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Due to Covid-19, masks are required at UMD. Some services have been modified. 
Learn more here.

Food, Shelter, Future

Urban Ministries of Durham connects with the community to end homelessness and fight poverty by offering food, shelter and a future to neighbors in need. 

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SHelter

Emergency shelter for men, women, and families housing-focused case management + workforce development
FREE SHELTER
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community CAFÉ

3 free meals per day, 7 days a week, 360 days per year
FREE FOOD
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FOOD PANTRY & CLOTHING CLOSET

Groceries and clothing for low-resource households and shelter residents
FREE GOODS

Our Yearly Impact

UMD welcomes all neighbors regardless of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs or non-faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

4,000 Volunteers

6,000 People served

800 people sheltered

250,000 meals provided

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HOUSING ALL STARTS SMALL

If every person in Durham donates just $15.76, we can house all those affected by homelessness in the city for an entire year
Donate today
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Can you make it through the month without getting spent? Play the online game by McKinney. It’s easier to become homeless than you might think.
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Sorting donated clothes for distribution is important work. At UMD, we only put out clothing...

What would it cost to house every homeless person in Durham for a year? It's within our reach and closer than we think. That answer--and the launch of our new campaign to replace our annual Empty Bowls fundraising event--will be revealed May 18th! So stay tuned and get ready to make an impact!

What would it cost to house every homeless person in Durham for a year? It's...

Here's something to smile about: Our friends from the Rotary Club of Durham and @localstartdental were here this morning passing out dental care bags and conducting screenings for UMD clients in need of dentures. Thanks to an $8,600 grant from the Rotarians, these clients will be eligible for free treatment at Local Start later this week!

Here's something to smile about: Our friends from the Rotary Club of Durham and @localstartdental...

No endorsement means more to UMD than those from people we've been able to help support. This week it came in the form of a $25 donation from a former client. It's such an honor to go into our financial database and update their address from residing at our shelter at 410 Liberty Street to their new place! This isn't the first time that former clients have returned to UMD to help their neighbors. When asked why they would give what little they have, the answer is always the same. “I'm living proof that UMD works. I know what homelessness is like, and I want to help end it for others.”

No endorsement means more to UMD than those from people we've been able to help...

Thank you to Unscripted Durham for making our snowy weekend a safe one by providing a few rooms for our frontline workers to spend the night within walking distance to UMD. It kept staff off the icy roads and ready to serve our neighbors in need without disruption. Being fully staffed not only means keeping beds open and hot meals ready for distribution, but it allows greater flexibility to respond to needs as they arise. That meant opening our doors to a few extra community members for white flag night and allowing residents to stay indoors when it's below freezing. Thanks again, Unscripted! Your provision of shelter sure had a snowball effect!

Thank you to Unscripted Durham for making our snowy weekend a safe one by providing...

Fill your belly at @bullandbean this weekend (December 18th and 19th). And if you mention your visit with "Tastiest Town Profit Share," 10% of the proceeds will go to UMD! Thanks Bull and Bean and @tastiesttown

Fill your belly at @bullandbean this weekend (December 18th and 19th). And if you mention...

Honor your loved ones with a holiday card that gives back! Cards are $5 each. You can pop a card into the mail this year to let your friends and family both far and near know you are thinking about them. Or you can turn it into an alternative gift opportunity to make a larger donation to UMD in honor of your loved ones as a holiday gift. You can pick up cards from 9am-5pm from UMD. Go to the front lobby of our 410 Liberty Street location (look for the purple awning) and ask for Joe or Jennifer. We'll be glad to help you!

Honor your loved ones with a holiday card that gives back! Cards are $5 each....

Think back to holidays past. The anticipation of opening a brightly-colored package. Oh, wait, it's from your aunt. There she sits beaming. You tear at the paper and half-heartedly offer up, "I wonder what it is?" You know full well what it is. It's the same thing she gives you every year: a six-pack of underwear. And, of course, the worst isn't over, as she prods you, "Hold it up, honey, so everyone can see!" Yikes. Now, imagine you're homeless. How do you think you'd feel about a gift of underwear? Grateful. Touched. Because it's a gift that affords dignity. We're hoping to package gifts of underwear and other practical items like belts, socks, and warm hats for our residents ahead of Christmas. Can you help us secure these presents through Amazon? Holiday Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/ShareTheMerry

Think back to holidays past. The anticipation of opening a brightly-colored package. Oh, wait, it's...

