Urban Ministries of Wake County

Urban Ministries of Wake County has worked with neighbors in need since 1981, which makes it one of the county’s longest-running answers to poverty. Operating from Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, the work covers three fronts: food and nutrition, health and wellness, and the foundations of a stable home.

The organization describes its approach in terms of compassion, dignity and care, and its programs shift as the county grows and needs change. Volunteers and donations carry a lot of the weight, and the annual Stone Soup Supper is its best-known event.

What to know

• The Helen Wright Center offers women emergency shelter, meals and counseling.
• A longer-term program helps women reach stable housing and build job skills.
• About 21,000 nights of shelter are provided each year.
• Roughly 35,000 prescriptions are filled annually for uninsured adults.
• Around 10,000 pounds of produce are grown for the food program.