Chum

Chum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1973 by 10 churches in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood. It serves more than 8,000 low-income, homeless, hungry, isolated, or marginalized community members annually. The organization operates as the largest safety net for those experiencing homelessness in Duluth, MN, providing basic necessities and fostering stable lives.

The organization operates four main parts: stabilization services including the drop-in center and clinic, congregational outreach and advocacy, food distribution services, and housing services. Food distribution includes two emergency food shelf locations, while housing services manage the Steve O'Neil Apartments and St. Francis Apartments for long-term support.

To donate non-food in-kind items, drop them off at 21 W 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802 between Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM. For food donations, use the location at 120 N 1st Avenue W (Chum Food Shelf) during Monday-Friday, 7AM-3PM, where a door bell alerts staff to open the alley door.

The Steve O'Neil Apartments, which opened in December 2014, provide 44 units of permanent supportive housing. These apartments are owned and operated by Center City Housing, while Chum delivers the permanent supportive housing services to help residents transition back into thriving lives.

The St. Francis Apartments offer 41 units specifically for seniors who have experienced chronic homelessness. This property is owned by St. Luke's, and Chum provides the necessary services to help these residents accomplish their goals and create a home.

In 2022, the food distribution program delivered over 500,000 pounds of food to those in need. The program also extends its reach by delivering food directly to individuals who are unable to travel to the physical food shelf locations.

The 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. These programs aim to meet people where they are to help them find housing.

The website states that Chum is the largest service safety net in Duluth, MN for those experiencing homelessness. This scale allows them to offer a wide range of programs from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing and food distribution.

As a first-time customer, you should know that Chum is a nonprofit focused on ending poverty in Duluth. They offer various ways to get involved, including volunteering, donating, and making financial contributions through their online platform.

The most recent feedback comes from October 2023, with reviews spanning from December 2022 to October 2023. This timeframe shows consistent engagement and a relatively recent history of user interactions with the organization.

The 2025-27 Expansion Project is a key initiative mentioned on the website, aiming to build better lives and be better neighbors for a better Duluth. This project reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to expanding its impact and resources.

The official website of Chum is chumduluth.org.

On Trustburn, Chum has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 8 reviews.