Today is the day to do what is already in your heart. You want to help people. You want to pay it forward. You want to make a real difference in your community. The hard part is just pushing pause and doing what you already want to do. So take a moment today. Press pause. Make a donation. When you give your dollars to UMD, your neighbors benefit right away with meals, groceries, and emergency shelter. And best of all, your impact can last! With help from our case managers and workforce development team, hundreds of individuals and families end their homelessness at UMD by exiting into permanent housing. You can put a check in the mail or you can make a quick gift online. Go to our website and click the purple donate now button. Link in bio. #givingtuesday

Today is the day to do what is already in your heart. You want to...

Whoa! It's already time to Share the Merry at UMD! Check out our new holiday wish list. Add some cheer to your shopping cart for your neighbors in need. https://tinyurl.com/ShareTheMerry

Whoa! It's already time to Share the Merry at UMD! Check out our new holiday...

Special Delivery! The Butterball truck made it into Durham! It's officially Butterball Day! After a...

Pick up a custom brown grocery bag with a list of shelf-stable foodstuffs for UMD at your local Starbucks when you're out running errands this Saturday. On November 13th, volunteers will be at the Guess Road location in Durham and the Eastway Shopping Center in Chapel Hill from 9am-1pm to collect food donations. Grab the bag and fill it with food from the grocery stores next to Starbucks, then return the bag!

Pick up a custom brown grocery bag with a list of shelf-stable foodstuffs for UMD...

Veterans shouldn't have to keep fighting when they get home. Your gifts to UMD help neighbors like Dwayne get the support they've earned. Here's his story: Dwayne is a Navy vet who ventured around the world to serve his country during Operation Desert Storm. But over the past 20 years, he’s waged an uphill battle to survive right here in Durham. He’s been deserted by unreliable roommates and betrayed by a body worn down from manual labor. Despite years of “living right,” he’s continued to be punished by society for running afoul of the law long ago. In 2018, Dwayne could no longer soldier on due to crippling back pain and lost his last construction job. Unable to afford rent, he was soon out on the streets. This was a whole new warzone—fighting the elements, defending his turf, and battling to advocate for his needs in the country he had risked his life to protect. Dwayne found a spot in front of a well-lit building to sleep and began panhandling to survive. He sought help from a few agencies—and even ate meals in UMD’s Community Café—but his old criminal record, poor credit, and delays in receiving benefits created high barriers to ending his homelessness. By the time Dwayne was referred to Tanya McKoy-Sutton, UMD's case manager for our Rapid Rehousing Fresh Start Program, he was living in a tent in the woods, doing his best to shield himself from poverty and a global pandemic. But reinforcements were on the way. The Fresh Start program had unique resources to help chronically homeless people like him find solid footing and stop falling through the cracks. As Dwayne attests: "They got me off the street and into an apartment in just a few months. Now, Miss Tanya is trying to help me get a housing voucher to help pay rent. UMD is real and gets real results. People should help keep the program going because I'm a veteran, and I couldn't get help anywhere else." Want to help? Click link in bio and tap the purple “Donate Now” button on our website. #veteran

Veterans shouldn't have to keep fighting when they get home. Your gifts to UMD help...

Spots are still available for providing side dishes for Thanksgiving Day dinner at UMD. Sign up here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/07024416941888071/false#/invitation

Spots are still available for providing side dishes for Thanksgiving Day dinner at UMD. Sign...

Thanksgiving is coming--and we need your help stocking the Food Pantry. You might have heard it on the news or felt the sticker shock at the grocery store. But food prices have risen sharply. For many of us, it's a nuisance, but for some of our neighbors--it means hard choices. Can you help us collect traditional holiday feast staples so that more neighbors have what they need this Thanksgiving? Check the list below, and please make sure that donated items do not expire before 2022 and are delivered to UMD by November 22nd. Food List: https://tinyurl.com/ThxFood21

Thanksgiving is coming--and we need your help stocking the Food Pantry. You might have heard...

We have a SPOOK-tacular staff! What a treat to have a special self-care drop-in party sponsored by our Community Engagement committee! It was a wonderful opportunity to electrify our spirits so that we can pour that energy into serving our neighbors in need.

We have a SPOOK-tacular staff! What a treat to have a special self-care drop-in party...

Say "Hi!" everyone! Meet our new Kitchen Manager, Roderick Foxx. He has over 20 years of experience preparing and managing food service in restaurants, an assisted living facility, and even a sorority house. Roderick's been busy at work putting his skills and passion for food to good use to serve our neighbors in need--and he can't wait to work with volunteers in the Cafe!

