Urban Ministries of Durham

Food Pantry & Clothing Closet

Urban Ministries of Durham operates the Community Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. Formerly known as the United Methodist Mission Society, this program addresses basic emergency needs for food, clothing and hygiene supplies. To this day it is primarily staffed and supported by volunteers from local schools and communities of faith.

Most of those receiving support are not homeless but are trying to stretch limited resources. Volunteers assisting guests watch for signs that a family is in danger of becoming homeless and can provide referrals to case managers and financial assistance providers for additional support. 

In fiscal year 09-10 the Food Pantry distributed 67,917 pounds of food, a 50% increase over last year while the Clothing Closet distributed 47,964 articles of clothing, a 50% increase over last year.  The Food Pantry and Clothing Closet serve an average of 350-400 households per month in need of groceries for in-home food preparation and clothing from the closet.

Guests may receive groceries and clothing once in a 30-day period. We assist up to 26 households per day during the hours of operation.

Sign-in begins at 12:30pm in the front lobby of 410 Liberty St.

All guests must be signed in by 2:45.

Hours of service are as follows: