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Commemorative cowbell at the Marry Durham event in downtown Durham NC

ADD-ME ROSTER

The Alzheimer’s Disease Discoveries in Medicine (ADD-ME) is for those who want to keep up with the latest information and research and who are willing to participate in upcoming clinical trials. This endeavor is a partnership between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Visit the website for more info and to sign up.

AGING FORWARD OF DURHAM

2121 Umstead Rd, 919-489-2217, agingforwarddurham@gmail.com, website

Folks from three north Durham churches got together to discuss the need to help area seniors who were living independently but were unable to get to their medical appointments. They decided to create a local chapter of Aging Forward, a nationwide nonprofit, to find ways to solve this problem. Nearly two dozen neighbors stepped forward to drive seniors (age 65+) to their doctor, dental, eye, and physical therapy appointments. More are needed. Ideally, this program will expand to cover more of Durham and will include trips to and from banks, houses of worship, hair salons/barbers, grocery stores, etc. Because most of the volunteer drivers’ vehicles can’t accommodate wheelchairs, they can only serve seniors who are able to walk. The drivers walk them to and from their vehicles, making sure that they return home safely. This service is provided free of charge and the volunteer drivers are background-checked. Contact Aging Forward of Durham if you’d like to be a driver or if you live north of I-85 and need this service.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Central North Carolina chapter: 4737 University Dr, Bldg 3,

919-489-6541, website

Learn how to save a life and gain other skills that can come in handy in an emergency; after going to the website, click on “Training & Certification” and then “Take a Class”:

Adult + Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-R.21 —Thursday, July 3, 10am–12:15m, online + classroom, $129

Adult + Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-R.21—Friday, July 18, 9am–2pm, classroom, $129
Adult CPR/AED-R.21—Friday, July 18, 9–11:15am, classroom, $85
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED-R.21—Friday, July 18, 9am–12:30pm, classroom, $107

Adult CPR/AED Skills Session-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, 9–10:15am, classroom, $46
Adult CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, 9–10:15am, online + classroom, $85
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Skills Session-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, 9–10:30am, classroom, $67
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, 9–10:30am, online + classroom, $107
Adult + Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Skills Session-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, 9–11:15am, classroom, $88
Adult + Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, 9–11:15am, online + classroom, $129
Adult CPR/AED Skills Session-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–1:15pm, classroom, $46
Adult CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–1:15pm, online + classroom, $85
Adult CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–1:15pm, online + classroom, $85
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Skills Session-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–1:30pm, classroom, $67
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–1:30pm, online + classroom, $107
Adult + Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Skills Session-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–2:15pm, classroom, $88
Adult + Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–2:15pm, online + classroom, $129
Adult + Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-R.21—Tuesday, July 22, noon–2:15pm, online + classroom, $129.

Here are some online-only classes; click here to sign up and to see more classes:

Adult, Child, and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED—$37
Adult CPR/AED—$37
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED—$37
Advanced Child Care Training—$45
Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector—$35
Babysitting Basics—$45
Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Tattoo Artists—$35
Cat and Dog First Aid—$25
Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED—$37
First Aid—$37
First Aid for Opioid Overdoses—$20
First Aid for Severe Bleeding—$30
First Aid for Severe Trauma—$30
Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers—free
Seguridad en el Àgua para Padres y Cuidadores (Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers)—gratis (free)
Until Help Arrives—$40.

* AED = automated external defibrillator

CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation

ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY OF DURHAM

2117 E Club Blvd, 919-560-0640, website

APS of Durham (2117 E Club Blvd) offers dog and cat food (and kitty litter) for pet owners in the City of Durham/Durham County facing financial hardship. Click here for more info about the Pet Pantry and the link to the online application. You’ll need to be able to pick up your order after being approved and letting them know when you’re available.

If you’re able to help, you can help APS of Durham by donating funds to one or more of their projects: the Pet Pantry (mentioned above), Adoption Assistance (reduction of adoption fees for people in need; covers exams, deworming, immunizations, microchipping, spay/neuter surgeries, heartworm testing (for dogs), and FLV/FIV testing (for cats)), Spay/Neuter service (lessens overpopulation, which can lead to neglect and abandonment), Heartworm Treatment service (gives dogs a second chance to be adopted), or Tiffany/Lifesaving Medical Treatment (helps provide resources for specialized medical treatment instead of giving up on animals with treatable conditions).

BACKPACKS 4 KIDS

At the beginning of the school year, Backpacks 4 Kids makes sure that students get off to a good start with bookbags and school supplies. They work with school social workers to get these supplies to children in need. On Monday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 5, volunteers will be needed to help sort through donated backpacks, pencil, pens, paper, etc, at Yates Baptist Church (2819 Chapel Hill Rd) for the start of the 2025–26 school year. Contact Betty Njaramba at 919-321-6926 or betty@thevolunteercenter.org if you’re able to help out. Choose the morning session (8:30am–12:30pm) or the afternoon session (noon–4pm). This volunteer opportunity is made possible by the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center; click here to view more opportunities.

BOOK HARVEST

2501 University Dr, 252-497-2665, website

Need books for your kids? The Book Harvest has outdoor bookshelves filled with culturally inclusive books for young people from preschool through high school age. The shelves are accessible 24/7 and you’re invited to browse and choose books to take home (and keep). You are also welcome to donate like-new books; there’s a large dropoff box right behind the book shelves.

Inside, they have the Book Harvest Family Space, where parents, grandparents, and their young children can read and/or play with the puppets and magnet wall. The Family Space is open Tuesday through Saturday 9am–5pm, and there’s no admission fee.

If you have a Medicare-eligible baby 16 weeks old or younger, you’re invited to join the Book Babies program. Here’s what you get:

Literacy coaching—A literacy coach will visit your home and help you teach your young children up to age 5 how to read
Free books and bookshelf—You’ll get free, age-appropriate books, plus a bookshelf to place them on
Learning opportunities—Network with other parents and receive freebies, including an annual membership to the Museum of Life and Science
$500 savings account—Through Bright Futures (a college and career savings program), your child can earn $100 for every year they take part in the Book Babies program.

Call 919-907-0998 or click here for more info and to enroll.

BRIDGES POINTE

112 Broadway St, Suite B, at ReCity, 919-323-8443, website

Bridges Pointe is a local nonprofit that serves both children and adults living with sickle cell disease (and extended to their families and caregivers). Staff members can help with finding care, employment, and can also help those suffering with financial hardship. They advocate at the government level, and offer peer and social support, and support groups, while also explaining to those with sickle cell what’s going on with the disease.

Bridges Pointe Apartments is the first housing program in the USA that specifically houses individuals living with sickle cell disease. What often happens with adults with sickle cell, they’re forced to take time off from work due to flareups. Their paychecks are affected and then they end up losing their apartments. Bridges Pointe understands these challenges. Right now, only men can rent one of the one- or three-bedroom apartments; eventually, Bridges Pointe hopes to expand and have apartments available to rent to women and families.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF RALEIGH

2020 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 30, 919-286-1964, website

Our local Catholic Charities runs the Durham Community Food Pantry in the Lakewood Shopping Center. If you are in need, stop by, register, and if you qualify, receive a week’s worth of groceries to take home. In addition to food, they also have diapers and other supplies (just ask). Once you’re in the system, you can stop by the food pantry once every 30 days. The hours are: Wednesdays 10am–1pm and 5–7pm, and Thursdays 10am–1pm. Services are offered in English, Spanish, and French. Call for more info.

CENTER FOR CHILD & FAMILY HEALTH

website

The Ready Project’s Nurturing Durham resource guide identifies free and low-cost programs for families with children up to age 8. The types of information you can look up include organizations that help deal with challenges of behavior and emotions, parental support, and childcare.

CITY OF DURHAM

Click on the calendar below to see all of the City of Durham committee, subcommittee, commission, board, and other meetings for the month of July.

The City of Durham encourages interested citizens to serve on the following boards; if you’re interested, file your application by the following deadlines:

Wednesday, July 2

Durham Planning Commission
Durham Workers’ Rights Commission
Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee: Youth

Wednesday, July 9

Durham Affordable Housing Implementation Committee
Durham Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission
Housing Appeals Board: At-Large
Mayor’s Hispanic/Latino Committee
Racial Equity Commission

Wednesday, July 16

Citizens Advisory Committee

Wednesday, July 23

Durham Historic Preservation Commission

Click here for more info, including the reasons for the vacancies, the expected duties, the meeting schedule, and instructions for filing your application.

