History

Founded in 1974 by Rev. and Mrs. Ernie Mills, the Lord has blessed the ministry of the Durham Rescue Mission as He has mended shattered lives for His honor and glory!

In November 1974, the Durham Rescue Mission could provide safe shelter for 12 men. Soon we were turning men away because of the lack of space.  In 1978, the Lord blessed with a larger church building just a block away at 1201 East Main Street with space for 35 men.

In 1993, the Lord directed the opening of a home for mothers with small children. In a three-story home, we were able to provide safe shelter for 5 mothers and their children. Soon we had a waiting list!  In 1997, we opened a shelter for families. Again, we were able to open our doors to only five families. In 1998, we opened a shelter for single women. 

Today, our ministry continues to grow under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  From the opening of the doors to the first two-story house at 1301 East Main Street in 1974 to three campuses in the Durham area, the ministry continues to grow today.

Our men's ministry has expanded to provide shelter for over 100 men.  We have combined our women, children, and families’ ministries in one building. The Good Samaritan Inn, located at 507 East Knox Street, has been completely paid for by Friends of the Durham Rescue Mission. With this expansion, we now have space to triple the number of women, children, and families we can minister to each day.

Rescued Treasures Thrift Shoppe and Auto Sales opened in 2006 at the corner of Cornwallis Road and Highway 55 in Southern Durham.  This unique shop is an eclectic mix of always changing donated items, ranging from art to vehicles. This store is a tremendous help to us in raising funds for our operating budget.

The Mission is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We provide food, clothing, shelter, vocational training, continuing education, job placement, permanent supportive housing, and Christian counseling 365 days a year. With the support of individuals, businesses, civic groups, foundations, grants, and churches, we have been helping the needy and homeless since 1974

A donation of $15 or more, will earn you a copy of "A Step of Faith: The History of the Durham Rescue Mission." When making your donation please choose "Step of Faith Book" under giving options and your copy will be mailed to you. Click here, to make your donation to help transform lives at the Durham Rescue Mission. If you would like to schedule a tour of the Durham Rescue Mission, please email tom.douglas@durhamrescuemission.com. If you would like a book and cannot purchase one at this time, please contact us.