FacebookBull City Strong Resources
In the aftermath of the devastating explosion that killed Kaffeinate owner Kong Lee and PSNC employee Jay Rambeaut, as well as destroyed or damaged multiple properties and businesses downtown, DDI has put together a running list of resources for downtown businesses and residents in need. The information will be updated daily or as new resources become available, and we will make sure the information is here for as long as needed.
If you have a resource to add to the list, please complete the form at the bottom of the page, and we will add your information to the site as quickly as possible.
If you're a business owner who would like to discuss available assistance in more detail, please contact President/CEO Nicole Thompson at [email protected] or 919.682.2800 ext. 23.
Want to help?
This page is primarily for those seeking resources, but we have included information on fundraisers and events at the bottom of the page. Thank you for supporting the downtown Durham community.
For Businesses
Space Available
The Chesterfield
- The Chesterfield is offering space in the atrium and conference room pro bono to affected businesses. Contact Amory Casto for more information.
- Durham Tech Small Business Center is opening their space and conference room for use by affected businesses. They are also making available their Resource Center which has printers, computers, faxes, etc. Contact Andrea McCleese Thomas or 919.536.7341 ext. 4502.
Tower at Mutual Plaza
We have our newly opened Provident 1898 co-working space with a few fully furnished turnkey private offices available and several hot desks that can be utilized by displaced workers. In addition, we have several offices in The Tower at Mutual Plaza’s 5th floor that are available for immediate lease. Contact Carl Webb to discuss detailed arrangements.
Hem+Spire
The owner of 211 Rigsbee, Hem + Spire, is prepared to work with affected business to ensure their ability to move forward in downtown Durham. The building offers recently finished open office space located on two floors totaling 4,510 RSF for lease. Contact Fred Dickens (919.227.5508) for more information.
Business Funding, Counseling, & Support Services
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Need working capital to replace lost income since the gas explosion? Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available for up to $2 million.
SBA Business Counselor LaTasha Best-Gaddy is available to confidentially assist you at no cost in pulling together your SBA disaster loan application.
LaTasha Best-Gaddy
[email protected]
Office: 919-530-7889
Cell: 919-428-5144Download the fact sheet for more information, or visit disasterloan.sba.gov.
Incident Response Hotline
Dominion Energy
Local residents and business owners can also call the Dominion Energy Durham Incident Response Line at 877-592-7762. The 24-hour phone line is staffed and ready to take calls. Customer service representatives will request the following information:
- Name
- Address where you receive service
- Best means to contact you (primary phone number and alternate phone number or email)
- Brief description of your claim/issue, including the number of family members involved in the claim.
For Individuals
Fundraisers
Durham One Fund
United Way’s Durham One Fund is rooted in the desire to help stabilize and re-build the lives of individuals and families impacted by unforeseen events of a public and disastrous nature. Established with approval by the United Way Board of Directors for the restriction of funds, the Durham One Fund was created as a vehicle to raise funds for and to invest those funds into nonprofit organizations providing short-term and long-term human services for residents of Durham County, NC in response to natural and/or large-scale disasters.
A Durham One Fund Committee will appropriate funding within Durham One Fund guidelines, which are in the process of being created. More information will be posted on this as it becomes available.
Bull City Rebuilds – Update
This campaign, organized by Rebekah Miel on behalf of the nonprofit Upstream Works, is to help the families and businesses impacted by the explosion in downtown Durham today. Per Rebekah, the funds will be distributed first to those who were injured.
Individuals who need help can now apply for funds from Bull City Rebuilds.
Durham Restaurant Workers Fund
Organized by Daniel Sartain of Bar Virgile, this fundraiser is to provide support for displaced restaurant workers. Update: These funds will be distributed to the restaurants that are closed due to the explosion.
Other Support
Help for Pets: Other End of the Leash
If your pet is experiencing any medical or stress related issues as a result of the explosion, we are happy to help. We are offering to provide a variety of resources dependent upon the situation such as, financial resources, pet stress relief supplements, or help finding temporary home for your pet. Visit Other End of the Leash at 1000 W. Main St., or email [email protected].
YMCA
For membership – displaced employees are eligible for a complimentary 3-month membership at the Durham YMCAs. Interested individuals should contact Leslie Lazaro, Associate Executive Director of Healthy Living ([email protected] | 919-987-8810).
For program scholarships (summer day camps, etc.), interested individuals are encouraged to contact Josephe Featherstone, Associate Executive Director of Youth Programs ([email protected] | 919-987-8793). Additional information regarding financial assistance for YMCA programs is also available online.
Incident Response Hotline
Dominion Energy
Local residents and business owners can also call the Dominion Energy Durham Incident Response Line at 877-592-7762. The 24-hour phone line is staffed and ready to take calls. Customer service representatives will request the following information:
- Name
- Address where you receive service
- Best means to contact you (primary phone number and alternate phone number or email)
- Brief description of your claim/issue, including the number of family members involved in the claim.
Add a Resource
Ways to Help
Fundraisers
Downtown Durham, Inc. is providing this list as a service, and unless expressly indicated, is not affiliated with any of the fundraisers listed below. Please use your best judgment when giving to online fundraisers.
Durham One Fund
A dedicated site for the Durham One Fund. United Way of the Greater Triangle shares great sadness with the Durham community for the losses experienced from the gas explosion occurring on April 10th. We join many other community leaders, local government, and nonprofit organizations in our deep commitment to response, short-term and long-term, as we work together to help re-build lives impacted by loss, injury, and disruption. (DDI President and CEO Nicole Thompson is a member of the Durham One Fund Committee.)
Bull City Rebuilds
This campaign, organized by Rebekah Miel on behalf of the nonprofit Upstream Works, is to help the families and businesses impacted by the explosion in downtown Durham today. Per Rebekah, the funds will be distributed first to those who were injured. (DDI supports this effort.)
Durham Restaurant Workers Fund
Organized by Daniel Sartain of Bar Virgile, this fundraiser is to provide support for displaced restaurant workers. This campaign is complete and no longer active.
Fundraisers for the Lee Family
Mr. Kong Lee, the owner of Kaffeinate, was killed in the explosion. This website lists the many fundraising efforts for the Lee family.
Fundraiser for the Rambeaut Family
Mr. Jay Rambeaut, a 20+ year veteran of Dominion (PSNC) Gas, was attempting to shut off the gas to the building when the explosion occurred. Mr. Rambeaut was seriously injured in the blast and later succumbed to his injuries.
Fundraiser for the Reyes Family
Mr. Enrique Reyes Rodriguez was burned over 30% of his body in the explosion. He is recovering, but is still in critical condition according to ABC11 News. The GoFundMe campaign was started by his daughter.
Events
Fundraising and Other Events on the DDI Calendar
DDI has aggregated a list of events held in response to the tragedy. To add an event, use the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the calendar page, and check the Bull City Strong category.