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Contact 102 W 2nd St Duluth, MN 55802 218-720-6521 chum@chumduluth.org First Name Last Name Email Select an Address Phone Message I would like to volunteer I would like to receive information about Chum I would like to receive monthly updates from Chum Thanks for submitting! Send Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum Wishlist

Please Consider Supporting CHUM There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form CHUM Wishlist

Second Saturdays Looking for a consistent opportunity to volunteer every month? Second Saturdays are an amazing way to give back to your community. If you would like to join us next month signup below. ​ We will not be meeting in April because it falls on Easter! Second Saturday Signup Monthly Volunteer Opportunities If you would like to be involved in a consistent, month to month, volunteering opportunity check out Second Saturdays. At various locations each month, we get together to serve the needs of our community! ​ Through member congregations and other volunteers, we have been able to meet many needs so far. For these events, we respond to the highest need we see in our community and organize accordingly. ​ If you or a group would like to get together to serve on one of our Second Saturday events, please fill out our form to sign up! ​ Sign up and join us next month! What We Have Done So Far In the past few months we have done the following events. They have all made such a big difference for the people Chum serves. Christmas Cookies for Warming Center guests. Casserole Crock Pot Servings for St. Francis Residents. Advocacy training to make a difference in local legislation. Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum Wishlist

About Chum people of faith working together to provide basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a just and compassionate community. Chum is a 501(c)(3) organization whose programs serve more than 8,000 low-income, homeless, hungry, isolated, or otherwise marginalized community members in Duluth, MN each year. Chum was founded in 1973 when 10 churches in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood pooled their resources to meet the needs of the neighborhood’s many low-income residents. ​ We are now the largest service safety net in Duluth, MN for those experiencing homelessness. We provide the basic needs that everyone has and help our guests move forward to begin to prosper. Chum Is Made Up Of 4 Big Parts Helping those in Crisis transition Stabilization Services Chum's stabilization services have many parts. The drop-in center/shelter is a place where anyone can stay. It also has a clinic where anyone can get the medical attention they need. ​ ​ Learn More The backbone of our organization Congregational Outreach, Advocacy, and Organizing The congregations that support Chum are core to who we are. These 44 congregations reach out, advocate, and organize for justice for those who have no one to stand up for them. ​ Learn More Making sure everyone in Duluth stays fed Food Distribution Services Includes two emergency food shelf locations in Duluth, MN. In 2022 we delivered over 500,000 pounds of food to those in need. ​ This program also delivers food to those who cannot get to our locations. ​ Learn More Responding to the housing shortage in Duluth Housing Services We offer home-making services to those escaping trauma and crisis by providing a roof over their heads and a place of their own. ​ ​ We help families at the Steve O'Neil Apartments break cycles of homelessness and provide support to prosper in life! ​ At the St. Francis Apartments, we provide a safe place for seniors to create a home and accomplish their goals. ​ Learn More Stabilization Services Chum's stabilization services include the emergency shelter program for families and individuals, homeless street outreach, the Chum Drop-In Center, the Chum Clinic, family and individual case management, employment services, and benefits advocacy. ​ All of these programs are our way of responding to the growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Duluth, MN. Each program meets people right where they are and gives them the tools, opportunities, and support to find housing and thrive in life. Learn More Distributive Services Chum's distributive services include two emergency food shelves (providing 572,000 pounds of food to 6000 households in 2022), and household start-up assistance for individuals and families moving from shelter to permanent housing. ​ We also have the program we call, Chum 2 GO, which provides food to those who do not have easy access to transportation. Now folks all over Duluth have access to good quality and healthy food. Learn More Congregational Outreach, Advocacy and Organizing This service focuses on faith-based organizing and advocacy at the state and local level, and volunteer outreach and coordination for all of Chum’s programs. ​ Chum’s member congregations and service population participate in Chum’s Outreach and Advocacy efforts to encourage policymakers to respond better to the needs of low- and no-income people, particularly those who are experiencing homelessness or hunger, or who experience racial inequity. ​ Learn More Housing Services We have two buildings that are devoted to longer-term housing for individuals transitioning from homelessness. ​ The Steve O'Neil Apartments and the St. Francis Apartments are devoted to giving folks the comforts of being in their own space and working toward finding permanent housing. In these spaces, they have access to our huge support line to get them back to where they want to be. ​​ Learn More Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum's Wishlist

