Search Results

Thanks! We will let you know when we land on a date for Winter Assembly ASAP! 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

Inclusion Policies CHUM directly serves two communities within the greater community of Duluth: members of our religious congregations (predominantly white, with relatively greater access to resources) and those who come to us for assistance (people who are experiencing homelessness or hunger, with the least access to resources in Duluth, of whom almost 50% are from Communities of Color). Our by-laws require 15 out of 18 board members to be from CHUM Congregations; this makes it difficult to build board diversity. We will be reviewing our by-laws in 2021 with an eye toward facilitating a more diverse board. Consistent with our mission statement to “create a more just and compassionate community,” CHUM recognizes that diversity in all its forms is a positive social good, and celebrates the collective talents, points of view, creativity and skills inherent in a diverse community. In November 2015, the CHUM Board committed to affirmative recruitment and hiring to increase the diversity of our staff whenever there were openings. CHUM’s 2017-2019 Strategic Plan included a focus on building our capacity and competence to address racial equity. Striving For Greatness Where we stand as of 2021: % White % African Heritage %Native American %Asian %Multiracial City of Duluth 89.7 2.3 1.8 1.6 4.1 CHUM Board 100 0 0 0 0 CHUM Staff (8.21.18) 76 15 9 0 0 CHUM Staff (3.15.21) 60 28 12 0 0 CHUM Shelter Staff (8.21.18) 58 25 17 0 0 CHUM Shelter Staff (3.15.21) 21 36 43 0 0 CHUM Shelter Guests (2020) 52 21 18 18 7 ​ CHUM provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, and economic position or social class (including status in regard to public assistance) in regard to any position for which the employee or applicant for employment is qualified. CHUM takes affirmative steps to employ, advance in employment, upgrade, train and recruit women, persons with disabilities and members of Communities of Color. This policy extends to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, terminations, and leaves of absence, compensation, and training. In addition, CHUM will not use the services of any placement agency known to discriminate in its referrals on the basis of any of the characteristics mentioned above. CHUM provides equal access to all of our programs, services, and buildings, including the main office, Emergency Shelter, the Drop-in Center, Street Outreach, Food Shelf, Stabilization Services, Steve O’Neil Apartments and any other program we operate or will operate, to all people who are eligible for such services without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, and economic position or social class (including status in regard to public assistance). CHUM complies with all Federal, State and Local laws with respect to non-discrimination in employment and provision of services. We regularly update our policies to reflect changes that promote inclusion, most recently in September 2016 in response to HUD’s final rule toward to ensure equal access to housing and services in shelters regardless of gender identity. People are welcome to stay in the shelter consistent with their gender identity. We rejected the counter-guidance under HUD Secretary Ben Carson. CHUM has received support from the American Baptist Foundation and the Duluth Superior Community Foundation to promote cultural competence (and cultural humility) in our member congregations and on our staff. To that end, most of our staff and over 150 of our congregational members have attended workshops on white privilege. We have sponsored three 3-day “Fostering the Roots of Cross Cultural Competency” workshops with Cultural Fluency, Inc., each attended by 24 people. Several years ago, with the Native American Community we co-sponsored a community-wide process and discussion on the film “The Doctrine of Discovery”. Eight of our congregations have featured “The New Jim Crow” and/or “Waking up White” in their book clubs. While we know that awareness is important, we also know that it is insufficient without action. CHUM serves as the fiscal sponsor for any organization or project originating from or preferentially benefitting Communities of Color who do not yet have the capacity for independent 501(c)3 standing. Currently we are serving as fiscal sponsor for Natives against Heroin (Duluth), the Bob Tavani Respite House, the Indigenous Commission (especially for Gichi-Ode’ Akiing), and Local Solutions to Poverty. In recent years, we were the fiscal sponsor for Alabama 35 #2, a youth bus trip to important historical sites in the Civil Rights movement, culminating in the National Museum of Peace and Justice (aka National Lynching Memorial). We are honored to be a financial sponsor for events that relate to reducing racial disparities, such as the NAACP and Clayton-Jackson McGhie dinners, Social Justice Socials, Arthur Foy Memorial Scholarships, an ELCA Blanket Exercise training for trainers, and Martin Luther King Day celebrations. A special note regarding the CHUM Food Shelf: CHUM’s non-discrimination policies are broader than those of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The official USDA non-discrimination statement is: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Expanding Horizons If you would like to learn more about what Chum does in Duluth, MN, and how we, and other partnering organizations, serve our neighbors, Expanding Horizons is an awesome opportunity to do so. This is intended to be an immersive experience to learn more about what people experiencing homelessness day to day in Duluth face. Expanding Horizons - a poverty immersion experience Expanding Horizons is a 5 hour immersion experience that gives community members the opportunity to learn about poverty, hunger, and homelessness in Duluth by visiting organizations that work with people experiencing these realities every day. Groups learn about the impacts of poverty, hunger, and homelessness on Duluthians and see first-hand some of the available resources. Group sizes range from 8 to 15 people; smaller groups can join with another group. ​ Schedule your Expanding Horizons Tour participants with this link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5048435 Please contact Rev. Patricia Benson (218-438-5501) for more information or to schedule your Expanding Horizons experience. How to Prepare During the event, we will gather in the parking lot at the Damiano Center (206 West 4th Street) by 7:40 AM. To ensure parking at Damiano for clients, staff and volunteers, please park on the street. You are welcome to park in the upper lots behind St. Francis Apts (on 2nd Avenue West below 3rd Street North). Allow yourself plenty of time to find the location and parking. Bring only what you can carry for the day. Leave anything that you don’t need behind. There will be no place to leave belongings. Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing as we will be doing a lot of walking outside. The day will end at approximately 1:00 pm. Expanding Horizons happens rain or shine! (We cancel if the Duluth Transit Authority stops operations.) There is a $50 cost per person but this price can vary depending on the ability to pay. The money is distributed among the partnering agencies to cover staff time. Day of Schedule 7:45 AM - 8:30 AM ​ 8:30 AM - 9:20 AM ​ 9:20 AM - 9:25 AM 9:25 AM - 9:50 AM 9:50 AM 9:55 AM 10:25 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 11:50 AM 12:20 PM 12:35 PM Check-in and introductions @ Damiano Center Conference Room Damiano Center programs and partnering organizations Break Human Development Center Safe Bay Steve O'Neil Apartments San Marco Apartments Chum Food Shelf Chum Shelter AICHO Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial at AICHO Reflection - Option to visit AICHO gift shop or visit memorial site What to Expect You will be on a hurry-up-and-wait schedule. This is the reality for many people living on the margins (buses, waiting in lines for food housing, etc.). You may be tired and hungry - again reality for those who live on the margins. Be aware, and challenge assumptions. We do what we can in our time together; it’s not a comprehensive tour (you can ask for a follow-up at another time). Think about these places we visit as resources for your families, friends at school, your neighbors, and yourselves. Sit with feelings of being uncomfortable- challenge yourself to ask “why am I uncomfortable?" Schedule your Expanding Horizons Tour participants with this link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5048435 Please contact Rev. Patricia Benson (218-438-5501) for more information or to schedule your Expanding Horizons experience. 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

