Where the reviving Golden Belt neighborhood and the growing Durham Rescue Mission meet, there is a basic conflict (maybe that's too strong a word) of interests: residential interests on one hand and institutional interests on the other.

That was the esstential conclusion the two sets of interests, in the form of about 45 people, came to after an amicable get-to-know you meeting that ran two and a half hours last night.

The idea was to come up with plans to accommodate both and please both sides. They're getting together again, with assistance from the Durham Area Designers, on July 30.

The Rescue Mission, an addiction-rehab and emergency shelter institution at East Main Street and Alston Avenue needs to expand its campus to accommodate sharply rising demand for its services, founders Ernie and Gail Mills said.

Golden Belt, at the same time, wants to protect the historic character and "fabric" of the century-old mill village that extends from the former textile mill east across Alston Avenue past Rescue Mission property.

"We want input from the neighbors," Ernie Mills said several times. "We want to be a good neighbor."

Residents said they respect what the Mission does, and want to make it more a part of the neighborhood in a social sense, as well as a part in the sense of geography.

See more on the blend of issues and interests in Sunday's Durham News.
 

The Durham Rescue Mission has several coffee and doughtnut-supplied vans out this afternoon spreading the word they have shelter to offer tonight.

Besides sharing sustenance, the van crews are checking under bridges, in abandoned cars and at homeless camps for anyone facing a night in the cold. The mission, at the corner of Alston Avenue and East Main Street, is opening extra space, serving meals and giving out clothing while the supply lasts for individuals and families.

The mission picked today for starting Operation Warm Shelter last week, and it turned out an appropriate choice.

Today "was predicted to be the coldest day of the year when we made the decision," staff member Rob Tart said. As of this afternoon, overnight forecast is for a low of 20 degrees, and colder Tuesday and Wednesdayl

With daytime temperature close to 100F, Durham County and the Durham Rescue Mission are offering aid and comfort in need of cooling off.

Low-income county residents may apply for money to help cover home-cooling costs through the Social Services office: call 560-8000.

The Rescue Mission, at 1201 E. Main St., is inviting anyone without air conditioning to spend the heat of the day in its cooled lobby; and making extra efforts to get homeless individuals indoors. Information: 491-2042.

I think it's safe to say yesterday's event was a huge success, with almost 3,000 kids receiving backpacks stuffed with school supplies at the back-to-school party put on by the Durham Rescue Mission.

Check out a slideshow of photos done by staff photographer Ted Richardson here. The photo on the left is my favorite (look at how stuffed those bags are and how adorable and small he looks carrying it!).