Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Mission of Urban Ministries of Durham?

A: Our mission is to provide food, clothing, shelter and supportive services to our neighbors in need.

Q: What are the Values and Vision of UMD?

A: Our vision is to be a faith-based service organization recognized for excellence in serving the emergency needs of poor people. Based on shared religious principles, we strive to create a welcoming, caring, and compassionate environment that affirms the dignity of our guests, donors, volunteers, and staff.

Q:  What does it mean to be a “Faith-Based” Organization?

A:  Faith-based means that the motivation of the board, staff, and volunteers comes out of their particular faith tradition. Urban Ministries of Durham is supported by people of good will from the three great monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and other faith traditions. We also welcome and receive support from those of no particular faith or religious belief.

Those being served are NOT required to have any particular religious beliefs in order for them to be served. No government funds received are used for religious purposes. Optional religious services are offered on-site by local congregations, and congregations are welcome to make arrangements to transport interested shelter guests to their house of worship.

Q: Where is Urban Ministries of Durham located?

A:  Our facilities are located in two buildings: the Urban Ministries Center and the Durham Community Shelter, located on Liberty St. between Queen St. and Dillard St. in downtown Durham. The Community Shelter re-opened in December 2002 after a year-long renovation and expansion. The building offers approximately 17,000 square feet of space to house 150 or more homeless people every night. The Urban Ministries Center is a 10,000 square foot building and houses the Community Kitchen, the clothing closet and food pantry of the former United Methodist Mission Society, and UMD administrative and development offices.

Q:  How Can I Volunteer?

A:  We consider our volunteers to be the heart of UMD, a committed group of people who are motivated by true and ongoing unconditional love.  Our volunteers make a real difference by improving the quality of the lives of poor and homeless people. Our work is made possible because people are still willing to give of themselves with gifts of time, energy and love.

Volunteers are not extras – they are essential members of our community. Each day we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to nearly 500 men, women and children at each meal with only 2 staff members and groups of volunteers. These meals would not happen without the many wonderful people who are willing to give their time and energy to us!

We ask all of our individual volunteers to commit to a regular schedule of at least once a month on the same day or days for at least 3 months. An example would be a volunteer who works every other Tuesday dinner. This allows the volunteers to get to know the other volunteers on their shift. All new individual volunteers need to attend a volunteer orientation which is held regularly, before they will be put on the schedule. They will then be given a volunteer number that they will use to sign in the lobby.

Group volunteers come on a regularly scheduled basis such as the 3rd Thursday of the month as well as on a one time basis. Groups do not need to attend the volunteer orientation but do need to schedule dates in advance with the volunteer services staff.

Interns also play a critical role at UMD. Each semester we need up to 12 interns to work with staff in departments such as administrative work, Special Events and Public Relations and other areas. Interns get a chance to understand the lives of poor and homeless men, women and children and to learn about the societal barriers as well as the personal issues which bring these people to us.

Q:  How Can I Donate Money?

A: Donations are always welcome via check or credit card!  

Please send your check payable to Urban Ministries of Durham, PO BOX 249, Durham, North Carolina, 27702-0249.  Or donate online via Network for Good at www.networkforgood.org (enter Urban Ministries of Durham in the "Charity Name" search box on the left side of Network for Good's home page).

Detailed information is available at www.umdurham.org/donate.

Q: Can I Donate Other Things Like Food, Clothes, or Toilietries?

A:  Absolutely.  We have a list of regularly needed items here.  If you have any questions about in-kind donations, please call Tom Holcomb at (919) 682-0538 Ext. 26.  Please note that because we have many generous in-kind donors and limited space, we can only accept items on our current needs list.  Please call us to confirm we can make use of the items you'd like to bring. Thank you for all of your support!

Q:  How Much of Your Budget Comes from Private Donations?

A:  Private donations account for more than 2/3 of our operating budget.  Please give as generously as you can!  Of course, all donations are tax deductible, as UMD is a registered 501(c)3 organization.

At various points throughout the year, we have  "matching gifts" opportunities and campaigns supported by generous benefactors.   By supporting UMD during this "matching" periods, your financial donations are maximized.  This allows us even greater flexibility in meeting our vision.

For more information...We would be pleased to tell you more about Urban Ministries of Durham. Click here for our Staff Directory.