Distributive Services Our Distributive Services provide support to individuals who are experiencing food insecurity. Our Food Shelf in Duluth, MN provides people with a basic necessity we all take for granted, access to food and sustenance. Our Food Shelf The Chum Food Shelf located at 120 N 1st Ave West is open Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or until supplies run out. Individuals can come through our line and receive a food box full of healthy foods. ​ On Mondays, we distribute food at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Ave, from 10 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or until supplies run out. ​ In Duluth, our community's need for the Chum food shelf has only been growing. We do everything we can to provide for these folks, but we need our community's help as well. It is when the village comes together to provide that we all get what we need! ​ If you would like to support our food shelf, donations can be brought to 120 N 1st Ave W Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Come down the alley and ring the bell, we will be happy to take any and all donations! Chum2GO is a food shelf program intended to increase food access and promote food security in Duluth. The program is specifically intended to reduce barriers for people who may otherwise have a difficult time visiting the food shelf locations in person. Chum2GO serves people with disabilities, large families, seniors, and people who do not have access to transportation. Deliveries are made every other Thursday. The distribution goes from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. ​ If this is a program you need to utilize yourself please fill out this form: ​ ​ ​ We are always needing drivers so that we can serve as many families as possible. If you have a valid driver's license, are able to lift/carry 50 lbs, and have a working vehicle we could use your help! Please contact our Food Distribution Coordinator, April LeDoux by email or phone. aledoux@chumduluth.org or 218-727-2391 ext. 4 ​ Sign Up Page for Chum 2 Go Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum Wishlist

Advocacy Lobbying is an important part of advocating for issues that impact our community. When you lobby a government official, you are attempting to influence decisions they make that affect you, your neighbors, our community, our state, or our country. Policies To Be Advocated For How To Lobby Elected Officials You can write a letter, schedule a visit, make a phone call, or send an email! ​ What to say and how to say it effectively: ​ Set your goals- one or two issues are a better way to go so your issues stand out and your intent is clear. What do you want to get out of your visit, email, or phone call? Are you asking them to support legislation, commit to a vote on your issue, or educate them on a specific topic? Listen to learn- listening is one of the most important things to do while lobbying. It’s your opportunity to learn more about the elected official’s thoughts on your issue, where they stand, and opportunities to provide more information on your topic. Be prepared, but not an expert- Read up on your issue and be well prepared, but don’t feel like you need to be an expert in the field in order to talk to your elected official. It’s okay if you don’t know an answer to their question because this is a great opportunity to learn more and follow up with them once you know more. Keep it short- try to keep your message short and concise. Elected officials want to hear from their constituents, but they also run on a tight schedule. Whether you like what you hear, or are disappointed in their response it’s okay to let them know, but be respectful. Always thank them for their time and leave room for further discussion if needed. Build Rapport - express your appreciation to elected officials when they support your issues, but there may be a time when they don’t support an issue that you think they should. Even if they don’t support your position, your visit or communication on the issue could be enough to prevent them from being active opponents. Share a personal story- Sharing a personal story about how your issue personally affects you can be powerful. Explaining why the issue is important to you through a story is a great way to make your issue real and relatable for your elected official. ​ Link to finding your legislator: https://www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/districts/ Map of districts, legislators or city councilors, and their contact info Where is your congregation? List of congregations under each district Chum’s local-level priorities include an increase in shelter capacity, construction and preservation of affordable housing, healthcare, and educational equity, and identifying actions to dismantle structural racism in Duluth. We need Shelter Capital to expand shelter and staffing capacity ​ In Duluth, there are 155 shelter beds (with all shelters usually at or above capacity). In addition, there are about 600 people utilizing the Warming Center or living in places unfit for human habitation. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We need funding for Stepping On Up ​ Stepping On Up will change the response to homelessness in Duluth and move people from being unsheltered to living in our Shelter-Next facilities ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We need funding for Affordable Housing ​ The shelter will always be necessary as an emergency response to a crisis resulting in homelessness, but it should be a short-term, one-time stay that leads to stable and affordable housing. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Read More Read More Read More Policies to be Advocated For Chum’s local-level priorities include an increase in shelter capacity, construction and preservation of affordable housing, healthcare and educational equity, and identifying actions to dismantle structural racism in Duluth. We need Shelter Capital to expand shelter and staffing capacity In Duluth, there are 155 shelter beds (with all shelters usually at or above capacity). In addition, there are about 600 people utilizing the Warming Center or living in places unfit for human habitation. ​ Chum provides a low-barrier shelter for persons who encounter access issues with other shelter models. A low-barrier shelter does not require individuals to be sober during their stay. Likewise, there are people who encounter issues with the low-barrier model. We need more shelter beds to provide access for those currently unable to utilize the low-barrier shelter. Ask our legislators to support the Pathway Home Act (HF444 & SF388) which provides: $150 million for Shelter Capital in one-time funding $40 million in 2024/25 and $70 million in 2026/27 for Emergency Services Program grants If passed, we can use these funds to expand short-term shelter capacity, and acquire or construct innovative transitional and long-term housing for unsheltered people working to build more stable lives. We need funding for Stepping On Up Stepping On Up will change the response to homelessness in Duluth and move people from being unsheltered to living in our Shelter-Next facilities (four of them, each sheltering 25 persons, providing access to needed stabilization services, and allowing barriers to be addressed); and then into ultra-affordable housing (200 of them) where they can build a community that can make stability, employment, and self-sufficiency possible. Ask our legislators to support the Pathway Home Act (HF444 & SF388) which provides: $150 million for Shelter Capital in one-time funding (Phase II) $40 million in 2024/25 and $70 million in 2026/27 for Emergency Services Program grants (Phases I – III) $25 million in 2024/25 and $40 million in 2026/27 for Homeless Youth Act grants $9 million for Transitional Housing Programs (Phase III) If passed, we can use these funds to: Create Shelter-Next housing for people following their release from treatment, corrections, or chronic homelessness. (Phase II) Provide training opportunities for people experiencing barriers so they can have stability and independence, and attain employment and self-sufficiency. (Phase III) ​ We need funding for Affordable Housing The shelter will always be necessary as an emergency response to a crisis resulting in homelessness, but it should be a short-term, one-time stay that leads to stable and affordable housing. There is a big need for affordable units where those working at minimum wage can rent using no more than 30% of their monthly income. People working in the community should be able to live near their place of employment. Duluth needs 3800 affordable housing units by 2029 (2020 Mayor’s Housing Task Force Report) Ask our legislators to support the Pathway Home Act (HF444 & SF388) which provides $750 million one-time investment in homes to address the full continuum of housing needs and ensure homes for all. Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum Wishlist

