Durham is hurting, and healing starts with community. The UKUFDURM Community Committee is a grassroots, community-led initiative created to unify residents of Durham and strengthen relationships among those most impacted by gun violence and housing instability. In 2026 alone, there have been 22 shootings in Durham, 9 of them fatal. We consider this a crisis response, and we believe that coming together is the first step toward change.

We are organizing a Community Cookout & Conversation in Cornwallis to bring neighbors together in a space that is welcoming, safe, and focused on connection. Funds raised will be used to feed attendees and provide DPD security at the perimeters of the event, ensuring everyone feels safe and supported. Any funds not used for this event will roll over to the next one, as we plan to continue these conversations and gatherings in different neighborhoods across Durham. Every dollar will be documented and publicly accounted for to ensure transparency and trust.

We are not a 501(c)(3). We are neighbors organizing for neighbors. Your support, whether through a donation, sharing this fundraiser, attending the cookout, or simply connecting with your neighbors, helps us bring the voices of the people back to city hall. Please join us in building a stronger, safer Durham for everyone.

In addition to what you see here on the gofundme, we have already fundraised $345 in person as of 2/23/26. All funds will go to the same purpose.

update: we now have a fiscal sponsor and are operating as an official project under the umbrella of a local 501c3. Donations can now be made tax exempt and this organization is considered fiscally responsible for us for this project. That means all donations and spending must be reported back to them which will add another layer of accountability and transparency.