Item:
Title
Announcements (5min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: November 10, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
1. Disruption to Food & Nutrition Benefits - The Durham County Department of Social Services has received notices from state and federal agencies that as the government shutdown continues, there will be a disruption in food and nutrition benefits. We know how important these benefits are to you and your family. DCoDSS will continue to process applications and recertifications as normal. The NCDHHS has announced that partial November SNAP benefits will be disbursed, and it will continue to have updates on their website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns <http://www.ncdhhs.gov/fns>.
2. Food Resources Website - The Durham Food Security Coordinator, the departments of Social Services, Public Health and Public Information have created a webpage with information on food security and resources at <https://dconc.gov/Public-Information/SNAP-Update>. This page includes links to food pantries, the Durham Food Resource Map, community organizations who can provide food or that residents may donate to, the Durham Public Schools’ free meals program for all students, tips on donations, and more.
3. Open Space Matching Grant Deadline on Nov. 12 - The Durham County Open Space Matching Grant Program is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 cycle until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12. The program is designed to assist organizations, non-profits, and residents in Durham County, both inside and outside the city limits, in preserving open space lands and promoting new or improved recreational opportunities for citizens of Durham County. Information and application instructions are available at <https://www.dconc.gov/matchinggrants>. Email brmoore@dconc.gov <mailto:brmoore@dconc.gov> with questions.
4. 13th Annual Welcome Baby Winter Coat Drive - The Welcome Baby program out of the Durham Cooperative Extension is hosting its 13th annual coat drive. Last year’s event collected and distributed a record-breaking 1,427 coats that benefited Durham County youth. The Welcome Baby team is looking to top that number this year and asks community members to donate gently used and new children’s coats, hats, and scarves in sizes newborn to 8 years. This year’s event will run from Monday, November 17, 2025, until Friday, January 9, 2026. Find out where to drop-off donations, how to start your own drop-off site, and more at <https://dconc.gov/DurhamCo-News/Welcome-Baby-Hosting-13th-Annual-Winter-Coat-Drive.htm>.
5. Feedback Wanted for Durham Bus Rapid Transit Vision Plan - The Durham County Transportation Department is seeking community input on the development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Vision Plan to ensure it reflects local priorities. There is one virtual session remaining on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join here: <https://kimley-horn.zoom.us/j/98587989690>. Residents may also share feedback with online survey here: <https://durhambrtvision.com/Fall_2025_Survey>. More info can be found at <https://durhambrtvision.com>.
6. DCoDPH Offers Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments - The Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) is now offering appointments for updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (2025-2026 formula) for all people age six months and older. Due to limited vaccine supply, vaccinations are available by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 919-560-7608. Find more important information here: <https://dconc.gov/DurhamCo-News/Public-Health/updated-2025-26-covid-vaccines.htm>.
7. Watch November “In Touch with Durham County” Show - The November edition of the “In Touch with Durham County” show features Veteran Services Supervisor Jonathan Crooms and Department of Social Services Child Welfare Social Worker Dana Stewart to the show. Watch it here: <https://youtu.be/sYgU5Yh_dJc>.
8. Most DCo Offices to Close for Veterans Day - Most Durham County Government offices will close in observance of the Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. All offices will reopen with normal hours on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Read about impacts on services at www.dconc.gov <http://www.dconc.gov>.
9. Durham County Government 2025 State of the County - Please join the Board of County Commissioners on Monday, November 24, 2025, for the Durham County Government 2025 State of the County. Chair Allam will share the organization's key achievements from the past year, and present new initiatives aimed at addressing both current and emerging needs across our community.
Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to the meeting. These donations will be collected to help stock local food banks during a time of critical need, supporting families facing food insecurity throughout Durham County. To learn more about ongoing community efforts to address food insecurity, visit <https://dconc.gov/Public-Information/Community-Food-Resources>.