Duke University
Durham
2022
Live
Chapter leads
What we do
A backpack distribution near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park every month, plus a monthly packing meeting with handwritten notes.
Next event
About
The Durham chapter is run by Duke students. It made its first distribution in spring 2022.
Each month the chapter hands out backpacks and supplies near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park with local partners. Members also cook meals, tutor kids, fix up shelter rooms, and host a panel on homelessness each semester.
Email the chapter:
durham@thebackpackproject.orgWhat we do
Every month, volunteers hand out backpacks and supplies near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park with Meet Me at the Bridge, Changed Paths, and Open Table Ministry.
Each month, Duke volunteers meet to pack backpacks and add handwritten notes and crafts.
The chapter writes guides to low-cost local services, from recovery programs to transitional housing, and hands them out with the backpacks.
On weekends, members cook and serve meals at the Durham Rescue Mission.
Members tutor school-age kids from families without housing at Families Moving Forward.
Through the “A Lotta Love” program, members furnish and decorate rooms at the Families Moving Forward shelter. Families get new bedding, toys, and supplies.
Members help keep up the Families Moving Forward shelter: painting fences, spreading mulch, and organizing.
Each semester the chapter hosts a panel of speakers to raise awareness in Durham.
Our story
Spring 2022 First chapter president and first distribution.
Fall 2022 Recruited directors and started regular operations.
Spring 2023 Recognized as an official Duke student organization.
Fall 2023 Grew work with Families Moving Forward and distribution outreach.
Spring 2024 Hosted the first Perspectives on Houselessness panel.
Fall 2024 Secured the chapter's first sponsor.
Community partners