Our Team. Chum is comprised of individuals who love Duluth, MN, and want to make a serious impact on the lives of those who call this city home. Administration John Cole Executive Director Greg Kvam Finance Director Michelle Walker Office Manager Erich Lutz Director of Operations Mission Advancement Department Anita Skutevik Mission Advancement Department Lead Gracia Swensen Development Director Katie Sharar Grant Writer Bradley Zwagerman Director of Communications and Marketing Brie Monahan Grant Writer Charina Dorothy Volunteer & Events Coordinator 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 Wishlist Congregational Outreach, Advocacy, and Community Organizing Rev. Patricia Benson Congregational Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator Rev. Kathryn Bell Chaplain St. Louis County Jail Rev. Victor St. George Chaplain Northeast Regional Corrections Center Rev. Jane Quesenberry-Nelson Chaplain Arrowhead Juvenile Center Distributive Services Scott Van Daele Terri Balaski Distributive Services Director Food Shelf Office Manager April LeDoux Food Distribution Coordinator Dan Brown Natalie Anderson Food Shelf Support Staff Food Shelf Driver Wayne Porter Food Shelf Support Staff Stabilization Services Kim Randolph Megan Hamilton Stabilization Services Director Health and Wellness Coordinator LeVar Patterson Patrick Mainville Data & Operations Specialist Housing Advocate Deb Ekberg Chum Center Support Staff Deb Holman Street Outreach Sundown Halloran Abi Nelson Housing Navigator Family Shelter Advocate Dan Block Chum Center Support Staff Anne Romberg Health and Wellness Coordinator Stephanie Sam Chum Center Support Staff Canessa Roberts Chum Center Support Staff Bradley Renfo Chum Center Support Staff Brian Norcross Chum Center Support Staff Jon McCoy Chum Center Support Staff Douglas Plamp Chum Center Support Staff Christopher Rockhill Chum Center Support Staff Join Our Team We have many open positions available. Click the button to see our current openings. Job Openings Steve O'Neil Apartments - Housing Services Courtney Beckford Tarissa Deragon Holly Johnson Nicole Smith ECFE Program Coordinator & Teacher Early Childhood Teacher Child & Youth Development Coordinator Community Engagement Coordinater Caleb Rouse-Littler Family Coach St. Francis Apartments - Housing Services Sarah Meyers Jess Todd Eligibility and Compliance Specialist Care Coordinator Kaitlyn Dexter Care Coordinator Melissa Charnley Support Staff Leslie Foyt Rusty Ningen Support Staff Support Staff Suzanne Larsen Support Staff Hailey Rieke Support Staff Dewaine Forbragd Trone Scott DeAndre Butler Keaton Hunter Support Staff Safety Aide Safety Aide Support Staff Hailey Johnson Support Staff Stepping On Up Joel Kilgour Project Organizer Jared Wilder Sam Wunch Shelter With Dignity VISTA Stepping On Up Intern Warming Center Danna Griffy Support Staff Clifton Darby Support Staff David McComas- Bussa Support Staff

