Dear Chum Delegate,

I write to you as a trusted stakeholder and ministry partner of Chum to inform you of a major development which will impact the way we carry out our mission in the years to come.

We are currently experiencing a changing funding environment, shifting federal policies, and increased negative sentiment towards nonprofit agencies addressing homelessness. Because of this, Chum, Damiano, and Union Gospel Mission (UGM) are committing to closer collaboration. This will eliminate duplication of services and improve service delivery for people experiencing homelessness. It will also alleviate pressure on the downtown community concerned with creating an optimal environment for all. This new arrangement will see some realignment of programs across the three organizations over several years. 

Let me say categorically, we are doing this to better enable us to navigate an increasingly challenging operational landscape and to significantly transform the way homelessness is addressed in Duluth. Chum will remain true to its mission of providing basic necessities, fostering stable lives and organizing for a just and compassionate community. 

With our new building, we will still be operating a shelter – but in a different manner. We are not merging organizations – we are committing to work together. We are not reducing staff – if anything, there will be greater opportunity for employment across our three agencies for all our current employees.

The planned changes to our program will be seen in various ways. One example is the type of shelter currently under construction at our second street location. It will be a hybrid model blending the best of emergency shelter and transitional housing operations. This should start operating in the summer of 2027. UGM’s planned Mission Heights center should be operational in 2028. The Damiano’s operations will expand to include a permanent shelter on the third floor.

An announcement of the collaboration between the three organizations and the model for addressing homelessness in Duluth will be publicly announced on Tuesday, May 12, at the Holiday Center at 9am. We encourage you to attend this if you can. 

Additionally, I intend to present the details of this new arrangement at our May 19 Assembly. Please encourage members of your congregation-family to attend to hear this presentation and to ask any questions that may arise. 

This letter is being sent to all delegates of Chum congregations. I can be available to meet to address any concerns or questions that you may have. When all is said and done, the three agencies are working together to create an integrated, dignified, and efficient Human Services Corridor (HSC) in Duluth. This HSC ensures that every Northland individual has a safe place to rest, equitable access to essential support, and a structured pathway toward housing and long-term stability.

With gratitude for your ongoing support,

John Cole

Executive Director, Chum

jcole@chumduluth.org