News Flash

Durham Police Department (DPD) officers are out helping homeless individuals during our first blast of winter weather.

DPD’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and others recently handed out nearly 10 “Empowerment Coats” to homeless people in Durham. Empowerment Coats are heavy duty sleeping bags that convert into a winter coat when needed.

The giveaway was a kickoff for a larger homeless outreach initiative planned for January 26 – the Bull City Fresh Start Initiative.

The team decided to hand out coats early to those in dire need who couldn’t wait any longer. 

The Bull City Fresh Start Initiative is a collaborative effort between the Durham Police Department, City of Durham’s Department of Community Development,  Healing with CAARE Inc., and other stakeholders within the community.  

The Initiative targets Durham’s homeless population with the goal of locating them, offering assistance, and providing them with supplies and housing options.  

On January 25, 2017, from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m., teams of three to four volunteers, accompanied by one police officer, will go out into the community to meet homeless individuals where they live. Volunteers will approach individuals/households who appear homeless and survey them. Homeless persons identified by the street count may be offered access to a shelter, provided some donated items, and a list of available resources in the community. 

Peopled Interested in becoming homeless outreach volunteers should call (919) 560-4438 extension 29227.