Say "Hi!" everyone! Meet our new Kitchen Manager, Roderick Foxx. He has over 20 years...

UMD is getting recognition from outside of our community! Last week, our Executive Director, Sheldon Mitchell, sat down with WLOS's Karen Zatkulak out of Asheville. The news crew wanted to make the nearly 4-hour trip to learn how we transitioned our shelter policies to become more low barrier. This initiative, affirmed by Durham's civic leaders and participating community partners, was a positive direction for UMD to make it easier--not harder--for folks to end their homelessness. It's great to be considered a thought leader, and we're proud to represent the Bull City! Show your Durham pride and commitment to your neighbors, and let's keep the work going! Make a gift today: www.tinyurl.com/helpUMD

UMD is getting recognition from outside of our community! Last week, our Executive Director, Sheldon...

Want to help? Here are the top 3 needs you can help meet: 1) Non-perishables to stock the Food Pantry that serves 150 households each week 2) Healthy snacks for bagged lunches, especially fruit that can be eaten on the go like bananas, easy-peel oranges, fruit cups 3) Casual men's pants in sizes 32-36 and men's casual shoes

Want to help? Here are the top 3 needs you can help meet: 1) Non-perishables...

The eviction moratorium ended this week after being in effect for over a year. How bad can it be? Find out on our blog. Go to our website (link in bio), and click the orange “blog” button.

The eviction moratorium ended this week after being in effect for over a year. How...

Get The Latest News

http://Urban%20Ministries%20of%20Durham
Urban Ministries of Durham️ 2 weeks ago

Sorting donated clothes for distribution is important work. At UMD, we only put out clothing we would be willing to share with our own families. That means clothing without rips, missing buttons, stains, or smells. Our staff and volunteers comb through donations to ensure they fit these standards and then organize them by type and size. Thank you to The Congregation at Duke University Chapel for your hard work on Saturday sorting items for our Food Pantry and Clothing Closet operations! Want to volunteer? Learn more here: https://umdurham.org/volunteer/

Sorting donated clothes for distribution is important work. At UMD, we only put out clothing we would be willing to share with our own families. That means clothing without rips, missing buttons, stains, or smells. Our staff and volunteers comb through donations to ensure they fit these standards and then organize them by type and size. Thank you to The Congregation at Duke University Chapel for your hard work on Saturday sorting items for our Food Pantry and Clothing Closet operations! Want to volunteer? Learn more here: https://umdurham.org/volunteer/
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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 4 weeks ago

We say it a lot. 🎯 Durham needs more affordable housing 🎯 Homelessness does not equal joblessness It's nice to see other providers share the sentiment. 🛏 Do you need shelter? UMD and our partners in the Durham CoC are here to help! 📞 Call Entry Point Durham at 984-287-8313 to schedule an intake. Working with UMD's network will help you find the quickest solution to prevent or end your homelessness. In fact, you may be eligible for "diversion" and not need to sign up for a shelter bed!. Learn more about how UMD and its partners can help at https://umdurham.org/shelter/. 🥰Want to help your neighbors? UMD uses Project ROOF (Removing Obstacles to Occupancy Funds) to cover skyrocketing costs like rental deposits and other fees to try to speed up the housing process. Make a secure online donation now or mail us a check with ROOF in the memo line.

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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 1 month ago

Thank you Food Lion #Feeds Charitable Foundation for your donation of $3,000 to help UMD feed members of our local community! Check out Roderick, our Chef, chopping up fresh fruit to supplement the free meals provided each day in our Community Cafe.

Thank you Food Lion #Feeds Charitable Foundation for your donation of $3,000 to help UMD feed members of our local community! Check out Roderick, our Chef, chopping up fresh fruit to supplement the free meals provided each day in our Community Cafe.
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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 1 month ago

So you might be wondering, why isn't the Big Reveal of our new fundraiser to replace Empty Bowls on UMD's Facebook page? Well, the short answer is a tech problem. We noticed that Facebook was not letting our followers share our posts properly. That's a big problem for a campaign that is built on the idea of viral sharing. We expected that the problem would be fixed quickly. Instead, we've been in communication with Facebook for weeks--and they're still trying to fix it. For now, we will wait to reveal the campaign on Facebook. We're sad about it, but we know it is the best move. We will start to share other content on Facebook until we get the share button fixed. We hope these updates help you feel connected to UMD--even if you can't share it. Fingers crossed--it will be fixed soon!