Homeless Memorial Vigil Come stand with us to honor and remember individuals who experienced homelessness this last year, those who were formerly homeless, and advocates for those people who passed away this last year. December 19th, 5:00 PM. Homeless Memorial Vigil Every year we take time to remember people who passed away who experienced homelessness, formerly experienced homelessness, or were advocates for those persons. ​ We feel it is important to do this because these were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and even grandparents. They may have had a harder life than any of us could imagine. They deserve to be honored and remembered. ​ At 4:45 PM, people will be meeting at the Chum Food Shelf (120 N 1st Ave W) to drop off donations for Street Outreach. At 5:00 PM, Marchers will gather and get ready for the march. Each person will be given a sign with someone's name who has passed away. Then head to Duluth City Hall At 5:20 PM, Marchers will arrive at city hall, where they will be greeted by Cedar Creek drum group with a welcoming song. At 5:30 PM, the vigil will begin. ​ We hope many people in our community join us to stand with those who have passed away. 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

Mobile Messaging Terms and Conditions Mobile Messaging Terms and Conditions Last updated: February 1st, 2023 Churches United in Ministry, CHUM, operates a mobile messaging program for communications subject to these Mobile Messaging Terms and Conditions. The Program and our collection and use of your personal information are also subject to our Privacy Policy available in the footer of our website chumduluth.org By enrolling, signing up, or otherwise agreeing to participate in the Program, you accept and agree to these Mobile Messaging Terms and our Privacy Policy. 1. Program Description: We may send promotional and transactional mobile messages in various formats through the Program. Promotional messages advertise and promote our products and services and may include promotions, and other marketing offers. Mobile messages may be sent using an automated technology, including an autodialer, automated system, or automatic telephone dialing system. Message frequency will vary 3 messages per month. You agree that we, our affiliates, and any third-party service providers may send you messages regarding the foregoing topics or any topic and that such messages and/or calls may be made or placed using different telephone numbers or short codes. We do not charge for mobile messages sent through the Program but you are responsible for any message and data rates imposed by your mobile provider, as standard data and message rates may apply for SMS and MMS alerts. 2. User Opt-In: By providing your mobile phone number to us, you are voluntarily opting in to the Program and you agree to receive recurring mobile messages from us at the mobile phone number associated with your opt-in, even if such number is registered on any state or federal “Do Not Call” list. You agree that any mobile phone number you provide to us is a valid mobile phone number of which you are the owner or authorized user. If you change your mobile phone number or are no longer the owner or authorized user of the mobile phone number, you agree to promptly notify us at bzwagerman@chumduluth.org . Your participation in the Program is not required to make any purchase from us and your participation in the Program is completely voluntary. 3.User Opt-Out and Support: You may opt-out of the Program at any time. If you wish to opt-out of the Program and stop receiving mobile messages from us, or you no longer agree to these Mobile Messaging Terms, reply STOP, QUIT, CANCEL, OPT-OUT, and/or UNSUBSCRIBE to any mobile message from us. You may continue to receive text messages for a short period while we process your request and you may receive a one-time opt-out confirmation message. You understand and agree that the foregoing is the only reasonable method of opting out. For support, reply HELP to any mobile message from us. Our mobile messaging platform may not recognize requests that modify the foregoing commands, and you agree that we and our service providers will not be liable for failing to honor requests that do not comply with the requirements in these Mobile Messaging Terms. We may also change the telephone number or short code we use to operate the Program and we will notify you of any such change. You acknowledge that any requests sent to a telephone number or short code that has been changed may not be received by us and we will not be responsible for failing to honor a request sent to a telephone number or short code that has been changed. 4. Disclaimer of Warranty and Liability: The Program is offered on an “as-is” basis and may not be available in all areas, at all times, or on all mobile providers. You agree that neither we nor our service providers will be liable for any failed, delayed, or misdirected delivery of any mobile message or information sent through the Program. 5. Modifications: We may modify or cancel the Program or any of its features at any time, with or without notice. To the extent permitted by applicable law, we may also modify these Mobile Messaging Terms at any time. Any such modification will take effect when it is posted to our website. You agree to review these Mobile Messaging Terms periodically to ensure that you are aware of any modifications. Your continued participation in the Program will constitute your acceptance of those modifications.