CITY OF DURHAM — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

website

The City of Durham has just announced its new Durham Down Payment Assistance Program in an effort to expand homeownership. Eligible low-income individuals and families will be able to apply for up to $20,000 to help with those downpayment and closing costs. These are 0% interest loans, which means you pay back only what you receive. To be eligible, the household income must be less than 80% of the area median income (AMI). This city program will be run by the Community Home Trust, a local nonprofit that focuses of affordable housing. The Durham Down Payment Assistance Program is part of the Forever Home Durham Initiative, which is funded from that $95 million affordable-housing bond that was approved in 2019. Click here to visit the website, and contact Ivelisse Mercado at imercado@communityhometrust.org or 919-967-1545 x302 for more info. Help is available in English and Spanish and can be arranged for other languages.

CITY OF DURHAM — GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

2011 Fay St, 919-560-4197, website

The City’s FY26 (Fiscal Year 2026) RFP (Request for Proposals) for Festivals & Special Events is now accepting applications. Durham neighborhood groups, organizations, and residents are invited to come up with detailed plans for festivals, parades, and other celebrations to be held next year. Those whose proposals are accepted will get help from the City in making their events happen. Events that encourage engagement with the arts, history, culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the types are more likely to be chosen. There’s a lot to this whole process; you’ll have to connect with a nonprofit (as a fiscal agent, handler of the funds). Click here for a description (including timelines and deadlines) of the application process, workshop schedule (both virtual and in-person); be sure to submit your proposal packet by the Monday, August 11, 11:59pm deadline.

CITY OF DURHAM — NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

807 E Main St, 2nd Floor, 919-560-1647, website, NIS Community Engagement website

NIS has four divisions: Code Enforcement, Community Engagement, Human Relations, and the Impact Team: Rapid Response. They deal with the enforcement of Durham residents’ quality of life, upholds state statutes (including the City’s minimum housing code), and also deals with weedy lot and abandoned/junk vehicle ordinances. Members of the impact team conduct neighborhood service projects where they address noncompliant housing properties, litter, graffiti, illegal dumping, and abandoned shopping carts. Click here to read Neighborhood Improvement Services’ FY2024 Impact Report.

Call the number above or send a message via email to contact your community engagement strategist for services that are needed in your neighborhood:

District 1—Jennie Belle (jennifer.belle@durhamnc.gov); District 1 includes the Holton Career and Resource Center and Wellons Village
District 2—Kiara Hickman (kiara.hickman@durhamnc.gov); District 2 includes Durham County Memorial Stadium, the Museum of Life and Science, and Bragtown
District 3—Maria Padilla (maria.padilla@durhamnc.gov); District 3 includes South Square, Duke University, and Garrett Road Park
Districts 4 and 5—Macklyn Mosley (macklyn.mosley@durhamnc.gov); District 4 includes North Carolina Central University and the South Square area, and District 5 includes City and Ninth Street.

CITY OF DURHAM — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

website

The City of Durham’s Stormwater & GIS Services has just announced its Septic to Sewer project. Qualifying City residents can see if they can share the costs of replacing their septic systems with connections to the City’s sewer system. The water quality of local groundwater, creeks, and lakes will be greatly improved as the number of septic systems exist are reduced within the Northeast Creek Watershed. After you’re connected, the responsibility for maintaining your private sewer system will then be transferred to a public utility. If you’re worried that you might not be able to afford to participate in this project, visit the Septic to Sewer information page and look for “Financial Hardship.” You could be eligible for additional funds if you’re already enrolled in a Durham County property tax relief program or if your household income is less than (or equal to) twice the Federal poverty income guidelines (or if it’s less than or equal to Durham County's median household income).

Click here for more info and to apply for this new project. You’ll be able to submit your application online, by mail, or in person.

CITY OF DURHAM — SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

919-560-4186, website

You can drop off Household Hazardous Waste on weekdays 7:30am to 4pm, and Saturdays 7:30am to noon, at 2115 E Club Blvd. They'll take aerosol cans, fire extinguishers (dry chemical only), oil-based paints, cooking oil, used motor oil/petroleum-based products, road flares, lead acid cell batteries (vehicle batteries), antifreeze, pesticides, garden chemicals and fertilizers, gasoline, batteries (alkaline, lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel cadmium (ni-cad) rechargeable), pool cleaner, household cleansers, stains, varnishes, mercury thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic waste (small appliances). If necessary, wrap the containers with newspapers to absorb spills and place them cardboard boxes for safe transport. For individuals only, not commercial users. Call the City of Durham—Environmental Resources Department at 919-560-4381 or visit City of Durham—Household Hazardous Waste for more info.

If you’re not sure what you can place in your recycling bin, click here for more info.

CITY OF DURHAM—WATER MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

101 City Hall Plaza, 919-560-4381, website

The City’s Department of Water Management is giving away Fat Trapper kits to help keep fats, oils, and grease (including meat juices, salad dressings, and condiments) from clogging up the pipes and causing backups. Included in the kit is a plastic fat trapper receptacle, an aluminum resealable bag, and a metal strainer. Click here to fill out the form for having one mailed to you (you can request a receptacle only, refill bags only, or the whole kit).

One way to save water and lower your water bill is to replace an old toilet (which can use up to 7 gallons per flush) with a modern, efficient one that uses 1.28 gallons or less. The City has a Toilet Rebate Program that rewards the purchase of a High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) with a credit of up to $100 to your water bill). While shopping, be sure to look for the WaterSense label. The rebate is restricted to one toilet only, and the toilet must be on the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense list. Apply by providing the original, dated sales receipt/invoice. If you have a plumber handle the purchase and installation of your new toilet, make sure that the invoice is detailed, showing the purchase and the installation cost (because the City will only credit the cost of the toilet itself (up to $100)). Click here for more info and to fill out the application.

The City’s Department of Water Management (Durham Water) demonstrates how it’s 100% in compliance with federal drinking water standards in its 2024 Water Quality Report. (Please note that you can click on “Select Language” in the lower righthand corner and have the document translated into any one of several dozen languages.)

CORE (CHILDREN OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES)

national program with main offices in Tennessee and Georgia

As most of us know, many restaurant employees are not highly paid. When there’s a medical crisis, injury, or death in the family, it’s hard to keep up with finances. CORE was set up to help people working in the food and beverage service industry with grants that can be used to help with rent/mortgage, utilities, prescriptions/medical equipment, childcare, funeral expenses, and funds for basic necessities. Click here for more info (in English and Spanish) and to see what they will and will not pay for and what situations they’ll take into consideration. Applications can be submitted online.

CWS (CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICES)

Duke Memorial United Methodist Church (504 W Chapel Hill St, Suite 106), 919-680-4310, website

CWS helps refugees find places to live, employment, community resources, and more, and is always in need of volunteers to help with this very important work, as these individuals and families settle into their new home after fleeing hardship and/or persecution. Here are some current volunteer opportunities:

1on1 Volunteer—Meet with a client once a week for an hour to help them practice their English; this can be done in person or virtually
Bus Trainings—Help clients figure out the bus system and how to get to their favorite destinations, including CWS
DMV Appointments—Help clients overcome language barriers and get documents together for applying for a drivers license
DSS Appointments—Go with clients to Durham County Department of Social Services and help with the paperwork necessary for their social security card
ESL Volunteer—Help English as Secondary Language instructors at CWS by working with class materials and greeting clients
Grocery Store—Help clients get to their local grocery store on the bus, and then help them find essential groceries and navigate the checkout process
Home Supply/Shopping and Delivery—Help clients furnish their new households by obtaining items on CWS’ Home Supply Checklist at Walmart. Items, both donated or purchased with Walmart gift cards will be delivered to the clients’ homes
Housing Volunteers—Help unpack deliveries of furniture and taking them to the homes of new refugees so they can get a fresh start; volunteers with trucks and who can rent U-Hauls are also needed
Medicaid/Food Stamp Enrollment—Help case managers enroll clients for Medicaid and Food Stamp benefits
School Enrollment—Help clients enroll their children in school, fill out paperwork, and overcome language barriers
Spectrum—Guide clients through the process of doing the paperwork necessary for signing up for a wifi account.

Click here for more info and to connect with the Volunteer Team.

