DESC was chartered in 1983 by several downtown congregations to help those in emergency situations. From its inception, the mission has been to provide services that meet basic needs for those in crisis. Services have included a food pantry, financial assistance, clothing center, information and referral and limited other goods, such as toiletries, diapers, blankets, etc.
DESC serves and cares for each person in a spirit of compassion respecting each as a child of God. People come to DESC as “walk-ins” or through referrals from churches, agencies, schools, United Way and word of mouth.
DESC’s programs help those with emergency needs with limited requirements. Our Food Pantry is for clients who have a place to cook and store groceries while our Clothing Center is for ANYONE. There are no income requirements and no applications. Our Financial Assistance program is limited to clients with children in the home, the elderly, those afflicted with disabilities or illness and/or those with a documented COVID related setback. We serve clients from all over North Florida.