Informational flyer explaining Durham’s 100 Days of Warmth campaign, outlining goals, partner organizations, and ways residents can support cold-weather shelter efforts.
Featured State News

Durham Launches New 52-Bed Family Shelter as City Expands Winter Support in 100 Days of Warmth

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

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.

Families Moving Forward Executive Director Tasha Melvin emphasized the critical impact: “This partnership ensures that families with children have a safe and warm place to stay during extreme weather.”

A Cornerstone Achievement of the 100 Days of Warmth Campaign

The launch of the shelter at Union Baptist Church marks a defining milestone in Durham’s 100 Days of Warmth Campaign, a city-wide initiative to expand safe, warm spaces for unhoused neighbors throughout the winter. The campaign is led in partnership with:

  • Durham CAN
  • Durham Congregations in Action
  • United Way of the Greater Triangle
  • City of Durham Community Safety Department

The initiative focuses on ensuring that:

  • Neighbors know where shelter is available.
  • Providers have volunteers, supplies, and resources.
  • Capacity increases for families, survivors of DV/SA, and individuals unable to access traditional shelters.

“Relationships are where solutions emerge,” said Ketty Thelemaque of Durham CAN. “This is the true power of organizing—coming together to answer urgent needs.”

United Way Acting President Jeff Howell added: “The 100 Days of Warmth Fund shows what’s possible when a community moves with urgency and compassion.”

Learn More & Access Resources

Flyers detailing winter shelter sites, White Flag night procedures, and ways to support the campaign will be inserted below. Residents can learn more at durhamnc.gov/WinterShelter or call Entry Point Durham at 984-287-8313.

Winter shelter schedule for Durham showing nightly and White Flag options, check-in times, locations, and contact numbers for Entry Point and partner organizations. FAQ flyer explaining White Flag nights, who to call for help, shelter eligibility, transportation options, and survival kit availability.

A recorded community information session from December 16, 2025 is also available for residents seeking more details on winter shelter access and volunteer opportunities.

How Residents Can Support the 100 Days of Warmth Campaign

Durham residents are encouraged to take action by:

  • Donating supplies for survival kits or shelter expansion
  • Volunteering time or contributing funds to support partner organizations
  • Sharing information about White Flag shelter options with neighbors
  • Supporting the United Way’s 100 Days of Warmth Fund

Together, Durham can guarantee 100 days of warmth for neighbors who need it most.