DIGITAL DURHAM

website

Digital Durham is aiming for “digital equity,” where everyone and every local community has access to the internet for participating in civic and cultural activities, job-searches/employment, fun, and connecting with necessary programs and services. In partnership with various organizations, Digital Durham helps local residents get affordable internet access and computing gear, plus digital-literacy training. Digital Durham‘s partners include the Book Harvest, City of Durham, Community Workshop Series, Duke Roybal, Duke University’s Office of Durham & Community Affairs, Durham County Library, Durham Housing Authority, Durham Literacy Center, Durham Public Schools, Durham Technical Community College, Kramden Institute, North Carolina Central University’s Digital Equity Leadership Program, the Triangle Nonprofit Volunteer Leadership Center, and Triangle Ecycling.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS–TRIANGLE

1720 Guess Rd, Suite 14, 919-286-2128, website

Dress for Success helps women who struggle to make the steps up to employment. Sometimes they want to find work or get a better job because they feel held back because they lack a wardrobe that looks professional and gives them confidence. Dress for Success offers the following services, all of which are offered free of charge:

Going Places Network—Each woman identifies her strengths, develops her “elevator pitch” (short verbal explanation of what she‘s about), updates her resumé and LinkedIn profile, and creates strong networking skills. She also prepares for job searches by participating in mock interviews.
Career and Image Coaching—Each woman gets help with her resumé, her personal “elevator pitch,” and interview preparation. She can then select an outfit for her interview and then can return for a 10-piece wardrobe once she gets a job.
Wednesday Webinars—Online lessons teach such concepts as strengthening conversation skills, negotiating salary offers, and developing leadership skills.
Transition Industries—Some women are already working but are thinking about switching over to a different industry. This program helps them to identify where their skills align with careers in new industries so they can conduct successful job searches.
Senior Planet from AARP/Digital Skills Ready@50+—Older women can gain new skills and learn how to navigate a world that is increasingly online/digital.

Click here for more info and to see where to sign up.

Dress for Success is best known for the clothing that they provide to unemployed and underemployed women looking toward a better future. If you would like to make a clothing donation, please make sure whatever you donate is in like-new condition, clean, and not more than 5 years old. Click here for more info and to learn where to donate clothing for men.

DUKE HEALTH—PACT STUDY

919-668-3154, PACTStudy@duke.edu, website

Researchers at Duke Health are conducting a study to see if Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented with cognitive training. The PACT* Study is looking for people age 65+ who would like to volunteer to participate in the study and undergo computerized training exercises that are designed to reduce that risk.

To qualify, participants should be age 65 and older, with no neurological disorders or cognitive impairments and no history of stroke or brain injury. The potential benefits of taking the computerized training exercises can include enhanced mental quickness, improved gait and balance, and protection against depression. The length of the study will be approximately 3 years, with three study visits of up to 2 hours each. The 45 1-hour computer training sessions will be done in your own home.

* PACT = Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training

DURHAM COMMUNITY FRIDGES

website

The community fridge (refrigerator) movement started and became really popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, where people wanted to help others in need gain access to food. “Community fridges” started to pop up around the world—some units being home units and others being commercial coolers, perhaps from stores and restaurants that went out of business. This works as a mutual-aid, “top down” series of projects, which means completely furnished and maintained by volunteers. Community fridges are designed to be available to every- and anyone 24/7 in public spaces.

Here are our local community fridges:

St Joseph Episcopal Church (1902 W Main St, on the Iredell St side)
Part & Parcel (1901 Chapel Hill Rd; park on the side by turning on Dean St)—Please note: I don’t know if this community fridge is closed forever, but the folks at Part & Parcel are saying that it’s closed “until further notice”
Omie’s (2300 N Roxboro St).

You’re encouraged to drop off food whenever you like and whenever you can. Click here to check in. Every day people report on the condition of each fridge, what’s in it, and a reading of the temperature. You can take it upon yourself to grab some cleaning supplies and handle the task if someone says that’s needed, and of course, if you’re looking for food, you can see what’s in stock and decide whether it’s worth your while to head out there.

DURHAM COUNTY

Click on the calendar to see all of the Durham County committee, commission, advisory council, and other meetings for the month of July.

Here’s the July 2025 edition of Durham County Utilities News, which is updated quarterly. Click on the image below to read about capital improvement updates, jobs with the county, and more.

DURHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

414 E Main St, 919-560-7600, 919-794-1535 in case of emergency, website

Thanks to a partnership of Durham County’s DINE Nutrition Education program, Durham City/County GIS Services, End Hunger Durham, and Durham Public Schools Nutrition Services, an online Durham Area Food Resources Map has been put together to show food pantries, kids’ free summer meal sites, and grocery stores and farmers markets that take SNAP and WIC. Click here for viewing on your cell phone, and click here to view and print out the food pantry list.

If you find it hard to afford groceries for your family, click here to learn about SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which used to be called Food Stamps); y aquí para español. Call More in My Basket at 855-240-1451 (888-382-7105 para español) if you need help filling out your SNAP application. The WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) helps with food, finding healthcare, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. Click here for more info; y aquí para español.

DURHAM COUNTY—DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

414 E Main St, 919-560-7600, website

The folks at the Durham County Department of Public Health, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Durham County Firearm Injury Prevention Partnership want to make sure that gun owners are keeping their families safe by locking them and putting them away when not in use. (Firearms are the leading cause of death in children—even more than car accidents.) They also suggest asking the parents of your kids’ friends if they have firearms in their homes; doing so can serve as a reminder to safely secure them and put them up. Gun owners are invited to call 919-560-7765 and pick up a free gun lock.

People on the street are aware that drug users are dying left and right from fentanyl poisoning. Dealers are slipping fentanyl into drugs, including cocaine, crack, meth, Xanax, MDMA, heroin, oxycodone pills, Percocet pills, and more. Even though these drugs are illegal, folks at the County want to keep users from dying. Anyone can stop by the Durham County Department of Public Health Pharmacy and pick up free fentanyl testing strips and naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Through the Safe Syringe Program, free syringe kits are also given away and old needles are accepted for safe disposal. Free HIV and hepatitis C tests are also available, as well as mental-health and substance-use services. Naloxone kits can be picked up on any weekday 8:30am–12:30pm and 1–4pm; syringes and supplies can be picked up on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am–noon, Wednesdays and Fridays 1–4pm. Call 919-560-7632 for more info.

The Obstetrics Care Management program is now called the Care Management for High-Risk Pregnancies (CMHRP) program. Still run by teams of committed social workers and nurses, this program makes sure that excellent pregnancy-care management is available to those on Medicaid and some who are low-income and uninsured. Some of the services include transportation, food, medical care, in some cases, housing, plus referrals to programs like WIC, FNS, Medicaid, and Family Planning. Someone considered high-risk might have a history of pre-term labor or babies with low birth weight, might be living in an unsafe living environment, or might have fetal complications/late in starting prenatal care. Some Prepaid Health Plans, including WellCare, Healthy Blue, UnitedHealth Care, AmeriHealth Caritas, and Carolina Complete Health, also refer participants to the program. Contact Ozella Maynard at 919-560-7362 or omaynard@dconc.gov for more info.

DURHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH—MEN’S HEALTH COUNCIL

919-560-7109

The Men’s Health Council invites men from all walks of life who want to get involved in looking after their own health and well-being. They host monthly community walks in various Durham Parks and Recreation sites, health forums and presentations, and disease prevention and management workshops. If you‘d like to join or need more information, call Joyce Page at 919-560-7109.

DURHAM COUNTY—DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

414 E Main St, 919-560-8000, website

DSS has launched the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help keep water service from being disconnected because homeowners fell behind in paying their bills. If you’re already receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Work First services, or you benefited from the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), you’re already eligible to participate in this program. Everyone else can get the ball rolling by picking up an application at the information kiosk outside the DSS office (414 E Main St). You can also call 919-560-8000 or click here to apply online. Jump on this immediately if you’re in danger of having your water cut off, if it’s already disconnected, or if you currently have an outstanding water bill.

DSS has a mobile app, which you can use to complete and send applications for Food & Nutrition Services, Work First benefits, and Medicaid. You can also send documents for Crisis/Emergency Assistance applications. Grab your cell phone and go to dssmobile.dconc.gov. You’ll need to enter your date of birth and either your social security number or county case number. The DSS Mobile App is a secure website. By using the camera on your cell phone, you’ll be able to “Click It! Snap It! Send It!” and save lots of time and effort.

