes and build healthy lives filled with peace, hope and opportunity. Our target populations are homeless families, low income seniors, veterans, and at-risk households. To do this work, we believe in meeting individuals where they are to provide them with the necessarily resources to move from at-risk or chronic homelessness to stable housing by developing a personalized action plan.The elimination of homelessness cannot be achieved alone. To this end, DCM is partnered with over 35 congregations in DeKalb County to reach vulnerable populations. We are also aided by a strong volunteer force, interns, and committed case managers dedicated to having our clients reach sustainability. DCM programs serve approximately 1,100 children and adults each year. In addition, we provide needs assessments and referrals to approximately 300-400 individuals annually. Our charge is to help our neighbors in need persevere through crisis one family at a time. Our programs include: Family House Transitional Program • Up to 6 months rent-free, single-family scattered site housing program for literally homeless households with children • At the conclusion of their time in the program families move into their own housing Permanent Supportive Housing • Fixed-rate (about 1/3 of household income) housing for families where one or more adults have a disability and have experienced chronic homelessness Rapid Re-Housing • Individuals who are literally homeless are helped to move-in to permanent housing within 30 days. Supportive Services for Veteran Families • Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing, to reduce homelessness among veterans Project Take Charge • provides emergency assistance to general population including rent, mortgage, utilities, and food, as well as case management and financial education Food Co-ops for Seniors and Veterans • Provides bimonthly food assistance (2 weeks’ worth) to seniors with low income • Provides activities including assistance to doctors’ visits for seniors, nutrition classes, social interaction, and even dance lessons!