What Durham's shelter system offers and how to get in

Durham has several shelter options, but they are not all the same. The main shelter is Durham Rescue Mission, which operates year-round beds for men and women in separate facilities. There is also Family Shelter Services, which houses families with children. A third option, Interfaith Homeless Shelter, operates seasonally during winter months (typically November through March). Which shelter you can use depends on your household composition — whether you are a single adult, part of a couple, or a family with children.

To get a bed, you typically walk in during intake hours or call ahead. Intake usually happens in the afternoon or early evening. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and information about where you slept the night before. Most shelters do not require advance booking; they work on a first-come, first-served basis until beds fill. Once full, shelters maintain a waitlist, and staff may direct you to overflow options or other services.

The shelter system in Durham is coordinated through the Durham Housing Authority and local nonprofits. If you are unsure which shelter fits your situation, calling 211 (a free information line) will connect you to someone who can tell you which shelter has beds available that day and what the intake process looks like right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Durham Rescue Mission is the largest year-round shelter and takes single adults; Family Shelter Services takes families with children; Interfaith Homeless Shelter operates seasonally in winter.
  • You do not need an appointment — most shelters accept walk-ins during intake hours, typically afternoon or early evening, on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Bring a photo ID if you have one, but lack of ID will not prevent you from getting a bed; shelters need your name and date of birth at minimum.
  • Shelters fill up, especially in winter and on cold nights; calling 211 before you go tells you whether beds are available that day.
  • Shelter stays are usually temporary; staff can connect you to case management, job training, and housing search programs while you are there.

What you need to bring and what the shelter provides

Bring as little as possible. Most shelters have limited storage space, and you cannot leave belongings unattended during the day when the shelter is closed. A photo ID is helpful but not required. If you have medications, bring them in their original bottles with your name on the label — the shelter will store them and distribute them on schedule. If you do not have a bottle, tell staff when you arrive; they may be able to help you get a replacement from a pharmacy or clinic.

Shelters provide a bed, a meal (usually dinner and breakfast), and a safe place to sleep. Most also provide a locker or find storage for small items. Bathrooms and showers are available. Some shelters offer laundry facilities; others direct you to a nearby laundromat and may provide vouchers. Clothing donations are sometimes available on-site, though selection varies. Do not count on specific items being in stock.

You will not have access to your bed during daytime hours. Most shelters close from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., and you must leave. Staff can tell you about day centers, libraries, or other places to spend your time. Some shelters offer programming during the day — job readiness workshops, health screenings, or mental health support — but these are not may provide every day.

Rules, curfew, and what gets you asked to leave

Shelters have rules. Curfew is usually between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., depending on the shelter. You must be back by that time or you lose your bed for the night. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the premises. If staff suspect you are under the influence, they may ask you to leave or refuse to let you stay. Weapons of any kind — including knives — are prohibited.

Violence, threats, or aggressive behavior toward staff or other residents will get you removed when ready. Sexual harassment or assault will result in permanent removal and a police report. Theft is taken seriously; if you steal from another resident or the shelter, you will be asked to leave and may be banned.

Smoking is not allowed indoors at any Durham shelter. Some shelters have a designated outdoor smoking area; others do not allow smoking on the property at all. Ask staff when you arrive.

If you are asked to leave, ask why and whether you can return the next night. Some removals are temporary (24 hours); others are permanent. If you are permanently banned, staff should tell you about alternative shelters or services. If you believe you were removed unfairly, ask for the shelter's grievance process — most have one, though it varies by location.

Health screening and what happens if you are sick

When you arrive, staff will ask basic health questions: Do you have a cough? A fever? Any communicable illness? This is routine and helps the shelter keep everyone safe. If you have symptoms of illness, tell staff. You may be placed in a separate area or offered a mask. Shelters are crowded environments, and respiratory illness spreads quickly.

If you need medical care, shelters can connect you to a clinic or emergency room. Some shelters have a nurse on-site or partner with a local health center. If you have a chronic condition — diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma — tell staff. They can help you find ongoing care and may be able to store medications safely.

Mental health support is available through most shelters, either on-site or through referral. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, tell a staff member when ready. They can connect you to crisis services or take you to an emergency room.

How long you can stay and what happens next

Shelter stays are meant to be temporary. Most shelters allow you to stay 30 to 90 days, though this varies. Some allow longer stays if you are working with a case manager on a housing plan. Ask staff about the length of stay when you arrive.

While you are in the shelter, case managers can help you look for permanent housing, explore for housing vouchers, or connect you to transitional housing programs. They can also help you find work, explore for benefits, or address legal issues. This support is part of the shelter's mission, not something you have to pay for.

When your stay ends, staff should give you notice and information about next steps. If you have nowhere to go, tell your case manager as soon as possible. They may be able to extend your stay, move you to transitional housing, or connect you to other resources. Do not wait until your last night to ask for help.

Shelter locations and contact information in Durham

Durham Rescue Mission operates two facilities: one for men and one for women. Both are in central Durham. Men's shelter: 117 Pettigrew Street. Women's shelter: 1005 Fayetteville Street. Phone: (919) 682-5282. Intake is daily; call to confirm current hours and bed availability.

Family Shelter Services houses families with children. Location varies; call (919) 688-9000 to find the current address and intake hours. Families should call before arriving to confirm a bed is available.

Interfaith Homeless Shelter operates seasonally, typically November through March. Location and phone number change year to year. Call 211 or the Durham Housing Authority at (919) 560-4400 to find the current location and hours.

For any shelter, call 211 (free, 24 hours) to learn which shelters have beds available today, what the intake process is, and what to bring. 211 is a neutral information line and can also tell you about other services — food banks, job training, mental health clinics — in Durham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ID to get into a shelter?

A photo ID is helpful but not required. Shelters need your name and date of birth to check you in. If you do not have ID, tell staff. They can still give you a bed. If you want to get an ID later, staff can tell you where to go and what documents you need.

What if I have a pet or service animal?

Service animals are allowed. Pets are usually not. If you have a service animal, tell staff when you arrive and bring documentation if you have it. If you have a pet, ask staff about pet-friendly shelters or temporary boarding options in Durham. Some animal rescues offer free or low-cost boarding for people experiencing homelessness.

Can I stay at a shelter if I have a job?

Yes. Many shelter residents work. If your job keeps you out past curfew, tell your case manager. Some shelters can adjust curfew or provide a key for late arrival. You do not have to leave the shelter just because you are employed.

What if I have been banned from a shelter?

Ask the shelter why you were banned and whether it is permanent or temporary. If it is temporary, you can return after the ban period ends. If it is permanent, ask about other shelter options or services. Call 211 to learn about alternatives. If you believe the ban was unfair, ask for the grievance process.

Can I bring my partner or friend to stay with me?

No. Each person must go through intake separately and be assigned a bed based on availability and shelter policy. Your partner or friend can arrive at the same time and go through intake, but they cannot stay in your room. Couples may be housed together depending on the shelter and availability; ask staff when you arrive.