A day shelter for Durham’s unhoused population is on its way, after many years of planning.
Last week, the Durham Board of County Commissioners authorized the county manager to sign a one-year contract with Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD), which will operate a day shelter and services center as a pilot program, and approved funding for it during its February 9 meeting.
Durham’s existing shelters offer a place for the homeless population to stay during the night, leaving people to seek out other areas, like libraries, during the day. The day shelter will provide a gap in existing services, offering access to washers and dryers, showers, internet, charging stations, and mail during the day. It will also house services to help people exit homelessness, offering case management and resource navigation, behavioral health support, and workforce development…