DURHAM COUNTY—DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

414 E Main St, 919-560-8000, website

DSS now has a centralized intake line for Aging & Adult Services. You can call 919-560-8588 for information and referrals for programs that include Adult Protective Services Reports, Guardianship Referrals, Home-Delivered Meal Referrals, Adult Care Facilities and Family Care Homes, In-Home Care & Home-Delivered Meals, Adult Care Home Complaints, Adult Placement Services, Crisis Services, Nonemergency Medicaid Transportation, Rental Assistance, Low-Income Homeowner Relief Program, and Community Resources.

DURHAM COUNTY—EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

website

This department makes sure that residents of Durham County who register for AlertDurham get notifications about severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. When you register, you can choose your mobile phone, home phone, email, or text; you can even choose the order you receive notifications (for example, text first, mobile phone second, etc). For the weather alerts, you can set quiet times so the calls won’t wake you up. If you subscribe to a call-blocking system (by AT&T, Verizon, Nomorobo, CenturyLink, etc), be sure to add 919-560-0660 to your approved caller list. Visit the website to register for AlertDurham emergency notifications.

DURHAM COUNTY—EMS (EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES)

201 E Main St, Suite 660, 919-560-8285

Durham County EMS (Emergency Medical Services) offers free Vials of LIFE (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) to anyone who wants to make sure that vital information can easily be found during emergencies. It’s a great way to help ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in times of medical emergencies.

Each Vial of LIFE kit is made up of one labeled bottle (approximately 3 inches tall with a screw-on cap—it looks like an oversized prescription bottle), an instruction sheet, a special business-card-sized magnet and a form to fill out with the following information: Name, address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, hospital preference, medical history (there’s a list of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, plus a blank space), other medical history/assistive devices, allergies (to medications or otherwise), doctor’s name and phone, advanced directives (like DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), etc), space for listing medications and dosages, health insurance policy info, emergency contacts (names and phone numbers), and a space for additional information.

After filling out the form, you should fold or roll it up, put it in the bottle, and screw the cap on. Then place the bottle somewhere on the top or condiment shelf of your refrigerator so it can be found easily and stick the magnet on the refrigerator door. If EMS is called to your home, they’ll know to check your refrigerator for a Vial of LIFE magnet, which will then lead them to the Vial of LIFE bottle inside. Emotions can run high, people can get confused, and it’s so important to have one place where vital information can be accessed quickly.

You can get a set for yourself and even get an extra set so you can place a bottle in your vehicle‘s glove compartment. And if you have a family or live with someone, consider getting a Vial of LIFE set for each person (especially for elderly members of your family).

You can pick up your free Vials of LIFE at the Durham County EMS office; call first to make sure they have them in stock. If you can’t stop by, you can order kits by calling Durham One Call (919-560-1200) or via the Durham One Call app, and your order will be mailed to you.

DURHAM COUNTY—SHERIFF’S OFFICE

510 S Dillard St, 919-560-0897; Project Lifesaver, website

Every now and then, we hear about people with special needs who wander off and become lost, which is pretty scary for all involved. Our local Sheriff’s Office is participating in Project Lifesaver, a rapid-response program for finding Durham County residents who have wandered away from home. Here’s how it works: You register your loved-one (with Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, or other related condition) and then have them wear a small transmitter (either a bracelet or anklet). If they go missing, you then contact the Sheriff’s Department and they’ll send out officers to find your loved-one. This service is free, thanks to donations from caring individuals (call 919-560-0871 if you’d like to make one). To download the application, click on the website above and then click on “Project Lifesaver User Agreement.”

DURHAM COUNTY LIBRARY

website

Here are the locations and phone numbers for all of the Durham County Libraries:

Main Library—300 N Roxboro St, 919-560-0100
East Regional Library—211 Lick Creek Ln, 919-560-0203
North Regional Library—221 Milton Rd, 919-560-0231
South Regional Library—4505 S Alston Ave, 919-560-7410
Southwest Regional Library—3605 Shannon Rd, 919-560-8590
Stanford L Warren Branch Library—1201 Fayetteville St, 919-560-0270
Bragtown Family Literacy Center—3200 Dearborn Dr, 919-560-0210.

Here are the current walk-in hours:

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 9:30am–8pm (all libraries except Bragtown)
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9:30am–6pm (all libraries except Bragtown)
Bragtown hours: Mondays 1–8pm; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10am–6pm.

DURHAM CRISIS RESPONSE CENTER

101 E Morgan St, 919-403-6562 (English), 919-519-3735 (español), website

Anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence can always have someone to talk to, and when ready, can get help with taking steps to finding a solution. The Center’s various divisions (Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking, Survivors of Stalking, LBGTQIA+ Support and Services, Teen Support Services, and Resources for Family and Friends of Survivors) offer specialized help for survivors and the families, including temporary emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning, hospital response, support groups, individual counseling, crisis intervention, help with filing for victim compensation, referrals (job training, housing, childcare). The helplines are available 24/7; you can also write to crisisline@durhamcrisisresponse.org.

DURHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY

423 Morris St, 919-683-1551, website

The DHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program has been set up to help public-housing residents put money aside for higher education, starting a business, paying debts, and homeownership. When making those monthly rent payments, residents taking part in the FSS program can set aside some money in an escrow account. Set goals, build financial security, and invest in your family’s future. Write to ResidentServicesDept@DHA-NC.org or call 919-683-1551 x7280 for more info.

DURHAM LITERACY CENTER

1905 Chapel Hill Rd, 919-489-8383, website

The Durham Literacy Center helps adults improve their reading and comprehension skills with the aid of dedicated volunteers. Some want to earn their GEDs in order to continue their education or get jobs, and others want to be able to help their kids with their schoolwork. Others want to expand on a newfound interest in reading for pleasure and new ideas. Classes and tutoring sessions are free of charge. Here are the programs they offer:

Adult Literacy—People age 18+ are matched with trained volunteer tutors or placed in small classes led by staff members. They get help learning how to read and write well enough to fulfill their personal goals. Click here to volunteer; click here to register as a student
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)—People age 18+ join small classes and practice English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while also exploring topics like housing, transportation, employment, shopping, and education. Click here to volunteer; click here to register as a student from Friday, August 1–Sunday, August 10
Youth Achievement Program—Out-of-school young people ages 16 to 24 get intensive and individualized high-school equivalency instruction so they’ll be ready for college and jobs; click here to volunteer
Aprendan Inglés—Tienen clases gratuitas de inglés para ayudar con el trabajo, el cuidado de la salud, las escuela de sus hijos, y las emergencias; llame al 919-489-8383 (se habla español)
Computer Classes—Learn basic skills, including checking email, using a mouse, common software programs, navigating the internet, and filling out online applications
DLC-Threshold Reading and Math Class—A staff member teaches a reading and math class at the Threshold Clubhouse for adults living with severe mental illness.

DURHAM NETWORK OF CARE

website

The Durham Network of Care hosts the Bull City Online Resource Guide, a directory that lists all kinds of information on local nonprofits and community groups. You can look for help under these categories: Addiction/Recovery, Advocacy, Child Care, Community Services, Criminal Justice Resources, Crisis Services, Disaster Relief Resources, Domestic Violence, Education, Employment, Financial Assistance, Food, Housing/Homelessness, Information & Referral, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Legal, LGBTQ, Mental and Behavioral Health, Physical Health, Raising Children, Recreational/Social, Safe Community, Senior Resources, Spiritual, Support and Support Groups, Transportation, and Youth.

You’ll also get access to local lists, including Medicaid doctors and dentists, juvenile justice services, drug rehab centers, food pantries, housing resources, and more. They even have an interactive map so you can see what resources are located where you are.

Click above to explore the directory and to read the latest community announcements. Click in the upper righthand corner to translate the directory into any of 107 languages. If you would like to have your organization included, or if the online information needs to be corrected or updated, call 919-651-8851 or write to dduncan@alliancebhc .org.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

602 E Main St, emergency 911, nonemergency 919-560-4600, Crimestoppers 919-560-1300, website

National Night Out (NNO) started out as a stand for the community; way back in the 1990s, residents turned on their porch lights to make a statement against crime in their communities. NNO has evolved into an evening of celebration, where neighbors get together to host block parties, ice cream socials, food and school-supply drives, and more. Many people across the USA and Canada will celebrate National Night Out on August 5, but here in Durham we celebrate on Tuesday, October 7, when the weather is a little cooler. The Durham Police Department (DPD) compiles information on celebrations around town and coordinates their officers’ schedules so they can stop by (the motorcycle squads are by far the coolest).

