Dec. 12, 2023

St. Philip’s partnership with UMD is in the news!

Several news outlets reported that members of St. Philip’s, Urban Ministries of Durham and other partners recently asked a joint meeting of the Durham City Council and Durham County Commissioners for a commitment to help with the cost and eventual operation of UMD’s proposed multi-service homeless center. In one interview for CBS 17, our own Rev. Maryann reminded the greater Durham community that St. Philip’s believes in the dignity of every human being.

The project is still in the information-gathering phase, with next steps including a feasibility study. If the project goes forward, St. Philip’s would provide land for the new shelter in exchange for the county’s parcel on our shared block. The land swap would let UMD continue providing services while they expand.

Elected officials responded with positive interest and enthusiasm in the project. County Commissioner Wendy Jacobs said the plan was “visionary.“

“I want to applaud St. Philip’s,” she said. “This is the kind of leadership and partnership we have in our community. You are willing to provide an asset that you have – land – and the plan we just saw is [the] completely innovative, outside-the-box thinking we need.”

Why a new multi-service homeless shelter?

Decades ago, St. Philip’s members helped found Urban Ministries of Durham. Since then, St. Philip’s has partnered with UMD to help serve our most vulnerable neighbors.

As the need for housing in Durham is growing, we’re now we’re contemplating our most significant partnership with UMD yet: a land exchange that would enable them to build a multi-service homeless shelter on our shared block. The new shelter would provide emergency shelter, meals, and expanded day services while helping UMD clients secure permanent housing.

St. Philip’s is committed to walking with UMD as they explore these exciting ideas. By partnering with our neighbors in this way, we’re fulfilling our baptismal vows to respect the dignity of every human being.