What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 12pm Wednesday 9am - 12pm Friday 9am - 12pm

Downtown Ecumenical Services Council - DESC

Home
United States
Jacksonville, FL
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council - DESC

DESC, a faith-based organization, uplifts those in crisis by providing emergency necessities. We start by listening. We recognize that we cannot help everyone.

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 me

ant 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.

08/21/2026

Wells (Building Systems) brought a car full of wonderful canned and boxed goods for the pantry. THANK YOU!

08/19/2026

🌟 August Volunteer of the Month is Sarah Sharp 🌟
Since 2022, Sarah has faithfully volunteered in DESC’s Food Pantry, helping bag groceries for our clients and making sure families receive the food they need. Her kindness and willingness to serve make a meaningful difference to each client she meets.

🌎 Fun fact: Sarah is a global blog writer and photographer! She also had a career as a historian and World Heritage education consultant for the Global Philadelphia Association.

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your time, talents and heart with DESC. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the DESC family! ❤️

08/17/2026

Today, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day and the incredible impact nonprofits make in communities every day. 💙

DESC has had the privilege of serving our neighbors for decades, providing food, clothing, financial assistance and resources that help individuals and families find stability and hope.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, faithful partners and compassionate supporters. Your kindness allows us to continue serving those who need it most.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us make a difference, one person at a time. Together, we're building a stronger, more caring community.

08/14/2026

We are so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Waste Not Florida and their continued support of DESC! Their donations of breads, baked goods and sweets help us provide even more for the individuals and families we serve. We’re thankful for organizations like Waste Not Want Not that recognize the importance of caring for our community and helping ensure good food reaches those who need it most.
Thank you for being such a valued partner in our mission!

08/12/2026

THANK YOU to the Mitch22 Foundation who donated 75 new school backpacks filled with school supplies to DESC. We’re so grateful for their commitment to assembling and donating these supplies each year as it’s so helpful for our clients

08/10/2026

Happy first day of school! 🎒✏️

We’re praying for a great year ahead for all students, teachers and families. At DESC, the start of the school year often means a rush for clean, school-appropriate clothing, especially for kids.

Please help a child start the year strong! We’re always accepting donations of new and gently used children’s clothes.

08/06/2026

1st Place Sports Running delivered a van full of race shoes and race shirts for DESC clients. We’re so grateful for their continuous support and donations, they’re always helping stock our clothing center!

08/04/2026

Don’t leave that bag in limbo—drop it off to us! We help families, seniors and veterans with their clothing and grocery needs when times are tough. We’re at 215 N Ocean Street in downtown Jax. 💙

08/03/2026

Happy National Friendship Day! 💙
Friendship is one of the greatest gifts we can share. A kind word, a helping hand or simply showing up for someone can make all the difference.

Today, celebrate the friends who have encouraged you, and consider being that friend to someone who could use a little hope.

Address

215 North Ocean Street
Jacksonville, FL
32202

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 12pm
Wednesday	9am - 12pm
Friday	9am - 12pm

Telephone

+19043587955

Website

http://www.descjax.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Downtown Ecumenical Services Council - DESC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Jacksonville?