Durham communities interested in hosting a National Night Out event can click here to register. (Keep in mind that events don’t necessarily have to be at night—some are held in late afternoon so little kids can participate before sunset.) The DPD will hold virtual Q&A sessions to help everyone get the most out of their event:

Tuesday, July 15, 1pm (community only)
Tuesday, August 19, 1pm (community only)
Tuesday, September 30, 1pm (vendors only).

The DPD will host its own huge National Night Out Kickoff Celebration at police headquarters (602 E Main St) from 4 to 8pm with free food, fun activities, and entertainment. Vendors interested in setting up at this event can click here to register.

If you have any questions, contact Randall Packard or Shiquita Dancy from DPD’s Public Affairs Unit by calling 919-560-4322 or by writing to Randall.Packard@durhamnc.gov or Shiquita.Dancy@durhamnc.gov.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

602 E Main St, emergency 911, nonemergency 919-560-4600, Crimestoppers 919-560-1300, website

Click here to read the Durham Police Department’s 2024 Second Quarter Report covering the period from January 1 through June 30.

A rash of vehicle thefts—mostly Hyundais—has made the news lately, thanks to instructions being shared on social media (and the fact that the manufacturer decided to save money by skipping a couple of steps). Hyundai Motor America recently donated 120 steering wheel locks to the Durham Police Department to donate to local Hyundai owners to help deter future thefts (model years 2011 to 2022). Call first to make sure they haven’t all been given away already.

If you’re the victim of a crime and you filed a report with the Durham Police Department, make sure you get a Crime Case Report Number. Also, get the name of the offender and write down the date of the crime. You have the right to ask for an update on the case, and to ask about the status of the offender (whether he or she has been arrested, etc), plus an update on the upcoming trial (and any trial results). You can also ask when any recovered stolen property will be returned to you. Call Durham Police Department Victim Services at 919-560-4951 for more info. Call the NC Victim’s Compensation Department at 919-733-7974 or visit their website if you’re been hurt and would like to be compensated. Call the Durham District Attorney’s Victim Legal Assistant at 919-808-3010 for help with prosecuting your case.

The PAC (Partners Against Crime) meetings, where you can share information on what’s happening in your community, learn about City and County programs, services, and events, have continued online during the pandemic with virtual meetings on Zoom. (Click here and type in your address if you’re not sure which police district you live in.)

Here’s the PAC meeting schedule:

PAC 1—in person only; 3rd Saturday (July 19), 10am; Holton Career & Resource Center (401 N Driver St, in the 2nd-floor auditorium)
PAC 2—in person and online; 2nd Monday (July 14), 6pm; Edison Johnson Recreation Center (500 Murray Ave); click here to attend via Zoom
PAC 3—in person and online; 2nd Saturday (July 12), 10am; Lyon Park Recreation Center (1309 Halley St); click here to attend via Zoom
PAC 4—in person and online; 2nd Saturday (July 12), 10am; IR Holmes Sr/Campus Hills Recreation Center (2000 S Alston Ave); click here to attend via Zoom
PAC 5—in person and online; 2nd Saturday (July 12), 10am; IR Holmes Sr/Campus Hills Recreation Center (2000 S Alston Ave); click here to attend via Zoom.

You can send a request via email to subscribe to your local PAC’s listserv; write for more info and to have your questions answered:

PAC 1: James Chavis; write to pac.district1@gmail.com
PAC 2: Zion Tankard and Rebecca Redd-Jolly; write to PAC2LeadershipTeam@gmail.com; subscribe to the Pac2Durham Facebook page; click here to visit the PAC 2 website
PAC 3: Mindy Solie and Daryl Mount; write to PAC3LeadershipTeam@gmail.com
PAC 4: Harold Chestnut and LaManda Pryor; write to DurhamDistrict4PAC@gmail.com
PAC 5: Harold Chestnut and LaManda Pryor; write to DurhamDistrict4PAC@gmail.com.

DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Through the Sun Meals program, Durham Public Schools is making sure that young people ages 18 and younger can find free meals this summer through Friday, August 1. Click here to see the breakfast and lunch menu, and click here for the list of locations and their addresses.

A través del programa Sun Meals, las Escuelas Públicas de Durham se aseguran de que los jóvenes de 18 años o menos puedan encontrar comidas gratuitas este verano hasta el viernes 1 de agosto. Haga clic aquí para ver el menú de desayuno y almuerzo, y haga clic aquí para ver la lista de ubicaciones y sus direcciones.

DURHAM TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE’s SMALL BUSINESS CENTER

Chesterfield Building, 701 W Main St, Suite 203, 919-536-7241 x4505, website

Durham Tech’s Small Business Center offers classes, seminars, and webinars for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs who want to ensure their success in business. Here are some of the free, in-person seminars:

Café Emprendedor (Entrepreneurial Coffee)—Tuesday, July 8, 10am–1pm; click here for more info and to register.
Café Emprendedor (Entrepreneurial Coffee)—Tuesday, July 22, 10am–1pm; click here for more info and to register.

And here are free online webinars from small-business centers across the state that you can attend virtually; click here to see even more:

Social Media Marketing Success for Your Small Business: Build a Powerful Online Presence—Monday, July 14, 2–3pm; click here for more info and to register

Advanced Grant Writing—Monday, July 14, 6:30–8pm; click here for more info and to register
Fuel for Success! Optimizing Your Mobile Food Business—Monday, July 14, 7–9pm; click here for more info and to register
How to Make the Most Out of Free AI Tools for Small Business Owners—Tuesday, July 15, 2–4pm; click here for more info and to register
Introduction to Federal Contracting for the Small Business Owner—Tuesday, July 15, 3–5pm; click here for more info and to register
Mastering Social Media Scheduling: A Time-Saving Strategy for Small Business Success—Tuesday, July 15, 5–7pm; click here for more info and to register
Setting Up Google Business Profile—Wednesday, July 16, 5:30–7pm; click here for more info and to register
Building Your Business with Meta (Instagram and Facebook)—Wednesday, July 16, 7–8pm; click here for more info and to register
Create Social Media Content for Your Small Business—Thursday, July 17, 1–2pm; click here for more info and to register
For-Profit Grant Writing—Thursday, July 17, 5–6:30pm; click here for more info and to register
Finanzas Personales: Enfocado en Recuperación tras Desastres (Personal Finance: Focus on Disaster Recovery)—Thursday, July 17, 5–7pm; click here for more info and to register

Google Ads Mastery: Drive High-Quality Leads and Sales for Your Small Business—Monday, July 21, 2–3pm; click here for more info and to register
Cybersecurity 101 for Small Businesses—Tuesday, July 22, 3–4pm; click here for more info and to register
Advanced Academy Course: Value of a Business Legacy: Help Your Business Live On—Tuesday, July 22, 6–7:30pm; click here for more info and to register
Launch Your Airbnb Business: A Beginner’s Masterclass—Tuesday, July 22, 6–8pm; click here for more info and to register
Conceptos Básicos de Impuestos de Negócios (Business Tax Essentials)—Wednesday, July 23, 5–7pm; click here for more info and to register
Marketing 101: Free and Low-Cost Opportunities—Wednesday, July 23, 5:30–7pm; click here for more info and to register
Exploding Your Social Media Visibility—Wednesday, July 23, 7–8pm; click here for more info and to register
Dynamite Marketing on a Firecracker Budget for Small Businesses—Thursday, July 24, 2–3pm; click here for more info and to register
Creating a Nonprofit, pt 3: Nuts and Bolts of Grant Writing—Thursday, July 24, 6–7:15pm; click here for more info and to register
Planning with Purpose: Event Planning for Small Business Owners—Thursday, July 24, 6:30–8pm; click here for more info and to register

Email Marketing Excellence for Small Business: Engage, Nurture, and Convert Your Subscribers—Monday, July 28, 2–3pm; click here for more info and to register
How to Apply for a 501c3—Monday, July 28, 6:30–8pm; click here for more info and to register
Online Seller for the Small Business Owner—Wednesday, July 30, 3–5pm; click here for more info and to register
Why Successful Businesses ARE Successful—Wednesday, July 30, 5–7pm; click here for more info and to register
Sales Funnels; Unlocking Growth for Your Business—Wednesday, July 30, 7–8pm; click here for more info and to register
The Treasure Chest: Finding the Funds to Finance Your Small Business—Thursday, July 31, 2–3pm; click here for more info and to register
Creating a Nonprofit, pt 4: Three Fundamentals of Nonprofit Fundraising and Creating a Plan—Thursday, July 31, 6–7:15pm; click here for more info and to register
Home-Based Business Success—Thursday, July 31, 6–8pm; click here for more info and to register.