So you might be wondering, why isn't the Big Reveal of our new fundraiser to replace Empty Bowls on UMD's Facebook page? Well, the short answer is a tech problem. We noticed that Facebook was not letting our followers share our posts properly. That's a big problem for a campaign that is built on the idea of viral sharing. We expected that the problem would be fixed quickly. Instead, we've been in communication with Facebook for weeks--and they're still trying to fix it. For now, we will wait to reveal the campaign on Facebook. We're sad about it, but we know it is the best move. We will start to share other content on Facebook until we get the share button fixed. We hope these updates help you feel connected to UMD--even if you can't share it. Fingers crossed--it will be fixed soon!
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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 3 months ago

What would it cost to house every homeless person in Durham for a year? It's within our reach and closer than we think. That answer--and the launch of our new campaign to replace our annual Empty Bowls fundraising event--will be revealed May 18th! So stay tuned and get ready to make an impact!

What would it cost to house every homeless person in Durham for a year? It's within our reach and closer than we think. That answer--and the launch of our new campaign to replace our annual Empty Bowls fundraising event--will be revealed May 18th! So stay tuned and get ready to make an impact!
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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 4 months ago

TONIGHT @ 7:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, Durham NC! All proceeds will benefit Urban Ministries of Durham. Singers of New and Ancient Music (SONAM) is a chorus committed to creating high-quality sacred and secular music and giving back to the community. The concert will feature music about turning sorrow into joy, including works by Byrd, Palestrina, Schütz, Rachmaninoff, and more. Thanks, Sonam Chorus! https://www.facebook.com/events/721797208986688/?active_tab=about

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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 4 months ago

Join UMD for the 48th Annual CROP WALK this Sunday, April 10th! This year the Durham CROP Hunger Walk hopes to raise $180,000 for global hunger relief with Church World Service CWS. 25% of funds raised are donated to local agencies like UMD combatting food insecurity. Sign up to walk at the link below, and meet Team UMD at Duke University Chapel at 2pm. The first 20 registered walkers will receive a free t-shirt! Register here: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2022/team/urban-ministries-of-durham

Join UMD for the 48th Annual CROP WALK this Sunday, April 10th! This year the Durham CROP Hunger Walk hopes to raise $180,000 for global hunger relief with Church World Service CWS. 25% of funds raised are donated to local agencies like UMD combatting food insecurity. Sign up to walk at the link below, and meet Team UMD at Duke University Chapel at 2pm. The first 20 registered walkers will receive a free t-shirt! Register here: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2022/team/urban-ministries-of-durham
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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 4 months ago

Here's something to smile about: Our friends from the Rotary Club of Durham and Local Start Dental were here this morning passing out dental care bags and conducting screenings for UMD clients in need of dentures. Thanks to an $8,600 grant from the Rotarians, these clients will be eligible for free treatment at Local Start later this week!

Here's something to smile about: Our friends from the Rotary Club of Durham and Local Start Dental were here this morning passing out dental care bags and conducting screenings for UMD clients in need of dentures. Thanks to an $8,600 grant from the Rotarians, these clients will be eligible for free treatment at Local Start later this week!
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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 5 months ago

No endorsement means more to UMD than those from people we've been able to help support. This week it came in the form of a $25 donation from a former client. It's such an honor to go into our financial database and update their address from residing at our shelter at 410 Liberty Street to their new place! This isn't the first time that former clients have returned to UMD to help their neighbors. When asked why they would give what little they have, the answer is always the same. "I'm living proof that UMD works. I know what homelessness is like, and I want to help end it for others. "

No endorsement means more to UMD than those from people we've been able to help support. This week it came in the form of a $25 donation from a former client. It's such an honor to go into our financial database and update their address from residing at our shelter at 410 Liberty Street to their new place! This isn't the first time that former clients have returned to UMD to help their neighbors. When asked why they would give what little they have, the answer is always the same. "I'm living proof that UMD works. I know what homelessness is like, and I want to help end it for others. "
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Urban Ministries of Durham️ 5 months ago

The mask mandate has been lifted for Durham County. However, that is not the case at Urban Ministries of Durham. Masks are still required at homeless shelters because of their status as congregate living facilities. Thank you for continuing to wear your masks at UMD.

The mask mandate has been lifted for Durham County. However, that is not the case at Urban Ministries of Durham. Masks are still required at homeless shelters because of their status as congregate living facilities. Thank you for continuing to wear your masks at UMD.
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