DURHAM, N.C. — Durham is scaling up its cold-weather response in a major way with the launch of a new 52-bed emergency family shelter, the largest cold-weather overflow shelter in the city’s homelessness response system. The shelter—made possible through a partnership between Union Baptist Church, Durham County Emergency Management, and Families Moving Forward—became operational on December 15, 2025, and will activate on every White Flag night this winter.
City Expands Capacity for Families With Children
The new shelter at Union Baptist Church marks a significant increase in Durham’s ability to protect families with children during freezing temperatures, offering warm beds, safety, and support on nights when temperatures drop below 32 degrees, or 35 degrees with precipitation.
“This new shelter reflects Durham’s commitment to ensuring that every person has a warm, safe place to sleep,” said Ryan Smith, Director of the City’s Community Safety Department. “With the 100 Days of Warmth campaign mobilizing the community, we’re calling on residents and organizations to step up alongside us.”
Union Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr. Prince Rivers echoed that message, saying the collaboration demonstrates their deep commitment to serving vulnerable families during the most dangerous winter nights…