About Us

Overview

Decatur Presbyterian Church maintains its outreach focus through Threshold Ministry to support the individuals who are experiencing homelessness and other effects of poverty. Threshold Ministry is located in the Sycamore House at 218 Sycamore Street (across the street from Decatur Presbyterian Church). Threshold Ministry is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00 am until 11:30 am.

The purpose of Threshold Ministry is to invite women, men, and children who are in need into a community of faith where their stories can be heard, where Christ’s love can be demonstrated, and where practical assistance can be offered. Our volunteers and staff welcome all those who visit Threshold Ministry as a safe place where we listen attentively, learn our guest’s stories, share joy over their successes, and commiserate with them during times of misfortune.

At Threshold Ministry, we seek to establish a relationship with our guests, not simply to process transactions. Visitors to this ministry are invited into the life of Decatur Presbyterian Church, especially to attend services of worship and participate in fellowship activities. A key task of Threshold Ministry volunteers and staff is to help guests navigate the maze of resources that exist for the economically disadvantaged.

Threshold Ministry does not place geographic or other restrictions on its guests – we attempt to provide service to all who are experiencing need. The ultimate goal of Threshold Ministry is to create – through compassionate outreach – a community of faith that fully reflects the vision expressed in Scripture, where everyone experiences what it means to be a child of God – belonging, engaged, and being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Threshold Ministry provides the following assistance:

1. MARTA cards are provided for medical appointments, job interviews, new employment, and transportation to appointments, when appropriate documentation is provided by the requesting guest.
2. Bag lunches are provided on Mondays from 11:30 to 12:30 in front of the Sycamore House, 218 Sycamore Street, Decatur 30030.
3. Gas cards are available once per thirty-day period to individuals living in their cars.
4. Hygiene kit (one per thirty-day period)
5. Winter kits (containing a hat, gloves, and a scarf), coats, and blankets (during winter months only)
6. When funds are available, Threshold Ministry may be able to provide limited financial assistance.
7. Referrals to partner agencies or other groups for additional assistance (but please note that Threshold Ministry does not provide case managers):

• With utilities or rent
• Food pantries
• Help finding employment and educational opportunities.
• Medical treatment
• Immediate and long-term shelter

Threshold Ministry Newsletter

Threshold Ministry publishes a quarterly newsletter, which is designed to provide updates on upcoming events and partner activities, volunteer and guest spotlights, Steering Committee news, and messages from Threshold Ministry staff.  To download copies of the current or previous newletters, please visit the “Announcements” page from the menu above.

Threshold Ministry Resource Booklet

Threshold Ministry maintains a booklet containing a list of available resources for those in need. To download a copy of this booklet, please click here.

Threshold Ministry Partners in Ministry

Threshold Ministry partners with the following organizations and guests may be referred to one of these groups for additional assistance.

1. Atlanta Legal Aid In Person Clinic–held third Wednesday of each month from 11 am to 1 pm, by appointment only
2. First Step Staffing Disability Specialists–held third Thursday of each month, during Threshold Ministry Open Hours, (10 to 11:30 am), by appointment only.
3. VA Outreach Specialists–third Thursday of each month, during Threshold Ministry Open Hours (10-11:30 am), first come first serve.  Please tell Threshold volunteers/staff you wish to see the VA team. Note: this service is provided only for unhoused Veterans.
4. DeKalb County Outreach – specialists will be present on the 4th Thursday of each month (10:00-11:30 am) on a first come, first serve basis.