About Chum people of faith working together to provide basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a just and compassionate community. Chum is a 501(c)(3) organization whose programs serve more than 8,000 low-income, homeless, hungry, isolated, or otherwise marginalized community members in Duluth, MN each year. Chum was founded in 1973 when 10 churches in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood pooled their resources to meet the needs of the neighborhood’s many low-income residents. ​ We are now the largest service safety net in Duluth, MN for those experiencing homelessness. We provide the basic needs that everyone has and help our guests move forward to begin to prosper. Chum Is Made Up Of 4 Big Parts Helping those in Crisis transition Stabilization Services Chum's stabilization services have many parts. The drop-in center/shelter is a place where anyone can stay. It also has a clinic where anyone can get the medical attention they need. ​ ​ Learn More The backbone of our organization Congregational Outreach, Advocacy, and Organizing The congregations that support Chum are core to who we are. These 44 congregations reach out, advocate, and organize for justice for those who have no one to stand up for them. ​ Learn More Making sure everyone in Duluth stays fed Food Distribution Services Includes two emergency food shelf locations in Duluth, MN. In 2022 we delivered over 500,000 pounds of food to those in need. ​ This program also delivers food to those who cannot get to our locations. ​ Learn More Responding to the housing shortage in Duluth Housing Services We offer home-making services to those escaping trauma and crisis by providing a roof over their heads and a place of their own. ​ ​ We help families at the Steve O'Neil Apartments break cycles of homelessness and provide support to prosper in life! ​ At the St. Francis Apartments, we provide a safe place for seniors to create a home and accomplish their goals. ​ Learn More What's new at Chum? 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! First Name Email Submit Thanks for Joining The Team! Stabilization Services Chum's stabilization services include the emergency shelter program for families and individuals, homeless street outreach, the Chum Drop-In Center, the Chum Clinic, family and individual case management, employment services, and benefits advocacy. ​ All of these programs are our way of responding to the growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Duluth, MN. Each program meets people right where they are and gives them the tools, opportunities, and support to find housing and thrive in life. Learn More Distributive Services Chum's distributive services include two emergency food shelves (providing 572,000 pounds of food to 6000 households in 2022), and household start-up assistance for individuals and families moving from shelter to permanent housing. ​ We also have the program we call, Chum 2 GO, which provides food to those who do not have easy access to transportation. Now folks all over Duluth have access to good quality and healthy food. Learn More Congregational Outreach, Advocacy and Organizing This service focuses on faith-based organizing and advocacy at the state and local level, and volunteer outreach and coordination for all of Chum’s programs. ​ Chum’s member congregations and service population participate in Chum’s Outreach and Advocacy efforts to encourage policymakers to respond better to the needs of low- and no-income people, particularly those who are experiencing homelessness or hunger, or who experience racial inequity. ​ Learn More Housing Services We have two buildings that are devoted to longer-term housing for individuals transitioning from homelessness. ​ The Steve O'Neil Apartments and the St. Francis Apartments are devoted to giving folks the comforts of being in their own space and working toward finding permanent housing. In these spaces, they have access to our huge support line to get them back to where they want to be. ​​ Learn More Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum's Wishlist