E3 DURHAM

411 W Chapel Hill St, marketing@forwardcities.org, website

E3* Durham helps aspiring entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses. Once you’ve come up with an idea that you believe can work as a business, you’re invited to meet with a navigator who can offer ongoing support. Once you’re referred to one of E3 Durham’s partners, you’ll get guidance in obtaining the funds that can help you get started and set up your business for future success. Monthly meetings are held at their office for entrepreneurs whether they sign up to work with E3 Durham or not. Partners include the City of Durham, Durham Tech’s Small Business Center, Echo, Helius, Infinity Bridges, Knox St Studios, North Carolina Central University’s School of Business, and Provident 1898.

* E3 = Equity for Every Entrepreneur

ECU DEMENTIA CAREGIVER/PATIENT SURVEY

Dr Rashmita Basu, 252-744-2785, basur19@ecu.edu

Dr Rashmita Basu from Eastern Carolina University is looking for people with dementia and caregivers of individuals with dementia who can fill out surveys for research purposes. The caregivers will be asked questions describing the tasks they take on to help their loved-ones, and the people with dementia will be asked if they need help throughout the day. It should take around a half-hour to complete the survey, and each person with receive a $15 gift card for their participation.

EL CENTRO HISPANO

2000 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 26a, in the Lakewood Shopping Center, 919-687-4635, website

JÓVENES LÍDERES EN ACCIÓN (Young Leaders in Action) — This program for Hispanic/Latino youth (ages 14 to 18) involves them in activities that are designed to help them develop leadership and increase their chances to go on to further their education or to get meaningful jobs. They will also learn about social and environmental justice, gain some life skills, and get mental health and wellness support as needed. Feel free to write to community specialist Denisse Burgos at dburgos@elcentronc.org.

FRIENDS OF THE DURHAM LIBRARY

Books Among Friends, in the Shoppes of Hope Valley, 3825 S Roxboro St, 919-908-6004, website

Friends of the Durham Library used to hold occasional sales at various places like the Main Library (before it was renovated) and the old Northgate Mall. Now we’re able to browse online all year ’round, make our purchases, and then pick them up at Books Among Friends (in the Shoppes of Hope Valley, 3825 S Roxboro St) on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9am–3pm, or on Thursdays from 9am to noon. If you’d like to help out by donating new and gently used books, CDs, audiobooks on CD, DVDs, and puzzles and games, click here friends-of-the-durham-library.square.site to schedule an appointment on a Tuesday or Saturday between noon and 3pm. Funds raised from these sales help run programming at the various Durham County libraries.

GoDURHAM

515 W Pettigrew St, website, click here to plan your trip in real time and download the myStop for use on your iPhone or Android phone

GoDurham’s Better Bus Project is now in the design phase. This 18-month project is supposed to improve access to the bus system; increase bus speed and reliability; and make improvements to the Durham Station Transit Area, the Fayetteville Street Corridor, and the Holloway Street Corridor/Village Transit Center. Click here to read all about the Holloway Street segment of the project (called “Holloway Street: Safe Access to Durham’s Busiest Transit Route”) and to sign up for GoDurham’s email list. You can also call 919-307-5942 or otherwise keep up via social media—/GoDurhamTransit on Facebook, @godurhamnc on instagram, and @movesafedurham on X/Twitter.

HOMESHARE DURHAM

504 W Chapel Hill St, 919-688-2036, website

Home sharing is an alternative housing model that started back in the 1970s. Ideally, homeowners are matched with people who are looking to share their space. The benefits are shared housing expenses, plus the cost of utilities; companionship and increased security; and mutual assistance. Locally, HomeShare Durham serves a multicultural, intergenerational group of sharers and seekers who are looking for the perfect partnership. To be eligible to work with HomeShare Durham, sharers have to have their own space, pass a background check, and must be responsible landlords who do not abuse substances. Housing seekers must currently live within the city, provide three references, pass background checks, and must be able to provide rent and/or useful services while also not being substance abusers. Both sharers and seekers will work with a case manager, who will do their best to choose compatible candidates who can successfully live together and get along nicely. HomeShare Durham is a Durham Congregations in Action (DCiA) program. Call or visit the website for more info.

HOPELINE

website

HopeLine is a service that anyone can call and have someone to talk to when they’re in crisis. Trained volunteers are available 24/7 on the Crisis Line and on weekdays, 3–9pm on the Text Line. Both can be reached tollfree at 877-235-4525. This mental health nonprofit operates out of Wake County but serves the entire state

Another service that HopeLine provides is their Reassurance Call Program. Anyone can sign up for 5- to 10-minute calls a couple times a week. To be eligible you must live in North Carolina and dealing with isolation, having a disability, or lacking social support.

If you’d like to become a HopeLine volunteer, visit the website (posted above) to learn more and to get in contact with the volunteer trainer.

JEWELS OUTREACH

website

Families Moving Forward (the homeless shelter at 300 N Queen St) is running a program called There Is a King in You for boys and male teens. Businessmen and male community leaders are invited to step forward as speakers/presenters to inspire and encourage setting goals toward a successful life. Contact the host, Jewels Outreach, by writing to jewelsnet2016@gmail.com.

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA

201 W Main St, Suite 400, 919-688-6396 (local)/866-219-5262, website

NC Medicaid has expanded offering healthcare coverage to people ages 19 to 64 years with higher incomes. If you didn’t qualify before, you should try again. Click here for more info.

Legal Aid NC offers free help to low-income residents in all 100 counties in North Carolina. Here are some of their programs:

Legal Aid Helpline—help with civil (noncriminal) legal problems; call 866-219-5262 weekdays 8:30am–4:30pm and 5:30–8:30pm on Mondays and Thursdays; or apply online.
Senior Legal Helpline—help for those age 60+; call 877-579-7562 weekdays 9–11am and 1–3pm; or apply online.
NC Navigator Helpline—get help enrolling in affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov); call 855-733-3711 weekdays 9am–5pm; or apply online.
Fair Housing Helpline—get help dealing with housing discrimination; call 855-797-3247 weekdays 9am–5pm; or apply online.
Battered Immigrant Helpline—immigrants who are victims of domestic violence can get help; call 866-204-7612 on Tuesdays 3:30–7:30pm and Thursdays 9am–1pm; or apply online.

MAAME (MOBILIZING AFRICAN-AMERICAN MOTHERS THROUGH EMPOWERMENT)

1208 Fayetteville St, 919-709-3120, website

MAAME is a local nonprofit that helps individuals (and growing families) access quality reproductive, prenatal, and postpartum care. They’re training community-based health workers, including doulas, and childbirth educators, to aid in maternal healthcare. MAAME is focusing on filling the gap of services that are available for communities that are between poverty and financial stability, and for those who aren’t eligible for public services and support but can’t afford them. Programs include age maternal health (both physical and mental), access to healthy foods, and job search and readiness.

To be eligible for the Eat Well program (where you can get $80 monthly for grocery shopping), you must be a pregnant or postpartum resident of Durham, Wake, Orange, Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, or Johnston county; must have a child (or children) up to age 5, and proof that you need free services.

MEALS ON WHEELS

2522 Ross Rd, 919-667-9424, website

Meals on Wheels delivers food to people who are homebound and/or who can’t prepare their own food (and anyone being newly released from the hospital can get 2 weeks’ worth of food). Instead of daily deliveries, Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers now drop off boxes of five to seven frozen meals for the week. To receive free meals, you have to meet certain qualifications; otherwise you can pay for (or toward) meals via check, credit card, food stamps, or cash ($5 per meal (full price) or $3.80 per meal (with SNAP discount). Click here for more information about services and how to apply. Feel free to call if you have questions or if you need help filling out the application.

If you’d like to volunteer by sorting food and supplies or by being a delivery driver, click here for more info.

NAR-ANON

Durhamnfg@gmail.com

Relatives and friends of people with addictions are invited to attend their own 12-step program to help figure out ways to understand and support their loved-ones. Get your questions answered and identify community resources while meeting others who are in similar circumstances. NAR-ANON meetings are held every Thursday, 5–6pm, at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church (2200 S Alston Ave).

