news from the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, 800-227-2345 x1, website:
The Road to Recovery program provides free rides to and from cancer-related treatments for Durham County residents. You need to give at least four business days’ notice, with the date, time, and location of your appointment. This service operates on weekdays, 8am to 5pm, and it relies on volunteer drivers—so if you have the time and ability to offer assistance as a driver, please click here for more information. Drivers might not be able to accommodate physically disabled patients, but it’s usually okay to take a friend/family member who can help you in and out the vehicle. 
news from the 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:
ONLINE CLASSES—These classes can be taken at your convenience after you’ve paid for them:
news from the ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY OF DURHAM, 2117 E Club Blvd, 919-560-0640:
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 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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). 
news from the BOOK HARVEST RAPID RESPONSE CENTER, 2501 University Dr, 252-497-2665, website:
Need books? The Book Harvest has outdoor bookshelves filled with culturally inclusive children’s books. Your child is invited to browse and choose books to take home (and keep). If you need books for your program or service, check out Grab-and-Go, where you can drive up and receive a bag of new and gently used books (grouped by age: pre-k, k–grade 2, grades 3–5, middle school, and high school). This is available by appointment only, this month on Saturday, April 24, 1–5pm. 
news from the CITY OF DURHAM:
Click on the calendar to see all of the City of Durham committee, subcommittee, commission, board, and other meetings for the month of April. 
news from the CITY OF DURHAM:
Low-income Durham residents facing eviction can apply for help from Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Duke Civil Justice Clinic. Together they run the City of Durham’s Eviction Diversion Program and have helped hundreds and individuals and families save their homes and apartments. Call Legal Aid NC at either 866-219-5262 or Robbie Breitweiser (in the local office) at 919-688-6396 x4540. Leave a message with your name and the best time to contact you. You’ll get a call back; please note the your phone will show that the caller is using a blocked or unlisted phone number. 
news from the CITY OF DURHAM — SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT:
You can drop off Hazardous Household Waste on Tuesdays and Wednesdays noon to 6pm, Thursdays and Fridays 7:30am to 3pm, and Saturdays 7:30am to 3pm, at 1900 E Club Blvd. They'll take paint, used motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers, pool cleaner, strong cleansers, stains, varnishes, and fluorescent bulbs. 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 Dept at 919-560-4381 or visit City of Durham—Hazardous Waste for more info.
news from the CITY OF DURHAM — WATER MANAGEMENT:
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).
news from the CITY OF DURHAM — WATER MANAGEMENT:
The City has a Water Hardship Fund that can help you catch up with your past-due water bill. You can apply online for up to $240 in assistance (per year) if you have a documented hardship (such as loss of job), have past-due bills, and are in danger of having your water cut off. Click here to fill in an application form. Submit it, and when you’re contacted you might be asked to provide identification, proof of income, and a copy of your water bill.
news from the CITY OF DURHAM — YOUTHWORKS:
Durham YouthWorks is a paid, work-based learning experience for young people ages 16 to 24 who want to learn about the working world. The program has put together multiple 4-week sessions to choose from with flexible situations (based on the individual’s interest and availability, he or she can take on a job/project that can range from a 1-hour commitment to 15 hours. Fourteen- and 15-year-olds are also encouraged to apply; the City is working on putting something together for these younger jobseekers. Click here for more info and to apply. 
news from the CITY OF DURHAM and DURHAM COUNTY:
The City of Durham and Durham County will soon be able to put a combined $9 million in federal funding toward a rental/utilities-assistance program. (The City received $8 million and the County received $1 million and they decided to join forces.) The program will be set up to help people who are unemployed, have had their pay cut, in danger of becoming homeless, and those who have household incomes at or below 80% of the AMI (area median income, which in Durham is a bit more than $80,000/year for a household of three). They’re working on the program and are planning to start accepting applications in mid- to late-March. More details are coming soon--stay tuned. 
news from the DURHAM COUNTY, 414 E Main St,
919-560-8000, website: Click on the calendar to see all of the Durham County committee, commission, advisory council, and other meetings for the month of April.
