Item:
Title
Approval of Grant Agreement with Urban Ministries of Durham in the amount of $548,681
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: July 13, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is asked to authorize the County Manager to negotiate and enter into a $548,681 grant agreement with Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) for the continued provision of an emergency shelter in Durham for individuals experiencing homelessness. Durham County has played a vital role in Urban Ministries' operations from its inception in 1983, providing substantial annual operating support. The County owns the shelter side of the facility and leases it to UMD for $1 per year, while maintaining ownership of critical building systems. UMD is Durham's primary, publicly funded shelter for the unhoused. The County recognizes the importance of UMD's non-profit services to the Durham community, as the number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Durham has almost doubled since 2019.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Focus Area: Empowered Community, Objective EC3: Support efforts which ensure that Durham residents of all economic backgrounds have access to housing; Initiative EC 3a: Develop strategies to partner with stakeholders and identify funding and resources to reduce housing insecurity. This initiative is one of the County's essential efforts under EC 3a, reflecting the ongoing partnership with Urban Ministries of Durham, a key stakeholder in the ongoing efforts to reduce housing insecurity and homelessness.
Resource Persons: Maurice Jones, Deputy County Manager; John Keefer, Director of Organizational Effectiveness; Montana Scott, Management Analyst, Organizational Effectiveness.
County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board authorize the County Manager to negotiate and enter a FY2026-2027 grant agreement totaling $548,681 with Urban Ministries of Durham.
Signature
County Manager: _______________...
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