While our mission is to provide short-term relief to families and individuals in need, we often find listening to our neighbors makes a great impact. Our volunteers are trained and encouraged to offer our families dignity and respect simply by taking the time to listen to their stories. With that in mind, we often guide individuals and families through the charitable organizations and resources meant to support their specific needs. Fact: In 2017, DESC volunteers and staff provided services to almost 12,000 families needing emergency assistance. We serve those who can’t always feed their family. Emergency situations often bring the added fear of not having money to buy food. DESC alleviates some of that concern by providing well-balanced staples to supplement our neighbors’ budgets. We provide food meant to be cooked in a house. Our neighbors are able to make homes of their houses, one meal at a time. We help our neighbors stay in their homes. For some of our neighbors, skipping meals or forgoing crucial medications in order to pay the rent is the high cost of meeting basic needs. In addition to receiving supplemental food, families and individuals can apply for emergency financial assistance to help cover rent and utilities. We take financial requests by appointment and, upon approval, work directly with landlords and utility companies. We manage our donated funds responsibly believing DESC can do a great deal with very little. We offer dignity that our neighbors can see. Every year, DESC sorts and gathers thousands of articles of clothing in order to provide our neighbors with tangible dignity. Whether they reside in a house or make a home on the streets, the families and individuals who visit us receive clothing without risking other basic needs. For many of our neighbors, our clothing offers them the opportunity to confidently seek or maintain jobs. Even just one pair of work boots can help sustain a family for a season.
