Our 50th Anniversary
On June 4th 2023, we staarted a year-long observance of our 50th anniversary. We are commemorating this year, not in celebration, but in recognition of all the wonderful and amazing work that has been done in this community.
Over the course of the next year, we will be having many events to go along with our anniversary, as well as many opportunities to further your support and commitment to our mission. We believe we are the solution to halt the growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Duluth. With your support, we can make our vision a reality.
50 Years of Compassion
June 4th, 1973
Central Hillside United Ministries Established
May 28th, 1975
Chum Church Established
April 27th, 1981
Emergency Food Shelf Opens
April 19, 1982
Chum's Drop-in Center Opens
10 congregations joined together to form Chum, an ecumenical coalition to address unemployment and declining population, truancy and school dropouts, alcoholism, inflation, and the growing number of elderly people who need assistance.
Chum Church was created as a tool to integrate adults with developmental disabilities into the mainstream worship community. Soon Chum Church became its own congregation and spiritual home for about 100 adults. Originally, Chum Church met at First United Methodist Church and then moved to Peace United Church of Christ in 1982. Chum Church ended in 2021 when the Program Coordinator retired.
Just as the economy was beginning to fall apart, Chum opened the first East location at Bethel Baptist Church and moved several times before settling at its current location. The West location at Our Savior's Lutheran Church opened in 1982 and continues today. During the economic recession of the 1980's Chum's Food Shelf served 1,000 households each month.
The first Drop-in Center location was a storefront at 208 E. First Street. The goals of the Center were to: provide a chemical-free alternative to the bar scene; offer counseling and information and referrals for food, housing, clothing, and chemical dependancy treatment; be the initial point of contact for people exiting treatment facilities and jail; provide a social environment, and to provide a downtown meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous. The Center moved to its current location in 1998.
50th Anniversary Sponsors
The following businesses have answered the call to be difference-makers in our community. Not only have they partnered with us in our mission, but they have also decided to go above and beyond with generous donations to support our cause.
Champion Sponsors
Advocate Sponsors
Ally Sponsors
Dougherty Funeral Home
50th Anniversary Honorary Co-Chairs
These amazing individuals are community leaders and have chosen to be honorary Co-Chairs for the 50th Anniversary
Let's Stay In Touch
As the largest safety net for those experiencing homelessness in the Northland, we stay pretty busy. If you want to help us accomplish our mission, and stay connected with everything happening sign up for our newsletter!