History of the Durham Rescue Mission

In 1973, the Reverend Ernie C. Mills and his family came to Durham with a vision of helping those in need. They did not know anyone in the area and had no sponsoring agent, but the Lord had given them a burden for this area.

The first year was very hard. Our country was in a recession and going through an oil embargo. There was no extra money for anything - even a worthy cause like a rescue mission.

The Lord blessed in 1974 and the doors of the first, two-story Durham Rescue Mission were opened. A house was purchased at 1301 East Main Street. In this first building, we could provide shelter for 12 men. Soon, it was full and we had to turn men away for lack of space. In 1978, the Lord blessed again with a larger building just a block away at 1201 East Main Street.

In 1993, the Lord directed the opening of The Opportunity Place, a home for women and children. In this three-story home, we were able to provide sleeping space for 5 mothers and their children. In 1997, we opened the Family Place, a shelter for families. Again, we were able to open our doors to five families. Then, in 1998, we opened a shelter for single women in the original house of our Men’s Division.

Today, our ministry continues to grow under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We have combined our women, children, and families’ ministries in one building. The Good Samaritan Inn, our women, children, and families' campus, at 507 East Knox Street, has been completely paid for by Friends of the Durham Rescue Mission. The East Wing is newly renovated, allowing us to use half of this spacious building. We plan to begin renovations on the West Wing in the near future. Once this wing is completely renovated, we will be able to triple the number of women and children we can minister to each day.

Rescued Treasures Thrift Shop, opening in 2006 at the corner of Cornwallis Road and Highway 55 in Southern Durham, is an eclectic mix of always changing donated items, ranging from art to vehicles. This store will be a help to us in raising funds for our operating budget.

The Mission is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We provide food, clothing, shelter, education, and Christian counseling 365 days a year. With the support of individuals, businesses, civic groups, foundations, grants, and churches, we have been helping the needy and homeless since 1974. If you would like to help, please click here.