news from the DURHAM COUNTY, 414 E Main St, 919-560-8000, website:
Durham County is looking for bilingual Spanish-speakers who can volunteer to do client intake on first, third, and fifth Wednesdays, 5–7pm, at the Durham Community Food Pantry (at Catholic Charities, 2020 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 30,). For more info and to sign up, click here to visit the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center.
news from the DURHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, 414 E Main St, 919-560-8000, website:
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.
news from the DURHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, 414 E Main St, 919-560-8000, website:
DSS is now accepting applications for the North Carolina Housing Opportunity and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) program. Low- and moderate-income renters whose jobs were affected by COVID-19 can get rent and utility assistance to keep them from losing their apartments/homes and having their utilities cut off. This is a federally funded program (carried out by HUD (Housing and Urban Development). Rent assistance is paid directly to the landlord, including overdue and future payments, for up to 6 months. When you apply, you must be at least one month behind in paying your rent. Same procedure with utility payments (such as electricity, water, sewer/wastewater, and natural gas/propane). Start by calling 2-1-1. You’ll be screened and hopefully referred to Social Services (DSS) to complete the application process. If you prefer to do this online, go to nc211.org/hope. (Click here for Spanish.) Please keep in mind that you can only get help from a federally funded program at a time. If you’re already participating in a similar program, you can’t sign up for this one.
news from DURHAM COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE:
Durham County Fire & Rescue offers a free service where you can have someone carefully check over the child seat that you use in your car or van. There's no industry standard when it comes to their operation and installation and parents are often surprised to find out that they haven’t installed their child seat correctly. The Durham Fire Department no longer offers this service but three of the County stations do:
Be sure to call to make an appointment. 
news from DURHAM COUNTY LIBRARY, website:
The Durham County Library is starting to gear up for reopening. Library customers can now log in to their accounts or call 919-560-0103 to place a hold on books/CDs/DVDs and then pick them up. Materials can be searched (when you know what you’re looking for) or browsed. All of the libraries (including the Main Library!) will be open for material pickups Tuesdays through Fridays 11am–6pm and Saturdays 10am–2pm. If you don’t have a library card, click here and get a temporary, online digital card that will allow you to take out books and materials.
news from DURHAM COUNTY LIBRARY, website:
The Durham Library Foundation and Durham County Library will cohost LibraryFest from Monday, April 5 through Saturday, April 10. Fun and educational events will take place online for both kids and adults. Here are the highlights:
Click here to see the entire schedule. 
news from the DURHAM CRISIS RESPONSE CENTER, 206 N Dillard 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 help with taking steps to finding a solution. These helplines are available 24/7; if email is preferred, write to crisisline@durhamcrisisresponse.org. 
news from the DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 511 Cleveland St, 919-560-2000, website:
DPS is looking to hire bus drivers, bus monitors, custodians (full-time and part-time), school nutrition staff, before- and after-school staff, and substitute teachers. Starting pay is $15 per hour. Click here for more info. 
news from 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 a few of the free seminars. Additional free seminars from small business centers across the state are listed here:
news from GO DURHAM and GO TRIANGLE, website and website:
GoDurham and GoTriangle are offering free shared rides to and from your COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Call GoDurham at 919-560-1551 or GoTriangle at 919-485-7582 to schedule your ride at least 24 hours in advance. 
news from the NASHER MUSEUM OF ART AT DUKE UNIVERSITY, 2001 Campus Dr, website:
The Nasher is still closed to visitors for now, but they’re offering free memberships (for a limited time). Gain access to members-only virtual talks and exhibits; get a free subscription to the museum’s e-newsletter, AND get access to hundreds of museums from across the country! If you’re interested, click here to apply for your free membership, and do it soon. 
news from the NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, a service of the Library of Congress, Washington DC:
The National Library Service, in cooperation with libraries across the country, hosts the That All May Read program. People with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that keeps them from reading or holding a book can have braille or audio books delivered to them free of charge. You can choose physical books or free downloads. Click here to get started. 
