Help Durham Literacy Center

Durham Literacy Center is in trouble and needs your help.

Mold in DLC Office:

For several years, the presence of mold in the DLC building has been a nagging but manageable concern. In the past 4 years, DLC has spent more than $15,000 to contain and destroy the mold that grows in the building's damp basement and the attic. Unfortunately, conditions worsened significantly early this fall. The occurrence of allergic symptoms associated with mold increased. When it became clear that staff were having allergic reactions to the mold, we asked two environmental engineers to assess the building. The engineering report is pending. Although we have not yet received the report, they have clarified that the office is inundated with mold.

Literacy Center without a home:

Mold is forcing the Durham Literacy Center out of its home on West Chapel Hill Street. The nonprofit agency that helps about 500 people each year learn to read, get a high school equivalency or find a job is looking for a temporary home while the problem is addressed.

"We desperately need temporary office space," said Reginald Hodges, the center's executive director. "It's an emergency situation for us."

Hodges said the center has spent $15,000 over the past few years battling mold at its 3,000-square-foot home, built as a doctor's office about 1950 and donated to the literacy center about seven years ago. But worsening symptoms among staff and students over the past few months led to the discovery that the problem was worse than thought. Classes have been suspended at the center while its leaders figure out what to do next.

Brian Russell explains how you can help.