March FoodShare The March MN FoodShare is our state's biggest campaign to fight food insecurity. Did you know your donation can go three times as far this March? From February 26 - April 6 we will be raising $100,000 to purchase food, and trying to collect 50,000 lbs of food. Read on to see how you can help! Triple Your Donation So what do we need?? More money, or more food?? We need both! But the Food Shelf can do much more with money. As a Second Harvest Food Bank member, our money goes much farther than it would shopping at Super One or Cub Foods. For every $1 that gets donated, we can buy $3 worth of food—that’s three times more!!! Donate Today March is almost here and, the Minnesota March FoodShare Campaign will begin on February 26th and will continue until April 6th. I want to thank you for your past support. Because of the efforts of groups like yours, the 2023 campaign raised $91,630 and 69,188 pounds. Our goal for this year is to raise $100,000 and 50,000 pounds of food to stock our shelves, and we can achieve that success in this campaign with your help. During 2023, the Food Shelf distributed 533,152 pounds of food to 15,781 people in Duluth. Our Food Shelf was a major source of each visiting family’s nutrition throughout the year. Together we are fulfilling our call to feed the hungry. So what do we need?? More money, or more food?? We need both! But the Food Shelf can do much more with money. As a member of Second Harvest Food Bank, our money goes much farther than it would shopping at Super One or Cub Foods. For every $1 that gets donated, we can buy $3 worth of food—that’s three times more!!! We hope you will all get creative, have fun, and help us raise funds and food! We can’t do this alone! Please let us know if you are on board to help. Resources for awareness material like posters, hunger fact sheets and other informational forms can be found at http://www.mnfoodshare.org/resources/ If you have questions or want to more information, I am always available to help at 218.727.2391. THE TIME TO DONATE IS NOW, BUT LET’S GET TO THE DETAILS ON FOOD DONATIONS! So, you’re ready to donate food to the Food Shelf. That’s great! Whether you’re starting a food drive or just planning to grab a few extra items for donation while out grocery shopping, there are a couple of things you should know about what you can (and should) donate and what Chum won’t accept. What food you CAN donate to Chum: This part is pretty easy. Chum accepts dry and canned food donations. What does that mean? Basically, any food that is “shelf-stable” or nonperishable – you can keep it in your pantry and it won’t go bad. And remember, only donate food that hasn’t reached its “sell-by” date yet. Specifically, Chum often need items like: Peanut butter (Small Jars-16oz) Canned soup (Non Cream) Canned fruit Canned vegetables Canned stew and Canned Pasta Canned fish Canned beans Pasta Rice Cereal That’s not an exhaustive list, but it covers much of what Chum regularly need s. Additionally, Chum accepts NEW personal care and household items since many families struggle to afford them and aren’t covered by other food assistance programs like SNAP. Look in your pantry if you’re still stumped about what to donate. Families struggling with hunger often can’t afford the staples that we normally have stocked at home. So, check your pantry out and go from there. Even specialty foods like olive oil, dressings, or marinades can be helpful if they don’t need to be refrigerated. What not to donate to Chum: The number one rule to remember is this: if your donation is perishable, i.e., it’s something with a limited shelf life if not refrigerated, Chum can’t accept it. But there are other categories of food that you can’t donate. We've broken it all down into this handy list: Items needing refrigeration: As we've already mentioned, this is the big one. Food like produce, dairy, and meat can spoil easily and we often times do not have the refrigerator or freezer space needed to keep these items fresh. While an individual can’t donate a bunch of bananas or a frozen turkey, Chum works directly with farmers, retailers, restaurants, and other companies to source these perishable foods for donation. Expired food: When considering what to donate, think about what you’d be comfortable serving your family. Chances are, you don’t eat food that’s past its “use-by” or “sell-by” date, so avoid donating anything past those dates as it could be unsafe to eat. Leftovers: While it may be tempting to want to share the bountiful food from big meals like Thanksgiving, it’s best to keep leftovers for the family . To ensure the people they serve are safe, Chum can’t accept leftovers or anything made in personal kitchens because they aren’t individually sealed and Chum can’t verify the ingredients or preparation process. Food with packaging concerns: This includes food with damaged packaging such as dented or bloated cans, packaging that is already open, or even items in glass containers, which can shatter and cause food safety concerns for any other food they’re stored near. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't consider buying it new, don't donate it. Baked goods: Similar to leftovers, since Chum can’t confirm how your baked goods were made or their ingredients, they can’t be donated. But, Chum has relationships with local restaurants and bakeries which will donate extra food that is properly labeled and handled to Chum. 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! Full Name Email Submit Thanks for Joining The Team! 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

