The team at 3447 N. Roxboro Street in Durham, North Carolina 27704 chose to help the Urban Ministries of Durham this month. They provided encouraging notes on many lunch bags to inspire those visiting the Urban Ministries Food Pantry. This pantry is part of the organization’s efforts to address the basic emergency needs of the community. The pantry distributes over 141,000 pounds of food each year. In partnership with their Clothing Closet, which distributes over 39,000 articles of clothing, these efforts serve an average of 487 to 503 households per month every year. Most who are in need are not homeless but need to make the best use out of limited resources. Volunteers often provide referrals to case managers and financial assistance providers for guests who are in danger of becoming homeless. The brown paper bags these guests pick up help a lot. Our messages are meant to brighten their day and to help keep their chins up in this difficult time.
There are so many ways to support the efforts of the Urban Ministries of Durham. They operate a Shelter Journey Program, which holds 81 beds for men, 30 for women, and nine family rooms with a total of 149 beds. The Bread for the Journey program provides spiritual care for those in need. There are many other programs and resources that could use the community’s support. Check out the many different volunteer opportunities this organization provides HERE!