news from NCWORKS NEXTGEN, 112 Broadway St:
The NCWorks NextGen program is looking for referrals of young people ages 17 to 24 who are seeking work experience internships, paid classroom training, or job opportunities. Their aim is to help those in the most need, for example, those who are pregnant or parenting, involved (now or in the past) with the justice system, homeless, high school dropout, or low-income or laid off due to COVID-19. Young people can’t sign themselves up—they must be referred by an agency or organization. Contact NCWorks Next Gen/Eckerd Connects area manager Alexis Franks at 984-209-3100 or afranks@eckerd.org for more info, and click here to refer someone. 
news from the NEW VISIONS OF AFRICA RESTAURANT, 1306 Fayetteville St:
The New Visions of Africa Community announces their participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. Locally, this program is run under the Durham Health and Human Services through their Child and Adult Care Food Program. Free snacks and meals will be distributed on weekday afternoons to people in need from 3 to 6pm. Grocery giveaways are held on Tuesdays at 12:30pm; be sure to sign in by noon. Contact Marcia Hargrove at community@nvoac.org for more info. Please note that you won’t be served if you’re not wearing a face mask. 
news from the NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, website:
Just a reminder that supplemental nutrition WIC benefits don’t roll over from month to month. Be sure to use up all of the benefits you’ve been given every month. You can download the Bnft app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android) to make sure that you never miss eWIC account updates. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announces an app, SlowCOVIDNC, which can let you know if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Of course, this only works if people who have tested positive submit their results for use of the makers of this app. Ideally, SlowCOVIDNC will play a part in slowing the spread of the virus. 
news from OPERATION MEDICINE DROP, website:
Formed by a partnership of Safe Kids North Carolina, the Riverkeepers of North Carolina, NC State Bureau of Investigation, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of North Carolina, and local law enforcement agencies, Operation Medicine Drop is an initiative that helps people safely dispose of expired and unused medications. A common practice is to flush them down the toilet, but that poisons the waters and endangers wildlife. Simply tossing them in the trash is also a bad idea. Someone could come along, fish them out, and use them as recreation drugs. A large percentage of overdoses and other drug-related problems are actually due to the abuse of over-the-counter medications (some of which have been improperly disposed of). Operation Medicine Drop provides safe dropoff points for those who want to get rid of their old medications easily and safely. Here are the Durham locations:
news from the PHOENIX CROSSING SHOPPING CENTER, 908 Fayetteville St, 919-680-2878:
The exterior, ground-level retaining walls of the Phoenix Crossing Shopping Center need pressure washing and painting, and the Hesters are looking to hire someone for the job. Paint, rollers, and drop cloths will be furnished. Call with your cost and availability dates. 
from SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives), website:
SCORE offers free, live webinars that are designed to help entrepreneurs plan for success and improve their prospects of running successful businesses. The local SCORE office is in Chapel Hill and they serve Orange, Durham, and Chatham counties. Free mentorships and a wealth of resources are also available. Here are the webinars on offer for this month:
news from TOGETHER FOR RESILIENT YOUTH (TRY), website
TRY (Together for Resilient Youth) has access to resources and wants to help people in Durham, Craven, Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren counties. You might feel isolated, need quarantine supplies, have COVID-19 symptoms, are just might need someone to talk to. Write to NCAHHH@aol.com and say that you’d like to fill out a Referral Request for anything mentioned above or if you need financial help for rent, utilities, food, or transportation. Ask about the 14-day COVID-19 kit. TRY is working in partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services, COVID Social Support, Curamerica Global, and Duke University. 
news from the WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER OF NORTH CAROLINA / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MINORITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “THE INSTITUTE,” 114 W Parrish St, 2nd floor, 919-956-2334, website:
The WBCNC offers free webinars for entrepreneurs (the information is useful for all). Here are some of the upcoming webinars; visit the website and get familiar with their services, including one-on-one counseling:
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