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

Success Stories As a nonprofit in Duluth, MN dedicated to serving individuals and families facing homelessness, we are proud to say that we have helped countless individuals find housing and recover from the trauma of experiencing homelessness. Jill & Travis Our Street Outreach Coordinator, Deb Holman, met a couple who were experiencing homelessness a few years ago. She helped them through hard winter nights and provided them with resources so that they could recover from experiencing homelessness. ​ Both Jill and Travis went through horrible divorces at separate times. They were both experiencing homelessness at the same time when they met. They both pushed each other to get clean, find housing, and stabilize their lives. ​ With Deb's help, they are now in stable housing, and are able to focus on their goals. Watch the video below to hear more about their story. Moving Out! The Steve O'Neil Apartments are a place where families can recover from the trauma of experiencing homelessness through permanent supportive housing. In other words, they have an affordable place to live, and dedicated staff to help them through their struggles. ​ Rent is based on what people can pay (it is a bit more complicated than that, so bear with us), and eventually, some of our families get to a point where they can afford market-rate rent. Many choose to move out so that other families can move in and get the support they need. ​ This amazing woman shares her journey and how she went from no where else to go, to now supporting her child and moving out! More Coming Soon Putting these together takes a little while! Keep an eye out for more of the ways we have been supporting our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness. 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

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. Contribute Today 50th Anniversary Events Stay Up to Date With All of Our 50th Anniversary Events. Event Page 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. Full Timeline Coming Soon! 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 Sister Kathleen Hofer "Many of us have heartfelt concern for those who are homeless, hungry, or somehow disadvantaged and want to help them. We may feel that as a busy person, we don’t have time or resources to help in any meaningful way. However, in Duluth, we do have an organization that is providing these individuals with services that help them tremendously with a place to stay and food to eat. This organization is Chum, people of faith working together to provide basic necessities and foster stable lives. Supporting Chum gives all of us an opportunity to help the homeless and hungry, and also to recognize Chum as it celebrates 50 years of service." Shaun Floerke "I’m grateful and honored to celebrate and support Chum in this 50th Anniversary year. Chum is the beauty and power of a community coming together to meet critical needs and support our most vulnerable neighbors. It is a privilege to join in the mission and impact of such an incredible organization." 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! First Name Email Submit Thanks for Joining The Team! Please Consider Supporting Us 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 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