NATIONAL CAUCUS AND CENTER ON BLACK AGING (NCBA)

1105 S Briggs Ave (in NCWorks Career Center), job counselor: Melverlene Suggs, 919-560-6880 x235, smelverlene@myncba.com

NCBA’s Durham office helps local seniors (age 55+) find jobs (statewide, NCBA serves 18 counties in North Carolina). Right now, paid, on-the-job community-services training is available for those who meet the income guidelines and can work 20 hours per week. They also need to participate in assisted job searches; each will receive minimum-wage stipends. Contact job counselor Melverlene Suggs to set up an appointment.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

NIA Information Center 800-222-2225 • Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 800-438-4380

Keep up with useful information and resources on healthy aging and dementia in English and Spanish:

Healthy Aging—Access health information, videos, and infographics on exercise, caregiving, and more; click here
Envejecimiento Saludable—Acceda a información de salud, videos e infografías sobre ejercicio, cuidados de familiares y más; clic aquí

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias—Find tips, resources, and clinical trials for people living with dementia, caregivers, and families; click here
Enfermedad de Alzheimer y Demencias Relacionadas—Encuentre sugerencias, recursos y estudios clínicos para personas que tienen demencia, y sus cuidadores y familias; clic aquí

Free Print Publications—Order easy-to-read materials on topics related to healthy aging and dementia; click here
Publicaciones Impresas Gratuitas—Solicite materiales fáciles de leer sobre temas relacionados con el envejecimiento saludable y la demencia; clic aquí.

NC NAVIGATOR CONSORTIUM

855-733-3711, website

The NC Navigator Consortium, in partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina, offers free help by answering questions about health insurance and Medicaid. Get help enrolling into a plan, filing out applications, and you can get help if denied or terminated from Medicaid.

NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

27 Horne St, Raleigh, 919-828-6501, website

The NC Council of Churches’ Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) initiative is looking for faith communities to apply for grants to help educate their communities/congregations.

Mini-Grants for up to $1,000 are available for houses of worship that can come up with projects that fit into the focus areas of the PHW program, including tobacco cessation and prevention, healthy eating, increasing physical activity, mental health, HIV/AIDS, healthy aging, and the drug-overdose crisis. Your congregation must have submitted a PHW Collaborative Pledge within the past 12 months, and if I read the description correctly, you can apply when submitting your mini-grant application.

Community Grants can be sought by a group of congregations (at least three) that want to work together while identifying a clear need for the project idea they come up with. Each congregation must not have received a mini-grant over the past year, and together the group can receive up to $5,000 for their project. Each must submit a PHW Collaborative Pledge.

BIPOC (Black/Brown, Indigenous, People of Color) Mental Health Grants are also available. Houses of faith serving these communities can apply for funding between $5,000 and 10,000 to use for COVID-19 mental-health efforts.

Click here for more info and for instructions on how to apply.

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

website

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering the Hope4NC helpline for people needing free and confidential emotional support, counseling referrals and community resources. The Hope4NC helpline number is 855-587-3463; click here for more info, to start a chat, send a text message, and to get help in English or Spanish.

North Carolina has Good Samaritan laws that protect people who call 911 to save a life even if they themselves are in possession of unlawful substances. Just about seven people in North Carolina die from drug overdoses/alcohol poisoning every day, and the State wants to reduce those numbers. Through the “Safe to Call” campaign, the State wants people to know that they shouldn’t hesitate to call 911 if they’re with someone who’s in danger of ODing. Often they don’t call because they don’t want to be arrested. Anyone (even minors) shouldn’t worry about being taken into custody as long as they’re acting in good faith to save a life and cooperate with law enforcement by giving their names. Click here for more info.

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

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Quitline NC

800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669), español 855-DÉJELO-YA (855-335-3569), website

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has a free program, QuitlineNC, that’s available 24/7 and in many languages, that helps people quit their smoking/vaping/chewing/vaping habits. You can call and talk with an English- or Spanish-speaking trained tobacco quit coach to set up a personalized program to work through. (Translation into additional languages is also available.) Get ongoing support and encouragement. Even if you have already quit but having trouble staying tobacco-free, you can call to keep yourself on track. When personalizing your program, you’ll get help identifying what’s triggering you to turn to tobacco; find new ways to handle tough, stressful situations; talk about what has not worked for you in the past; and find more resources to help you quit and stay tobacco-free. You might be eligible for free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges. If you prefer to enroll via text and keep everything text-based (as opposed to making a phone call), get the ball rolling by texting READY to 200-400.

This Is Quitting

NCDHHS’s Department of Public Health has a new program, This Is Quitting (TIQ), for people who want to quit their e-cigarette habit. Many young people get hooked to vaping before their realize that vaping can be just as addictive as old-school cigarettes. You can get support 24/7 via text with confidential tips and motivation from your support system system of successful quitters. To get started with this free program, text VAPEFREENC to 88709.

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has set up the Adopt-a-Highway program to address the trash and litter program along the state highways. Volunteers—community groups, schools, faith communities, civic and social organizations, and individuals—are invited to commit to at least 4 years of tidying up along the side of a 2-mile stretch of roadway. Litter cleanups usually occur 4 times a year, and sometimes more on really busy roads. NCDOT will provide each group with safety training, high-visibility safety vests, and trash bags. Click here to choose the 2-mile stretch your group would like to adopt, and the click here to start the application process.

NORTH CAROLINA READING SERVICE

211 E Six Forks Rd, Suite 103, Raleigh, 919-832-5138, website

The North Carolina Reading Service (formerly known as the Triangle Radio Reading Service) helps blind and visually impaired people keep up with the news and entertainment worlds. Volunteers read local news stories, editorials, obituaries, books, and advertisements from a variety of publications. They also read special programs that discuss specific topics like education, tech tips, and legal matters. Users can then listen via their smartphone and tablet apps, the NCRS website, or with any “Alexa”-enabled device.

Listeners who don’t have internet access can borrow specially tuned receivers free of charge. Donations to NCRS help cover the average price of $70 per receiver, and some listeners make donations if they’re able to. Click here to see the various ways of enjoying the broadcasts and to see the list of podcasts included with the service. Visit the website if you’d like to make a monetary donation or if you’d like to be a volunteer reader.

NORTH CAROLINA REGISTRY FOR BRAIN HEALTH

919-613-8633, ncbrainhealth.org

The NC Registry for Brain Health connects people to current research studies, tips for maintaining brain health, and resources for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. After joining, registrants will receive regular updates, quarterly newsletters, free educational materials, and no-pressure invitations to research studies. The registry was made possible thanks to a partnership of Duke University, the UNC School of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, North Carolina A&T State University, and Eastern Carolina University. Visit the website to learn more and to register. Click here to read the Spring 2025 newsletter.

NOTE IN THE POCKET

1010 Martin Luther King Pkwy, 984-317-6683, website

Note in the Pocket (NitP) is a nonprofit that started in Raleigh and expanded to Durham. Their mission is to provide good-quality clothing to children and families in need. They partner with school social workers and local agencies to get clothing to people going through tough times and homelessness. Individuals and organizations are welcome to donate gently used clothing and shoes (in closed bags), and if you have a lot (thanks to a clothing drive), write to info@noteinthepocket.org to schedule a dropoff. And if you enjoy shopping online, you’re encouraged to go to the NitP Amazon or Target page to order modestly priced items from their Wish List. Volunteers are always needed to help sort clothing and to serve as Fairy Godmothers to fill clothing requests once a month or whenever you can afford to. Every now and then NitP cohosts popup events where they distribute clothing at community food giveaways and other scheduled events. Note in the Pocket is open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and Saturdays from 9am to noon.

PROJECT BUILD

City of Durham/Durham County, 326 E Main St, 919-560-8580, website

Project BUILD (Building Uplifting and Impacting Lives Daily) is a gang intervention program that endeavors to save young people ages 14 to 21 escape the street life and turn things around. Participants in danger of falling prey to street gangs are offered one-on-one coaching in pro-social behavior, positive decision making, finding opportunities for education and employment, and more. Services are provided by a team with members who specialize in the areas of education, social services, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and criminal justice. Visit the website for more info and to refer someone to this multidisciplinary program.

RALEIGH-DURHAM AIRPORT (RDU)

2400 John Brantley Blvd, in Morrisville, 919-840-2123, website

RDU participates in the Sunflower Program*, which aims to improve the airport experience for travelers with hidden disabilities throughout the world. A traveler wearing a special yellow-on-green sunflower-branded lanyard can get extra help or time to go through security or any other feature within the airport. A “hidden” disability can include dementia, autism, and learning difficulties, as well as physical and mental health conditions and mobility or speech impairments. You can pick up a free sunflower-branded lanyard or pin at RDU Information Desks in both Terminals 1 and 2. You can also call the Airport Authority at the above number to make special arrangements for pickup.

