Fire destroys Durham nonprofit's home serving men in need

"My clients are really, really good people," Moore said. "I’ve known them for a really long time.

"They’re fathers, they’re brothers, they’re hard workers. Many of them have lost everything. They came with very little, and they lost the little that they have. It’s important to know they need our help."

The fundraiser has three main goals:

Durham house fire displaces 10 residents

Moore said she founded her nonprofit in 2020 and has been helping men in need since. The men living in the home were clients of Self Discovery Transitional Living Program, a nonprofit that provides clean, safe, low-barrier housing to adult men. Many of the residents are battling mental illness, substance abuse or are facing homelessness.

The nonprofit’s mission is to provide housing and supportive services to vulnerable and under served populations in Durham and the surrounding communities.

"My brother actually was my inspiration," Moore said. "He’s a military vet and wanted to start a home for veterans … I realized how great the need was.

"Instead of just working with the veterans, we opened it up to anyone who needs help."

Since the fire, the organization has used funds from the Red Cross to book Airbnb’s and hotel rooms. Of the 10 men who were displaced, Moore said five of them are in unstable living conditions. That’s why, she said, finding them a new home is so critical.

"It’s not just losing clothes, or a dresser, or a TV," Moore said. "It’s losing your peace of mind and security. That’s what our program was supposed to provide. For them to not have that, it’s hard."