“The Victory Program gave me hope that I can start over again.”

As soaring rent prices send even more men, women and their children to our doors, we must be able to provide not only meals, care, and hope to each of them—but also ready to support the needs of neighbors who are struggling physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

As this crisis continues to unfold, your support this holiday season is vital. We must provide for people in need and be examples of God’s unwavering grace, no matter the challenges we face together.

Will you help ensure we are ready to meet the needs of all who come to us for help this season?

Problems of this magnitude require a bold, powerful, and urgent response; all this is possible with God. Through His faithfulness and with your help, we can help our neighbors seek new lives—and what better time to do that than at Christmas?

As always, thank you for your faithful support. None of this work would be possible without your friendship, partnership, and your prayers.

Serving our homeless and hungry neighbors,

Rev. Rob Tart
CEO/President

P.S. The Durham Rescue Mission counts on the dedicated support of our donors to care for every neighbor in need this holiday season. Please consider a generous gift today to provide meals, shelter, and life-transforming care as we strive to be His hands and feet during these trying times.

For 20 years, Chuck traveled the world as a professional wrestler, entertaining thousands with his incredible athletic prowess. But his fighting talents were put up against his toughest opponent yet: cancer. Diagnosed with lymphoma, a kind of blood cancer, Chuck credits God for giving him the strength to beat it—three times.

Back home in Durham, Chuck began sharing the story of his spiritual journey this battle started him on, speaking here at the Durham Rescue Mission and around the city. He spoke to the individual struggles that our clients were facing, showing them how while each story might be different, the way we approach it is the same.

“After I’ve told my wrestling story, I’d say, ‘Now that I told you that, here’s the real battle. It’s a spiritual battle within, it’s not a physical battle,’” Chuck shares.

Chuck met Ernie Mills, Jr., the son of our founder, at the church they both attend. He learned that a full-time position was coming available here at the Durham Rescue Mission, and his life experience would make him an ideal candidate for the role.

Now serving the Durham Rescue Mission as our Major Donor Representative, Chuck is a powerful source of inspiration for everyone in our care.

“I wanted to be able to serve the Lord since He gave me three new chances after cancer. This was the opportunity for me to be saturated every day with just the ongoings of the Mission’s ministry and hearing people’s stories,” Chuck says.

Each of us responds to God’s call to spread his love and compassion, whether through giving, volunteering, or motivating neighbors in need like Chuck is doing here now. We’re so grateful for his service, and for supporters like you who are a blessing to the people who come through our doors.