Member Congregations Asbury United Methodist Church ​ Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery ​ Kenw ood Lutheran Church ​ Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary ​ College of St. Scholastica Campus Ministry ​ Concordia Lutheran Church ​ Our Savior's Lutheran Church Peace United Church of Christ Duluth-Superior Friends Meeting ​ Eastridge Community Church Elim Lutheran Church Family of God Lutheran Church First Covenant Church First Lutheran Church St. Michael's Catholic Church First United Methodist Church French River Lutheran Church Glen Avon Presbyterian Church Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Grace Lutheran Church Hillside United Methodist Church Holy Cross Lutheran Church Holy Family Catholic Church Hope United Methodist Church Lake Superior Interfaith Community Church Lakeside Presbyterian Church Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ St. Andrew's by the Lake Episcopal Church St. Benedict's Catholic Church St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church St. Paul's Episcopal Church Salem Lutheran Church Temple Israel Trinity Episcopal Church Trinity Lutheran Church ​ Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth ​ ​

Street Outreach We should treat all strangers well who seek our help. Under a ragged coat they may hide their wings! Fulton Oursler Street Outreach Our Street Outreach program in Duluth, MN is our way to serve those who cannot or will not stay in shelter. ​ Chum’s Street Outreach Staff work with people who are living on the street, in the woods, or in other places unfit for human habitation. Chum's Street Outreach works with about 150-200 people a year. Most are experiencing long-term or chronic homelessness (defined by HUD as homeless with a disability). Chum staff help them meet their basic needs, stabilize their housing, and reduce their contact with the police. We advocate for and with them when they are involved with law enforcement, corrections, health care and other public systems. Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum Wishlist

Shelter Our Stabilization Services provide support to individuals who do not have housing. To serve those in our community experiencing homelessness we have multiple programs below that are dedicated to serving specific needs so we can achieve our mission in Duluth, MN. Chum Center When folks think of what we do at Chum, the Chum center is usually what comes to mind. This is a homeless shelter in Duluth, MN where people can stay and get help. When someone is staying here they have access to all of the resources we have available. ​ Chum provides Emergency Shelter services in Duluth. In this same building, we have a Congregate Shelter that provides dormitory-style shelter for single adults. This is crucial to providing basic needs for survival in the harsh weather in Duluth, MN. ​ The length of stay in either shelter is dependent upon the needs and cooperation of the guest. Each shelter resident is required to meet regularly with a Housing Advocate to work toward a resolution of their housing situation. ​ There are no requirements to remain sober during their stay. Guests are required to remain cordial and kind when in the Chum Center. As the largest safety net for those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty in Duluth, we focus on keeping folks alive and well during their stay. ​ If you are in Duluth and in need of shelter, please arrive at the Chum Center between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Family Shelter Located in the Steve O'Neil Apartments building, our family shelter houses up to 6 families in Duluth, MN who are experiencing homelessness. Our housing advocates work with families to get them into permanent housing. Space is not always available so families can stay at the Chum Center until a room opens up. Check our wishlist to see how you can support these folks! Housing Advocacy Chum advocates work diligently with each Chum client. Advocates assist clients in saving money on down payments for apartments, working through mental health issues, finding child care and parenting assistance, as well as providing day-to-day emotional support. Advocates also provide referrals to other community programs so that clients can find their place in society. Please Consider Supporting Chum There are many ways to support us! A gift of money can help us support all of our programs. A gift of time, through volunteering, can help us complete crucial projects. And donations of warmth, clothing, and shelter help keep folks living outside of shelter alive. Give Now Volunteer Form Chum Wishlist