Mission Statement
The Mission of Rescue Mission Ministries (d/b/a Durham Rescue Mission) is to meet, through the power of Jesus Christ,
the needs of the whole person - spiritual, educational, emotional, physical, vocational, and social - so that those who are
hurting may become fully functioning members of society.
Description
In 1973, the Reverend Ernie C. Mills and his family came to Durham with a vision of helping those in need. They did not
know anyone in the area and had no sponsoring agent, but the Lord had given them a burden for this area.
The first year was very hard. Our country was in a recession and going through an oil embargo. There was no extra
money for anything - even a worthy cause like a rescue mission.
The Lord blessed in 1974 and the doors of the first two-story Durham Rescue Mission were opened. A house was purchased
at 1301 East Main Street. In this first building, we could provide shelter for 12 men. Soon it was full and we were
having to turn men away for lack of space. In 1978 the Lord blessed again with a larger building just a block away at 1201
East Main Street.
In 1993, the Lord directed the opening of The Opportunity Place, a home for mothers and children. In this three story
home, we were able to provide sleeping space for 5 mothers with their children. In 1997, we opened the Family Place, a
shelter for families. Again, we were able to open our doors to five families. Then in 1998, we opened a shelter for single
women in our original house for our Men?s Division.
Today our ministry continues to grow under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We have combined our Women and Children?s
ministries in one building. The Good Samaritan Inn, our Women and Children?s ministry at 507 East Knox Street, has been
completely paid for by Friends of the Durham Rescue Mission. The East Wing is newly renovated, allowing us to use half
of this spacious building. We plan to begin renovations on the West Wing in the near future. Once this wing is
completely renovated we will be able to triple the number of women and children we can minister to each day.
Rescued Treasures Thrift Shop, opened in 2005 at the corner of Cornwallis and Hwy 55 in South Durham, is an eclectic mix
of always changing donated items, ranging from art to vehicles. This store will be a 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, education, 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.