* founded by the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Organization

TSA also offers special assistance to travelers when needed; a TSA officer or supervisor can always be asked to have a passenger-support specialist provide on-the-spot help. Their program is called TSA Cares.

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

1110 Navaho Dr, 4th floor, Raleigh, 919-713-1570

Resources for Seniors administers the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Heating & Air Repair & Replacement Program, which help eligible Durham and Wake County seniors access services that can lower their utility bills free of charge. Services include repairs/tune-ups to heating and cooling systems; sealing air leaks around windows and doors; insulating attics, walls, floors, ducts, and pipes; replacing existing light bulbs with energy-efficient ones; and replacing old refrigerators with energy-efficient models. Major repairs are not undertaken with this program. Homes with good weatherization can save homeowners up to $300 per year. Renters can also participate, but you’ll need your landlord’s approval.

Households with someone receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are automatically eligible. Another way to be eligible is to have a low enough annual income; one-person households shouldn’t exceed $27,180, and two-person households shouldn’t exceed $36,620. Call for more info and to see if you can apply for one or both of these programs.

SCORE (SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES)

103 W Main St, 201-412-8718, website

SCORE offers free workshops that are designed to help entrepreneurs plan for success and improve their prospects of running successful businesses. The local SCORE office has relocated to Durham and they serve Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties. Free mentorships and a wealth of resources are also available. Here are the webinars and in-person seminars on offer for this month:

Simple Steps for Starting Your Small Business #1—Thursday, July 10, 5:30pm; click here for more info and to register

Power of Capital—Tuesday, July 15, 6–7:30pm; click here for more info and to register

21 Ways to Fund a Nonprofit—Tuesday, July 22, noon; click here for more info and to register

Simple Steps for Starting Your Small Business #1—Thursday, July 29, 12:30pm; click here for more info and to register.

SENIOR PHARMASSIST

406 Rigsbee Ave, 919-688-4772, website

Senior PharmAssist will host a series of Medicare Basics seminars for those who are about to turn 65 and need to learn more. In-person workshops will be held at the Durham Center for Senior Life (406 Rigsbee Ave) on Tuesday, June 10, at 6pm. Click here or call 919-688-4772 to register for one of these free seminars.

SIEMBRA NC

336-543-0353, website

Siembra NC is a grassroots organization that teaches communities how to deal with abusive landlords and landlords, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and predatory politicians. They operate in Durham and various counties across the state, offering workshops, trainings, and downloadable literature. Siembra NC’s phone number also serves as a hotline number that you can call if you spot an ICE presence/actions in your neighborhood; they’ll help get the word out to alert others in the area. Here are some upcoming virtual workshops:

Moving Your City + County to Support Immigrants—Thursday, July 10, 8pm; learn what to do locally, including getting 4th Amendment Resolutions passed and ending contracts/relationships with businesses complicit in enabling ICE; click here to register and get the Zoom link
How to Build an ICE Watch—Tuesday, July 15, 7pm; learn how to protect neighbors and family against ICE; click here to register and get the Zoom link
Fourth Amendment Workplaces—Monday, July 28, 7pm; learn about unconstitutional arrests, the rights of employers and workers, and the restrictions on law enforcement in accessing private areas + tips for creating safety protocols; click here to register and get the Zoom link
Peer Coaching Circle: Groups Trying ICE Defense—Tuesday, July 29, 8pm; find out what other folks are doing to counter ICE and share ideas; click here to register and get the Zoom link
Avelo Campaign: Peer + Local Group Strategizing Space for August Actions—Thursday, July 31, 8pm; if you’re planning an event countering deportations via Avelo Airlines next month, share strategies and ideas; click here to register and get the Zoom link
Avelo Day of Action in Airports: Take Action—Wednesday, August 6, 8am–8pm; learn about in-person and virtual events across the country to protest the use of aver Airlines to carry out deportations; click here to sign up to participate.

SPROUTS CLUB

Durham Wednesday Farmers Market, Durham Central Park (501 Foster St), website

If you plan to shop at the Durham Wednesday Farmers Market, be sure to take the kid(s). During market hours, 3–6pm, the Sprouts Club offers fun educational activities, including seed planting, learning about composting, and smoothie making for young people. After each child completes the week’s activity, he or he receives $5 in Market Bucks to spend at the Farmers Market. (Please keep in mind that Foster St isn’t shut down on Wednesdays as it is on Saturdays … so take care when crossing the street to and from the play area.)

STEPUP DURHAM

112 Broadway St, Suite B, in ReCity, 919-813-0207, website

StepUp Durham helps people age 18+ find a job, first by providing soft skill training, personalized employment counseling, budgeting classes, and connections to resources. You can also get scholarships for certificate and short-term courses. The goal is to land a job paying at or above $15 per hour within 90 days of enrolling in the program. Candidates can’t have pending charges and must be able to pass a drug test. Click here to get the ball rolling.

STUDENT U

WG Pearson Center (600 E Umstead St), website

Following the motto, “Empowering Students, Building Leaders, Changing Communities,” educators/staff with this nonprofit organization support middle and high school students with educational and lifeskills programming as they make their way to college. Students can get tutoring, go on college tours, gain financial literacy, and attend year-round afterschool programs. College students can learn about scholarships, getting mentors, and receiving individualized year-round support. Click on the website (above) for more info on upcoming workshops, consultations, and programs.

Adults who are interested in being volunteer tutors, can click here to sign up. Volunteers serve at least once a week during afternoon or evening hours for a semester (usually from 1 to 2 hours per session). You can choose to volunteer in person or virtually.

TRANSFORMING FAMILIES NC

LGBTQ Center of Durham, 919-827-1436, website

Transforming Families NC is a peer-led resource and support group, operating out of the LGBTQ Center of Durham. Parents and caretakers of transgender, gender creative, gender nonconforming, and questioning youth are welcome to attend virtual meetings on the first and third Sundays of each month from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Write to transformingfamiliesnc@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org for more info and to get the Zoom link.

TRIANGLE NONPROFIT AND VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP CENTER

3333 Hwy 15-501, 919-321-8910, website

The TNaVLC will host free Digital Literacy Training for Seniors sessions at First Presbyterian Church (305 E Main St). Students (digital navigators) will teach older adults (age 55+) how to access information online and improve their skills, including emailing, finding community resources and telehealth sites, making video calls, exploring social media, and understanding AI (artificial intelligence). Choose Tuesday sessions—July 8, 15, 22, and 29; Wednesday sessions—July 9, 16, 23, and 30; or Thursday sessions—July 10, 17, 24, and 31; and then decide whether to attend in the morning (10am–noon) or afternoon (1:30–3:30pm). After attending all of the training sessions, the seniors will receive $75 stipends. Call 919-321-6875 for more info.

VILLAGE OF WISDOM

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The Village of Wonder has started Dreamship, a black parent fellowship, which has four goals, which are to explore:

How to rest in Blackness and heal through Black Genius
How to use creativity and art to protect Black Genius
How to use research and design to protect Black Genius, and
How to change the way educators teach and protect Black Genius.

Their approach is to encourage and uplift black students, some of whom might feel that being black is a disadvantage. Parents are invited to click here for more info and to fill out the interest form so they can attend meetings and workshops to help their children.

Feel free to explore the website to learn about additional programs and activities.

WELCOME BABY RESOURCE CENTER

721 Foster St (in the Durham Cooperative Extension building), 919-560-7150, website

Welcome Baby has several programs that offer practical, educational, and emotional support to parents and caregivers of young children. Most services are free; visit the website or call for more info:

Parenting Workshops—Weekly workshops centered on child-development behaviors and infant-care questions.
Staff Consultations—One-on-one meetings between parents and staff parent educators
Car Seat Safety Program—Learn how to safely install and use car seats, and then purchase one on a sliding-fee scale
Cribs for Kids—Expectant families or families with children up to 6 months old can get a referral for a Pack ’n Play portable crib and playpen
Giving Closet—Families can receive clothing, breastfeeding accessories, and maternity items 6 times a year.

Welcome Baby also provides collection bins in Durham County libraries for those who want to donate winter coats and accessories for young children in need. Call if your community organization or house of worship wants to hold their own coat drives in connection with Welcome Baby.