DURHAM RESCUE MISSION

More Than Just Food

One of Durham's most valuable institutions operates outside the sway of
government, and does very good work as a happy result. We're talking about
the Durham Rescue Mission, which has grown from a single building in East
Durham to a small campus under the firm hand of its founder, the Rev. Ernie
Mills.

The Rescue Mission is in the business of not only changing lives, but
literally saving them. When the temperature drops below freezing, Mills
sends his aides into the streets to spread the word that they have a warm
place waiting for them at the mission. Not every homeless person - Durham
is thought to have about 500 - accepts Mills' offer. It does come with a
dose of old-time religion, which turns off some people.

But for others who see the light in the window, the Durham Rescue Mission
becomes more than warm food and a place to sleep. It is the entrance to a
productive life free from drug addiction and alcohol abuse.

According to The Herald-Sun's Eric Olson, the mission at 1201 E. Main St.
had room for only four people in 1974, the year of its founding. Today, it
shelters 116 men and 48 women, along with children. Managing this number of
residents is a formidable and expensive task. It is also one that is
accomplished without tax dollars.

The Durham Rescue Mission can always use contributions of clothing and
other household items. But it also needs POM - plain old money - to keep
the kitchen filled with the savory smells of nutritious food, clothes and
bed linens washed and the heating bill paid. Like the folks who run the
mission, your donation works hard and with a purpose.