On the frontlines fighting poverty.
DESC is often the first place people visit when they’re seeking help to make ends meet. In the heart of downtown Jacksonville, DESC works with people trying to cover their basic needs.
These people are struggling with hunger, staying warm and keeping a roof over their head. Some suffer from additional challenges like physical disabilities, mental health diagnoses, physical abuse or more. Almost all are desperate for help.
They swallow pride and come in asking for something they gravely need. There are a lot of hugs and handshakes (not during the pandemic) mixed in with the expressions of thankfulness for services. And, yes, there are tears. Some come to DESC crying out of fear, hopelessness and wounded pride. But many times, those same people leave with tears of joy and relief and the knowledge that someone cares about them.
Services started in 1981, when several downtown churches joined together to provide emergency assistance. Officially chartered by the State of Florida in 1983 as a charitable agency, DESC still works with many of the same churches and has grown its network farther into the community.
Today, clients come to DESC from all over Jacksonville and our neighboring counties. All are greeted by a mix of compassionate staff and volunteers who provide encouragement along with our services.
Currently, DESC is entirely funded through private donors, foundations and events. See Get Involved for more details.
DESC is classified as a 501(c)3 organization by the IRS. Our EIN is 59-2437003.
What We Do
Emergency Financial Assistance
Families receive limited financial aid in emergency situations allowing them to stay in their homes and/or keep the lights on.
In 2023, 200 families received almost $276,000 in financial support from DESC.
If you are looking for financial assistance, click here.
Clothing Assistance
In partnership with Presbyterian Social Ministries, DESC provides new and gently used clothing to meet our clients’ needs.
In 2023, the clothing center staff distributed more than 100,000 items of clothing to those in need.
If you are looking for help with clothing, click here.
Food Distribution
Those in need receive groceries for a three- to six-day food emergency including produce, meats, beans, peanut butter, bread and cereal.
In 2023, 6,798 people in need received groceries.
If you are looking for help with groceries, click here.
DESC Empowerment Program
Individuals and families ready to face complicated challenges, receive guidance and
encouragement to navigate community options.
Clients gain additional assistance from our social worker for longer-term services.
If you are looking for help with case management, click here.
Who Receives Aid
“God is good!” is an expression freely shared around the basement that is DESC. It’s often repeated and met with replies of, “Every day!”
Yes, despite the steep challenges of life’s shortcomings, those coming to DESC maintain a faithfulness and hopefulness that carry them through the toughest storms. Our humble setting is a bounty of goodness. The food, groceries, dignity and respect they find are good for the body and soul.
We see and hear daily thankfulness at DESC. Client after client expresses their gratitude from a simple “thank you” to handshakes (but no touching during the pandemic), tears and hugs. And that’s where the exclamations of “God is good!” are heard.
DESC is open to anyone with an emergency. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring, and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and clients.
