Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Services for the Homeless and Our Community

Q: Who can receive help at the Durham Rescue Mission?

A: There are no restrictions to those who want help.

Q: What kind of help can a man, woman, or family expect to find at the Durham Rescue Mission?

A: We offer residents three meals a day, safe shelter, clothing, vocational training, Biblical counsel, and job placement. In addition, we offer those who are homeless or the working poor help during our annual community events. See Community Services and Homeless Services.

Q: What should I do if I need help?

A: The mission is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need help, please call us at (919) 688-9641, ext. 5034 or come to 1201 East Main Street, Durham, NC.

If you need safe shelter:

When checking in, you will need photo identification. If you are a husband and wife, you will need a copy of your marriage license. Please call (919) 688-9641, ext. 5034 for Men's Division or ext. 5041 for Women and Children's Division for more information.

If you are in need of food, clothing, or furniture:

You must have a letter of referral from a social agency or church. The letter must be written on the social agency or church's letterhead. Please call Walter Cole (919) 688-9641, ext. 5047 for more information.

Please note:

There are currently four community events each year where you can receive free food, clothing, and other items. See Events Calendar.

Q: What should I do if I have a friend or family member that needs help?

A: Share with them there is help available at the Durham Rescue Mission. If they would like to come over for a tour or to check-in, please call us and bring males to our Main Street Campus and females to our Knox Street Campus. See Directions.

Q: What is "Operation Warm Shelter"?

A: Operation Warm Shelter is to provide warm, safe shelter during times of severe weather in our area. Our rules are relaxed to allow all who are homeless to come stay with us and receive hot meals and a warm place to sleep. See Homeless Services.

Q: When are the Durham Rescue Mission's Annual Community Dinners?

A: We host four Annual Events; Easter Community Dinner and Easter Basket Give-Away; Back to School Party and Backpack Give-Away, Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner and Coat Give-Away; and Christmas Dinner and Christmas Gift Give-Away. See Events Calendar.

Q: How many folks received help at the Durham Rescue Mission last year?

A: See Annual Statistics.