Chum is a 501(c)(3) organization whose programs serve more than 8,000 low-income, homeless, hungry, isolated, or otherwise marginalized community members in Duluth, MN each year. Chum was founded in 1973 when 10 churches in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood pooled their resources to meet the needs of the neighborhood’s many low-income residents. ​ We are now the largest service safety net in Duluth, MN for those experiencing homelessness. We provide the basic needs that everyone has and help our guests move forward to begin to prosper.

Stabilization Services includes the drop-in center/shelter and a health-care clinic. We currently have 80 beds and see more than 100 guests on a typical night. We are in the middle of an expansion project which will double our current capacity and provide dignified shelter spaces for a variety of needs.

Food Distribution Services includes two emergency food shelf locations in Duluth, MN. In 2022 we delivered over 500,000 pounds of food to those in need. This program also delivers food to those who cannot get to our locations.

Housing Services - We offer home-making services to those escaping trauma and crisis by providing a roof over their heads and a place of their own. ​We help families at the Steve O'Neil Apartments break cycles of homelessness and provide support to prosper in life!

At the St. Francis Apartments, we provide a safe place for seniors to create a home and accomplish their goals. ​

Congregational Outreach, Advocacy, and Organizing - The congregations that support Chum are core to who we are. These 44 congregations reach out, advocate, and organize for justice for those who have no one to stand up for them.